Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Guest Bloggers
We wanted to add some additional perspectives to our blog so in the near future you will be able to read posts written by my brother Carson and sister Whitney. Carson has been a guest at Eagle Falls Lodge for the past 10 years and Whitney has been a guest for the past 15 years. Both enjoy fishing, exploring, and keeping track of their catches as much as I do. Hope you enjoy!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Carrie's Culinary Championship
Carrie put her culinary skills to the test this past weekend and ended up winning the Bloomington Chocolate Challenge. She was awarded 1st place in the amateur division for her dish - Pistachio Chocolate Baklava. I can attest it does, in fact, taste as good as it looks. I cannot say whether or not this dish will make an appearance this summer. It is fairly labor intensive so I suppose you'll have to wait and see.
I should also probably admit I tried to temper her expectations after observing & tasting many other terrific entries. She certainly showed me. That's why it's important to never doubt the chef, she knows what she is doing.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Topwater Trolling
Topwater trolling is certainly an unconventional, yet highly effective, technique for catching Northern Pike. First and foremost I love casting for Northern Pike and I still spend most of my Pike time slinging lures across the water. However, casting all day can be tiresome and this technique provides a much needed rest for achy shoulders and arms.
Others may be using this tactic, but I'll give the credit to my brother Carson for perfecting it. When he suggested it for the first time I was fairly skeptical, but after trying it several times the last couple years I'm convinced it works. His lure of choice is a Zara Spook and he forward trolls the boat slightly faster than idle speed. He lets out 60-80 feet of line and twitches his wrist and lightly pops the rod tip causing the lure to bob back and forth to achieve an exaggerated "Walk the Dog" lure motion. I quickly found the two things you can do wrong is to leave too much slack in line and not pop the lure in a consistent pattern. That will result in plenty of missed strikes.
We've caught many fish topwater trolling over the last couple years similar to the one Carson is holding above. I've even been surprised to catch a couple walleye when trolling over shallower areas. Our best outing yielded over two dozen fish in less than an hour trolling over the top of submerged weeds on Red Lake. I plan to try other types of topwater lures next season. Give topwater trolling a try this season and see what you think!
Others may be using this tactic, but I'll give the credit to my brother Carson for perfecting it. When he suggested it for the first time I was fairly skeptical, but after trying it several times the last couple years I'm convinced it works. His lure of choice is a Zara Spook and he forward trolls the boat slightly faster than idle speed. He lets out 60-80 feet of line and twitches his wrist and lightly pops the rod tip causing the lure to bob back and forth to achieve an exaggerated "Walk the Dog" lure motion. I quickly found the two things you can do wrong is to leave too much slack in line and not pop the lure in a consistent pattern. That will result in plenty of missed strikes.
We've caught many fish topwater trolling over the last couple years similar to the one Carson is holding above. I've even been surprised to catch a couple walleye when trolling over shallower areas. Our best outing yielded over two dozen fish in less than an hour trolling over the top of submerged weeds on Red Lake. I plan to try other types of topwater lures next season. Give topwater trolling a try this season and see what you think!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
My Favorite Things
Hello all!
Can you believe it is already January 19th? Crazytown. In four short months we will be back north working our tails off (Cosmo already did this...ha!) getting ready to welcome our first group over Memorial Day. So naturally Travis and I are starting to think about everything we hope to accomplish, both before we arrive in Canada and throughout the summer. I know we try to ask everyone during their week for suggestions, but now that you have had a few months to ponder on this subject we'd like to ask again. What do you absolutely love & would revolt against all things Eagle Falls if it changed? What do you think can be improved? What idea are we totally missing that seems obvious to you? We LOVE feedback (as long as it is constructive and not too harsh...just kidding...but seriously).
