Saturday, May 17, 2025

And so it begins!

The countdown to Big Hook’s 2025 season opener is down to the single digits (8 days)!

I was able to make into camp on May 15th and was welcomed with freezing rain, sleet, and snow.

Central Lake seems to have wintered well, and the power, water, woodstove, and internet all came online with ease. The sauna is the next facility to get up and running. I am taking a break from outside tasks and warming up inside in the meantime.

There have been several folks asking about how things look, so thought I’d take advantage of a little office time and get out a report. 

I can’t offer details on the fishing – I’ll need a helping hand to get some boats in the water (Maria and Adam are stuck and waiting on the weather in Winnipeg and Red Lake respectively). But, the trees are starting to bud (usually a sign that the walleye bite should commence shortly) and with warmer, more spring-like weather in the forecast, I have to believe the fish will be active and hungry once we get a little sunshine.

The water levels look average to slightly above for this time of year. The ground was saturated prior to the storm. Now, with probably near an inch of snow / water equivalent, I expect them to come up a little more as this precip. all melts and finds its way into our waterways. A good start.

There have been several forest fires already in NW Ontario. None of them are close to our operations (nor should impact guests traveling thereto), but unfortunately have affected some communities and outfitters elsewhere in the region. Hopefully this same weather extinguishes, or at least significantly tamps these down.

Good luck to those braving the elements on the Ontario fishing opener today – we’re looking forward to joining you shortly!

We’ll be busy with the business of opening all the camps through the next few weeks, but hopefully I’ll have a more substantive fishing report soon.

Happy “summer” everyone!

Ryan 

Warmth in the forecast!

Ripp adding to the downed lumber
on the boardwalk.