Fishing Reports at Fireside Lodge: August 2015

Friday, August 28, 2015

Fireside Lodge Fishing Report 8/15 to 8/22 2015

Terrific Fishing For BIG Muskie at Fireside Lodge by Matt Holesinger

This week started out with our hottest day of the year & everyone wishing for a cool down. What’s the old saying “Watch What You Ask For”. Well they got it as we had two cold fronts bringing heavy cold rain. The fishing usually does not fair well in those conditions but our guests toughed it out catching some nice fish.

Super Fishing for Trophy Smallmouth Bass at Fireside Lodge by Brian Reames

Father / Son Brian & William Reames from Nashville, TN returned for their 3^rd trip with Brian’s good friend David Murphy & son Thomas from Richmond, VA for their 1^st visit.

Fly Fishing for Pike at Fireside Lodge is a BLAST by William

1^st day was a very good day as this group caught Smallmouth Bass and a few Northern Pike with both Brian & Thomas coming up big, each landing a Trophy Smallmouth Bass. 2^nd day they faced a severe cold front with strong winds but did better than expected catching Smallmouth Bass & Pike. Just Brian & William alone landed 21 Smallies & 3 Northern Pike.

Smallmouth Bass are HUGE Fishing at Fireside Lodge

3^rd & final day was FANTASTIC catching 66 fish, most Northern Pike, along with several Smallmouth Bass. All left have a great time making many father & son memories.

GIANT 20-inch Trophy Smallmouth Bass by Pat Fishing at Fireside Lodge

Life long friends Larry Hinshaw & Pat Hobson from Blue Grass, IA & Elwood, IN returned for their 8^th year. 1^st day they caught plenty of Smallmouth Bass with a mix of sizes including several 17.5”ers and Pat caught a HUGE 19.5” Trophy.

BIG Northern Pike caught Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Larry

2^nd day was spent battling high winds with cold front conditions. They managed to catch a dozen Samllmouth but it was with a lot of Rock’n & Roll’n. 3^rd day they thought of using the drop shot technique to gain more line control on a 2nd windy day & it worked well for them catching about 20 Smallmouth Bass. 4^th day was super as they caught a lot of BIG Smallmouth Bass & lost count after 30. Larry caught 1 Trophy Smallmouth at 18.5” but Pat landed 5 Trophy Smallmouth a 20”, 2 at 19.5” & 2 measuring 18.5”.

19.5" Trophy Smallmouth one of five in one day Fishing at Fireside Lodge

5^th day they faced a severe cold front, high winds, & heavy rain, which brought these two avid anglers in by noon waving the white flag. 6^th day despite the cold front conditions they managed 21 Smallmouth Bass & a few Pike. 7^th day was tougher getting the bass to bite catching 10. Last day Pat did great & according to Larry after he showed Pat how it was done. Both enjoyed their trip making more fishing memories together.

19.5-inch Trophy Smallmouth Bass by Don Fishing at Fireside Lodge

Returning for their 9^th consecutive year were Audrey, Don & Matt

Audrey Fishing Trophy Smallmouth Bass

Holesinger from Fulton & Roscoe, IL DOA Smallmouth were the main objective and while catching some Matt was surprise when a large 37” Muskie ate his sinking worm. The fight was on & Matt succeeded in landing this beast with a light rod, & 8lb test. 1^st day was a tough cold front day with heavy winds doing well catching Smallmouth Bass & a few Pike despite the conditions. 2^nd day they caught 21, with a lot being Big, Audrey

Terrific Fishing for Trophy Smallmouth Bass at Fireside Lodge by Matt

Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Fireside Lodge

caught an 18.5” Trophy & Matt had 2 measuring 18.5 & 19.5”. 3^rd day was absolutely super as they caught 63 fish, 49 Pike & 14 Smallmouth Bass with Don landing 2 Trophy size at 18 & 19”, but Audrey had the catch of the day with her 19.5” Trophy Smallmouth Bass. 4^th & final day they were met with a severe cold front, high winds with heavy rain. Most were in by noon, but these 3 fished until 3PM catching 21 Smallmouth Bass & 2 Pike. All departed having great family vacation making many wonderful memories.

