By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current
Canada
David Jensen from Long Grove, IA catching a Northern Pike in Canada
After many years of going on fishing trips to God’s Country I’m sorry to say that Neuropathy and my sense of balance, or lack of, had to make this my last trip. Myself, Dennis Schoening, Eldridge; David Jensen, Long Grove; David Schoening, Denver; and Brant Pincombe, Denver, left for Ear Falls, Ontario, on Friday, May 22nd and returned on May 29th . I think this was our 4th trip to Bluffy Lake and the small resort, Buffy Lake Lodge, is only one of two small resorts on the lake. The lake is big and is connected to another large lake, White Mud Lake. We had a shore lunch on WML and caught some walleyes and northerns. All the northerns we released. I’m going to skip around in this column so try to follow the bouncing ball. Somethings I wrote down and somethings are fresh in my memory which doesn’t stay too long!!
Wildlife
While in Canada we saw our first moose. It was a calf. On the way home, but still in Canada, we saw 3 or 4 more adult moose. We saw a black bear. We also saw eagles, seagulls, ducks and lots of rabbits which looked smaller than our cottontails. They also had white feet. We saw lots of beaver dams, but no beavers.
Dances With Walleyes
I’m not sure which of the guys coined the phrase, Dances with Walleyes, but it certainly fits. While we love the beauty and wilderness of Canada, our main purpose was fishing for that great tasting fish, walleye. We ate walleye every day except one day we had rib-eyes. Having fished Bluffy Lake a lot we know where they hangout. However, we were not ready for the walleye spawn. We were about a week or so still in the spawn which means the females were full of eggs and do not bite. However, the males are giving of their spurn, but “do” bite. We had to work for them, but we always had plenty of walleye to eat. I’m not a cook, but the others are really good cooks and they enjoy it. They enjoy their beer, that’s for sure. Some hot spots we fished were called, mouth, reeds, and the chutes. The weather was excellent! Our first day was kind of spotty and it was rough seas, but no problem. One day we had a stringer of nice fish and when I pulled it up to move to another spot, well, no stringer?! It had come un-tied. We had a few choice words, but not at each other. Dennis and I fished in a16’ Lund boat with a 15 hp Yamma outboard. The other three, the same. The best bait was a jig and a minnow. I used a jig and worm. Best color: Anything with chartreuse. I would say overall fishing was fair to good. However, the last day was totally “Awesome!” We must have caught 70 or more walleyes and a few northerns. Partner Dennis Schoening caught 6 nice ones before I even got my line in the water! During the trip 3 poles were broken by our humble crew. You can only keep walleyes 18” or under. They are called, “eaters.” Both Davids tied for the biggest northern, 31.” Dennis caught a 21” walleye. My biggest went 20.” Both released. I bought nightcrawlers in Dryden, Ontario. They are not cheap! Minnows were purchased at the resort. I bought a Bass Pro Shop Model XPS electric knife, battery operated. David Jensen used it and really liked it. It comes in a really nice case. He’s going to order one. The “Dan D Outdoors Fishing Award” has to go to David Jensen. A close 2nd goes to David Schoening. Yeah, I was down there with Davy Jones in the ratings.
Thank Yous
I had two bad falls and more close-calls on the trip. One at a restaurant and one in the resort’s bathroom. A GIANT “THANK YOU” to the guys who helped me a zillion times as I tried to get my way through handicap obstacles. Contact me if you are interested on making a Canadian fishing trip. The nice owners are Dean & Donna de Naul. For more info phone: 218-536-0567. Their website is: bluffylake.com.
Geneseo Izaak Walton Kids Fishing Rodeo
This be a reminder, next Saturday, June 6 th is the very popular Ike’s Fishing Rodeo for kids age 2-16. It’s all free and a ton of fun, for sure! There are lots of giveaways for all contestants. Lunch is provided. Trophies for winners. Donations welcome. Fishing poles available. Parents and grandparents’ welcome. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the event ends around noon. My wife and I look forward to seeing you there at the Ike’s Park, 1 mile south of Geneseo at the canal. See the sign.
Humor
Friend Brant Pincombe purchased a new Honda. I offered to help him on his selection, but he bought it on his own Accord.
Quote
Every eel hopes to someday be a whale.