2016 Esnagami Times

At this point in time, we can look back and resoundingly say “what a successful and enjoyable 2016 season it was at Esnagami.”

This is no small achievement, as there have been so many memorable summers in the past 28 years.  We are very fortunate to have such gracious guests, who wholeheartedly share their enjoyment of being at Esnagami Lodge with us.  This does not go unnoticed and it is certainly one of the main reasons operating the lodge is so satisfying to us.  Thank you to all for that!

Oh yeah .. the fishing was pretty good this summer as well!

We experienced one of the earlier springs we have had in some time.  A relatively mild winter in the north (only got to minus 40 degrees Celsius a few times) along with less then normal snowfall, made for lower water levels and a very dry forest.  By late May, the Nakina region was experiencing a rash of forest fires and low water levels were playing havoc on river trips.   Fortunately a solid week of rain in early June brought water levels back up, but really just enough to get us through June.  The lower water conditions resulted in having to cancel a number of river trips. Those that were able to do a river trip were still rewarded with some awesome brook trout fishing.

We tend to measure the success of each segment of the summer by the numbers of Catch and Release trophy fish entered each week.  Although it was not an “optimal” summer of ideal fishing conditions, there were still over 500 Pike, Walleye, and Brook Trout entered into the Trophy Catch & Release Program.

In the early spring (late May to early June) a couple of groups really excelled . Long time guests, and perennial catch and release contributors, Rob, Michael & Paul Giardulli, Val Bernardi and Ian Munroe collectively caught and released 22 trophy Pike between 30 and 45” and 8 Walleye 24 to 27”. Rob Giardulli’s 45” Pike set the bar high and held on all season to give him bragging rights for the biggest pike of 2016.

By the middle part of June, numbers of trophy fish were steadily rising each week.  Two returning groups of guests, Jason & Al Scott and Bob, Betsy and Bob Jr. Willis put up some impressive numbers. Al & Jason entered 4 Walleye 24 to 27 ¾” and 5 Pike 31 to 33 ½” for a total of 9 trophies.

Bob, Betsy and Bob Jr racked up 10 nice fish all Walleye from 24 – 28”.

Special mention goes to Jake Robert, a young angler that landed a whopping 39” Pike and no doubt creating a memory of a lifetime.

Fishing in July did its usual Walleye to Pike transition.

In the first part of the month, Steve and Aaron Charbonneau were definitely  focused on the big Walleye.  This father and son team totalled 13 trophies between  them, one being a  Pike and the other 12, Walleye from 24” to 26”.

Predictably, long sunny days in July, promotes optimal growth on Esnagami’s numerous weed beds.  By the end of the month, Kurt Jackson and Frank Carson were definitely locked into this trend, entering 19 trophy Pike between the 30” – 39”.   Kurt and Frank continue to be among the top Big Pike the producers each season.

Heading into August, big Pike are on the minds of many Esnagami Anglers.  Father/Son team, Don and Dylan Bronson definitely took advantage of that.  Along with 5 nice Pike from 35” – 39” this angling duo also put up some really nice Walleye numbers entering 7 Walleye 24” to 28 ½” into the Catch & Release Contest.

Finally as the 2016 season came down to the last couple of weeks, Attilio Battistuzzi aka “T”, and John Ragogna made the most of their week landing 12 Pike, 30” to 39 ½” as their contribution to the 2016 Catch and Release Program.

Fly fishers at Esnagami also enjoyed some top notch catches.  Fred Williamson and  Ric Jackson got into some beautiful fish right at the start of the season.  Fred’s best was an 18 ¼” Brook Trout and Ric’s 18” Brook Trout and 38” Pike were just a couple out of the nicer ones that week.

First time Esnagami guests Chuck Furimsky and Bill Keough also showed off their fly fishing expertise.  Chuck entered two really nice Pike at 31” and 35” which he caught on his fly rod.  It was Bill who really stole the show that week by landing a gorgeous 18” Brook Trout as well as the fish of the week which was a 42 ½” monster Pike that doubled his “10 weight” fly rod in half during the battle.. These were just a few of the many memorable stories and catches over the 2016 season.

Trends – Wildlife

Esnagami Lodge guests/photographers enjoyed an excellent summer of wildlife photography.  There are over a dozen Bald Eagle nests spread throughout the numerous islands and bays around Esnagmi Lake. Many guests were able to capture some great pictures of these majestic birds.  Another Esnagami forest inhabitant was the prized model that several lucky guests were able to get awesome pictures of. Woodland Caribou population on Esnagami Lake has been on the rise over the last few years. With over 36 confirmed sightings just this summer alone, these magnificent animals were the star attraction in several shots.

Esnagami Renovations & Improvements:

Every season there is a full list of maintenance and upkeep we administer to the lodge.  In 2015 we upgraded and renovated Cabin # 2 which has now become a much sought after cabin to stay in.  This Fall we undertook a major overhaul of Cabin # 5, which is one of the original cabins.  We found a “time capsule” of sorts when renovations began.  On a cardboard box top, there was a receipt for a delivery to Esnagami Lodge c/o the Hudson Bay Company, addressed to the“CPR Line Nakina Ontario” in 1961.  Attached to it was a waybill for a supply flight into the lodge from “Austin Airways” flying one of the popular float planes of the time called the Norseman.  The Noorduyn Norseman is a Canadian single engine bush plane designed to operate from “unimproved” surfaces.  Originally introduced in 1935, the Norseman remained in production for 25 years.  900 were manufactured.

We had a good work crew and renovations went as planned.  We are looking forward to starting the 2017 season with Cabin # 5 all set to go!!

2016 Catch and Release Draw and Big Fish Contests

We are pleased to announce the winners of a free trip back to Esnagami Lodge on the 2016 Trophy Catch and Release Contest Draw.

  1. Ben Jolkovsky 38” Pike
  2. Todd Kovach 25 ½” Walleye
  3. Chantal Yates 39” Pike
  4. Dylan Bronson 28 ½” Walleye

 

2016 BIG FISH WINNERS:   This year, the winners for a free trip back to Esnagami Lodge – for catching and releasing the biggest Pike and Walleye of the year go to:

Robb Giardulli for his 45” Pike.  Jim Pomaranski and Brandon Mabry tied with 29” Walleye and will split the value of a trip.  Congratulations to all!!!!!

 

CATCH & RELEASE ><((((º> FISH FOREVER

 

Thank you to all guests that joined us in making 2016 such a memorable year!  Best wishes to you all for good health and lots of happiness in 2017.  Hope to see you at Esnagami Lodge this summer!!

Cheers!!

Eric & Sue Lund

 

                                                2017 Sport Show Schedule

  1. “Wilderness Journal Outdoor Expo.” Wexford Civic Center, Cadillac Michigan.   January 13 – 15th 
  1. “The Fly Fishing Show,” Garden State Convention Center, Somerset, New Jersey January 27 – 29th
  1. “The Spring Fishing & Boat Show” International Centre, Toronto, Ontario. February 17 – 20th

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