It’s the beginning of June and guests have been in since May 14th! There was a lot to get done this spring and the weather wasn’t cooperating as we hoped, however we were still able to get things ready for opening day. Now it’s looking like the sunny summer weather is here to stay!
In early May, we took our annual trip down to Powassan to visit Geisler Boats & Sons to pick up three new boats. They’re 18 foot cedar strips, made primarily with western cedar from British Columbia. We try to purchase at least three new boats a year to keep the fleet in top condition and at the same time a few of the older boats are retired from service to be used for parts or restored. There’s a lot of work running cedar strip boats. Annual sanding and varnishing is required to keep them in great condition and looking good too!
Rounding off our fleet, we added 5 new 20 hp Yamaha motors. Almost all of our motors on the back of the cedar strips are Yamaha now. We’ve been slowly changing our outboards from 15 hp Evinrudes to 20 hp Yamaha so that you can get to your favourite fishing spots a little faster and with fuel injection the Yamaha’s make starting a breeze! Once the boats are in the water and the outboards are installed, we finish the process by outfitting the boats with seats, paddles, landing nets, safety kits and life vests.
The fish shack at Camp Lochalsh is ready! We renovated the old hot tub building to become the new fish shack. It now has a brand new stainless steel 3 compartment sink and an 8 foot long stainless steel counter! It will make the fish cleaning process a better experience! That said, with new limited dock services at Camp Lochalsh, you can now have Oliver or Gerry process your fish if you wish!
Don’t forget about our outpost lakes and streams! If you’re looking for some catch and release fun, ask a staff member about the outpost lakes. There’s lakes for smallmouth bass, speckled trout, walleye, and pike spread out within easy hiking or short rides from Wabatongushi Lake. We use either a canoes or aluminum boats on our outpost lakes. Be the only people on the lake and explore more of the area along with some fantastic fishing opportunities!
The early season fishing has also been great with many catches of pike and walleye! This summer, the fish board is back. If you catch a walleye over 24″ or a pike over 28″, take a quick measurement, photo, release it, and come tell us your story back at Loch Island to be put on the board! There will be prizes to win for both categories! The grand prize for each category will be a free 4 day American Plan fishing package for one person in 2027! We would also like to congratulate all of our winners of the mystery spot contest and photo contest. Thanks to everyone who participated!
Mystery Spot Winners:
- Kristy McFarland
- Dave Chapman
- Caleb MacKenzie
- Donald Dickison
- Kevin Neubauer
- Phil Kociemba
- Brain Faulkner
- Matt Hannah
- Hugh Wilson
- Scott Bloem
Photo Contest Winner:
- Shannon King