My favorite things about Eagle Falls Lodge:
1. The people that make each week memorable. We have made some amazing friends!
2. Hearing a guest tell a story about the "monster catch" they made.
3. Sitting on the deck looking out onto Parker Lake.
4. FISHING!!
5. Working on projects with Travis and Cosmo.
6. MORE FISHING!!
7. Hanging out laundry - nothing beats that fresh Canadian wilderness smell on clean sheets.
8. Baking cinnamon rolls each week.
9. Seeing the smile on Cosmo's face after a long day of chasing frogs, swimming, and long naps by the kitchen doorway.
10. Sinking into my pillow at night, because lets face it - we can put in some LONG days.
As for that view I was talking about...
Your turn!
Carrie
Can you believe it is already January 19th? Crazytown. In four short months we will be back north working our tails off (Cosmo already did this...ha!) getting ready to welcome our first group over Memorial Day. So naturally Travis and I are starting to think about everything we hope to accomplish, both before we arrive in Canada and throughout the summer. I know we try to ask everyone during their week for suggestions, but now that you have had a few months to ponder on this subject we'd like to ask again. What do you absolutely love & would revolt against all things Eagle Falls if it changed? What do you think can be improved? What idea are we totally missing that seems obvious to you? We LOVE feedback (as long as it is constructive and not too harsh...just kidding...but seriously).
My favorite things about Eagle Falls Lodge:
1. The people that make each week memorable. We have made some amazing friends!
2. Hearing a guest tell a story about the "monster catch" they made.
3. Sitting on the deck looking out onto Parker Lake.
4. FISHING!!
5. Working on projects with Travis and Cosmo.
6. MORE FISHING!!
7. Hanging out laundry - nothing beats that fresh Canadian wilderness smell on clean sheets.
8. Baking cinnamon rolls each week.
9. Seeing the smile on Cosmo's face after a long day of chasing frogs, swimming, and long naps by the kitchen doorway.
10. Sinking into my pillow at night, because lets face it - we can put in some LONG days.
As for that view I was talking about...
Your turn!
Carrie
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Best Part of your Fishing Trip
What's your favorite part of a fishing trip to Canada?
I was one of the lucky ones who was fortunate enough to start visiting Canada at a young age and continue a family tradition year after year. What was my favorite part? All of it! Seriously.
The anticipation of the trip made the drive seem short. I loved stopping at The Chocolate Moose for lunch before crossing the border. The scenery is still breathtaking - all of those lakes and trees as far as you can see! I liked unpacking in our cabin room knowing we had an entire week to spend outside fishing and exploring. My father, uncle, brother, two sisters, and many great friends came along so I had fun with a new fishing partner each day. I relished reeling in fish after fish after fish. I liked chatting with the Matejas and the Aikens and enjoyed their terrific cooking. I basked in the comfort of the lodge in the evening swapping stories or making battle plans for the next day on the giant map. But if you make me pick just ONE favorite aspect of a trip to Canada it is savoring every bite of a Canadian shore lunch.
This is a tradition that my family loves and during our stays we would enjoy multiple shore lunches. The delicious taste of fresh caught walleye immediately filleted and fried is tough, if not impossible, to beat. Thinking about it makes my mouth water. I've tried time and time again to duplicate the shore lunch satisfaction at restaurants and at home without success.
If you're not familiar with shore lunches, they basically consist of fresh fish, fried potatoes, and beans. Pretty simple, but it must be the simplicity that makes it so good. Onions and lemons are luxuries if included, but certainly not necessary. We spend the morning "working" to catch lunch and then meet others at an agreed upon spot on the lake for lunch. It's usually not a hard job catching lunch so we liked to challenge ourselves to find the "perfect" lunch fish.
At Eagle Falls Lodge, we provide everything you need for a shore lunch except the fish and that's where you come in. Just let us know the night before and we'll have your kit ready. With a little practice, you'll have the fish, beans, potatoes hot and ready to eat all at the same time.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
2014 Reservations
UPDATE: We now have 2014 lodge availability listed on our website under the "Reservations" tab on the main menu. Please refer to that list for current openings. Thank you!