Great BIG 1st ever Northern Pike by Crystal Fishing at Fireside Lodge

John & Monica Ziegler from Union Hall, VA returned for their 6^th time

Enormous 20-inch Trophy Smallmouth Bass

bringing son Dan & Crystal Mullins from Rock Mount, VA for their 1^st visit. 1^st day they were greeted with windy cold front conditions but with experience on their side John & Monica were able to find fishable spots to catch some nice size Northern Pike. In fact Dan & Crystal caught there first ever Pike with Crystal’s 2^nd Pike being a big 35”er. 2^nd day John said he

BIG Smallmouth Bass in Doubles

Father & Son Fishing Trophy Smallmouth Bass

Monica with a Trophy Smallmouth Bass

experienced the best single day Smallmouth Bass fishing ever loosing count after 50 all being big with countless 17-17.5”ers, John, Dan, & Crystal all caught an 18”, but Crystal had the fish of the day with a GIANT 20” Smallmouth Bass. 3^rd day was very good catching 27 Smallmouth Bass and 3 Northern Pike. 4^th day it turned cold, with heavy rain & high winds again but they still managed to catch fish & Dan came up with a HUGE 19” Smallmouth Bass on a 3/4oz spoon of all things. 5^th day fishing

Monica and Crystal with a Double of BIG Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Fireside Lodge

continued to be affected by the cold front however they caught some

First Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing by Dan

SB & Pike & Dan caught another Trophy 18” SB. 6^th day was great as they got right into the Smallmouth Bass again catching 16-17.5” fish, Monica landed a Trophy 18”, & Crystal caught a big 36” Northern Pike. This was Crystal & Brian’s last day & left having a great 1^st experience. 7^th & 8^th days John & Monica missed having Dan & Crystal in the boat with them as the continued having good fishing catching Smallmouth up to 17.5”. The left with some tears of happiness for the wonderful memories made, & tears of sadness that it was over.


Trophy 42-inch Northern Pike Fishing by Walt LaCasse at Fireside Lodge

Trophy Northern Pike Release Fishing at Fireside Lodge

Long time twice a year Guest Walt LaCasse from Minnetonka, MN

Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing by Keeghan at Fireside Lodge

was back again this year with his Grandson Keeghan (13) for their 7^th trip together. DOA before supper they caught 8 Northern Pike & Walt picked up where he left off on his June trip catching his 3^rd Trophy Northern Pike this year at Fireside Lodge measuring 42”. 1^st day was a good day fishing catching both Northern Pike & Smallmouth Bass & Keeghan landed a beauty 18.5” Master Anglers Award Trophy. 2^nd day found them back at the dock before noon as a severe cold front (high of 54) heavy rain with high winds made it very difficult to fish so both had a long nap before supper.

Surface Fishing for BIG Northern Pike at Fireside Lodge by Keeghan

3^rd day they caught numbers of Pike during the day & in the evening caught some bigger fish with Keeghan having a big 34” Northern Pike hit his popping frog ending the trip on a high note. Both made great memories & before departing Walt reserved their dates for 2016.

GREAT Fishing for Trophy Smallmouth Bass at Fireside Lodge by Doug

Cousins Frank & Doug Kerr from Plainfield, IN & Henrico, NC returned for their 5^th consecutive year. 1^st day was a terrific start to their trip catching 56 Smallmouth Bass including several trophies over 18”. 2^nd day was a cold wash out having heavy rain, cold temps & high winds. 3^rd day was slow because of the sever cold

Frank Loves Fishing those Trophy Smallmouth Bass at Fireside Lodge

front but they managed to catch 9 SB and a few Pike. 4^th day they caught fish but the bass still seemed off from the front. 5^th day things started to recover & they finished strong catching 25 nice size Smallmouth including Doug landing a Master Anglers Award Trophy Smallmouth Bass measuring 19”. Before departure they were already discussing possible dates for 2016.

