Fishing Reports at Fireside Lodge

Monday, August 11, 2014

Fireside Lodge Fishing Report 7/19 to 8/2 2014

Trophy Tiger Musky Fishing by Paul Barlak at Fireside Lodge Canada

The weather this week was “FABULOUS” being mostly in the 70’s and the fishing our guests experienced was fun with fast action at times.

Fly Fishing for Trophy Northern Pike by Dale Fulton at Fireside Lodge Canada

Returning for their 2nd consecutive year was Paul Barlak, Jeff

Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing by John Barlak at Fireside Lodge Canada

Wensing, & Pat Swinger from Broadview Hts, Strongsville, & Fairview

Fishing Northern Pike in a Canoe at Fireside Lodge Canada

Park, OH brother John Barlack from Seven Hills, & Phil Billick From Lower Salem, OH. 1st day Paul caught a 40” Tiger Muskie in his first 5 casts & the other big fish of the day was Pat landing a 36” Northern Pike. 2^nd day was a portage adventure with Pat, John, & Jeff catching well over 100

Great Smallmouth Bass & Northern Pike Fishing in Canada

Northern Pike in Booger Lake while Paul & Phil fished George Lake in a canoe catching 20+ Pike 26-35”. 3^rd day was just a crazy Northern Pike catching day as they caught well over 100 fish. 4^th day was BIG fish wager day. All caught many Pike between 26-29” & the winner was Phil. 5^th & final day was unreal as they caught a minimum of 150 Northern Pike between them & Jeff landed 2 trophy Smallmouth Bass measuring 18” & 19”. Fabulous finish to a great trip.

Muskie Fishing At Fireside Lodge Canada by Ronna Fulton

Dale & Ronna Fulton from Cotter, AR returned to enjoy our Canadian Wilderness Fishing again. 1^st 1.5 days were spent on the water 90% of the daylight hours catching plenty of Northern Pike. 2^nd day was a great day as Ronna caught everything on a Fireside Lodge spinner from years gone by. She caught Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike & a Muskie on this lure & both caught many fishing all day long. Dale was Fly-Fishing having his best action on large streamers. 3^rd & final day was a trip into Closs for Joe Fulton, Dale’s father. Being a Muskie fisher Joe always fished Closs for 1 day & Dale said they could not be at Fireside Lodge without fishing this lake. They did but no Muskie were in the cards, however Dale did catch a HUGE 40” Northern Pike while Fly-Fishing. Both had a blast & hope to return in the near future.

1st Muskie Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Roy in Canada

Returning for their 2^nd year were Steve Mason from Burlington, ON, Helen Knowles from Fergus, ON, Travis Audet from St Louis, MO & Roy Zancanella from Golden, CO. 1^st day was great all catching a lot of Northern Pike with the big story being when Roy lost his fishing

Bass Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Helen Knowles

rod & reel. He laid his rod down & a Pike hit his lure & dragged it into the lake with him & Helen watching in amazement. 2^nd day was unreal for Musky fishing as Helen & Roy teamed up to catching 4 Muskie. Roy caught his 1^st, 2^nd, & 3^rd Muskie of his life. Both Steve & Helen caught their 1^st ever Muskie last year. Also, after supper Steve had great top-water action landing a trophy 18” Smallmouth Bass. 3^rd day was a good Smallmouth day for all. 4^th day had Helen & Roy doing excellent catching bigger Northern Pike in the 28-32” range & Roy was very excited catching these fish on his 99-cent lure. 5^th & final day was a wonderful finish as they caught many Smallmouth Bass, mixed in a few Northern Pike & visited Twin Falls on a nearly perfect day as stated by Helen.

Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Fireside Lodge Canada by Jon

Long time guests since 1995 Alan & Jon Wohlman from North Brook & Glenview, IL returned. 1^st2 days were good fishing but Alan said they had to work for them. They caught a mix of Smallmouth & Northern Pike landing some good size Smallies. 3^rd day was super as

20" Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Fireside Lodge

they caught over 30 Big Smallmouth Bass, Jon landing a trophy 18.5”er. 4^th day had them catching all the Pike they wanted landing well over 50 while in search for BIG Smallmouth living in the weeds. They were also successful with this as they caught 4 trophies over 18” up to 19”. 5^th day was a 20 fish day catching a mix of Pike & SB however they finished on their 6^th day with over 50 Northern Pike & Alan landed a “HUGE” 20-inch trophy Smallmouth Bass. Both left making yet another set of father & son memories fishing together & reserved their week for 2015 before departing.

