Fireside Lodge Fishing Report 7/31 to 8/7 2010

Fireside Lodge Fishing Report 7/31 to 8/7 2010
Hello from Fireside Lodge in Northwest Ontario, Canada. The week started with beautiful weather that continued throughout the week. We had some severe thunderstorm watches at the weeks beginning with most missing us. Then a cold front came through with Thursday’s high barley reaching 68 degrees. Probably sounds great to most reading this fishing report as we have heard it’s been very hot and humid south of the border.

Returning to Fireside Lodge for their fourth consecutive year were Don, Audrey, and Matt Holesinger from Fulton and Roscoe, IL. First evening they got right to it catching Smallmouth with Don setting the pace landing a Smallmouth measuring 17.5” on Matt’s very rusty old measuring tape. First full day of fishing they caught some nice size Smallmouth and Audrey caught an 18” Master Anglers Award Trophy. Second day was fabulous as they caught 81 Smallmouth and were landing 15 to 16-inchers all day long, with Audrey again coming up with the largest fish of the day being a 17.5” Smallie. Third day was even better as they landed 61 Smallmouth with most being huge including 4 Master Anglers Award Trophy Smallmouth over 18-inches. Fourth and final day was a Northern Pike day as they caught 37 nice size Pike and 4 Smallmouth Bass with one Smallmouth being another Master Anglers Award fish making their total Trophy Bass catches six. Great finish to another great family fishing trip to Fireside Lodge.
Returning to Fireside Lodge was Dave Lilja with his wife Margaret from Woodbury, MN and friends Mike & Patricia Rose from Roseville, MN. Dave & Mike got an early start before breakfast with surface action catching 8 Smallmouth Bass. The rest of the day all caught plenty of fish and Pat lost a big fat Pike, and tried to lay blame on the net man Mike. All fishers find excuses, don’t we? Second day was wonderful as Mike and Dave again had surface action in the morning and “life is good” for Mike when he catches fish. All caught a lot of fish throughout the day and Midge landed her personal best Pike being a chunky 33-incher. Third day was another wonderful day for this group as they caught 17 Pike in one boat, over 20 in the other boat, and Midge came up with a HUGE 17.5” Smallmouth Bass. Also Mike hit a milestone landing his very first Muskie ever. Fourth day was another milestone day as it was Midge’s turn at catching her first ever Musky landing a beauty measuring 35-inches. All the others caught fish and had a fabulous day. Fifth and final day was fabulous, as both couples enjoyed it in a different way. Mike & Pat choose to enjoy the Boreal Forest Wilderness on land with Dave and Midge enjoying it out on the lake catching fish, but also devoted half day to enjoying a shore lunch over and open fire and taking advantage of the beautiful weather having an outdoor nap after eating. Sounds GREAT, doesn’t it? Both couples left having a fabulous vacation with us at Fireside Lodge and hope to return one day.
Don and Gloria Sears from Irving, TX were at Fireside Lodge by referral from a 20-year guest of Fireside Lodge, Frank Hazzard. First day was spent exploring the lower end of Little Vermilion Lake catching 6 Smallmouth and Gloria getting a big surprise when a big toothy critter rolled over her lure at boat side. Second day was terrific ending up at Twin Falls as they were learning the upper arm catching 9 Smallmouth and Gloria caught her first Musky ever. They enjoyed the natural wonder of the falls while viewing an eagle fishing. Third day these two had a slower day but Gloria caught a very big Smallmouth measuring 17.5-inches and they enjoyed the day watching wildlife and the wonders of the Boreal Forest. Fourth day was another day spent up by Twin Falls area and they did well catching Smallmouth Bass a this time Don caught the larger Bass