When Will The Ice Go Out?

There is a long standing debate each season at Mattice Lake Outfitters about ice.  Each Spring we ask two big questions “when will the creeks join on Mattice Lake?”  and “when will the ice be off Mattice Lake?”  Both questions bring about great debate and guessing which can make the hum drum of Spring a bit more fun.  Well fun when we think the ice will be off on time for opening weekend for walleye fishing!  Incidentally,walleye season always opens the third Saturday in May each year.

Take A Guess

All that said today (May 1st) the creeks joined and Annette takes first place for that guess!  On a typical year we will see Mattice Lake ice free 7 days after the creeks join.  Further to that discussion is when does the ice start to break up to the north?  Well, we like suggest that happens 7-10 days after Mattice Lake is ice free.

Tell Us What You Think!

Do you follow?  This is where it leads to you and your best guess.  Do you have a best guess based on this brief discussion?  If so, place it by stating so on our facebook fan page or sending us an email at www.walleye.ca or post it at on this blog.  Once you have done so we will take your name and enter it into a random draw for a cozy, fleece Mattice Lake Ouitfitter sweater.  We will take all submissions until May 15th.  All guessing will automatically entered!

Have a wonderful weekend folks.

Are you a US citizen thinking about a trip to Canada this year?  Have you ever wondered what about travel documents that are required?  The rules are not complicated however with all the ”buzz” in the past few years about border security, etc. one can be left with considerable confusion about the rules.  Essentially, you require a passport and you must comply with having one by June 1, 2009 to travel from Canada into the United States.  For further detailed information please go to the Department of Homeland security web site at  http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/ or if you prefer to apply for your passport immediately you can by going to http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738_2.html

Bob Izumi with camp attendant Austen Elliot

The Ogoki Reservoir

The Ogoki Reservoir covers over 34,000 acres and is 35 miles in length. This reservoir was formed as a water diversion to divert water flowing north and east to James Bay, south into Lake Nipigon for hydro generation on the Nipigon River. Construction on the project took place during the 1930′s and the dams were closed in 1942 combining three lakes into one large body of water.

Ogoki Reservoir is best noted for it’s exceptional walleye fishing with above average size walleye ranging from 3 ½ to 4 lbs in large numbers and it also produces large northern pike, whitefish and sturgeon.

Our camp on the Ogoki Reservoir is located on a 50-acre island, a couple miles from Eight Flume Falls over which the Ogoki River enters the reservoir. At this camp we have five guest cabins spread out along the east and north shores of the island.

This camp is suitable for fishing trips between 3 to 7 days and is capable of accommodating groups of 2 up to 36.

Come join us!  This will be a fly fishing vacation you will not soon forget as the Elliot family is best noted for it excellent service and attention to detail.  You will not be disappointed.

Day's catch on the shores of Whitewater Lake.

Our Whitewater Lake lodge is located in the heart of Wabakimi Provincial Park. The lake covers over 26,000 acres and is almost 25 miles in length with the Ogoki River flowing in on the west of end of the lake and out on the northeast end.

Whitewater Lake provides some of our most spectacular northern pike fishing for those after the big one. Each season we see northern pike caught exceeding 30 lbs. Walleye fishing is extremely abundant, averaging 2 ½ to 3 lbs. The lake boasts some of the nicest sand beaches in the north.

At our Whitewater Lake outpost camp you will find four, two bedroom guest cabins situated on one of the most spectacular sand beaches in the north. Each of these cabins has adequate separation from the other cabins for privacy between groups.

Whitewater Lake is one of our two deluxe fishing lodges where you will find exceptional fishing trips for any group whether it be a couple, a family retreat, just the guys or a business trip.   This camp is suitable for those parties wishing to stay for 3 to 7 days and is capable of accommodating groups of 2 up to 28.

April 20, 2009

Greetings to one and all from the desk of Mattice Lake Outfitters and Wabakimi Air.

It is April 20th and we at Mattice Lake Outfitters are really wondering where our Spring is going?  Was Spring 2008 this way as well?  If many of you recall we were iced out of many outpost camp locations on opening weekend.  In fact we had several guests questioning whether or not this could really be true as at home in the US Spring was in full force with flowers in bloom and green landscapes abound.  As to not complain too much we did have a few days of sunshine which has taken care of some of the snow in the bush and the ice on the lakes however on the other hand we have heard of many local fisherman in the area still out ice fishing so that certainly does not sound Spring like to us.

We hope that with this blog and several other social medias we can keep you up to date with what is happening at Mattice Lake Outfitters and Wabakimi Air.

Cheers from everyone at the base.

Northern Pike

Canada fly in fishing for northern pike in Northwestern Ontario Canada.  It is the northern pike fishing that bring about the most fast action any angler can handle.  Bring along your fly fishing reels for added adventure.

Fly in Fishing for Northern Pike

I’ve been on a few Canada fly in fishing trips – and I keep going back because of the northern pike fishing!
Canada northern pike are bigger and more aggressive! Northern pike lures are important to select before you go fishing

Many of my fishing buddies prefer to go fly in fishing in ontario – the remote wilderness, trees and rocks are so beautiful and rugged.