Last Ice Fishing on Perrault Lake before Spring Opener!

Welcome Spring Everybody!


What a difference this spring compared to last year.   Check out how our yard & lake view towards camp looked yesterday!

We took advantage of a beautiful sunny spring day, AND the last day of winter walleye fishing season to head out on the quad and do some ice fishing.  In just a couple of days the ice had started to pull away from shore, and the only place to still get good access to the ice was at the boat ramp on our property.

We had a smooth ride all the way down the lake, with just a couple of spots with a bit of slush.   I took a short video as we left camp. When we got to our fishing spot, Bob drilled our holes and we still had 20" of ice.    We were greeted by 3 bald eagles who were soaring up above, I'm sure hoping we might have a fish for them sometime!  We were hungry for our own supper, so we let them fend for their own!   Also had a golden eagle, lots of ducks, a lone goose,  a lone seagull, and a few noisy woodpeckers and ruffed grouse trying to attract their mates.  Saw several otters & beaver as well.   Had the place to ourselves otherwise.  

Soon after arrival, we had our 1st nice eater walleye.   Had some good action for awhile, and mid day it slowed down a bit. The sun was shining bright, and we were down to light sweatshirts, jeans, and bare hands.  Had a fire going, but it was just for fun, not needed for warming up.   Towards evening, the bite picked back up again.   Overall, had a wonderful relaxing day, and were reminded once again, how much we love being here!  We are really looking forward to seeing all of you who come up every year.

34 Inch Northern released

23" walleye released

We had a good mix in our catch from small walleye and northern to some big ones that we released back.  Most of all, we were happy to catch the sunshine.   Check out our the 2015 Moments in our photo album for more shots around camp this year, and this fishing day.
  

This was our view toward Ord River from where we were fishing.  The open water definitely made advances in the few hours we were there.

On our way back, the land access back at camp had become from the heat of the day, so it was interesting getting back to dry land.  Looks like we'll have an early spring this year!  The water level is very low right now, and we don't expect much runoff.  We'll see how things look after ice-out.  We'll keep you all up to date on how things look through the spring.

We are busy getting some of the prep work done for the summer while the yard dries up.  Have a few  weeks on our own before our staff start.. we'll have to save some jobs for them too right!?!

Still have a few openings for the 1st couple of weeks of fishing season, so a lot of people must be missing out on some great fishing!  If you've got a chance to pay us a visit, give us a call and we'll see where we can fit you in.

Till Next Time,
Gale

Delayed Spring Opener at Rainbow Point Lodge

With all the uncertainty of the ice conditions at thaw here at the Lodge we encouraged our opening week guests to come a week later, and thankfully the groups were able to do just that.  We hated to think of people traveling all those distances and not be assured of getting out on the water for opener. All of you out there may have to wait just a little bit longer for some new fishing photos!  Memorial Day weekend will be fantastic!

We are all just so excited to see the sun shining yesterday and today at Perrault Falls.   With the heat and the few days of rain before it, most of our snowbanks are nearly gone.  The lake took a kicking also.  The forecast is for the temperatures to drop again tomorrow for the rest of the week, back down in the low-mid 30's at night, and only about 50 as highs, so things will slow down again.   It's still hard to predict when the ice will go out, but we'll keep you posted via Facebook, and later on the Blog.

Water pooling on top of the ice on Perrault Lake

Ice separating from the shore at Rainbow Point Lodge

Memorial Day Weekend is coming up in the US, and if you don't have plans already, you might want to take a quick trip up to take in some fantastic fishing on Perrault Lake.  Have some availability, and can work out a package for you either for the long weekend, or the week.  Give us a shout if you're interested.  That fresh walleye sizzling in the pan will be well worth the trip!

Till the next post,
Bob & Gale

Early Fall Report!!