of the day landing a 17.5” Smallie on a Road Runner, plus he caught his first Northern Pike ever. Fifth day had them choosing not to fight the wind and enjoy indoor activities such as board games, a delightful nap, and a walk in the wilderness. Sixth day had these to adventuring on a portage lake and had a fabulous time doing so. They had a great day catching Smallmouth landing 19, mostly big, and Gloria got the prize landing an 18-inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. Seventh day was their best day yet as they traveled through a wilderness creek area to fish a back lake catching 26 fish, 25 Pike and 1 Smallmouth. Imagine being Don and never catching a Northern Pike in his life, then having a day that they catch 25 in one day. WOW!!! Is all that can describe this day. The next several days these two caught fish, really soaked up the wilderness of the Boreal Forest that was surrounding them, had a wonderful shore lunch on their last day. When visiting with Don & Gloria at their dinning room table they expressed on how they had a terrific CWE, Canadian Wilderness Experience, and they were very grateful for all they had seen and done while they stayed with us at Fireside Lodge.
George Meravi, Rich Granahan, with father and son Brian & Matt Dawson from Lake Barrington, & Lake Zurich, IL. were at Fireside Lodge for their first time. First day had George & Rich catching 15 Pike and some Smallmouth, both landing monsters Rich’s at 18” & George’s at 19”. Brian & Matt also caught a bunch of Smallmouth & Northern with Matt having a very good day. Second day had George & Rich having a fabulous Musky day catching 4, having many follows and Rich landed a beauty at 38-inches, plus they caught some great Smallmouth Bass. Third day was George and Matt’s day as they had a ball catching many nice Smallmouth Bass on the Wacky Worm Technique. On this evening while Brian and Matt were in the lodge we got into a discussion about twitching suspending lures and blue fox spinners. After discussing the various techniques in using these lures we all got very excited and a plan was enacted for their fourth and final day. Well, they were all smiles at the supper table that night as they caught many Northern Pike on these lures using the techniques we discussed the night before. George and Rich also had a great day Musky fishing and Muskie catching as George landed one and lost one, and Rich caught two and lost one. They also caught a lot of Smallmouth and finished on a high note. All left making fabulous fishing memories.
Fourth time returning to Fireside Lodge were good friends Pat Hobson and Larry Hinshaw from Elmwood, IN & Blue Grass, IA. DOA these two picked up where the left off last year catching some good size Smallies while surface fishing on their new favorite lure the “Chug Bug”. Next day was more of the same as they landed over 30 Smallmouth Bass plus two Muskie using the same technique, and both caught trophies Pat’s being 18” and Larry’s a HUGE 19.25-inches. Second day was one of those humbling days all fishers have, but they still caught 10-12 Smallmouth. Third day had these guys changing to white twister tails and caught over 20 nice Smallmouth Bass. Fourth day was a Pike fishing day all day long, and that’s what they caught having a ball lading many Pike, and Larry again caught a small Muskie, which with the other two he caught we figure he now has about 65-inches of Musky. Fifth day had them Smallmouth fishing, and it was all Larry as he caught most of the fish and landed two more Master Anglers Award Smallmouth at 19 and 18-inches. Sixth and final day they had a blast catching more Smallmouth, and after supper in the final hour Larry came up with the biggest fish of the trip landing a GIANT Trophy Master Anglers Award Smallmouth Bass measuring 20-inches. WOW!!!! What a fabulous catch and what a way to finish a fishing trip.