Awesome Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Crystal

Here for their first visit was Dave & Doug Byrum, Muncie, IN. & Brighton, MI with Dan Phelps Somerset, KY . DOA & 1^st full day they were met with tough cold front conditions with heavy rain & high winds & for 1^st timers did well catching a mix of Smallmouth Bass & Northern Pike, plus had a ball having conversation & laughs. 2^nd day they had a great day catching Pike & Smallmouth Bass with a good number of them being over 16”. 3^rd & final day they had a great day catching many Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass ending on a strong note. Dave said they all had a thoroughly enjoyable trip fishing & enjoying each other’s company, plus the bonus of meeting other guests during their stay.

Trip Through Creek to Cedarbough Lake Fishing at Fireside Lodge

Make sure to go to our website below to see some GREAT Fish Photos. For Fabulous Fishing Video, Wildlife Events, and Current Happenings go to our Social Sites Below.

Beautiful Big Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Fireside Lodge

Hot Lures: Sinking Worm, Spoons, Tube Jigs, Mepps, Blue Fox Spinner

Catches of The Week: 42 Northern Pike, 37” Clear Muskie, 27 Master Anglers Award Trophy Smallmouth Bass 2 at 20”, 5 at 19.5”, 4 at 19” the rest measuring 18-18.75”.

Beautiful Sunset at Fireside Lodge

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

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Fireside Lodge Fishing Report 8/8 to 8/15 2015

GIANT Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Tyler Heath

This week was a mixed bag having a few warm days, a few average days but the fish were on catching numbers and size.

Nice Muskie fishing by Andy at Fireside Lodge

Returning group since 1994 of Mike Strohl, Jay Lind, Indian Trail &

Muskie Have HUGE Girth Fishing at Fireside Lodge

Mattews NC. Jeff Lind, Liverpool, NY. Mike Muir, Knoxville, TN. & Andrew & Thomas Hurdman Chester, NJ & Jacksonville, FL 1^st day this group accounted for over 35 fish per boat or 105+ fish mostly Northern Pike. 2^nd day was a tremendous day as a group catching 250 Northern Pike several Smallmouth Bass & Andy caught a 35” Muskie.

Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing by Tom at Fireside Lodge

3^rd day they all did well catching 30-40 fish per boat, Tom landed a Giant Trophy 20”+ Smallmouth, & Mike M with Jeff while Muskie fishing hooked 4 & landed 2 very nice Musky in the mid 30” range. Many of the Pike caught were 30-36”, Mike S coming up with the largest at 37.5”. 4^th & final day was terrific Pike catching day as they said they landed over 50 each making the total over 300 in one day for the group.

Great Fishing for BIG Pike at Fireside Lodge by Tom

Returning for his their 2^nd time were father & sons Tom, Jim, & Jeff

Jeff with a Big Northern Pike Fishing at Fireside Lodge

McGlade from Palatine, IL. 1^st day was great catching 34 fish being a mix of Northern Pike & Smallmouth & Jim landed the largest Pike at 34” with Tom landing the biggest Smallmouth at 18” & 17.5”. 2^nd day was even better catching 51 fish mostly Pike 90% being 28-34”plus the biggest was Jim’s at 36.5”. Jeff also lost a

Double Pike catche Fishing at Fireside Lodge

big fish & had some large follows & all finised the day with a triple Pike catch on their last cast. It was also a special day being Tom’s birthday, and ended with all three siting on the screened in porch, having great conversation between father & sons, while seeing about 30 shooting stars, That’s a moment for the memory book. 3^rd & final day was there best day catching 48 Northern Pike with a lot being 30-35”. All left having had a wonderful stay & hope to return in the near future.

Huge 39-inch Northern Pike Fishing by Ron at Fireside Lodge

Double 16" Smallmouth Bass on 1 cast

Ron Vincent from Sherrills Ford, NC returned for his 16^th consecutive year bringing his son Jake from San Francisco, CA. 1^st day was terrific catching over 45 fish mostly nice size Northern Pike with Jake loosing a monster near the boat plus Jake landed 2 Trophy Smallmouth Bass at 18 & 18.5”. Also, Ron managed to catch 2-16 inch Smallmouth on a Chug Bug on one cast. 2^nd day had them catching 20+ Smallmouth 15-17.5” and three Muskie at

