Boys Day Off – Episode 478

Ang and Pete are big fans of the fishing that the Algoma region of Ontario has to offer. Let’s face it, with its great scenery, thousands of bodies of water, multiple fish species, and an array of great lodges, who wouldn’t be a fan?

They are also big fans of the people in the area. Hardcore outdoors people. The communities here love fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, kayaking—you name it, they do it.

THE LAKE OF MANY LAKES

For this Fish’n Canada episode, Ang and Pete travelled to Buck Lake Lodge on what is referred to as Buck Lake or, it’s true native name, Obakamiga Lake (which we believe means “lake of many lakes”).

This trip began straight from the conclusion of a previous shoot in Northwest Ontario. Coming from the far Northwest region of Kenora, it began with a long drive east and south on Highway 17 to White River. After that it would be a turn north to the township of Hornepayne, from which they’d take a short flight to their final fly-in destination.

“We had to drive the White River route,” says Angelo, “in order to pick up a brand new four-stroke long shaft outboard to bring into the lodge. Thanks to our friends at Mercury, Superior Marine, and Algoma Tourism for getting this motor to us safely and quickly.”

After a good night’s sleep in White River, the boys woke up to a misty and rainy morning—not exactly conducive to safe flying. After a quick breakfast they ventured north on Highway 631.

“This was the best part of the drive,” says Pete. “We saw two gorgeous bull Moose along the highway. A real bonus in such rugged terrain.”

RELENTLESS RAIN

The bad weather was relentless; it just would not stop! They puttered around the thriving metropolis of Hornepayne (not many Timmy’s in the area) and eventually made their way to Forde Air Base.

After what seemed like an eternity, the pilot finally said it was safe to fly.

Upon arrival to one of the fully appointed Bingwood log cabins, the entire team unloaded the gear and had a chance to hit the water for a few hours. Unfortunately, the rain never really ceased and thus, the camera pretty much stayed in the bag.

“When weather like this happens, Pete and I don’t take the day off,” says Angelo. “Instead, we tell the camera operators to sit tight and make sure all the gear is ready to go while we go check out the fishing.”

“We covered a ton of water,” says Pete. “But we couldn’t put together anything solid. Not really what we anticipated, but we knew that the potential for greatness could be right around the corner.”

Some driving distances from popular cities

The short fly-in to Buck Lake Lodge is always a highlight… true Northern Ontario travel

For a cabin situated out in the middle of nowhere, this is what we deem as luxury.

THE WITCH’S NOSE

Little did the guys know that they would find greatness in an area nicknamed the Witch’s Nose.

“At the Forde Air Base we met a departing customer flying out from Buck Lake Lodge,” explains Angelo. “And all he said to us was ‘Witch’s Nose’. Hmmm.”

On that wet and windy day, Ang and Pete definitely found fish at Witch’s. Unfortunately, they were the wrong species. The Nose was loaded with Northern Pike in around twelve feet of water—a preferred Walleye depth according to the locals.

“Finding Pike isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” says Pete. “Especially when a couple of them bent Ang’s stick almost completely over. He broke off two giants in short order. Eight-pound flouro with no wire leader on medium-action spinning gear usually doesn’t have a chance!”

“If lots of Pike are present,” continues Ang, “then bait must also be there. Oh yeah, and Walleye too!”

ONE OF THOSE MORNINGS

Day two found the guys waking up to almost identical weather as the first evening: lots of rain and, of course, strong winds. Once again the camera was left in the bag for about ninety percent of the day. The guys did, however, get to chart some great looking water, really defining specific structures.

On day three (their final day) the skies parted somewhat, but the temperatures were nothing short of “make sure you wear every piece of warm clothing you have” weather. It was one of those mornings.

After a chilly boat ride back to Witch’s Nose, Ang and Pete immediately started catching quality Walleye in around sixteen feet of water. They knew that twelve feet deep meant Pike, so they had to look elsewhere.

“With the water temperatures hovering around fifty-two degrees Fahrenheit,” says Pete, “we figured the Walleye would be a bit lethargic. That’s still pretty cold.”

FINDING THE TICKET

“Trust us,” continues Ang. “We tried casting and dragging plastics, but none of them would work.”

The jig and live minnow was the ticket.

With the use of the latest and greatest technology on their sonar, the boys dialled in a perfect depth range that they could stick to for the entire day. The result was 20-30 picture-perfect Walleye, 15–20 Pike (when they foolishly ventured too shallow), a gorgeous Whitefish, and—get this—a White Sucker! Pretty good fishing for one day.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t get a whole lot of filming time up at Buck Lake Lodge,” says Angelo. “But it speaks volumes as to just how good their fishing is. With our very limited shooting time, we still came out with what we feel is an amazing episode.”