John Wasko from Jersey City, NJ returned to Fireside Lodge for his second year in a row along with good friend Davey Dioquino from Tamiment, PA. First day had these two catching a lot of Pike up to 29-inches. Second day was a committed Muskie day, which got them a lot of Musky, follows but could not get a hook up. That’s Muskie Fishing!!! Third day was a lot of Pike action along with landing 29 of these great fighters and John received his first ever Master Anglers Award as he landed a HUGE 18” Smallmouth Bass. GRRRRRREAT catch John. Fourth day was back to the Musky drawing board and they again had many follows. Before leaving that morning we discussed the benefit of sizing way down when Musky are followings lures. Well, John did this and ended up catching his first ever Musky on a #4 in-line spinner. Also, they caught Smallmouth Bass and Davey was very pleased as he caught 4 nice Smallies on his fly rod. Fifth day had these two fishing for Northern Pike catching a lot, and having consistent action catching well over 30. Sixth and final day was spent trying to catch another Muskie and they caught some Pike along the way, and Davey caught another Musky. Both of these fellows had a super time fishing with us and they were very sad to leave, but made some great memories fishing in this wonderful wilderness area.
The Grand Blanc, Michigan group consisting of Greg Benton, John McDounough, Randy Genord and his two sons 18-year old Dane and 11-year old Ryan returned to Fireside Lodge for their sixth year. On their DOA they did fabulous with Greg and John catching a lot of good size Pike and John had a BIG fish break him off. Randy and his boys it was more of the same except Randy came up with two BIG fish. The first was a huge 38” Northern Pike, and the second was the prize being a GIANT 45” Muskie. As you can see they got great pictures of both. First full day was good day catching some average size toothy critters but the big fish were elusive. Second day was BIG FISH day for Greg and John as Greg landed a big 40” Master Anglers Award Northern Pike in the afternoon and another 40-incher after supper, and John caught a Monster 39.5-inch Muskie with massive girth. Two Master Anglers Award Trophy Pike in one day. WOW!!!! Ryan also had a very good day catching a 28 and 35-inch Pike and Dane caught some in the 30-inch range. Third day was Randy, Dane, and Ryan’s last as their trip got cut short because of a Hockey commitment Dane had, but it finished with them catching some nice Northern Pike and enjoying every last minute on the water. Greg and John had a Great Northern Pike day as they caught a lot of fish between 30 to 36-inches and Greg caught a 36-inch Muskie. Fifth and final day was a little slower as it was cold front conditions and a blue bird sky, however they discovered some new fishing areas to be explored more in 2011. John & Greg did catch some Pike and John came up with a Master Anglers Award Northern Pike just over 40-inches. WOW, that makes three over 40-inch Pike in 5 days. Both had a fabulous trip, and there’s no doubt that plans for next years fishing spots were being discussed on their ride home.







