MrWalleye et al
I have an invite to fish northern Saskatchewan, at Angler Rapids near LaRonge. Recommended????
Never been myself but I hear the fishing up there is incredible. I'd check it out for sure. Just remember, if the fishing happens to suck, at least you'll still have plenty of Canadian beer to drink!
Any bad day fishing is better then a good day at work! Go for it!
The best fishing I've ever experienced was in Canada....granted it was northern Ontario but it would be worth the trip, IMHO
Fishing in northern Saskatchewan is always great. Beautiful country and scenery. You'll be in the shield. Nothing but rock spruce and lakes, lots and lots of lakes. You should have a choice of several species. Pike, walleye and lake trout and in some places Arctic Grayling. Oh, and there's bugs ;D. Mosquitoes and black flies so take repellant. You didn't say if this is a drive to or flyin.
Get a Thermacell for those bugs. It keeps away Mosquitos better than anything I've ever seen.
Quote from: Caneyscud on June 14, 2010, 08:23:44 AM
MrWalleye et al
I have an invite to fish northern Saskatchewan, at Angler Rapids near LaRonge. Recommended????
Caney
I would jump on that! I have never been there but I have been in the general area a few times. I believe that Angler Rapids is on the Churchill River, not too far from Stanley Mission. This is located in the shild and is very pretty country for sure. My Daughter had to spend 2 months in the middle of winter in Sandy Bay which is east a few hours on the Churchill River. Part of her schooling as a Dental Therapist required here to fly in and setup a dental office for 2 months in an Inuit or Native community and this was where she was sent.
Here is some information on Stanley Mission....
http://career.kcdc.ca/comm/Stanley%20Mission.php
Here is a photo gallery from Stanley Mission...
http://career.kcdc.ca/pics/
I'm not sure if this is the lodge at Angler Rapids that you would be staying at but here is a photo gallery of some of the area. It's beautiful country for sure.
http://www.anglerrapids.com/photo-gallery.html
Mike
Knew, I could count on you guys. That is the Lodge I'm pretty sure. Recognize some of the pics.
Mike, that is cool about your daughter. My daughter is a Nurse Practitioner, and wanted to do something like that in Alaska, the Yukon, or somewhere, but couldn't get the university to approve it. Guy that has invited me, said he caught a 45 something Northern - don't know if that was pounds or inches - either way, I'm shaking in anticipation. Plus some monster walleye. Never caught a walleye or a northern, or a lake trout or a grayling. Don't know whether to take my good photogear or a flyrod or both!!
So those thermacells work? I've been scoffing at the commercials - thinking another gimmick. I'm a pretty good sized guy - do I need the patio sized one? ;D ;D
Just got my itenerary, so now I can apply for my expedited passport renewal.
The Stanley Mission stuff looks pretty cool. I am going to study that tonight.
It is a fly-in or at least we are getting picked up in Saskatoon in a float plane - pretty sure.
Never heard of the "shield", but I can sorta see the lake density on a map - is that why it is called the shield?
About to wet my pants already!
Not sure if they have pickerel in that neck of the woods but if they do, make sure you catch some. We used to catch tones of it in southern Ontario (where I grew up). My old man used to clean em and butter fry them the same day. Still one of my favorite fish to this day. Too bad we don't have em here on the west coast. Another good one is perch. Good luck!
First off I don't think you'll be catching a float plane out of Saskatoon. We're still in prairie farm land. There is a river here but never see a float plane. Likely you'll be flown from Saskatoon to La Ronge and then connect to a float plane. I envy you going on that trip. Was on one flyin many years ago and we were 125 north of where you're going. We had the only cabin on the lake and the only sound was the odd float plane passing by, the birds and the rustling leaves of some birch tree. The Shield in actually the Canadian shield and crosses northern Saskatchewan and angles down through Manitoba into northern Ontario. It's similar the lake areas of Wisconsin and Minnisota.
Sticky Dan. Pickerel is a local name for walleye, and you're right. They're delicious fryed in butter. The only other pickerel I know of is a chain pickerel and they resemble a pike but with different markings. We don't have them here and I don't think they occur in Ontario, but I could be wrong. Maybe the very sourthern part of Ontario. Doubt if they'd taste near as good as walleye.