Well….. It's obviously the start of Nov. but someone forgot to tell the weather Gods. We have been having, as most of you know, one of the warmest falls on record and it doesn't bother us a bit! Over the years we have had a great mix of weather at this time of year, with lousy winning out more often. I'm loving it as it give us more time to plan and start our spring jobs. The only weather thing a few weeks ago that is a bit of a concern, was the wind that was banging my airplane around on the dock. This is the time of year that Gale and I have a bit more time to use the plane and are able to fly out to visit some good friends, and we can do a bit of remote fishing as the weather permits. We flew up north for a few hours of trout fishing, before it closed at the end of Sept. The fish were right up on top and what a blast!! Gale had the hot hand that day. Last month we just enjoyed the fall colours and solitude. I pulled the plane up on dry land yesterday, after a nice afternoon flight around the area, and I think we might have got a few friends out of their afternoon snoozes!!    Oh well!! Lots of fun.

Last week we bid farewell to our last guest of the season. They were doing a combo moose, bird, fishing trip and lucked into a fantastic trio of success. They harvested a 48 inch bull along with many partridge and a mix of fish. 

The weather was nothing short of fantastic, with a bit of frost early in the morning and 40-50's the rest of the day.   Whitefish were also running and if you have never seen this fall spawning run, it is pretty cool. The river is full of Whites and they are all stirring up the water as they move up stream creating a muddy mix. The water is very low this fall so the spawning run is even more pronounced. We caught quite a few fish to smoke and eat fresh but no where near our 25/person fish limit. That would have been easy to do but we only catch what we can use. 

Gale and I are working on our fall promotional stuff and will have our 2012 rates and specials printed in the near future. I know…. it is not the time of year that your spring/summer trip is top on your list especially with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming ever closer. When you get a chance, take a look at the literature we send you and visit the web site www.rainbowpoint.com often, for some year end savings and specials as they become available. Next summer looks like another good one based on the reservations already made.  If you have a week, or a specific cabin, you are interested in, call and see if it is available and book "This years prices" now for next years vacation!!

Spring Thaw!

Well:

Gale is cooking up dinner and I thought I would write a short note to keep you posted on the spring ice and warming sensation!!!! It is 5pm. Sat. evening and the rain is coming down and there is a winter storm warning in Manitoba for snow and high winds. For those of you that don't know, what Manitoba get's for weather we usually get in some degree a bit later. The weather man is calling for a lousy weekend with rain and wind and below normal temps. I was out on the lake a week ago doing some work on the docks that were exposed above the ice and the ice is not very thick. I think once we get a bit of hot sun and a bit of wind it will not take long to get rid of it. Some years the ice is real clear and firm and this Good ice usually takes a bit longer to break down.

I am sticking my neck out (but that's what you want!) and predicting the ice will be off the lake by the 15th. of May. It usually is out from the bay a week or so before the main part of the lake lets go completely. I don't hear of any above normal temps. in the forecast but if there is it will help the situation.

Enough of the ice stuff and I can tell you that if you are not booked to fish the first couple of weeks of season this year you are going to miss some fabulous fishing. The weather has been similar to many years past with ice out just before the opener and that is conducive to real good numbers and size of fish. We have been spoiled in the last few years with early springs and easy winters so the fish have moved into their early patterns before the season started.

I will take a few pictures for you to see in the next day or so of the ice situation and post them on this blog. I was going to do it today but it's flipping raining. Take Care and we will update you on the going's on ASAP.

BOB

Back From the Green Bay Sport Show!!

Back from Sport Show in Green Bay!!!! Gale and I flew up to Green Bay for the weekend and want to thank all of you for coming out to the show. We had a great time visiting with all of our guests and friends there, and met many new people who will be making a trip up to the Lodge next summer. We did a show special for selected spring opening weeks and will be running that until the 15th of Feb online. To view it just go to our website and sign up for the web only news letter. We will be posting the special in a couple of days and sending an email out to those who sign up at that time.

Yesterday when we flew out of Green Bay our plane was delayed for de-icing. The good side to the delay is that it gave us the rare opportunity to see the Packers. We watched a semi truck loading their gear, and they the 4 large buses and their police escort etc. pull up to the plane and board. The only way to see it was from the secure area prior to boarding. There were about 50 other passengers waiting there, all with cell cameras going!

I know my Bears and Vikings etc. fans probably will kill me but I think the Packers stand a real good chance and I wish them well.

I do not want to jinx my self but we are seeing a slight increase in the number of guests booking this summer at this time, and I sure hope it is a sign of the economy turning around for all of us.