Return Guests Bill Foster Sr, and sons Bill Jr, Brian, and Grandson Jack from Middletown, DE Billings, MT and Midlothian, VA arrived with smiles and great anticipation. First day was a slow start in the morning however Brian went to work on figuring out a pattern, and all ended up catching a bunch of nice Smallmouth Bass many being 16 to 17.5”. Brian’s technique was a pumpkin tube jig with an eighth ounce jig keeping it just above the weeds. Second day had these guys really finding the Pike catching many, and a lot of good heavy fish. The prize fish of the day went to Brian as he caught a nice 39-inch Musky, a great first ever Musky. Third day had Bill Sr & Bill Jr right into the Pike again catching over 25 in a half day and Bill Sr landed his second Muskie ever, first was on his last trip with us, then a T-storm came in a chased them back towards the lodge. Brian and Jack also had a very productive day catching Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike. Fourth day Brian & Jack caught many Smallmouth Bass with Bill Sr & Bill Jr catching 25 fish, mostly Pike. Sixth and final day was all Bill Jr and Jack as they caught over 50 fish, all being Northern Pike except for Jack landing one HUGE Master Anglers Award Trophy Smallmouth Bass measuring 18-inches. All had a great family fishing trip and made wonderful family memories together.






First time guests to Fireside Lodge were Peter Lazzara from Chicago, IL, Curt Danekas from Palatine, IL and father & sons Mark, Andrew, and Dennis Thurow from Naperville, IL. On their DOA all caught some fish before suppertime, the Thurow clan landing 10 Smallmouth between 15 to 17.5” and Andrew commented on how fat the Smallies were. First full day Mark, Andrew, and Dennis had a good day discovering the value of a Blue Fox spinner catching some nice size Pike using this lure until they lost both spinners. Good thing for the Lodge Tackle Shop, or “Hope Shop” as I call it. Pete and Curt had a fabulous day catching about 40 Northern Pike and as the day went on the fish got bigger and bigger landing some fish up to 35-inches. Second day in one word was “FABULOUS”. All came back tried with sore arms and hands as one boat caught over 70 Northern Pike and the other over 40. Mark told me he loves the color pink, as that was the color of a Blue Fox Spinner I sold him, and it was totally worn out by the end of the day. Andrew also caught an 18” Master Anglers Award Smallmouth and congrats to Andrew. Third day they spent a half day catching Smallmouth, having some success with Pete catching an 18-inch Master Anglers Award Smallie, and the second half day caught 15-20 Pike per boat. Fourth and final day was a grand finish as they caught well over 100 Northern Pike between them, Mark caught a Master Anglers Award 18.5-inch Smallmouth and Andrew came up with a big 34-inch Musky, his first ever. Wow, what a great day fishing and catching. Before leaving they were all talking with me about getting their dates together for 2011. We hope to see them back.
Tom, son Joel Nayder with sister/aunt Leah Bezin from Orland Park, Chicago, & Berwyn, IL returned to Fireside Lodge for their 11th consecutive year. First day was great as they caught 40-plus fish and it was a nice mix between Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike. According to sister Leah Tom was the top dog. Second day all caught some Northern Pike & Smallmouth. Third day was gangbusters as Joel alone caught 35+ Northern Pike using his favorite #4 Blue Fox Spinner. Tom and Leah spent almost all day fly-fishing and did very well catching over 20 each, and also lost their far share, Leah landed the two only Smallmouth of the day. Fourth day was pledged to do something different that the season calls for, and that something was fishing for Smallmouth in the weedy areas with wacky worms. So after some discussion about fishing areas at the tackle shop and a purchase of wacky worms these three were off to test their skills at a new technique. When I walked up to their table at suppertime I found Tom eating his Raspberry Cobbler and Vanilla ice cream while studying a Little Vermilion Lake map. It ended up the technique new to Tom, Joel, and Leah worked as they caught about 30 Smallmouth Bass, Tom catching 18 himself including an 18.5” Master Anglers Award Smallie along with many others in the 15 to 17-inch range. To say the least they were very excited about their day, and after a quick purchase of more Wacky worms they were off after supper to try it again. Fifth and final day they went Wacky again and ended up catching a bunch more Smallmouth, mostly big, and included in the catch was each landing a Master Anglers Award Smallmouth between 18 to 18.5-inches. All left learning a new style of fishing and will certainly be planning strategy between now and their next fishing trip.
Make sure to go to our website listed below to see the 2010 Photos
For Fabulous Video, Wildlife Events, and Current Happenings go to our Social Sites Below.

FaceBook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fireside-Lodge/304211179043?v=wall

YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/FiresideLodgeFish

Twitter
http://twitter.com/FiresideFish

Hot Lures:
Catches of The Week. Musky one at 46”, one 42”, two 40”, one 39.5”, one 39”, one 38”
Northern Pike one at 40.5”. two at 40”, one 39.5”, two 38”
Smallmouth Bass: one 20”, one 19.25”, two 19”, two 18.75”, six 18.5”, two 18.25”, eleven at 18”
Well, that's it for this weeks Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report, Please stay tuned for next weeks report. Until then "Keep On Fish'n" Alan
http://www.firesidelodgefishing.com
http://www.firesidelodge.com
800-545-0815
Email at:fireside@xplornet.com