Check our open availability below for the 2014 season. This post is updated frequently so it is current despite the original post date. Let us know even if you are interested in a week that presently has no openings. That way if a group has to cancel or change weeks we can contact you to see if you are still interested. Don't forget that the only way to secure your reservation is with a $100 deposit per person.
Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions:
eaglefallslodge@yahoo.com
the lodge phone: 807-727-7100
or Travis' cell: 417-522-3163
2014 Season
May 24 - May 30
Open for a party of 1-12
May 31 - June 6
No openings at this time
June 7 - June 13
No openings at this time
June 14 - June 20
No openings at this time
June 21 - June 27
No openings at this time
June 28 - July 4
No openings at this time
July 5 - July 11
No openings at this time
July 12 - July 18
No openings at this time
July 19 - July 25
No openings at this time
July 26 - August 1
No openings at this time
August 2 - August 8
No openings at this time
August 9 - August 15
Open for a party of 1-2
August 16 - August 22
No openings at this time
August 23 - August 29
Open for party of 1-4
August 30 - September 5
Open for a party of 1-8
Monday, December 19, 2011
The Ultimate Christmas Gift
Hello Everyone!
I'm sure if you asked Cosmo what the ultimate Christmas gift is, he would want the ability to click his heels three times, open his eyes, and be overlooking Parker Lake. With a full summer of roaming around and napping in the great Canadian wilderness ahead of him, of course. I guess he will have to settle for a nice new doggie bone instead.
If you find yourself reading this wondering what to get those last few people on your list, we can tell you with great pleasure that our gift to YOU this season is keeping our already stellar price at $750 per person the same through 2012. That is four seasons in a row! And if that is not enough, we are also now offering half price for guests up to 16 years old and under. Have some grandkids that seem to be out fishing you back home? Or do your kids keep asking you when they will be invited to come up to Eagle Falls Lodge? FYI - Travis was 11 when he came on his very first trip (I hear a lot has changed since then). Bring them on up for an unforgettable week of great fishing, and perhaps more importantly, great memories. We love being a part of all your favorite summer memories, and until next spring they will have to tide us all over while we hibernate during these long winter months.
We wish everyone the Happiest of Holidays, and hope you can join us in 2012!
P.S. Let us know if you do NOT receive our holiday letter (with the new 2012 brochure!!) and we will gladly drop one in the mail.
I'm sure if you asked Cosmo what the ultimate Christmas gift is, he would want the ability to click his heels three times, open his eyes, and be overlooking Parker Lake. With a full summer of roaming around and napping in the great Canadian wilderness ahead of him, of course. I guess he will have to settle for a nice new doggie bone instead.
If you find yourself reading this wondering what to get those last few people on your list, we can tell you with great pleasure that our gift to YOU this season is keeping our already stellar price at $750 per person the same through 2012. That is four seasons in a row! And if that is not enough, we are also now offering half price for guests up to 16 years old and under. Have some grandkids that seem to be out fishing you back home? Or do your kids keep asking you when they will be invited to come up to Eagle Falls Lodge? FYI - Travis was 11 when he came on his very first trip (I hear a lot has changed since then). Bring them on up for an unforgettable week of great fishing, and perhaps more importantly, great memories. We love being a part of all your favorite summer memories, and until next spring they will have to tide us all over while we hibernate during these long winter months.
We wish everyone the Happiest of Holidays, and hope you can join us in 2012!
P.S. Let us know if you do NOT receive our holiday letter (with the new 2012 brochure!!) and we will gladly drop one in the mail.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Online License Sales!
Our blogging hiatus has finally come to an end. Carrie and I have been very busy this fall settling back into our "winter" lives in Illinois. We hope you had a terrific Thanksgiving and are enjoying the holiday season.
Many of you will be happy to learn you can now renew your Outdoors Card and purchase your fishing license online at:
ontario.ca/outdoorscard
If you fished with us during the last three seasons, you have an Outdoors Card that is valid for three years. If you received your first card in 2009 you will be required to renew the card which can be done online. You can also get your first card if you don't have one already.
