Arctic Lodges - Day Three

Everyday fishing is different, even when fishing the same waters and from the same camp/lodge and today was definitely different.

Wilderness county on its best days can be trying and others downright challenging.  I can guarantee there’s no way I want the trials and tribulations of trying to run a wilderness lodge. Duane managed to get all the hot water systems and today his plan was to run to “town” fill the propane tanks.  Simple task in most part of the country, here not so much.  It’s an hour boat ride, then a three hour drive one-way. Then once the tanks are filled, and the other shopping is done, the process is repeated, a long day under the best of conditions. 

Duane was to be on the road shortly after all the anglers were out fishing.  But the fates were not smiling on the lodge today, as several drums of gas were loaded with water as a result about half the boats went down this morning. They were scrambling to get downed boats towed, others up and running to get everyone back on the water.  Let’s face it anglers not out fishing isn’t good for business.  But to the lodge’s credit, they soon had everyone back fishing. 

Unfortunately, Duane’s run for propane was delayed.  Why the interest in Duane’s work load?  We’re to fish tomorrow, so I’m always interested in my fishing partner’s fate, as his influences mine. I’m sure things will work out fine.

As to the fishing, well a little inconvenience of having to wait a couple hours for my ride to get back on line didn’t keep me of the water.  I simply grabbed my rod off the boat and proceeded to fish off the docks.  It wasn’t long before I wondered why we even bothered with the daily boat ride, as I managed a dozen fish, one in the mid-thirties and a follow that would have liked to have gotten a closer look at.

The rest of the day was relatively uneventful with bluebird weather, weather that I actually am not fishing.  Oh, the catching was still good, but with the crystal clear waters, the fish were spooky requiring longer casts, making it a bit more difficult for most.

The highlight of the day occurred on a run to a nearby cove after the boat was repaired.  As we pulled in we noted a dark form in the middle of the cove.  My initial thought was, “that’s sure a dark log.”  Then the guide yells, “see the moose.”  Motoring towards it, we soon realized we were looking at a bear making its way across the cove.

That’s the wonderful thing about trips to the wilderness, other than great fishing, you’re never quite sure the day’s adventures are going to be.