Week 11 Recap: Well Worth The Wait, Time to Fish

To say the anticipation was high for our 11th week would be an understatement. Rewind to July 29th of 2023 when we had to make the gut-wrenching decision to cancel week 11 due to forest fires and smoke. Overnight in the thick smoke, the fire had crept under a mile from the lodge, smoke was so thick we were not able to see a boat 75 yards off the dock. So, among the ash and hot embers falling on the island, we had to make a tough call…it was right. Our team soaked the island down constantly and patrolled all night. Eventually a few days later when the winds switched, and rain came to lessen the risk, we resumed operations.

When the day broke on July 29th this year, the forecast was clear, and the smoke was down (due to the 4” of rain the previous week). All went smoothly this time, save a few thunderstorms at the changeover that delayed us only a few minutes. The group was here…it was time to fish!

Some rain and wind have cooled down the surface temperatures and saw big pike creeping back into the shallows on Scott and the flyout network. 121 trophy-sized fish hit the nets this week, adding to a phenomenal season of fishing. High water this year and spreading our fishing pressure across 2 million acres of water has made for some truly incredible opportunities. Big (giant!) Pike of the week honors go to Jeremy Stanford with a 47-inch tank that was hanging out in some current and weeds. Again we saw a great run of Mids, those fish in the 44-46 inch range, Jeff Thomsen had a big week landing a 45.5 and 45-inch pike. 44s were landed by Brooks Stanford, Patrick Goris, Troy Carrothers and Chad Stanford. In total, 57 pike over 40 inches were landed this week, with fish being caught on in weeds, on rocks and still in the shallow bays offering top water and sight fishing opportunities.

Esox weren’t the only target for our anglers, as summer progresses we start to see more big lake trout photos on our nightly showings of Fish Porn. That great tradition where anglers celebrate the big catches, funny or odd occurrences and wildlife sightings…it’s a blast, and our guide team is quite creative in capturing the essence of the day. Back to the trout, Will Coates on his first trip up to Scott, tied into an impressive 42.5 inch beast fishing with Jan on Scott Lake. Jeff Thomsen and Robert Gallegos will close behind with 41’s. Adding to the over 40 inch trout total were Win Scott, Stuart Sullivan and Doug Waters, with many others coming in just under the 40 inch mark. The big girls were hungry as most of the trout trophies were over 37 inches, which is a remarkable fish that might be 60 years old in these cold, deep northern lakes.

Out of the boats and into the rapids, our anglers were on the hunt of Grayling as well. Summertime and dry flies go hand in hand on these wild Northwest Territory rivers. The aggressive surface takes and acrobatic jumps still don’t outshine the unique iridescent colours of a grayling when studied in the net. Great days on the river happened on the first day for Zac and Jeff Thomsen as well as Brooks and Mike Stanford, who all got in to many big grayling. Mike earned a Trophy Triple the next day with a big trout, while Brooks got his hat a few days later. Jeff and Zac both got into our 100” + Club. Jamie Scott found a pool on Ingalls that was loaded with fish up to 18 inches and along with her dad Win, they earned Trophy Triple hats. More Trophy Triple hats went to Will Coates and Kim Brown, the Grayling were eager!

Off the water, the sauna and gym were full each morning and evening. Cold plunges after steam are a great rejuvenation for the next day of fishing. Craft cocktails and laughs were served daily in the Last Cast. Impromptu Cornhole tournaments on the lodge deck occurred, with cheers and jeers from the crowd around the fire pit. The Northern Lights made their first substantial appearance on the third evening, just to coincide with the annual staff trout derby. The views were stunning, many cameras and phones were pointed skyward to capture the moment. In all, this group enjoyed a delayed trip to the 60th Parallel to the absolute fullest. We are thrilled so many decided to join us again next year and made the time to fish.