Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 6/27 to 7/4 2009 Part 1

This week started with an extreme cold front that lasted for 4 days, bringing very heavy rains, strong winds, and daytime highs only at 50 to 54 degrees. On Tuesday it only reached 50 degrees and with the strong winds and rain felt like 40 degrees on the water. By Wednesday the weather settled a bit but still only reached 55 degrees, but the light winds made it feel much warmer. By the end of the week it was in the mid 60’s. So much for summer?

Father and Son Shawn and Shawn Jr Rellinger and father and daughter Joe and Danielle Fitzsimmons all from Chicago, IL were fishing at Fireside Lodge for their first time by a referral from their good friend Mark McDermotte. First night fishing on their day of arrival they all caught Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass with Joe commenting that he had never caught Smallmouth so large. Unfortunately these four arrived with sunshine and warm temperatures only to have a severe storm and cold front move in and stick around for 4 out of their five days. There first day they caught some nice Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike, with Shawn Jr landing a HUGE 20-inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. I presented Shawn with a Master Anglers Award in the dinning room, as everyone applauded Shawn for his great catch and such a youthful age. Daniel also caught a very big Smallmouth that appeared a Master Anglers size, however a measurement was not taken, but the memory will be with her and her dad forever. Another highlight had Shawn and Shawn Jr catching well over 20 large Smallmouth while fishing for Muskie and Shawn Jr landed his first and second Muskie ever in the same day measuring 36 and 35-inches, and his father caught two at 37 and 39-inches. WOW!! What a great father and son memory. The weather did not give up on their last day as it was still rainy and only a high of 50 degrees. At this point I want to pay tribute to Daniel and Shawn Jr as every day, for four cold and rainy days, they fished and enjoyed their time with their fathers without complaints. They finished with Joe and Danielle catching a few nice Smallmouth and Shawn Jr, having the hot hand despite the cold weather, catching a big fat 38-inch Northern Pike.

Father and son Jason King and Tristen, from Cincinnati, OH father/grandpa Gary, from Canton, IL and brother/uncle David from Lisle, IL were back fishing at Fireside Lodge for their second time. First day was extreme conditions as a cold front moved in the area, along with, high winds, very heavy rain that was coming down horizontal most of the day. All the boats were in by noon, and not many fish were caught. Second day was very stormy with rain, high winds, along with a severe cold front. Despite these adverse conditions they did well catching Smallmouth Bass and landed some big ones in the 17 to 17.5-inch range. Third day was another Smallmouth day along with a few Northern Pike. Everyone caught some, and Jason did the best catching a lot when he fished after supper alone. Fourth day was an outstanding day catching many Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass, Gary and Jason catching Smallies in the 17 to 17.5-inch range, and Tristen caught an 18-inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. David caught a lot of Smallmouth and missed a good number as the Smallies were feeding on Mayflies, just starting to hatch. David said the Smallmouth would not move to chase a lure and he had to place it right in front of them and let it stay there for a while to get results. Their last day was spent catching some fish, a mix of Smallmouth and Northern Pike, and Tristen, caught his two biggest Pike ever landing a 31 and 33-inch Northern Pike. This family should be a model for all of us what a wilderness fishing vacation is all about, as in addition to the fishing, they thoroughly enjoyed the wilderness and scenery, played cards and board games every evening and night after fishing, and ate their meals together enjoying good conversation. This quality time together will be remembered for years to come.

Father Dan Murphy and 10-year old Thomas from Hortonville, WI were fishing a Fireside Lodge for their first time ever. In just a few hours before supper they caught 10 Northern Pike and within minutes of leaving the dock Thomas caught a 35.5-inch Northern Pike. Great Start. After supper they caught a few Smallmouth and a few more Pike. First full day weather came in the form of heavy rain and high winds. They caught some fish early on but came in early because of conditions. That evening after supper they did catch some more nice smallmouth bass to finish off the day. Second day was fabulous as they caught some Northern Pike and they really got into the larger Smallmouth Bass catching a lot between 14 to 17.5-inches. Their third and final day was TERRIFIC despite the cold, rainy, windy weather. Dan and Tom caught a bunch of Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike along with big fish. About 20 Smallmouth with most being over 15-inches and Tom caught three Master Anglers Award Smallmouth measuring a HUGE 18, 18.5, and 18-inches and Tom also caught a GIANT Master Anglers Award Northern Pike measuring a very thick 41-inches. WOW, 4 Master Anglers Award fish in one day for 10-year old Tom. You have to see these photos on our 2009 photos page at our website http://www.firesidelodgefishing.com The Picture of Tom struggling to hold up his monster Northern Pike is a must see. Success starts with being positive and that is the real story between this father and son. Even though they had the tough weather conditions of a severe cold front, high winds, and heavy rain during their three days, their positive attitude shined and gave them the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful experiences they had together as father and son, making priceless memories that will last their lifetime. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge to make some of your special memories.

Frank and Linda Tyrrell were returning to Fireside Lodge for their eighth consecutive year. Fishing in rainy cold front conditions their day of arrival was very productive as Frank caught 3 Muskie in the 30-inch range and Linda caught a Pike. Second day was about the same with the winds staying strong but lighter than the day before, and they had an excellent day catching a lot of 28 to 32-inch Northern Pike and Linda set the bar by catching a HUGE 40-inch Muskie. She was using a forgotten but productive lure named the Luck Strike Spoon. (That one is for your Jim Lownsay). Third day was another good day catching a lot of Northern Pike and Frank came up with his fourth Muskie for a combined total of 5, Linda still staying in the lead with her 40-incher. Fourth day was another very good day as they caught Northern Pike consistently all day long and Frank kept the streak of catching a Muskie every day going by landing a sizable 35.5-inch, very heavy Muskie. They landed over 30 Northern Pike with 12 being between 30 to 36-inches and 14 others being 27 to 30-inches. Fifth day they caught about 20 nice Pike. The sixth day they caught a lot, too many to count, as Linda had a Northern Pike attack her lure after it was out of the water. Also after unhooking a fish Frank left his line and lure in the water, and when he picked it back up after releasing his fish another fish, the twin of the one he just released, was one the other end. Great Day! Last day was sad as always but they had a beautiful day as they caught some more Northern Pike and had some big follows that would not hit. As Frank said, even though it was over and the time went by too fast, they caught a lot of nice fish and made another set memories at Fireside Lodge.


Make sure to go to our website listed below to see the 2009 Photos

Hot Lures of The Week: Magnum Torpedo, Mepps Spinner, Blue Fox Spinner, Tube Jig, Storm Wildeye Shad, Luck Strike Spoon, Dardevle Spoon, X-Rap, Husky Jerk, Silver Minnow Spoon

Catches of the Week: 20-inch Smallmouth Bass, 41-inch and 40-inch Northern Pike, 39-inch Muskie and a 45-50-inch Muskie lost at the boat.

Please note that we have a “NEW” email address below.

Well, that's it for this weeks Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report, Please stay tuned for next weeks report. Until then "Keep On Fish'n" Alan
http://www.firesidelodgefishing.com
http://www.firesidelodge.com
800-545-0815
mailto:fireside@xplornet.com