Dr. Jenni McDermid is more like a detective than a field biologist, and she enjoys both roles. A few months back, at the end of winter, we chatted with her about two lakes that had been “off limits” to anglers for a decade: Myrt Lake and Hood Lake both a relatively easy drive from Thunder Bay. Both we’re re-opened this past winter to Lake Trout anglers. She set up cameras to “watch” the lake for angler activity. She had a “bench mark” number on fish populations from her fall studies, and now she’s gone back to re-evaluate the lakes, all as part of the studies she conducts for the Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada, for whom she works.
Her recent findings surprised her. Formed by ancient glaciers Myrt and Hood support healthy Trout populations in a body of water more suitable for Walleye, although there are NO Walleye. Her research hints at global climate change being considered the culprit. You may hear our interview with her here, and learn more about Lake Trout in our feature story.
Our fishing reports tell the continuing success for early fall anglers, especially up at Whitewater Lake, the 26,000 acre wide “hot-spot” on the Ogoki River in the heart of Wabakimi Provincial Park. Striker’s Point Lodge is just a 30 minute flight from our float plane base in Armstrong.
Tyler Lancaster’s weekly reports about both big Pike and big Walleye being caught seem almost routine, and this week is no exception. Just look at those two toothy big boys (probably girls actually) in the header photos.
So we ask ourselves: “Why?” – and we think we have some answers.
Catch and Release: Catching a big fish – a champion of the specie’s “gene pool” and returning it. It creates more champions. I recall talking to natives of the area who report years of extremely high waters on Whitewater Lake. Later, after the water receded, they found skeletal remains of 60-65 inch pike; fish caught in pools with no escape. Those days may be coming back.
Better/well informed anglers: Tyler, our resource information specialist, is a smart guy about where the fish are, what patterns they are developing, how to angle and handle these fish. Our goal is to know these waters – and share this knowledge with guests, because knowledge is power. The power to give every guest a shot at a trophy fish.
Frankly, fall should be the time of year, when the largest fish are caught. After all they have been feeding all summer, and now the “fall feeding frenzy” is underway. We’re watching for those record setting catches – if you’ll excuse the pun – with baited breath.
Keep in touch. I welcome your phone calls and e-mails. You can send one to me now.
Alan