I won't go bow hunting without my Thermacell anymore they work that good. So far we haven't had any issues with the slight scent they put off spooking the deer either. But I went early last fall with my Brother, he didn't have a Thermacell and I did, he barely made it through the evening and was bit up, I sat in peace the whole time without being bothered. They really do work.
Caney
The Canadian Shield or Precambrian Shield coveres about 40% of Saskatchewan. LaRonge and Angler Rapids is in the Shield. The Shield is broken down into Ecozones and the area you will be is called the Boreal Shield Ecozone. The rock of the Canadian Shield is the oldest in the world and forms the breathtaking Boreal landscape. If you have never been there take a good camera with lots of memory cards.
Here's a little info from a canoeing site....
http://www.adventures.com/gasnet/517-8.htm
Oh ya... I would think they were talking 45 inch Pike. That would be in excess of 20 lbs. Whatever ya do... don't try to lip one! :o
Be careful handling the Walleye as well. Their dorsal fin has spines and their gill plate edges are like razor blades. You also don't want to try to lip a Walleye either. ::)
You'll have a blast Caney... When is the trip planned for?
Mike
Mike,
July 9th through the 13th. Traveling/flying all day the 9th. Three days of fishing, then another day of travel/flying to get back late. Scrambling now to get an expedited renewal passport.
Momma did not raise no dummy. She wouldn't know a pike from a broom handle, or a walleye from a pillow, but gave me enough sense to not lip one of those toothy creatures. However, was not aware of the sharp gill plates.
Camera - check. Probably going to take 3 - my Nikon D2x with 2 lenses and lots of gigs, my Flip, and an underwater digital. But then again, I'm limited to 45 lbs. ;D
Speaking of boreal. Is there any chance of seeing the aurora borealis? I think I'd pee my pants if I got to see that!
It might be just a little early for the Northern lights but close. Depends on the condition. They are spectacular.
Thanks RAF
I'll be in Saskatoon at 1:47 on 7/9. I'll wave at ya coming in! You are probably right about the float plane. I do think we are flying into LaRonge and then the float plane.
Quote from: Caneyscud on June 16, 2010, 07:52:26 AM
Thanks RAF
I'll be in Saskatoon at 1:47 on 7/9. I'll wave at ya coming in! You are probably right about the float plane. I do think we are flying into LaRonge and then the float plane.
Don't wave at me when you're coming into Saskatoon although you'll likely fly by my place a minute or two before you land. I won't be there. Now when you're going north about an hr out if you can look to the east. You might see a lake in the distance. You'll likely see several lakes and ours is a little south east (25 miles) of a large long one Then you can wave 'cause I'll be at my cabin ;).
Everybody knows what the next question is!
What lures, flies, etc... should be in my luggage to guarantee a 45" northern, or sizable walleye?
To answer that I could use up the whole page :D. It all depends on what species you're going after, the conditions and other variables. You best bet is take along your visa or what ever card and shop at the lodge. I'm sure they'll have a tackle shop on the premises, most do. They'll also know what's working at that time. I do a fare amount of fishing for walleye and pike. No lake trout in my lake but have fished for them. My tackle box is full of different things and it weighs 27 lbs. There's about $1500 worth of tackle in it. I know what it cost to fill it as I had another one blow out of the boat at about 65 mph during a walleye tournament and that's what the insurance company paid to replace it all.
I guess I could say to go get yourself some big spoons. Red and white, 5 of diamonds. Then some big crank baits. The also some big jigs, 1 - 1½ oz. White, chartreuse. These should have some rubber tails to go with them. Oh, and if you're going to go for lake trout make sure you have some heavy tackle. Sturdy rods and good reels with good drag. That heavy tackle also applies if you tie into a 45 inch pike. Medium action rods are good for walleye.
Yeh, know the cost also. Had just finished outfitting for Striper and Musky a couple of years ago and the box got stolen from my truck. Had about a grand in it. Have not replaced yet though. Will do the lodge thing, but wanted to take some old standbys, so that I can start my collection back. We had some good Muskie this spring, but did not go because of the lack of tackle - and now our BassPro is shut down due to flood.