Trophy 19.5" Smallmouth Bass Fishing by Barbara at Fireside Lodge Canada

Ray & Barbara Glass from Houston, TX returned for their 2^nd consecutive year. DOA they went right out and caught 6 Pike & 3 SB in the short time before supper. 1^st 2 days they weren’t jumping in

50+ Pike in a day Fishing at Fireside Lodge Canada by Ray

the boat but had a great time catching 15 Northern Pike & 4 SB. Another milestone was Ray catching his first Muskie. 3^rd day the fish turned on as they caught 45 Northern Pike having a few doubles. Their smiles at suppertime told the whole story. 4^th & 5^th days was fabulous Northern Pike fishing as they landed 44 and 55 respectively and Barbara caught a giant trophy Smallmouth Bass measuring 19-inches. Both left having a wonderful time making memories together.

Family Fishing Muskie at Fireside Lodge Canada by Gavin Ranquist

Joe Bognanno III group of son Gianluca, dad Joe Jr, Mike Sliverman

My 1st Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing

& son Nick, Paul Bognanno, Mark Roth, Kim Woodward, Joe Bellono, Mario Bognanno Sr, Mario Jr, & Mike, & father & sons Ed Ranquist Sr, Ed Jr, Gavin, & Mick from Boston, MA Canandaigua, NY Dallas, TX West Des Moines & Des Moines, IA Sacramento & Lee Vining, CA Minneapolis, MN Tucson, AZ Philadelphia, PA Michiana, IN & Downers Grove, IL. 1^st day many exciting happenings occurred as Joe III, Joe Jr & Gianluca portaged &


Great Walleye Fishing at Fireside Lodge Canada by Joe

Biggest Pike Ever caught at Fireside Lodge by Gianluca

caught many pike & 2 walleye, Ed, Ed, Gavin & Mick caught well

Fishing Smallmouth Bass with Son & Grandson

over 50 Northern Pike & lost 2 giant Smallmouth, Mario Sr, Mike, & Mario Jr caught well over 40 fish mostly Pike, while Joe Bellono & Kim caught over 25 Smallmouth Bass on small spinners. 2^nd day Gianluca caught his biggest Pike ever at 31”, Paul said that him, Mark, Mike & Nick Silverman caught a Ga-Zillion Northern Pike & could not possibly keep count. While fishing

My 1st Trophy Smallmouth Bass

with Mario SR Gavin & Mick both caught heir 1^st ever Muskie & Ed Jr, Mike B & Mario Jr raised 7 BIG Musky, Ed landing 1, & he also caught 10 Smallmouth Bass one being and 18” Trophy. 3^rd day had Marion Sr, Mario Jr & Mike B catching over 20 Smallmouth Bass, & the Ranquist Family of Ed Sr, Ed Jr, Gavin, & Mick caught close to 40 fish with a lot being nice Smallmouth Bass & Mick landed two trophies at 18” &

Fabulous Northern Pike Fishing

18.5”. WOW, what great family memories made. 4^th day was by far their best day ever fishing as the group caught 272 Northern Pike & 24 Smallmouth Bass, 5 being trophies of 18-19”. Last day all did great with Mike, Mario Jr, & Mick catching 45 Pike, & Gavin landed the biggest Trophy Smallmouth of the week at 19.75”. All expressed on how much they enjoyed their trip and would love to return.

Fishing at Fireside Lodge fo Smallmouth Bass is Best by Dennis

Long time guest Mike Gerulski from Huntington Woods, MI, brought

Many Memories Fishing at Fireside Lodge Canada

a group of Stan Nunn, Ted Ricci, Vernon Perfetti from Northville, Hancock, & Chassell, MI & Dennis Wolf & Lester Gardner from Soddy Daisy, TN & Bend, OR. Fishing progressively improved as everyone became accustomed to this year’s conditions culminating with a Friday’s experience including Ted and Vern teaming up to land 75 pike & another 25-30 early releases; Dennis and Mike landing 40+ smallmouth & pike, including some very exciting and entertaining top water fishing around Dog Island. Stan & Les had similar success landing more than 30 fish. Excellent time was had by all, totally enjoying the lodge, lake and the excellent staff at Fireside Lodge & Les was quoting as saying this was “one of the best trips” he has ever had.

Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Fireside Lodge Canada by Stan Nunn

Paul Miller from NE returned for his 2^nd trip in as many years. 1^{st

Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Fireside Lodge} day out he caught Pike up to 36-inches. 2^nd day was also a good Pike day catching mostly larger fish & one caught Paul as when he tried to remove the hooks on his self made lure the fish gave a sudden jerk breaking his line & swimming away with one of his large streamer lures. 3^rd day Paul caught 16 Pike & lost just as many & his last day he caught over 30 Northern Pike & Smallmouth Bass & his 4^th day was similar. When leaving Paul said he had a great trip & intends on returning.

Great Musky catch Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Kent

Lot of BIG Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Fireside Lodge

Kent Williams & Bill Black from Atlanta, GA returned for their 11^th consecutive year. DOA these guys got right to it catching 12 nice Northern Pike 5 minutes from the lodge. 1^st day they caught a few Smallmouth & about a dozen Pike. 2^nd day they set out Smallmouth Bass fishing catching very few however they caught nice pike everywhere they went. Being very happy with their day, even though they did not catch Smallmouth they landed over 25 Northern Pike. So in the dinning room when Kent asked me how to catch more Smallmouth Bass my answer to him was go fishing for Northern Pike. Their last two days of fishing had them catching 38 Northern Pike & 28 Smallmouth Bass, both leaving saying they had another a great stay.

Fishing for Muskie in Canada is a Blast by Kent

Phil Martin & Rock Snow visited us for their 1^st time. 1^st day had them catching 6-7 Northern Pike as they learned the waters. 2^nd day Rock said was much better catching Northern Pike & also having a unique happening while fishing. When trolling & as Phil was making a turn Rock’s lure popped up to the surface, both seeing a good size Pike appear. As the Pike was about to strike Rock’s lure a HUGE Muskie exploded on the surface and took Rock’s Pike sideways in its mouth & disappeared under the water. That’s a lasting fishing story & memory. These two finished strong on their last full day of fishing catching over 40 Northern Pike & both left saying they had a fabulous visit.

Great Meals after Fishing at Fireside Lodge Canada

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.

Father & Sons Fishing for Trophy Smallmouth Bass at Fireside Lodge Canada

Hot Lures: Silver Minnow Spoon, Williams Wobbler, Mepps, Rooster Tail, Blue Fox Spinner, X-Rap, Tadpolly

Hot Flies: Black, Purple, & Chartruse Streamers

Catches of The Week: Muskie 40” Northern Pike 40” Smallmouth 6-18,4-18.5, 3-19,1-20”

Family Reunion Fishing at Fireside Lodge Canada

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

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Fireside Lodge Fishing Report 7/12 to 7/19 2014

HUGE Musky fishing by Doug Marks at Fireside Lodge Canada

From week to week as we try to get into a summer pattern and one of those mean nasty cold fronts come through. This one had high winds however our guests adapted beautifully making the fishing fantastic.

GIANT Tiger Muskie Fishing at Fireside Lodge in Canada

Doug & Mary Bergman from New Lenox, Il returned for their 3^rd time

Trophy Smallmouth Bass by Doug Bergman Fishing at Fireside Lodge Canada

and joining them for their 1^st experience at Fireside Lodge were

Big Muskie by Mary Bergman Fishing at Fireside Lodge Canada

Brian & Sandra Rundio from Holiday Hills, IL & Scott Rundio from Mount Prospect, IL. 1^st day was terrific as Sandra, Brian & Scott caught over 40 Northern Pike with Mary & Doug landing 21. 2^nd day Mary & Doug located Musky getting a lot of follows & Doug hooked a monster which after a long battle they lost in the netting process. 3^rd day Mary & Doug fished at one of our portage lakes in the rain with cold front conditions & had a fabulous day catching 60 fish, mostly pike with 3 walleye. 4th day had Mary catching a big Musky & Doug losing an even bigger one

Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Jill

plus catching some mid-30” Pike & a Big Smallmouth. Sandra, Brian, & Scott portaged to a lake and caught over 100 Northern Pike. 5^th day this trio caught 20 Pike while Doug & Mary portaged to another lake having the fishing day of their lives catching 110 Northern Pike. 6^th & final day was a super finish with Sandra, Brian, & Scott portaging again catching 160 Northern Pike with Mary & Doug catching 53 & Doug landed a HUGE 19” Trophy Smallmouth. All left having a blast saying the will be back

Huge Northern Pike Fishing at Fireside Lodge Canada by Mark Westbrook

1st time Fishing for Smallmouth Bass in Canada by Haley

Bill & Jill Westbrook from New Philadelphia, OH with son Matt & Haley Minner from Berlin, MD returned for Bill’s 12^th & Jill’s 5^th consecutive year. Bill’s 1^st fish on the 1^st evening was a 19.5” Trophy Smallmouth Bass. 1^st day was a short day as a T-Storm with lighting