Fireside Lodge Fishing Report 7/17 to 7/31 2010

Fireside Lodge Fishing Report 7/17 to 7/31 2010


Hello from Fireside Lodge in Northwest Ontario, Canada.
Weather this week was variable never settling down. We would have quick hit storms move in and out bringing at first cool air then it would switch to sunny and warm. Anything but consistent, however it did not discourage Fireside Lodge Fishers. Everyone was doing the rain dance in the boat. What’s the rain dance?? That’s when you try to put on or take off your rain pants in the boat without taking your shoes off first. Oh ya, now you remember how to do this dance don’t you?
Brent and Angie Bostic from Hurricane, WV were back to Fireside Lodge for their 4th fishing trip. DOA these two caught some Smallmouth and Brent just missed a Master Anglers Smallmouth catching a 17.75-incher. First full day of fishing they caught 19 Smallmouth Bass. Second day we had extreme winds that affected everyone’s ability to just stay on the water, and to Brent and Angie’s credit they were only one of two boats to stay out until supper and caught 6 Pike & 3 Bass. Third day was fantastic as the caught 104 Northern Pike. Fourth day was suppose to be a Smallmouth Bass day in Closs however the bass were not cooperating so they started to fish for Muskie, had six nice follows and Brent landed a nice 36-inch Musky. Fifth day still had the Smallmouth stumping them catching 6, but did catch 24 Northern Pike. After asking for some direction we discussed the Smallmouth Bass being in the weeds as opposed to the rocks, and that was the strategy they were going to employ the next day. Well, things improved as they caught 19 very nice size bass from 15 to 17.5-inches and Brent caught a 36-inch Muskie on his popper with 8lb test. He also had a Muskie in the mid 40-inch range take a swipe at his surface bait. Seventh day these two found some BIG Smallmouth Bass in the weeds, and had fun catching their favorite freshwater fish. A special happening occurred with Brent & Angie when they seemingly both hooked a big Smallie at the same time and as each were fighting their fish there lines crossed and soon to be found out they both had the same Smallmouth hooked. After the joint landing the fish measured out to be an 18.5-inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. WOW, that has never happened before and since there was no precedent set with who’s fish it really was it was decided by a unanimous vote that each should get a Master Anglers Award for landing the fish however Angie will be listed first for two reasons. One being that ladies go first and second her alphabetic initials put her first. Great story and memory for their fishing log. Eighth day was a much slower day catching 7 Smallmouth Bass and 4 Pike. Ninth day was fabulous having fun catching 81 Northern Pike and the tenth and final day was a slower day but after totaling their catches they caught 326 total fish which is averaging almost 33 fish per day. I will take that over a 10 day run anytime. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge and hope to see Brent & Angie in 2012.
Jim Tate and Bob Soloman from Oshkosh & Sarona, WI were fishing at Fireside Lodge for their first time referred to us by good friend and Fireside Lodge guest Al Wortz. These two fellows literally had a rough first day as the winds were high and waves were about 4 foot in the open water. Not good for the first time ever on a lake. For the short day they managed to catch a few fish and learn some of the lake. Second day these two made up for lost time having their best fishing day ever as they caught over 70 Northern Pike having many doubles and Bob caught an 18-inch Master Anglers Award Trophy Smallmouth Bass. Third day was another fabulous day catching a lot of Pike & Smallmouth Bass some being 16 to 17-inches and Bob came up with the biggest Pike of the day measuring a fat 36-inches. The fish were pretty hard on their lures so the had to replenish at suppertime. Their fourth and final day was a knock out as they caught over 80 Northern Pike and Bob landed his first ever Muskie. Great finish to a fabulous fishing trip for these two friends.