Will be posting some pictures of our southern winter fishing adventures for you to see in the near future as the ice fishing ones are hard to come by unless there is a glass involved!!!!! This weather is sure making us think of Spring and Summer fishing!

Talk to you soon and hope the storm going through the centre of the country is easy on you this time.

Such big fish!!

Gene Fischer, Cecil, WI - 44.5" Pike

Each year we are seeing more and more big fish caught and released on Perrault Lake, and 2010 has been no exception to that statement.  Throughout this summer there hasn't been a week that has gone by without hearing about several of our guests catching and releasing big fish out on Perrault Lake.  Last week alone, we are aware of 4 walleyes over 28"  - one at 30"!!!  Also a 44" northern.  More and more muskie are reported to have been caught also.  While some of the big fish have been kept to have mounted on the wall, most of these big fish throughout the summer have been released back into the lake for another lucky angler to have the opportunity at the catch, and for the chance for another successful spawn next spring.   Congratulations to all of you who have been so lucky (ooopss... to be such talented anglers...!..) to have landed a Canadian trophy fish. 

Dan Boivin, Shawano, WI - 28" Walleye August 13

Here we were during one of our warmest weeks of the summer last week with temps up in the high 80's and mid 90's, and the big fish action continued.  What a great week it was with the last week of family groups in before the inevitable return to school.  13 year old Dan Boivin from Shawano, WI ended his week's vacation off by catching this 28" walleye in the last hour fishing for this trip, Friday night.   After a very quick discussion in their boat about whether to release the fish or have it mounted, Dan chose to have it mounted (with his dad's help).  Congratulations on a great ending to a great vacation. 

Summer Fun off off Whale Rock

Besides fishing, everyone in camp was enjoying the great summer weather - not too hot, not too cold... just right!  Miraculously too, even though we have had a tremendous amount of rain this summer, the bugs have not been bad at all.  We are questioned each week whether we spray to keep the bugs down, and of course we don't.  It's just part of living in paradise. (yes. we do pay for it in the winter.)  By the sound of the weather in the mid west and southern states this summer, I'm surprised everybody didn't migrate north to keep cool.  If you suffered through it this year, maybe you should consider a trip up north to Rainbow Point Lodge next summer.  We'd love to see you, and we know you'd love all this great part of the country has to offer!

Hey..... did you see our fall special on our website?  Maybe you can still get in that last minute fishing trip?  Give us a shout.

Till Next Time,  Happy Fishing!

Ice Breaker Fishing Special introduced

Here we already into February, and I don't know about the rest of you, but we are definitely thinking spring!  Opening day this year will be May 15th, and our regular ice-out fishing enthusiasts have re-booked their cottages to make sure they don't miss out.  If you haven't tried fishing the 1st few weeks of fishing season here at Perrault Lake, you really need to try it - at least once!  You'll want to make it an annual affair.  Just after ice-out, the fish are concentrated in the shallows post spawn and are soon to be headed out into the main lake.  You will find some fabulous fishing action on walleye and the northern pike are furious!  They  will keep you busy throughout the day, and you'll be able to get in that 1st shore lunch of the season in no time! 

We have decided to run an ice-out special to help you make that decision to come up for the excitement all that much more inviting.  Our Extra Value Fishing Package will give you everything you would need for a week's fishing.  Check out the special on our website, and contact us today while we still have space.   Visit our web photo album for this, and many more photos of last spring's fishing, and of the great fishing season we had last year.  Be the 1st to get our photo up on the Rainbow Point Lodge 2010 fishing album!

Keep warm, and think spring!

Fishing & Hunting Licence Update

Hello Everyone:

Just a quick update on the Ontario Outdoors Card that was started last summer. If you visited last year for fishing or hunting, you were issued a Temporary Outdoors Card at the time you got your fishing or hunting licence. (Was a large pink piece of paper)

Most of you should have received a permanent Ontario Outdoors Card by now. It is the size of driver's licence, and you will need to bring that back up with you next summer to speed up your next fishing or hunting licence, and save you paying the Card fee again ($9.00).

If you got one of the temporary licences last year and didn't receive your Outdoors Card, you can follow up with the Ministry of Natural Resources at the Card Centre - 1-800-387-7011. Make sure you follow up with them at least 6 weeks before your next visit.

