ESOX HUNTER
"Pulling the Trigger" On A Dream Pike Trip
By Gary Libberton & Jim Urbanski         September 14, 2008

Phelps Lake - Wolf Bay Lodge - Beautiful Pike

I started visiting Canada with a neighbor for an annual fishing trip in 1986.   The question that always intrigued us was if we went on a “no expense limit” trip would the results justify the spending?   Of course the answer depends somewhat on how you define “results”.   We were not looking for the luxurious, catered resort environment but rather the outdoor, natural wilderness setting with large Northern Pike.

Initially our decision on fishing at fly-in outpost lakes in Ontario & Quebec was driven by family financial constraints.   We hauled-in our own food, did our own cooking and used our fish finder and maps to learn the lakes.   Some years we did better than others but in the twenty-one years, we had only caught seven Pike over 20#.   In 2008, we decided to take a leap-of-faith based on some personal recommendations and visited Wolf Bay Lodge on Phelps Lake in Saskatchewan, even though the costs would be 3X what we usually spend.   So one must ask…what runs the costs so high?

• Travel: Located in northern Saskatchewan, Phelps Lake is not near any towns or roads.   It took us three flight segments and two days to get to the float plane base (for the final flight in) and the overnight in Saskatoon carries a cost.   If you are not careful on weight, the airlines will add a penalty.
  
  
• Housing: The five building that make-up the “lodge” are far from luxurious…they are practical & comfortable.                                          The Cabins                                       Our quarters. Two buildings are partitioned in half, into separate sleeping quarters and a third is set-up for outpost visitors who will do their own cooking.   The main building is where meals are served family-style.   Each partitioned sleeping section had individual heat controls and a shower with hot water…a first for us.   The outdoor privy functions as always.
  
  
  
  
  
• Meals: All foodstuffs have to be flown in so we opted to enjoy the recommended prepared meals…what a treat. Brent Osika and family served steak, trout, chops, chicken, pasta, etc. and a full, wholesome breakfast. It was great not having to worry about preparation & clean-up…more time to fish.
  
  
• Guides: This was our most difficult decision. At roughly $200/day, it really adds up. However, this is a huge lake with countless bays (and underwater rocks) so experience counts. They utilize the larger boat engines for faster travel since they can be trusted to avoid obstacles & engine damage. They not only know their way around but they know where all the big fish congregate and how to catch them. They watch developing weather and monitor the water temperature for changing conditions. They had new GPS aided fish finders and radios for communications. They willingly share their knowledge on technique, lure choice, color and sometimes even loan you favorite bait. While you are fishing, they act as a spotter, locating fish that are visible. After years of landing Pike by hand, and suffering the many cuts and punctures, it was truly pleasant to have the guide handle all fish in the cradle. They are more than willing to make a shore lunch of fresh fish or bring sandwiches/snacks and pop for the day.
  
  

Now we must determine if it is worth it?   In 1988, we started recording our catches of Pike 12# and over.   In 2001, we landed our largest fish…a 24# / 45 inch beauty on an orange/black Dardevle.   It was one of only six Pike exceeding 20# that we’d ever caught.   During our 2008 trip the “list” of 12#+ fish had grown to 61 fish…on the 2008 trip we landed 58 fish to add to our list, including a 46.5” lunker.   In deference to conservation, we did not weight any fish but we did measure them and used a formula for determining weight.   A small Sample:

I had never fished for, or caught, a Lake Trout before this visit.   We caught big ones in deep water and they fight better than Pike.   We saw a small released Lake Trout attacked on the surface by a giant Pike.   Here are some of the lakers we caught:

We saw eagles, wolves, moose (with calf) and a martin.   Other guests saw black & grizzly bears.   We had to chase a porcupine out of camp so the camp dog would not get it.   The scenery was rugged and delightful and the water was clear (the guides drink it out of the lake).                                          Yes, God's Country                                        Fantastic Place to Be. We met 10 guests who we now consider friends…five of those will be returning during our stay in 2009.

Brent Osika and his family were outstanding hosts and the food was excellent.   The guides were all knowledgeable and helpful.   At night following the casual “family style” dinner, the 10 guests would sit outside with the guides and share their experiences and pictures of the day.   It was truly relaxing and enjoyable.

My closing judgment is that the results, the memories and the new friends made it a winning bet.   Yes, I must admit…we’re going for a second “once in a lifetime” visit to Wolf Bay Lodge…seeking a 50” monster Pike and to visit with “old” (new) friends.   Now that we have some experience, we are going to try it with a map & GPS instead of a guide…we’ll see how we do!

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           Last updated on ...January 4, 2009