Long time return guests Tim Bergen, sons, Joey, Adam, and nephew Tim Komenda from Orland Park and Hickory Hills, IL were back fishing at Fireside Lodge. DOA Tim B had a huge Muskie explode on his surface lure right at boat side. After fighting it for several minutes and getting it half in the net the fish did a typical Muskie roll flipping off the hook and waved goodbye with its tail. Also, Joey had a BIG Musky hooked and after a brief fight it got off, but he did catch a nice 33-inch Pike. First full day was a great day fishing and catching as they caught a bunch of nice Pike in the 26 to 32-inch range plus Adam caught a 29” Musky and his first Master Anglers Award Smallmouth Bass measuring 18.25-inches, and Joey caught a huge 38-inch Muskie. Second day they mixed it up a bit catching lots of numbers early in the day, 60 Pike between the two boats. Later in the day while fishing for larger fish they caught a good number of over 30-inch Pike, and Joey had another big Muskie on, but flipped out of the net and got away. Third day in Adams words was “GREAT” as they caught bigger Pike 30 to 34–inches and Tim Bergen cashed in on a fathers day gift given to him from his kids as he caught a BIG 37-inch Northern Pike on a Polish Pike. This was purchased for him from our tackle shop by Joe & Adam when they wee 10 or 11 years old, as their tradition was to buy their dad his fathers day gift from our tackle shop. Fourth and final day was a slower day than the other three in that they would only catch a fish or two at each spot, however after dinner Adam and Tim K went for a final go at a trophy fish and while using top water baits Adam had a GIANT mid 40 inch Pike come up after his bait, but did not make a hook up. Both were very pumped when returning to tell us their story at the lodge. They left talking of returning next year after college plans for Adam and Joe were settled, and all left making some GREAT family fishing memories together.
Grandpa George Cavanuagh From Palm City, FL Father and son Mike & Danny Houston from Jensen Beach, FL Brady Marcum and Luke Lopiccolo from Ukiah, CA were all fishing at Fireside Lodge for their first time. First day ever on our lake system this family had a great fishing and catching day. They caught Smallmouth Bass & Northern Pike, some bass being 17.5-inches and pike up to 29-inches. They mixed it up on presentation and lure type using spinners, plastic, and surface baits. George loves to see those Bass jump so he was using surface and trying to make them jump. Second day was even better as they caught a lot of Northern Pike & Smallmouth Bass and the most exciting moment was hearing Brady & Danny express their top water experience with Danny catching 17 Smallmouth up to 17-inches and Brady landing 11 with one just missing a Master Anglers Award measuring 17.75-inches. These were all on poppers and torpedo lures.
Third an final day had them catching a lot more Smallmouth 12 to 17-inches and a few Pike, but the biggest catch of all for this family was the memories mad between three generations and I applaud Grandpa George for making all this happen. Go to our YoueTube channel to see George catch a BIG Smallie.