According to the website, by entering a valid Outdoors Card number, you can purchase and print a license instantly (we haven't tested this yet). The main thing to keep in mind if your card is expiring though is to make this purchase several weeks before your trip since the new Outdoors Card will be mailed to you and must accompany your license to be valid. Of course, you will still be able to purchase licenses and renew Outdoors Cards and many locations across Ontario including Red Lake Marine.
2012 license costs are also published for non-residents:
Eight-day sport license (4 walleye & 4 Northern allowed) $50.15
Eight-day conservation license (2 Walleye & 2 Northern allowed) $28.84
For additional information please visit the MNR site above.
Many of you will be happy to learn you can now renew your Outdoors Card and purchase your fishing license online at:
ontario.ca/outdoorscard
If you fished with us during the last three seasons, you have an Outdoors Card that is valid for three years. If you received your first card in 2009 you will be required to renew the card which can be done online. You can also get your first card if you don't have one already.
According to the website, by entering a valid Outdoors Card number, you can purchase and print a license instantly (we haven't tested this yet). The main thing to keep in mind if your card is expiring though is to make this purchase several weeks before your trip since the new Outdoors Card will be mailed to you and must accompany your license to be valid. Of course, you will still be able to purchase licenses and renew Outdoors Cards and many locations across Ontario including Red Lake Marine.
2012 license costs are also published for non-residents:
Eight-day sport license (4 walleye & 4 Northern allowed) $50.15
Eight-day conservation license (2 Walleye & 2 Northern allowed) $28.84
For additional information please visit the MNR site above.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Time Flies....when you're winterizing motors?
Haven't posted in a while - oops. We need to catch everyone up on what has been going on here at Eagle Falls Lodge. I thought I would run through some of the recent highlights we've been holding out on you:
1. The 2011 season is done! We had a great last few weeks, with some crazy weather bouncing back and forth from cold and wet to hot and dry. That can make for some interesting fishing, but also gave Travis the chance to check out some brand new spots on Red Lake that I am sure he will be more than willing to share with everyone next season.
2. The 2011 Red Lake Walleye Fall Classic Tournament was held over Labor (or Labour for our fellow Canadians) Day weekend. Always an exciting time. We had some guests compete, who battled some tough weather and finished in the middle of the pack. The tournament overall had some really nice fish weighed in over the weekend. That is always encouraging to see those monster fish go back into the lake. Below are some pictures from the weigh-in from this year's tournament.
3. We had another really nice Smallmouth caught on Parker during the last few weeks of the season. Annie, pictured below, caught a 17.5' Smallmouth while Walleye fishing during her first trip to Eagle Falls Lodge.
4. After all the guests left, we stayed very busy closing up the camp. We had several nights dip down into the 20's and saw both snow and hail. Yuck-o! Pretty much means I need to high tail it out of here and head south....so we did. We are traveling through the Midwest and will officially started our double Illinois life tomorrow. (Just in time for the Packers vs Bears game).
5. I'll take this time to gloat on the fact that I managed to hold onto my big fish status between Travis and myself for the 2011 season. Lets just say the student may be surpassing the teacher. Anyway, we wanted to say thanks once again to everyone who came and stayed with us this summer. We had a great season and are already brainstorming on how to improve the lodge for next year.
1. The 2011 season is done! We had a great last few weeks, with some crazy weather bouncing back and forth from cold and wet to hot and dry. That can make for some interesting fishing, but also gave Travis the chance to check out some brand new spots on Red Lake that I am sure he will be more than willing to share with everyone next season.
2. The 2011 Red Lake Walleye Fall Classic Tournament was held over Labor (or Labour for our fellow Canadians) Day weekend. Always an exciting time. We had some guests compete, who battled some tough weather and finished in the middle of the pack. The tournament overall had some really nice fish weighed in over the weekend. That is always encouraging to see those monster fish go back into the lake. Below are some pictures from the weigh-in from this year's tournament.