Musky Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Bill Westbrook

brought them of the water by early afternoon but after supper all caught some Smallmouth & a few Pike. 2^nd day both boats caught

20-25 Smallmouth Bass with Jill landing a few 17-17.5”. 3^rd day was great despite the cold front conditions. With Jill opting out it was Bill, Mark, & Haley which ended up catching over 30 good size Smallmouth Bass by 2:00PM with both Haley & Bill catching

Lot of BIG Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Fireside Lodge

Trophy Smallmouth Bass 18.5-inches. 3th day was very good catching 25-30 Smallmouth Bass per boat & both Bill & Haley catching trophies over 18”. 5th & final day was a great day catching about 25 Smallmouth Bass per boat & Mark caught a 36” Northern Pike after a long battle on lite equipment & after the fish rapped itself around the anchor. All had a great time & hope to return in 2015.

BIG Northern Pike Fishing at Fireside Lodge in Canada by Phil Spahr

The Spahr family of Phil, sons Brad & Tim, and Grandsons Steven & Christopher from Fairborn, OH & Maroboro, MA returned for this groups 16^th consecutive year.

Muskie Fishing is GREAT at Fireside Lodge Canada by Tim Spahr

Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing by Stephen Spahr

In the evening of their DOA Phil set the pace by catching a HUGE 38.5” Tiger Muskie on a Beetle Spin of all lures. 1^st day they had a great day Northern Pike fishing catching 67 total & Steven landed an 18” Trophy Smallmouth Bass. 2^nd day was a search for Big fish with Tim cashing in as he caught a beauty Tiger Musky, missed a HUGE Northern Pike after it broke

Great Northern Pike Fishing by Brad Spahr at Fireside Lodge

Northern Pike are Big Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Stephen Spahr

his line, & had an over 40” Muskie get away after it rolled at the boat & broke his line. 3^rd day they caught a lot of Pike 26-32” with Brad having the hot had catching about 10 in a row & he also landed a Musky. The final 3 days of their efforts went to Muskie & Large Pike & they did well catching 51 Pike most 27-36”, 3 Muskie including a Clear Musky with several Bass. By far the biggest catch for this group were the lodge conversations, daily planning, laughs, and wonderful family memories made among 3 generations.

Fireside Lodge has Super Smallmouth Bass Fishing by Marilynn Foos

Joe & Marilynn Foos from Alpharetta, GA returned for their 6^th

Muskie Fishing at Fireside Lodge Canada by Team Foos

consecutive year. Had a great 1^st day catching many Smallmouth Bass up to 17.5”. 2^nd day despite cold front, windy, rainy, conditions they did great catching many good size Smallmouth Bass. This happened after they started fishing the windy areas instead of looking for the

Many Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Joe Foos

calm areas. 3^rd day was still in the 50’s but again they had great action for Big Smallmouth Bass on surface plugs. 3^rd day was another fabulous day catching Smallmouth Bass on surface lures. 4^th day started out by, as Marilyn sated getting bit off by pesty Pike. After making a major move they hit into a bunch of nice Smallmouth Bass & had a ball. Days 5,6, &7 brought more great Smallmouth surface action, also catching some Pike on the side. 8^th & final day was windy making Joe pull into an area he normally passes by & on Marilyn’s 1^st cast she hooked into a monster Musky. After the Muskie tail walked on her she surrendered her rod to Joe who got it to the boat where Marilynn cradled this 45” beast of a fish. We determined the Trophy Muskie was caught by “Team Foos” Both had a wonderful stay & made reservations for 2015 before departing.

Big Northern Pike Fishing by Cristin in Canada

Northern Pike Fishing at Fireside Lodge by John Cargal

Father / Daughter John & Cristin Cargal from Dyer, IN & Highland, IL were visiting us for their 1^st time. On DOA within minutes of being on the water Cristin caught a HUGE 38-40” Northern Pike & they caught several others 28-32”. 1^st day they caught some fish while exploring & learning Little Vermilion Lake. 2^nd day was spent catching some fish and visiting Twin Falls. 3^rd day was a portage for Muskie & Smallmouth Bass having some Muskie follows and doing great on Smallmouth Bass & Cristin caught 3 Master Anglers Trophy Smallmouth Bass. 4^th day had them getting many Pike follows, catching 9 in the 30” range & if they caught as many as they saw they would have landed 30. Both left having a fabulous memory making trip & hope to return.