A buddy of mine does a pike trip every year and all he takes is his eight weight, with wire leader. If I was doing the trip you are looking at doing get hold of Ranger Bob at flyangler.ca , the guys there are real good and have the low down on most of the central Canada fisheries.
Ross
I love that area of Saskatchewan and am spending my summer vacation there as well. I will be to the west of were you are going on Cowan Lake and were ever else in the neighbourhood I can get to. ;D
About to pee my pants.
16 hours til the start of my Northern Jaunt after the toothy finny creatures.
I feel like a giddy schoolgirl.
Nope just checked - I'm not a giddy schoolgirl!
Catch a bunch Caney! Have fun and have a safe trip.
Any bad day fishing is better than a good day at work. I hope you get your string pulled real hard there Caney! ;D
Looks like the Big Boys have you all scoped in with lots of good advice. We all wish you good luck, and will be looking forward to lots of good pics of your trip.
Have fun, looking forward to a complete report upon your return, complete with pictures and what flies worked.
Good Luck Caney!
You'll have a blast! ;)
Oh ya... wave when you fly over Moose Jaw and I'll see if I can see you. ::)
Mike
Quote from: TTNuge on June 15, 2010, 03:51:37 PM
I won't go bow hunting without my Thermacell anymore they work that good. So far we haven't had any issues with the slight scent they put off spooking the deer either. But I went early last fall with my Brother, he didn't have a Thermacell and I did, he barely made it through the evening and was bit up, I sat in peace the whole time without being bothered. They really do work.
cant sit still swatting sketters! The cells, all thumbs up.
Not only do we have HST, but there's also a new law stating that American's can fish in Canada but the have to donate their catch to a Canadian - preferably to a French Canadian with a Bradley.
Weird, I'm a French Canadian with a Bradley. My address is 1346 Victoria Dr.... ;D ;D ;D
Have a great time!
Quote from: StickyDan on July 08, 2010, 09:50:24 PM
Not only do we have HST, but there's also a new law stating that American's can fish in Canada but the have to donate their catch to a Canadian - preferably to a French Canadian with a Bradley.
Weird, I'm a French Canadian with a Bradley. My address is 1346 Victoria Dr.... ;D ;D ;D
Have a great time!
I knew it must be a law......you know how many times I've had to catch dinner for a Canadian? ;D
Okay Boys
Only thing I can say is "Where has this Canadian fishing been hiding all my life - eh?" Ya'll boys (that's Southern Canadian for - youse guys) have been trying to keep it to yourselves! Had a fantastic time. Wish I could post every one of the 500+ pictures I took. Only one I did not come home with was a group pic. Gave the camera to one of the Cree guides to take, and I guess he did not press the shutter. Pike slime has a peculiar odor. Guess there isn't any grabbling/noodling going on in that area - all them fish got teeth. My guide had to get 4 stitches.
A trip of a lot of first for me. First - time in Denver, in Saskatchewan, on the "Shield", floatplane ride, walleye, pike, and others. Went with 4 sorta goals - first was to have a great time - second, catch a big pike, third capture a bear on film, and fourth, catch a pike on the fly. Succeeded on 3 of the 4 - only one was a pike on the fly. Tried for a part of one day, but just a short time - most of the time it was waaayyyy too windy and the guide kept us in more open water, over deeper weedbeds close to deeper water. Basically we were in the wind all day and I did not want to go home with more holes in my body than I left with! But quite possible and did have a couple of follows from some snakes. The 10 wt I took (only big 4 piece rod I have) was probably too big - or maybe it was just the wind at the backcast - couldn't feel it load up.
Oh, yeh, between Denver and Saskatoon, the country is kinda flat and sorta desolate looking - I did definitely saw 3 trees - mighta seen a fourth, but we were at 32,000 feet and it was hiding behind a barn.
A few pics - enjoy them, I certainly enjoyed being there taking them eh!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70078.jpg)
If this wasn't paradise - it was close. Well except for the skeeters! Big honking Canadian skeeters!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70160.jpg)
Did not expect to see this rare bird - That's a White Long-Billed Canadian Turkey. Not many down here in these parts, but up there - plenty.