Father and son Mike and Andy Pritzl from Caledonia and Racine WI. Were back for their sixth time. DOA was a windy day and got started by catching 6 Pike and a Smallmouth. First full day was fabulous catching 96 Northern Pike and 6 Smallmouth Bass 16 to 17.5-inches. Second day was a good fishing day catching both Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike with Mike catching his personal best Pike measuring a fat 33-inches. Third and final day (boy a 3 day package goes fast) was similar to the second catching a mix of nice Smallmouth and Pike and Mike had a huge fish on he just could not get to the boat as it kept giving him very strong & violent head shakes until it finally threw Mike’s lure. Disappointed? Yes! Was Mike glad he had the opportunity to catch this fish? Double Yes!! Both Mike and Andy did go home with the biggest catch any father and son could ever want, which the memories made by spending this important time together that is very hard to duplicate during our every day life. Congrats to both for their efforts to spend quality time together.Jerry and Wanda Miller from Erwin, TN who have been long time guests since 1995 returned for the second time this year. First day Jerry’s guiding abilities on Little Vermilion Lake shinned through as Wanda and him had a great day catching fish landing 15+ Northern Pike and over 30 Smallmouth Bass with a lot being 15t o 17.5-inches. Jerry also lost an over 40-inch Musky. Second day was BIG Smallmouth day as they caught over 30 with only two under 15-inches, and Jerry caught the biggest Smallmouth of his life landing a HUGE 20.25” Master Anglers Award Trophy. WOW, what a fish!!!! Third day was another very good Smallmouth Bass day catching less than 20 but all quality, landing 4 Master Anglers Trophy Smallmouth, Wanda with one at 18-inches and Jerry with three, two being 19-inches and a third at 19.25”. When Wanda was catching her 18-inch Trophy Smallmouth they had a double catch with Jerry landing a BIG 17.5” Smallmouth at the same time. Fourth day was about 9 Pike and 15 Smallmouth with most Smallies between 14 and 17-inches. Fifth day was a FABULOUS top-water day as 15-20 Smallmouth were caught and many more entertained Jerry & Wanda as the Bass would slap at and hit their surface baits so hard the lure would come completely out of the water. Sixth day had Jerry and Wanda in before noon after catching a few fish. They decided to just slowly pack and enjoy the rest of their last day sitting in their cabin, watching the Hummingbirds and soaking up their last moments in our Boreal Forest Wilderness Setting. Both made wonderful memories and decided to return in 2011 during the same dates.
Rob Delamatre and Al Fishhaber from Sandusky & Northwood, OH returned for their 7th time. After the first day fishing I asked Rob how they did and at first he said it was a slower day and continued to tell me they caught 25-30 Northern Pike. Well, if that’s a slow day at Fireside Lodge that just shows what Al & Rob are use to catching. Second day was everything but slow as they caught over 100 Northern Pike, and Rob tied into a BIG BOY landing a 45-inch Muskie on a plastic tube. Fourth day was a very good day catching Northern Pike everywhere they went, not having the numbers of the previous day, but all were nice size fish and Rob did it again catching a big 38-inch Musky. I think Al’s guiding fees just went up? Fifth day was a great day Muskie fishing having over 20 follows and Al landed a 39.5-inch thick fish. They also caught some big Smallmouth Rob landing a 20” Trophy estimated at 6lbs. Last day was a mix of fast action and fun catching about 40 Pike by 1:00 PM, and then they fished for bigger toothy critters, having success everywhere they fished. Many fish over 30” were caught along with some nice 16-17.5” Smallmouth Bass. They left as fast as they came, and before departing said they would call us in November to make arrangements for 2011.
Three generations of father/son George & Josh Carney and Grandpa Tom Miller all from Madison, WI returned to Fireside Lodge for their 7th consecutive year. Just getting started on their DOA they caught some nice Pike before supper, two biggest being 32 and 33-inches. First day these three caught enough fish to be excited to tell their stories at suppertime. Second day was fabulous catching well over 50 Pike and they caught a lot of over 30-inchers up to 36-inches. Third day was interesting as we had waves of storms coming in and out of the area and they would get some great action just before and as these waves of weather came through. They caught some very good size Smallies of 16 to 17.5-inches, and Josh & George both caught Master Anglers Award Smallmouth being 18-inches. Fourth day they caught a good number of fish always having some action. Fifth day they caught a bunch of nice Pike. Sixth and final day was a Musky / Smallmouth day and did they ever finish strong. First they caught a lot of Smallmouth Bass some topping the 17 to 17.5-inch mark, and both George and Josh caught Musky George’s being a Tiger Muskie at 28-inches and Josh landed a BIG 38-inch Muskie. Great finish to another GREAT three generations fishing trip.