Huge Northern Pike Fishing at Fireside Lodge Canada by Lisa

For their 15^th consecutive year Ron & Lisa Vincent from Sherrills

Terrific Northern Pike Fishing at Fireside Lodge Canada by Ron

Ford, NC were back to enjoy our wilderness fishing. DOA they found large Pike right away with Ron landing 8 before suppertime 28-32” & Lisa caught a big Smallmouth. 1^st 2 days they faced cold front rainy / windy conditions but still doing well catching Pike and Smallmouth Bass up to 17.75”. 3^rd day the weather turned around & so did the fishing as they caught over 70 fish, mostly Northern Pike & Ron caught a 34” Musky, that was following Lisa’s Buzz Bait, by throwing a plastic worm as it was swimming away. 4^th day had them catching 50 Northern Pike plus some Smallies & both Ron & Lisa landed 19” Trophy Smallmouth Bass.

Tiger Musky Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Ron Vincent

5^th day at Closs Lake they had 1 Musky on and caught Smallmouth 16-17.5”. 6^th day had them catching 12 Pike & 10 Smallmouth Bass. 7^th day Lisa took off & Ron, fishing by himself, landed many Pike 28-35” & single-handed use the cradle for 3 fish in the mid 30” range. 8^th & final day had these two catching “BIG” Pike, Ron landing a 35” & Lisa a 37.5” & a HUGE 39”er. They also caught many Pike in the 28-34” range. Both left having a wonderful trip & hope to return in 2015.

Tiger Musky Fishing By Doug Marks at Fireside Lodge Canada

Steven Griffith & Douglas Marks from Allen Park & Dearbourn, MI were fishing at Fireside Lodge for the 1^st time. 1^st day they caught nice Northern Pike & both said they caught the biggest Pike ever landing a big 35”er. 2^nd day was terrific as they caught Pike, Doug caught his 1^st Musky every, a Tiger Musky, and they caught a bunch of nice Smallmouth after discovering leeches.

Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Canada by Steve Griffith

3^rd day was fabulous as they caught plenty of Northern Pike & Doug caught a 36” and 40” Muskie. Also, Steve, while fighting a 31” Pike had a Muskie about 50” come up like a submarine to watch Steve catch his Pike then just disappeared. They also caught about 15 Smallmouth Bass with Steve catching a Trophy 19”er. 4^th day was the best day they ever had fishing in their lives catching 170+ Northern Pike having 30 times when the doubled up. Both said the fish plain wore them out.

Big Northern Pike Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Doug Marks

5^th day was a trip Closs Lake to fish for Musky, but the Muskie were not on so they returned to Little Vermilion Lake & caught many Smallmouth Bass. 6^th & final day they finished strong with a 116 Northern Pike day. Both left having the best Pike & Muskie fishing of their lives.

40-inch Muskie caught Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Henry Ziletti

Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Fireside Lodge by Kiernan

The Ziletti Family, father David & sons Austin, Kiernan, &, Henry, from Powatan, VA were very excited to be here referred by Fly Fisher Robert Thomas from Richmond. They had exciting action on DOA catching some great Smallmouth Bass with surface poppers with Austin & Kiernan catching their 1^st pike ever. Next day was fabulous all catching Pike & Smallmouth Bass. Henry got his 1^st Northern Pike ever, a dandy 37”er. 2^nd day they caught over 100 Northern Pike, 55 Fly Fishing by Dave & Austin, Henry catching a Trophy Smallmouth at 18”, Austin & Kiernan landed 17”ers, & Dave caught a 35” Pike Fly-Fishing.

Fly Fishing Trophy Smallmouth Bass at Fireside Lodge Canada by Austin

3^rd day was another terrific day as they caught many Smallmouth Bass with Austin catching 2 Trophy Bass over 18” & Kiernan caught several just missing at 17.5”. The best story of the day was after supper as “Big Fish Henry” landed a huge 40” Muskie, his 1^st ever, after a great fight with the Musky tail walking right at the boat. Austin gets the assist.

1st ever Northern Pike Fishing at Fireside Lodge Canada by Henry

4^th & final day they finished with numbers catching well over 60 Northern Pike & Kiernan landed an 18.5” Trophy Smallmouth Bass. All left with a terrific Canadian Wilderness Fishing Experience and with a boatload of family memories, which is the biggest catch of all. Before departure all were planning for their next visit with us.

Tiger Musky Fishing in Canada is a BLAST by Tim Spahr

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.