Jake Fishing BIG Muskie at Fireside Lodge

34, 35, & 37”. 3^rd day was absolutely fabulous as they caught 70-80

Trophy Smallmouth Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Ron

Northern Pike while seeing a Bull Moose with a rack partially shedding its velvet. 4^th day they did well on Smallmouth Bass each landing Trophy Smallmouth Bass over 18” plus Ron caught a BIG 39” Northern Pike. Next day was with focus on Muskie each catching one, Ron’s being the largest at 37.5”, plus they caught Pike

Show me the Musky Fishing by Ron At Fireside Lodge

Jake with a Trophy Smallmouth Bass

& each landed a trophy Smallmouth Bass. 6^th day Jake started with a nice Muskie then they caught a bunch of Pike & had follows from the biggest Muskie Ron ever saw. Last day was a good one catching 40+Pike & 20+ Smallies & Ron had Big Daddy or his brother hooked for a only a minute. Both left making a lifetime of memories & Ron intends on returning in 2016 with his wife Lisa.

Trophy Smallmouth Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Ron

Brothers Bob & John Zukas from Baltimore, MD returned for their 3^{rd

21-inch Trophy Smallmouth Bass by John Fishing} time. 1^st day they caught a total of 38 fish, 15 SB with the rest being Pike & John caught 2 Trophy Smallmouth at 18.5 & a GIANT 21”er. Unfortunately both had to depart the next day because of an unexpected situation. We very much appreciated them being here & have since been in communication with Bob & both made it home safely.

John with a 40-inch Tiger Muskie fishing at Fireside Lodge

Big Pike are Common Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Randy

Greg Benton, John McDonough, Randy Genord with his sons Dane &

First Pike Fly Fishing by Dane at Fireside Lodge

Ryan all from Grand Blanc, MI were back for their___ time. 1^st day they did well catching many good Pike while in pursuit of a Trophy Musky, & Dane caught his 1^st Northern Pike Fly-Fishing, a nice 29”er. 2^nd day was spent catching some Pike & Dane landed a nice 36” Musky on a Bull Dog. John & Greg’s day ended with and exciting double on


Great Musky catching by Ryan Fishing at Fireside Lodge

Ryan with a BIG Northern Pike Fishing at Fireside Lodge

Northern Pike. 3^rd day while trying a method of targeting open water baitfish Greg caught a 38” Pike & John landed a 40” Tiger Musky plus all caught a bunch of Pike. 4^th day Randy, Dane & Ryan caught 12 Pike 30-35” & had 10 follows from big Muskie with John & Greg doing about the same however John saw a fish that Greg lost saying whatever it was it was huge.

Muskie Fishing is Fantastic by Greg

5^th & final day was another good day catching Pike & Ryan ended their trip with a nice 35” Musky on a new lure he bought from my tackle shop. When saying goodbye’s Greg said the countdown has started and is 359 days & counting until their 2017 trip.

Muskie Man Dane with a Nice Musky Fishing at Fireside Lodge

Tyler Tennant from Lakeway, TX returned for his 13^th trip along with

Nothing Like Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing

brother Warren, from Bellaire, TX for his 2^nd visit. After two days of searching for MR Big on the 3^rd day they had fun catching a bunch of Northern Pike & Smallmouth Bass. 4^th day these two caught a lot of fish being a mix of NP & SB again but could not hook up with the big fish that were following their lures. 5^th day was another good action day on Smallmouth Bass & Northern Pike up to the mid 30” range. 5^th day they had a ball catching Many Pike 28 to 35”, seeing some huge Muskie. Warren thought it odd spotting two logs under water laying parallel to each other when one started swimming away Warren realized one of the logs was a very large Muskie. Both left having a great time making some new entries to there fishing log for future reference.

Leon Musky Fishing in Closs Lake at Fireside Lodge

Trophy Fishing Smallmouth Bass by Andy

Long time return guest Leon Robbins was back with his group Andy Thomasson, Justine Sebastian, & Tyler Heath from Yadkinville, Cary, Mt Holly, & New London, NC. Early morning 1^st day Andy caught a huge 19.5” trophy Smallmouth. After breakfast they struggled until noon and then started to hit on Pike catching close to 30 per boat. 2^nd day they focused on Musky fishing doing great catching 5 as a group,

Great Tiger Musky catch by Justine Fishing at Fireside Lodge

Justine, along with landing 3 Muskie caught, a big 35” Pike & both Andy & Leon caught Trophy Smallmouth Bass . 3^rd day was all about concentrating on Muskie again & sticking with it proved worthy as they had only 2 hours out of 12 that were active, but caught 8 Muskie during that time. Leon was unstoppable as he landed 6 of the 8.