Worst case scenerio - you don't get your card before your trip - not that bad. You'll just need to purchase another one.

Another new thing for licences this coming season is a One Day Fishing Licence for non-residents. This licence provides for conservation limits, and is really only beneficial cost-wise if you are fishing for just 1 day total. Thought I'd pass that info on for you though, in case it may apply to any of you.

Keep warm everyone and THINK SPRING ..... THINK FISHING...... THINK GREAT TIMES AT RAINBOW POINT LODGE! Book your spring fishing trip now!

(Photo - last spring - Cody Lovelace showing off a nice walleye with Bob at our bragboard.)

Till next, time... Gale

WOW The season so far!!!!!!!!!

We got off to a very cold start (weather wise), but the fishing has been nothing short of exceptional. I know this sounds like a sales pitch but after owning this place for 26 years I can honestly say the fishing keeps getting better and the blend of size from the, small to the trophy, tells me that the spawns are good and there are more great years to look forward to. Since my last post regarding personal issues, I have received many letters addressing that, and really do appreciate the thoughts.
We have not had the warmest spring to say the least but the last two weeks of fantastic weather have started to make up for it. Gale is going to busy with the photo album update as we have tons of great pictures to post from the past few weeks so keep you eye's open for that. For those of you that said you will send the pictures when you get home--- we have received some of them but not all!
For those of you that remember our dog Kasey, we had to put her down last week as she was suffering from both old age and a terminal illness. (Not been the best year I can remember!) I promise not to depress you any more but she was a part of the Lodge.
I went golfing the other day and I cannot remember the score (must be old age) but it was nice to get out, since the last 9 holes I golfed last year (pretty sad Eh!). I hate to get out to often as I usually creates a crowd (helping me look for balls). Bill you can attest to that!
There are a few of you pilot guest's out there that know I have been looking for another plane but as of yet I have not found the right one, but I will know when I see it (that's the update Mike, so far!) After flying for 35+ years, the last few years without a plane are taking there toll on me as I watch the other guy's fly over. Gale is still talking to me, so it can't be that bad of an idea, or else she hope's I will grow out of it!
I am going to sign out until next time with my usual, but sincere, comment and that is that Gale and I appreciate all your loyal support and friendship and if we haven't seen you yet this year we look forward to hosting you in the month's and years to come. Please visit our web page at www.rainbowpoint.com as we try to keep it current and get your "Rainbow Fix" with some of the pictures on our album page
Take Care and if you keep watching the blog as you never know what will come up next. BOB

Morning Mist on Perrault Lake

Just thought I'd share a couple of pictures we took this morning. There was a thick fog around the lake this morning, and just as it was lifting there a beautiful defined fog line on the lake. While down at the dock taking the pictures, we noticed our loons were back, and were swimming in the bay in front of the fish house.

We have been getting lots of phone calls and e-mails from everyone checking on the ice. Glad to hear that you're all anxious for opener. We sure are! Bob was even out yesterday with a blow torch trying to melt some ice & snow covering one of our frozen waterlines - Now that's what I call helping out mother nature! (should have gotten a picture of that site). Lots of wind yesterday - the bay in front of camp may clear out soon.

Keep that sunshine coming!

May 5th. ice update!!!!!

Well: This morning we are supposed to get a small amount of rain that will help the ice out situation! The temps. have been around the mid to upper 50's the last few days and the ice in the bay in front of the Lodge is looking real black. After watching the spring thaw on Perrault for the better part of thirty years we always notice that it is one of the last lakes to be completely free of ice. The bay out front will probably be clear in the next week or so and the main part will not be to far behind it. Gale will be attaching a couple of pictures to this Blog later today so if there are no images check back in a couple of hours. All of our projects are going according to plan and the new staff is going to start the Learning Curve this week. Will Blog again in a week or so with current conditions and feel free to comment to me on this Blog as we do enjoy the comments. Stay warm and remember- less than two weeks to opener!!!

Ice Fishing Done For The Season

As promised, we thought we'd give you a little report on our ice fishing. We had a great time during the latter part of March and early April fishing various spots around the area. Good friends and good fshing are a great combination. It was fun for all.

We had good success on all species this year. The perch and walleye were fat with spawn, and we had fun catching and releasing quite a few. The northern were very active, and we were catching mostly large guys, so that was a blast of course. We had a several exceptional fish in the mix.

