2011 Esnagami Times

Happy New Year to Guests and Fellow Anglers. 2012 has arrived!!!

Along with another summer of great fishing and good stories, the 2011 season also included some interesting challenges and opportunities.

The addition of ALL NEW GUIDES meant that I had the unique task of providing some extensive training …. Both on the lake as well as for the Esnagami River Trips. There is only way to achieve this … and that is to get out on the lake and GO FISHING!!!!!
Rods, reels and tackle boxes were hastily put together … only to wait several days before the ice -covered lake opened up enough to put a boat in. Friend and guest, Harold Ball, flew into camp shortly there after, to join me in showing the new guides what the Esnagami guiding experience is all about.
All it took was a few outings, a couple of broken poles and lost lures and some unplanned “exploring” before the new guides began to get the hang of things.

May 20th quickly arrived, along with the first week of 2011’s guests. What followed in the weeks to come was over 600 + entries into the Trophy Catch and Release Program. This marks the 7th season in a row with these impressive numbers of over 600 trophy Walleye and Pike, landed and released.
As usual, some of the summers biggest Pike were caught in the spring and Val Bernardi’s 43 ¾” trophy caught in May, set the bar high. Every spring Val’s group enter some of the largest fish into the top 10 leader board. Val’s fish hung on for a couple of weeks until first time guest, Sam Nirva, (from the Jurgen’s party), took over top spot with a 44 ¼” giant in late June.

Just like in past summers, the larger Pike began to show up in August. Brain Tharp, part of the famous “Jackson” group took over top place with an awesome 45” fish. Brian and Kurt Jackson tallied 30 Pike over 30” between the 2 of them with 4 stretching the tape at 40” or more.
Then … in the last week of August, guest Ric Jackson bested that with a huge 46 ¼” Northern. Ric’s Pike seemed a shoe- in for the largest of the 2011 season, especially since it was caught in the second last week. Still there was still one more week to go, which included some veteran Esnagami anglers. Tom Lutz, Allan and Henry Eintoss as well as the Davison party would all be there. Tom’s 42” and Allan’s 43” Pike would both challenge Ric’s big fish. It was however, Al Ellis (possibly the most honest fisherman this summer) and his 46” Trophy Pike that came the closest to besting Ric’s fish. In the end just ¼” was the difference and Ric’s 46¼” Pike held on to the top spot. Ric wins a free trip back to the lodge in 2012.… and a cover photo of him and his big fish on our brochure!

In the Walleye category, there was only 1½” separating the top 3 fish of the summer. Alvin Crawford’s 30” Walleye caught in June held on for just a couple of weeks before Steve Moore took over top position with a 31 ½” trophy. Two weeks later in July, Brady Blain caught 3 top ten Walleye at 27 ½, 28” and 30”. Although Brady came close with his largest (30“), Steve Moore’s 31 ½” Walleye hung on to take the top honours in that category. We welcome Steve back to the lodge on us for this free trip in 2012.

For week by week reports of all the best catches and stories about life around the lodge in 2011 , check out Sue’s fishing blog on a href=”www.esnagami.com”>Esnagami.com then by clicking on the “already addicted to Esnagami” online community banner.

NEW: ESNAGAMI RIVER OUTPOST CAMP

We are pleased to announce that we have purchased an Outpost Camp on Merkley Lake, which is a widening of the Esnagami River. The camp is located 25 miles down river from the lodge and features excellent Walleye fishing along with arguable, some of the best Brook Trout action in the region. Many of you have gone past this rustic camp on our guided one-day trips down the river. For now, we are booking a limited number of trips in the existing rustic cabins. For additional information, please contact us.

This summer we welcomed our good friends, Kyle and Tina Randall from The Wilderness Journal Outdoor Show back to the lodge. Kyle and Tina filmed 4 exciting new shows, including a great fly-fishing episode for big Pike and a fly- fishing river trip for hungry Brook Trout. Their fall trip back to the lodge also features a TV. show about an adrenalin rush encounter with a 500 + lb black bear, filmed and hunted from a ground blind.

Check out The Wilderness Journal website: wilderness journal.com for scheduling and programming in your area.

2011 Catch and Release Contest Winners

We are pleased to announce the 4 winners of our now 23 year- long Catch and Release Contest. Joining us for a free trip back in 2012 are:

1. Jim Cartmill – 25 ¼” Walleye
2. Debbie Lindberg – 24” Walleye
3. Al Scott – 27” Walleye
4. Dick Michel – 301/2” Pike

Congratulations and thank you to all of the participants for taking part in this successful conservation program!

All the best for a prosperous, happy and healthy 2012.

2012 Sportshow Schedule