Nick Thomas from Salem, VA headed a group of brother Bill from Indianapolis, IN Ron Henley, Melvin Carter, David Plunkett, & Greg Hudson from New Castle, Radford, & Pembroke, VA who were returning for their third consecutive year except for Bill as it was his first. First day fishing all caught fish and had a good day. The highlight of this day was watching the excitement of Nick telling his story of an 18-inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth hitting his lure on the surface in an explosion. He said it was the most exciting Smallmouth fight he ever had. Second day was gangbusters for all with Greg and Marvin having the best day catching 127 fish with 123 being Northern Pike of all sizes and 4 Smallmouth Bass. Marvin Landed his largest ever and first Master Anglers Award Smallie measuring a HUGE 19.5-inches. This was fitting as it was Greg’s birthday and Marvin said that Greg kept repeating that it was his best birthday ever. Third day had all six catching lots and lots of fish mostly being Northern Pike but Ron and David did catch a lot of Smallmouth and both landed Master Anglers Award Smallies measuring over 18-inches. You could tell these guys caught a lot of Pike as they were at my tackle shop buying a lot of replacement lures that got torn up from catching fish. Fourth day was another good catching day for a lot of Northern Pike, Smallmouth and a few Muskie. Nick and Bill also caught some Z-Fish as they came in at 1:30 to refresh themselves with a good old fashion afternoon nap. This group at the end of their fourth day caught so many fish that injury reports started to filter in with Ron being on the probable list for their last day with two fish thumbs. I’m sure Ron will just wrap them in electrical tape and show up for their last day of fishing. The final day was a very strong fishing for Greg & David as they caught between 40-50 Smallmouth each using every last Fluke they had. This last day was cut a little short as we received torrential rains around suppertime that continued through the evening. There was still one last die-hard that went out in this down pour and I am sure you could guess that it was Ron. As he handed his wet money to me to pay his balance Ron said he was going out fishing despite the heavy rain because he was soaked to the bone anyway. He even waved the white flag but not until he was totally soaked. All had a great trip and were talking about returning in 2011.
Fran and Colleen Stack from Lorain, OH returned for their 7th consecutive year and for their first of two trips for 2010. First day on the water they caught 59 total fish, 57 Northern Pike and Fran caught a 34.5-inch Muskie and Colleen landed a 35.5-inch Tiger Musky. Great first day. Second day had them catching some Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass. Third day was a portage for Muskie and Smallmouth each landing a smaller Muskie and they caught some nice big Smallies, Fran coming up with two Mater Anglers Award Smallmouth just over 18-inches. Fourth day was super fast action day as the caught 44 Northern Pike. Fifth and final day had them catching 14 Northern Pike and 11 Smallmouth Bass, and after supper while just trying to have fun catching some smaller Pike Fran tied into what was estimated at a close to 40-inch Northern Pike. Colleen on her second attempt to cradle this giant had the fish take of in a burst, tail walking up the cradle and while shaking it’s head, mouth wide open, it shook the hook and ran into Colleen’s forearm biting down and causing wounds on both sides of her arm. Boy it’s getting rough out there! After some first aid they both were on their way having a great fishing war story to tell everyone at home. We will see Fran and Colleen again in September when they will be returning for a second fishing adventure at Fireside Lodge in 2010.
Jim McCollum Sr, sons Jim and Ryan and Jim Havlin all from Orland Hills, IL were back fishing at Fireside Lodge for their fourth time. First day was unbelievable as they caught 96 Northern Pike. WOW!!!! Second day was a slower day but the third day picked up catching about 20 Pike per boat. Fourth and final day had these guys catching Northern Pike and some Smallmouth Bass all day long. Can’t beat consistent action all day long, however Ryan was after the BIG BOY and was hoping to accomplish this on their last evening fish. His words exactly were “Go Big or Go Home”. Ryan said he had a great fishing trip even though the Big Fish eluded him and guess what?? He went home, but not before making great memories together as a group. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge and hope to see these guys back in the future.
Make sure to go to our website listed below to see the 2010 Photos
For Fabulous Video, Wildlife Events, and Current Happenings go to our Social Sites Below.

FaceBook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fireside-Lodge/304211179043?v=wall

YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/FiresideLodgeFish

Twitter
http://twitter.com/FiresideFish


Hot Lures: Blue Fox Spinner, Surface Popper, Surface Pop Bait, Pop-R, Chug Bug, Storm Swim Baits, Tubes, Live Leeches, Mepps Spinner

Catches of The Week: Smallmouth Bass 20.25”, 20”, 19.5”, 19.25”, two 19”, five 18.5”, two 18.25”, six 18”
Northern Pike many 33-36” & 40” plus biting pike got away
Muskie 45”, 39.5”, two 38”, 36”


Well, that's it for this weeks Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report, Please stay tuned for next weeks report. Until then "Keep On Fish'n" Alan
http://www.firesidelodgefishing.com
http://www.firesidelodge.com
800-545-0815
Email at:fireside@xplornet.com