Sabourin Lake Lodge

Newsletters

2005/2006 Sabourin Lake Lodge Newsletter

One cannot think of the past year and not think of the destructive forces of Mother Nature and the weather that has affected every corner of the world. From the tsunami in the Indian Ocean last December to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the devastation they have caused this fall, everyone will remember the overwhelming weather. We hope and pray that everyone's family and property are safe and unharmed.

In our small corner of the world at Sabourin, we were also affected by the weather with a bad storm on July 10 th. In the scope of things it was nothing in comparison to the rest of the world. We lost a lot of trees, and although many fell on buildings, amazingly little damage was done to the camp. It took the rest of the summer to ensure the power lines were once again attached to the cabins and the trees were cut up for the sawmill and firewood. By the end of the year, only the stumps were left to remind us of the storm.

We'd like to thank the guests that put up with the inconveniences of the interruption of power, the flooded docks and the lack of personal attention that was diverted to the clean up of the storm damage. But more importantly, we'd like to thank our staff. It was the incredible work and attitude of everyone in camp that enabled us to survive.

We continue to be impressed by the number of Grand slam awards given out. When we started the award in 2003, three people were able to catch and release trophy walleye, northern, bass and lake trout in one season. This year, 25 guests were lucky (skilled?) to have their names added to the trophy plaque. We are pleased to congratulate Tom Crowley, Larry Jovanovic, Marty Studer, Tom Dunne, Tom Hyde, Dennis Enderlin (triple crown), Jeff Sigman, Sharon Enderlin, Russell Pfeiffer, Ryan Carlson, Steve Hinterlong, Dave Snyder, Hank Hillebrand, Jami Doucette, Phil Hafner, (double crown), Kaye Hafner (triple crown), Debbie Holder (double crown), Heidi Chico, Jonell Loeppert, Scott Loeppert, Chuck Rothenberg, Gary Fellman, George Bauman, Jack Newman, and John Farley for winning the Grand Slam award.

Over the last three years, we have consistently given out over 1200 trophy pins. These pins are awarded to walleye over 24 inches, northern over 35 inches, bass over 15 inches and Lake Trout over 25 inches that are released. The numbers of large walleye have increased to the point where there are times it is difficult to catch “lunch” size walleye. There is no question that the number of Northern over 40” caught and released are increasing. We also had three Northern Pike over 50” caught and released this summer.

The success of the fishing is due to the support of the guests embracing the catch and release policy of Sabourin Lake Lodge. In appreciation of this, we once again drew a copy of a fishing license purchased at Sabourin for a free fishing trip for two. Congratulations to Jim DuPree of Wisconsin Rapids for winning the trip and we look forward to seeing him next summer.

In the past we have been uncertain of the implications of the new policies of the Woodland Caribou Park. Through many meetings and discussions with the Park Superintendent, we are confident that they are as interested as we are in the continuing success of Sabourin Lake Lodge. Through careful stewardship of the land and the fishery, we can expect Sabourin to be here for future generations to enjoy.

Doug Reynolds, Executive Director of Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association, advises that despite the recent rumblings about passport requirements for US guests to re-enter their country, this provision is not scheduled to come into effect until December 31, 2006 for travel by air and sea and December 31, 2007 for travel by land. What is in effect, and has always been a requirement, is the need to show proof of citizenship.

Despite what may have been accepted in the past, a driver's license is not proof of citizenship. Because it has a photo, it is useful to provide positive identification, along with a proof of citizenship document, such as a birth certificate. A passport provides both identification and proof of citizenship, so it is the best document for frequent travelers.

The requirements for entry into Canada are exactly the same as the requirement guests have to meet to re-enter the US when they go home. Although driver's licenses may have been accepted at some border crossings in the past, they have never been an acceptable proof of citizenship.

By far the best advice for anyone who travels between the US and Canada is to obtain a passport. It is considered the most secure form of identification, and will definitively help minimize problems at the border. Until the new requirements come into effect, photo ID plus proof of citizenship is still acceptable.

For up-to-date information on this issue go to: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Canada One Travel Planners were successful in obtaining cheaper commercial airfare into Winnipeg where there was no Saturday night stay required. They have let us know that the rules and regulations have remained the same but there is now tighter control of seat availability. With the limited space, we recommend booking early to ensure you receive the best possible schedule at valued pricing. Please contact Gwen Stone at: gstone@canada-one.com. Her phone number is 1-866-401-9900 ext. 789.

We will be moving our float base in Red Lake to Chimo Air Service. They are located at the bottom of Howey Bay in the town of Red Lake. Continue on Highway 105 and just before the first set of lights they are located on your right hand side behind the Norseman aircraft mounted on a pedestal. Their phone number is 807-727-3245.

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.