May 25th, 2010
The fishing season opened on May 15th and what a great season opener at Lake Wenasaga! Opening Saturday morning started off with a guest from Wisconsin catching and releasing a beautiful trophy size 29.5 inch walleye before 9 am. Then, by the end of the week, we were convinced this was one of the best openers ever.
Everyone reported great fishing. A couple of other trophy sized fish were caught and released (even a 25+ inch walleye caught by Dad today). Incredible stringers of nice eaters have been brought in daily. One group said they caught and released over 50 walleyes in one morning! Another group left Friday with the largest one week fish caught and released count they have ever had.
The free use of our several outlakes have also produced great results. A group was extremely satisfied with their lake trout catch. We’ll have the pictures up later on our website.
In terms of the weather, instead of the heavy winter coats and rain jackets that were necessary for the last 2 years, 2010’s opening day was a balmy 72 degrees F. All week the temperatures ranged from low 70’s to mid 80’s. We had a few showers but nothing to hamper the fishing. And no bugs to speak off! A nice breeze kept the lake from getting too calm and a late afternoon cloud cover and quick shower satisfied those who prefer the overcast weather for fishing.
All in all, it seems that 2010 is off to a great start and we look forward to seeing you here this summer.
Tags: 2010 fishing season, ontario weather, trout fishing, Walleye Fishing
Posted in Lake Trout Fishing, News, Walleye Fishing | 2 Comments »
May 12th, 2010
Boat Operator Cards (also called Pleasure Craft Operator Cards or Boat Safety Cards) are a topic that many guests have called to inquire about for 2010. From the information we have received from NOTO (the Nature & Outdoor Tourism Ontario organization) about Canadian boating regulations, the understanding is that all Canadians are required to have a Boat Operator Card (or Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card, as it is formally named). This requirement has been in place since September 2009.
Americans who use their own boats in Canada are NOT required to have this card but non-residents are encouraged to apply online and take the boating exam, especially if they plan long vacations in Canada. The fact that American boat owners do not need a card seems contradictory — the locals here in Ontario are confused to say the least.
Americans who are renting boats and/or equipment from a registered tourist operator in Ontario don’t have to buy one of these cards either. Renters only need to fill out and sign a Rental Boat Safety Check List, which is usually supplied and co-signed by a tourist operator.
So for all of you that have read the magazine or online articles and wondered what was up this year, don’t worry about the card. We’ll have the Rental Boat Safety Check List ready for you to sign here at the lodge when you arrive for your Canadian fishing trips.
Tags: 2010 fishing season, boat operator cards, canadian regulations
Posted in Regulations | Comments Off
April 24th, 2010
To all those keeping track of the weather up here, you might have noticed how warm it’s been. The ice started breaking up April 12th and was totally off the lake on the 15th. An entire month earlier than last year. With all this nice weather and sunshine it’s hard to believe we still have 3 weeks until opening day. Can’t wait to see everyone again this year!
Tags: 2010 fishing season
Posted in News | Comments Off
April 5th, 2010
We’ve listed the 2010 fees to buy Ontario fishing and hunting licenses below since we understand that every dollar counts when planning your fishing and hunting trips.
Ontario Non-Resident Fishing Licenses *
- Seasonal Fishing License $69.50
- 8-day Regular Fishing License $44.50
- 8-day Conservation Fishing License $25.75
Ontario Non-Resident Hunting Licenses *
- Moose Hunting License $396.75
- Black Bear Hunting License $198.25
- Deer Hunting License $198.25
- Wolves / Coyotes Hunting License $245.25
- Small Game Hunting License $99.25
Additionally, new regulations (as of last year) require you to purchase an Outdoors Card before you can acquire a license. This card is either a fishing or a duel hunting/fishing non-resident Outdoors Card, costs $9 and is good for 3 years from the date of purchase (you need to remember to bring the card back up to Canada every year).
If you were up here last year, bought an Outdoors Card and didn’t receive it in the mail, just be sure to bring that pink slip of paper you received when you filled out the application last year… it works even if you didn’t get your card in the mail.
If you plan to hunt in Ontario please plan ahead and purchase the duel hunting/fishing outdoors card (you will need an original hunting license from your state of residence).
We sell the licenses and the Outdoors Cards so you you can simply purchase from us when you arrive this year. In future years, the government plans to bring the license purchase process online and we’ll keep you posted when this happens.
*Please note that the above fees are in Canadian dollars and depending on where you purchase the licenses and the current exchange rate, you might be paying different amounts in U.S. dollars. Also be aware that after July 1, 2010 the provincial government will be charging an additional tax of 8%.
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March 19th, 2010
Thousands of spawning fish from Lac Seul in Ontario swim up the river every year to lay eggs in Lake Wenasaga and its upper river system. As the northernmost spawning lake for walleye and northern pike from Lac Seul, Lake Wenasaga offers anglers the opportunity to catch great quantities of walleye and northern pike.
Why? Well, starting in the early spring many walleye and northern pike on Lac Seul make an annual pilgrimage up the river system to spawn in Lake Wenasaga. This makes for excellent fishing opportunities all season long because many fish end up staying in our lake rather than heading southward again.
Lake Wenasaga also has the added bonus of being less crowded than Lac Seul. There are several sets of rapids on the river system that separates the two lakes. These rapids are large enough to prohibit anglers in the boats on Lac Seul from getting up into Lake Wenasaga. This is a good thing for all of our guests at Wenasaga Lodge because Lac Seul is heavily promoted and there are a multitude of boats that tend to crowd the lower spawning sanctuary.
To get a better idea of what we’re talking about, in terms of great fishing and peaceful surroundings, check out our walleye and northern pike fishing pictures from the last 5 years. Have any questions? Please comment or send an email and we’ll get right back to you.
Posted in Northern Pike Fishing, Walleye Fishing | 2 Comments »