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70080.jpg)
Our ride. Sweet, but the amenities were lacking and the stewardess wasn't much to look at, either! ;D ;D
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70057.jpg)
All day getting there, and we got in late.
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70112.jpg)(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70118.jpg)(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70127.jpg)(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70107.jpg)(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70104.jpg)
Sunsets
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70095.jpg)
Had a few of these hanging around!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70086.jpg)
Did I mention there were gadzillions of them things!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70013.jpg)
Mr Walley, your daughter oughta recognize this!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70178.jpg)
Can we say lard? Everything was cooked in lard - Pig Fat Rules!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70170.jpg)(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70176.jpg)(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70161.jpg)
The only pics of walleye I have? Shore lunch yummy!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70041.jpg)
Shore lunch when the plates were forgotten at camp. nuff said!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70041-1.jpg)
View from camp!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70221.jpg)
Falls did not expect to see! - Yep that's Caney and yes I got drenched
BTW - this was about 10:30 at "night" - no flash.
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70080-1.jpg)
Sweet couple
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70152.jpg)
Da Bear!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70053.jpg)
A smallish one
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70128.jpg)
Kissy, Kissy - After 3 days in the bush, them teeth started not looking so bad!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70036.jpg)
One of the ones I was looking for - almost 41 inches. Had a couple of bigger ones on, but both broke the line. Dang it!
Definitely the drug of the tug had taken over by then!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/43something/pike%20trip/_MD70106.jpg)
Farewell. Until we meet again.
Looks like a fun trip and a good time!
How long were you there?
Way Cool Pics Caney!! Sounds like you had a great time.
It looks like you had a great time Caney!
It reminds me of Canadian fishing trips with my Dad when I was a kid.
Brilliant pics Caney, thanks for posting. Glad you had a good time. :)
That looks like a great trip - oh and don't look behind you, but there's a wave of water coming right at you. ;D
Great Pics Caney. Wow!!
That looks like one amazing trip.
Seriously though, what's the deal with the Pelican? You didn't actually see one of those up there did you?
Carter
Awesome pictures, thanks for letting the rest of us
live vicariously through you. Looks like it was the trip
of a life time. Yup us Canadians do live in a Beautiful
Country.
Ross
Thanks for the share with some beautiful pic's Caney. You obviously had a great time.
Caney - glad you enjoyed this beautiful country of ours. looks like you had a great time.
great pics!
Quote from: Caneyscud on July 16, 2010, 06:05:45 AM
Ya'll boys (that's Southern Canadian for - youse guys)
i lol'd :D
Fantastic!!! Those are some mean looking fish!
Quote from: Carter on July 16, 2010, 10:13:29 AM
Seriously though, what's the deal with the Pelican? You didn't actually see one of those up there did you?
Actually quite a few! That was rather unexpected.
Congrats Caney!
Looks like an awesome time was had by all! 8)
Great pictures! I never get enough of looking through everyones pictures from their excusions.
What did you think of the walleye?
Mike
Loved the walleye. Tasting and catching. However, they were being a little coy that weekend. Plan was to fish for pike until about 11:00, then run to a walleye hole and catch a few for shore lunch. First day, we only were able to catch four for lunch. So the next couple of days we started out trying for walleye and still took a couple of hours to catch enough. Jigging in the current in the lake. Had to resort to tipping with minnows. Still, shall I say, quite a subtle bite! We fished a couple of areas that held some biggies, but couldn't entice them. Caught a couple of 3-pounders using some of the big hardware for pike. They fought like fair sized pike. But they were nowhere near the 25 pound IGFA world record that came from within the city limits of Nashville in 1960. I was really hoping for a 7 to 10 pounder. Ten+ pounders have been caught in the Lake fished this past weekend.
By the way, scored a couple of scars dealing with those gill plates!! Man those things are sharp. I didn't believe it, but do now!
nice pics. glad you had fun.
Some great PICS Caney,
It sure looks like a good time! Thanks for sharing with us!
Looks fun Caney, I have never caught a pike or a walleye. Just haven't been where they are at, glad you got to go!
nice pics making me really look forward to my trip end of next week. I am going to Cowan lake just north of Big River Sask. 2 weeks of fishing drinking and eating. cant wait