Big Hook's 2019 Season Is Underway!

And so it begins...

It's been a busy two weeks since I first arrived at Central Lake on May 17th - a little late due to the winter that wouldn't quit. While the ice has finally given way, winter is still trying to hold on. We've had several batches of flurries and a driving north wind most all of that time. Warmer weather is in the forecast, however. Both we and the wood stoves will be happy for the break. 

The rest of the Big Hook 2019 staff was close on my heels. Everyone please welcome Tara and Aidan who have both been unbelievably helpful getting everything ready for our first guests who arrived Saturday the 25th. With the next batch of fisherfolks due in tomorrow, we are now in full swing for the summer season. 

By in large, the cabin openings went very well. The moorings for one dock gave way, but luckily it didn't stray too far from home. Very little else to report in the way of winter damages; for that we are very thankful. 

In more important news, the fishing! The late spring has led to a late walleye spawn. Guests early this week were having a hard time picking up marble eyes in any appreciable numbers. The pike fishing during this period was fantastic, however! Two boats at Central picked up more than 20 fish over 30" and a half a dozen north of 40" in their first two days! The first 43" fish coming within their first hour on the water! 

A nice Central Lake walleye

While the pike fishing has remained great, thankfully the walleye fishing turned on in the past few days too. With their spawn complete, the walleye have resumed eating and are doing so fairly ravenously. One staff member equated it to flipping on a switch, another guest called it “non-stop."

Shallow water presentations and light tackle have proved the most reliable as the bait fish and sport fish are relating to warmer water and are still not far from their spawning beds (water temps are in the mid-40's near the surface currently).

Other critters around the park are getting into their groove too. Several guests have reported moose and bear sightings around the park, including this big fella on the west side of Central:

Bear spotted at the West Rapids

It's a great feeling to have everything coming into full swing, with the facilities, the fish, and the people. Summer is a short season here in the Opasquia Provincial Park. I think everyone is ready to savour it. 

We'll update soon as we get more fishing reports after all our camps are populated tomorrow. 

Hoping for tight lines and warmer weather till then,

Ryan