Week 9 In Review: Big Fish and a Bonus Evening

It’s not too often we get to keep people around for some extra time, but this week was one of those times. In the past 15 years as GM, this is the fifth time this has happened. The weather was perfect, sunny and high skies; our crew were relaxed and ready to head home, but luck wasn’t on our side with some unplanned maintenance on the RJ90 Jet we fly from Edmonton. The understanding of the north and southbound crews was appreciated; this one was out of our hands, and we just hate to lose. After another prime rib supper, all were in bed early, ready for a trip back home after a stellar week of fishing. One windy, rainy day with four perfect northern fishing days is a pretty good run. That stormy day, let everyone hot tub, sauna, read, or head to the Stone Haven Spa for some treatments. It’s a holiday, and the crew seemed to enjoy some downtime.

The fishing this week continued its incredible track of good numbers and some very nice fish. For the first time this season, pike were not the trophy leader; the grayling rapids were full of anglers looking to find these feisty dry fly eaters. From the chatter around the bar each evening, it must have been a blast, as there were lots of fish tales going around about adventure on these wild northern rivers and animals spotted. Ninety-eight larger-than-average grayling hit the banks and nets this week; a heck of a week admiring these beautiful creatures. Suzanne Noble hit up the rapids at Dubawnt River to great effect. Mosquito Lake was a hotspot this week; Dallas and Wade Clark both hit 19.5” ers, as did Susan Murphy on her first trip to Scott Lake. Her partner, Dale Sellers, found an 18-and-a-half; this boosted all four into the 100+ Club!  Of note: Wade is the season leader up to this point with a tally of 107” total for his three trophy fish, a 45” northern, 42.5” trout and that 19-and-a-half-inch grayling.

Wade’s big trout led the way this week, while dad Dallas was right there with a 40” er. Cindy Bixler worked on her bicep curls with a 41” tundra shark, and Jerry Kolek hoisted a 40.5” from the depths.  As the trout begin to concentrate in the summer holes, our anglers were able to target the big ones both by jigging and trolling. Lots of fun was had battling one of the hardest-fighting freshwater gamefish, the forked-tail lake trout.

The pike didn’t take the week off either; big fish were found both shallow and deep. Flies, plastics, spinners and spoons all seemed to have their moments. Big fish of the week went to Darren Deeter with a 47.5” jumbo; Harry Moulopoulos and Randy Lail also netted 47’s. This is big news as it ties our annual total of giant pike over 47 inches from last year, with a whole lot of season yet to go! Who knows where things may end up this season. Aris Moulopoulos and Matt Yackel both got fat 46’s, while Cindy Bixler, on her hot streak, landed a 45.5” supersized pike. In all, ninety-four northerns better than 40” were caught.

The wildlife sightings were hot this week; more moose than ever were making an appearance, and some muskox on the northern flyouts were coming down from the tundra.  This was topped off by a sow black bear with three young cubs, caught swimming a channel. One rascal was left behind and caused quite a fuss, according to Dale and Susan. Even though the group were treated to two prime rib welcome dinners at Scott Lake, everyone took the hiccup in stride, and we appreciate you for that. The 9^th week was one we won’t soon forget!