Sabourin Lake Lodge

Newsletters

2004 Sabourin Lake Lodge Newsletter

Here in Winnipeg and Kenora we have been lucky to have snow and winter arrive before Halloween. It's a good thing that our spring and summer was the best that any of us could remember. However, it was dry and we were constantly concerned about forest fires and the low water levels in the lake. We're hoping for lots of snow over the winter and lots of rain in April.

With the mad cow scare, the SARS epidemic in Toronto and the mediocre economy, we appreciated the support of our guests. We had a great season and we look forward to 2004. This June, we will be hosting the Young President's Organization for the 30 th consecutive year. Father's have been bringing their children to Sabourin to enjoy time together and now we look forward to taking the crib out of the attic for the next generation of children to experience Sabourin. In July, Pekin Insurance will celebrate their 40 th year of fishing at Sabourin Lake Lodge. Mr. Ed Warmack, from Arkansas, has been bringing customers to our lodge since 1965 - many years four times a season. He will be turning 90 years old this year and we are fortunate to be able to celebrate one more year together. The loyalty of all our guests is very humbling. Thank you for continuing to return to Sabourin year after year.

It was a successful summer and the number of trophy fish caught and released this year increased once again. In 2002 there were 1086 pins for trophy fish and in 2003 we presented 1277 pins. Pins are presented for northern 35 inches and over, walleye 24 inches and over and all small mouth bass and lake trout. We are amazed at how the number of trophy fish caught every year continues to increase. For interest sake, here is the number of pins presented for the last six years:

Year Norther Walleye Trout Bass
2003 927 212 17 121
2002 793 160 18 115
2001 691 157 14 73
2000 357 126 4 45
1999 347 102 4 36
1998 207 67    

Out of the 927 pins that were presented for Northern caught and released, 250 pins were for northerns over 40 inches. Because of the increase of small mouth bass caught, in 2004 we will implement a 15-inch size for a trophy pin.

We were pleased that three people earned the “Grand Slam” award this year. This award is given to those who catch a trophy northern, walleye, bass and trout in one season. The lucky anglers were Kent Mittelberg - for the second year in a row! Neil Mittelberg, and Sharon Enderlin. We were really excited for Sharon because she was able to catch the trophy walleye, trout and bass all in one day on Musclow Lake. Many thanks to Neil Mittelberg for providing the "Grand Slam" trophy plaque that is proudly displayed on the fireplace wall in the lounge.

This year's winner of the largest northern was a 50-inch caught and released by Dave Aamodt and guide Ira Assin. The winner of the largest walleye was a 33.5-inch caught and released by Gene Fortson and guide Ira Assin.

We appreciated the general acceptance of barbless hooks and although many fishermen were reluctant to use them, once they did they found it did not reduce the number of fish caught. Fred did take six barbed hooks out of guests this summer - maybe we can make it less next year.

Sabourin Lake Lodge will continue to offer a draw for a free trip for two people to Sabourin to all guests who bought a conservation license. We include airfare from either Red Lake or Winnipeg, four nights accommodation and three full days of fishing. Personal refreshments and gratuities are not included. All conservation licenses were put into a hat and Kevin Boyd of Elmhurst, IL was drawn as the lucky winner! Congratulations Kevin and we look forward to seeing you at Sabourin in the 2004 season.

Every fall we meet with the Park Superintendent, Doug Gilmore and the assistant Park Superintendent, Clare Quewezence. We attempt to come to agreement on issues that affect our operations in the Woodlands Caribou Park. An ongoing topic is the cleanliness of the shore lunch areas. We are not able to inspect these sites as often as we would like and would appreciate your observations on the condition of them. We know that everyone enjoys the pristine atmosphere of the park, and we are continually trying to ensure that all bottle caps, cigarette butts and cookie wrappers are returned to camp.

Many guests will remember John St. Louis, John Townley and Don Stanfield who came to Sabourin in the spring of 2001. They were researching lodges to be included in their up-coming book "Canada's Classic Fishing Lodges".

We are pleased to have Sabourin Lake Lodge included in their book and will have copies available for purchase in the Hook shop this summer.

The staff was busy this year with the ongoing maintenance of the camp. Many hours were spent replacing railings, steps, painting structures and cutting wood for the cabins. The double French doors were added to cabin #2. The screened-in porch on cabin #1 was also completed. In the main lodge, the kitchen received a new floor and counter tops. In 2004 we will be replacing the carpet in cabin #4 and will be looking at ways in which to screen in the porches on cabins #4 and #5 without losing the appeal of these cabins.

Many guests used the services of Canada Direct last year and were impressed with their service and the convenience of leaving their home in the morning and arriving on our docks in approximately 3 hours. Their Pilatus PC12 operates out of four Midwestern cities: Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay and Minneapolis. They fly into Red Lake airport where we pick you up and a short five-minute drive takes you to the floatplane base. For more information, please check out their website at: http://www.canadadirect.biz or call them toll free at 1-866-371-2660.

Can-Am Travel Experts are no longer in business, however, Canada One Travel Planners have offered their services in obtaining cheaper commercial airfare into Winnipeg where there is no Saturday night stay required. They have 44 years experience in airline management and travel company ownership. Prices they have quoted for Minneapolis to Winnipeg (return) is $295.00 US and from Chicago to Winnipeg (return) is $291.00 US. Please contact Gwen Stone at: gstone@canada-one.com. Her phone number is 1-866-401-9900 ext. 789.

Please remember that the commercial airlines require a current passport or an original birth certificate with picture identification such as a driver's license. It is a strict rule that they must adhere to and you don't want to find yourself turned away at the counter. Northwest Airlines continue to enforce a two-baggage rule on their flights. An additional fee is charged for extra bags. Please remember to pack with this in mind.