Tyler Fishing BIG Muskie at Fireside Lodge

4^th day Tyler started with a bang landing a HUGE 20” Smallmouth Bass in the morning while the rest of the day was filled with a lot of Northern Pike action. 5^th & final day they finished strong catching so many pike the lost count. All left having a great time and hope to return in 2016.

Great Trophy Smallmouth Bass by Mike Fishing at Fireside Lodge

The repeat family group of Mike & Dawn Baker Nakoosa, WI, Bill & Jane Pierce and Randy & Nancy Gentz Ellijay, GA, Terry & Jason Baker Oak Creek, WI & Adam Baker Cudahy, Wi were all very happy to be back which was evident from the laughter in the dinning room.

Fun Family Fishing at Fireside Lodge for Northern Pike by Nancy

1st day was loads of fun catching fish & Mike had a scary Muskie

Thumbs Up to Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing

follow saying it was at least 50”. Nancy won the Big fish of the day contest with her 33” fat Pike. 2^nd day they had a lot of Muskie follows, Nancy loosing a HUGE Musky in the netting process, Jason caught a Trophy 40” Northern Pike, Mike a Trophy 18.75” Smallmouth Bass, plus had some fast action on Pike & Smallmouth Bass after supper. 3^rd day was a great day number

Terry with a Trophy Smallmouth Bass

wise as a group catching about 60 fish, most being Pike, & Jason landed a trophy 19.5”Smallmouth Bass which put him in play for the trifecta. 4^th day before breakfast Jason caught his 2^nd 40” Pike in hunt for the trophy Muskie trying to be the 1^st to accomplish a trifecta Master Anglers Award for all 3 species. 5^th & final day was spectacular as a group catching well over 100 Northern Pike & a few Smallmouth Bass including an 18.5” for both Terry & Jason.

Giant Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Jason

All left having had a wonderful family fishing vacation & hope to do it all over again in 2017.

My First Muskie Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Billy

Friends Bill Winland & Gerry Kleinhenz from Massillon & Del Roy, OH

BIG Smallmouth Bass are a BLAST to catch Fishing at Fireside Lodge

were first time guests. 1^st day these two caught over 20+ Pike and 6 Smallmouth Bass with Gerry catching a Big Trophy size Smallmouth. 2^nd day they were in search of Muskie having some great Musky follows but could not hook up on one, however they did catch some nice Pike. Day 3 was great catching Pike in pursuit of a Musky & Billy found one. After a good fight & having it netted the fish thrashed and got out of the net leaving his lure behind. This was Billy’s 1^st Musky catch going about 36”. 4^th & final day was all about Musky again seeing lots of follows, some very big, & Billy ended up catching 2, largest being 35”. Both had a great time & Billy hopes to return with his wife in 2016.

First ever Muskie Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Bob

Back were David Henry & son Jacob St Charles, IL 4^th time, Bob Mezo Dixon, IL 3^rd time, & Tom Traveny Hershy, PA.

Fabulous Fun Fishing at Fireside Lodge for Tiger Muskie by Tim

2^nd time. DOA all had some Musky follows, caught Pike & SB & Tim set the BIG FISH bar by landing a 35” Muskie & Northern Pike. 1^st day was a “WOW Day” as a group landing 92 Northern Pike.

Love Northern Pike Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Jacob

2^nd day they were in search for Muskie which was a success as Tim caught a big Tiger Muskie, Dave landing a 33” and Jacob caught 2 Musky. That’s 5 Muskie for this group in 2 days. 3^rd & final day had them catching 50+ Pike & Bob caught his 1^st ever Musky. All left having had a ball & are already planning a return trip.

Musky Fishing by David at Fireside Lodge

Make sure to go to our website below to see some GREAT Fish Photos. For Fabulous Fishing Video, Wildlife Events, and Current Happenings go to our Social Sites Below.