3. We had another really nice Smallmouth caught on Parker during the last few weeks of the season. Annie, pictured below, caught a 17.5' Smallmouth while Walleye fishing during her first trip to Eagle Falls Lodge.
4. After all the guests left, we stayed very busy closing up the camp. We had several nights dip down into the 20's and saw both snow and hail. Yuck-o! Pretty much means I need to high tail it out of here and head south....so we did. We are traveling through the Midwest and will officially started our double Illinois life tomorrow. (Just in time for the Packers vs Bears game).
5. I'll take this time to gloat on the fact that I managed to hold onto my big fish status between Travis and myself for the 2011 season. Lets just say the student may be surpassing the teacher. Anyway, we wanted to say thanks once again to everyone who came and stayed with us this summer. We had a great season and are already brainstorming on how to improve the lodge for next year.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Eagle Eye View
Hello all,
It is definitely starting to feel like the end of the season up here. We woke up to a cooler, rainy morning today - that hasn't happened a whole lot recently. Travis is out fishing today trying once again to beat my season best for Northern (42"). We've both gotten to fish a little more the last few weeks which is always fun. Last week we had some of Travis' relatives up fishing from Iowa, one of which had a birthday coming up. As a surprise birthday present his family arranged for a sightseeing float-plane ride out of Red Lake! How cool is that? So last week on Tuesday evening I got to skip out on dinner and take them into town for the birthday flight. And guess what? I ended up getting to go on the flight myself! It was really neat to see the lake from an aerial point of view. They asked what we wanted to see, so we flew over the lodge and Travis was waving from the Parker dock.
Travis' cousin and his mom were scheduled to go up and then the pilot told us that three people could go but he'd have to take one of the plane doors off. Guess who got to sit in the windy seat? I quickly volunteered and it was great. I could see a lot more without the door on the plane, but my arm and face kind of felt like when I went skydiving. The wind was whipping all the skin around.
Anyway, it was a 30 minute flight with Chimo Air. They do a lot of flights for outpost camps. I asked our pilot if they like to do sightseeing flights and he said "You Betcha!" It was $75 dollars Canadian, per person, and they take credit cards. Their office is just past Red Lake Marine on the same side of the road. You turn towards the lake right before you get to the stoplight. We just wanted to pass on the info so you all could keep that in mind as a neat add-on to your trip up to Eagle Falls Lodge. They will of course put the door back on the plane for any future passengers.
It is definitely starting to feel like the end of the season up here. We woke up to a cooler, rainy morning today - that hasn't happened a whole lot recently. Travis is out fishing today trying once again to beat my season best for Northern (42"). We've both gotten to fish a little more the last few weeks which is always fun. Last week we had some of Travis' relatives up fishing from Iowa, one of which had a birthday coming up. As a surprise birthday present his family arranged for a sightseeing float-plane ride out of Red Lake! How cool is that? So last week on Tuesday evening I got to skip out on dinner and take them into town for the birthday flight. And guess what? I ended up getting to go on the flight myself! It was really neat to see the lake from an aerial point of view. They asked what we wanted to see, so we flew over the lodge and Travis was waving from the Parker dock.
Travis' cousin and his mom were scheduled to go up and then the pilot told us that three people could go but he'd have to take one of the plane doors off. Guess who got to sit in the windy seat? I quickly volunteered and it was great. I could see a lot more without the door on the plane, but my arm and face kind of felt like when I went skydiving. The wind was whipping all the skin around.
Anyway, it was a 30 minute flight with Chimo Air. They do a lot of flights for outpost camps. I asked our pilot if they like to do sightseeing flights and he said "You Betcha!" It was $75 dollars Canadian, per person, and they take credit cards. Their office is just past Red Lake Marine on the same side of the road. You turn towards the lake right before you get to the stoplight. We just wanted to pass on the info so you all could keep that in mind as a neat add-on to your trip up to Eagle Falls Lodge. They will of course put the door back on the plane for any future passengers.
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