Sabourin Lake Lodge

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2003 Sabourin Lake Lodge Newsletter

As we look out our window at the frozen river and the white snow blanketing the ground, it's amazing to think that another season has ended at Sabourin. It seems to come and go so quickly, we wonder at times if it happened at all. We appreciate the letters and pictures of your unforgettable catch to help keep the memories alive.

We cannot adequately express our thanks to the generous and devoted guests that have made Sabourin a part of their lives, and ours. The Thomas family has had four generations of fisherman come to Sabourin. Dave Thomas originally came up with his father, Stan, in the 1970's. This year he returned with his sons Bradley and Quinlan, and Quinlan's son, Shane.

The number of trophy fish caught and released at Sabourin in 2002 increased to 1086 pins from the 2001 high of 935. We awarded 793 pins for Northern pike 35 inches and over, 160 pins for walleye 24 inches and over, 18 pins for Lake Trout and 115 pins for Smallmouth bass. We continually see the improvement in our catch and release program. This year, 195 pins were presented for Northern pike over 40 inches.

Congratulations to Blake Hannafan and his guide Stanford Paishke for catching the largest Northern this year. Blake landed a 49” and a 50” Northern on July 28! We have three winners who tied for this season's largest walleye of 30 inches. David Smelko and his guide Ira Assin on May 30th, Flip Filipowski guided by Stanford Paishke on June 16, and John Holder with Ira Assin on June 28, all caught and released 30” walleyes. Congratulations!

To add some interest in fishing, and up the level of competition, we now have a “Grand Slam” plaque in the dining room. We will add your name when you catch and release, in one season, a trophy northern, walleye, trout and bass. Kent Mittelberg has the honor of being our first guest to achieve the Grand Slam and he challenges others to join him on the list.

To promote catch and release fishing, we once again put copies of all the conservation licenses sold to our guests into a box and drew this years winner for a free trip for two to Sabourin Lake Lodge. We cover airfare from Red Lake or Winnipeg, four nights and three full days of fishing. Personal refreshments or gratuities are not included. This year's winner is Greg Huibregtse of Sussex, Wisconsin. Congratulations Greg and we look forward to seeing you at Sabourin next summer. Thank you to all the guests who bought conservation licenses.

Our staff was busy this summer completing our root cellar, which is now filled with canned goods for next year. The screened- in porch on cabin two is finished, although we are still planning on adding double French doors leading into the main sitting area. By the end of 2003, we plan to screen in the porch on cabin #1 as well. In the suite in the main lodge we installed a new ceiling and are in the process of renovating the kitchen with new flooring and counter tops. The 206 Cessna will be reupholstered and the floats will be sporting a fresh paint job.

As you are aware, we are located in the Woodlands Caribou Provincial Park. Each year we assess how we can minimize our impact on the delicate ecosystem. This year, along with the other operators in the Park, we will be implementing barbless hooks and conservation fishing licences only. In discussions with the Ministry of Natural Resources, it has become evident that our practice of discarding the used cooking oil at shorelunch has spoiled the untouched wilderness. We will now be expecting our guides to return all used cooking oil to camp and to be aware of and diligent in picking up any litter along the shoreline.

We would like to forewarn our guests that NorthWest Airlines enforced a size limit and the two-baggage rule on their flights this summer. They charged an extra $80.00 for each additional piece of luggage. Last year a tackle box and a rod case were considered to be one piece. Please remember to pack accordingly.

Once again, we would like to offer the services of CanAm Travel Experts to help you obtain cheaper commercial airfare into Winnipeg where there is no Saturday overnight required. Linda and Bruce Verner are able to book flights during the week that compare in price to weekend flights.

Their phone number is: 612-475-1618.
Fax number: 612-472-3082
Toll free number: 800-642-2283
E-mail: canam@canam-travel.com

As an alternative to commercial airlines, Canada Direct now operates out of five Midwestern cities: Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Minneapolis and Marquette, MI. The cost of the flight is based on a party of 6 occupying the aircraft, but parties of eight can be accommodated. They offer flexible scheduling and you will arrive in Red Lake in approximately 2 hours. We will meet you at the airport and a quick five minute drive will take you to the float plane base. If the convenience of this appeals to you, please check out their web site at: http://www.canadadirect.biz or call them toll free at 1-866-371-2660.

We will be in Fort Smith, Arkansas on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 at Cross Creek Sporting Goods store. It is located at 4600 Towson, #51 Phoenix Village Square. The owner, Eric Albertson, has generously offered his establishment for us to host a small get-together during the day. Over the years, Eric has successfully supplied many of our long time guests with tackle that has proven to be effective at Sabourin. He would be happy to show you around his store and we'd love to invite you to join us for a drink and a chat. Please drop in and visit; we look forward to seeing you in February.

The entire staff at Sabourin Lake Lodge would like to take this opportunity to wish you joy and peace this holiday season and hope that you enjoy health and happiness in the coming year.