Bob caught a 30" walleye, which of course was photographed and sent back down the hole. Gale caught a 35" northern (she has the cuts on her hands to prove it), and also sent him back down the hole. What a blast seeing these monsters come through the ice. Besides that, we kept a few for a couple of very tasty fish suppers! It was fantastic weather, and we all managed to get some sunburned faces.

The ice fishing season ended on the 15th, and now it's watch and wait for the ice to leave. When we were fishing we still had over 3 feet of ice, but since then the sun has taken the snow down a lot, and is able to get right at the ice. Like all of you, we can't wait for spring! Speaking of which, have you got your spring/summer fishing plans made yet? If not, give us a shout. We have some openings for early season for last minute trips (maybe the Memorial Day Weekend is a good time for you?), and have a few great cottage vacancies during our prime mid summer period. You can still get a fantastic vacation here at Rainbow Point Lodge without breaking the bank! Check out the website rates today!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Peak Summer Fishing!!!! ( O.K.Bill I'm Writing!!!)

The weather is finally acting like summer! The fishfly hatch is over! The fish are acting like they haven't eaten for a month and lots of nice catches of walleye, northern, perch and bass are coming in quite regularly.

Over the last two weeks our guests have had much to smile about! The walleyes can be found in various depths depending on the prevailing wind and time of day. Our home bay is fishing as well as many down the lake. The eyes are active along the weed line at 14-16 feet and if you try mid to high 20's you will be rewarded with some beauties. First and second bay are regular spots but Bob's island and the Sand bar are fast becoming favorites. Yesterday we had a 27" and a 27.5" walleye and a 39" northern. The bass in the 14-18" range are very aggressive and are a nice change from one species action. The use of leeches and crawlers are the bait of choice lately but the big walleyes were caught on minnows "go figure!"


Shown here is Rick Niewald from Missouri with his 38" northern pike caught on July 21st.
The northerns are always in the summer weeds but the larger ones are in the cabbage in 15+ feet of water. A few of the monsters have been caught suspended just off the reefs. The use of large spoons and jerk baits are causing quite a commotion. Guests going for musky are not disappointed, with plenty of action on that front.

The perch are finally being boated in the weeds, that were slow to show their face, because of the high water levels and cold weather this summer. The standard bait of choice is the small chunk of a crawler and jig head.

Last week Gale and I did our yearly golf outing with our good friends Bill and Marge from McHenry Ill. We go to Ear Falls golf course and have lunch and then do 9 holes with carts and that usually takes the rest of the day??? If you are a golf Pro and interested in fishing there are three of the four of us willing to work out a DEAL!!!! We also went fishing for a day with Bill Marge and their son Mike"Little Stick" Bock! and cooked a shore lunch the old fashioned way and it was lots of fun!!

Our bear baiting for the fall season is well under way and we are hoping for as plentiful season.
George and I hope that you will recognize us the next time you see us as the bug bites should be gone by next season HAHA. With the standing water and the 80+ degree temps. the baiting has been pretty bad for bugs. The blueberries are hit and miss so far in our areas. We are finding that the ones up in the open and are able to catch any of the sun are probably a week or so from being ready to pick, but the ones with some cover and are not getting a lot of sun are suffering so far and will be a bit longer.

As I am running out of things to talk about I will just throw in our plug for any of you that are in need of a last minute trip to give us a call. If you need a bit of help making your decision take a look at our photo gallery @ http://www.rainbowpoint.com/.

Thanks to all of you that take time to read this stuff, and I only hope it helps bring back memories of your trip, and helps you look forward to the next time we have the pleasure of seeing you. Take Care. Bob & Gale

Summer's Half over Let's get Fishin!!!!!

Well we just had a very busy week with a few shy of 100 people at our fish fry! The over all fishing last week was nothing short of Great. There were a few days at first, where everyone was learning the patterns, but after that we saw many BIG fish being caught and also plenty of eaters and smaller. We are uploading the pictures to our photo album in the next few days so be sure to visit our home page at http://www.rainbowpoint.com/ . Over the weekend we had 4 inches of rain and the ground is totally saturated along with the extremely high water. I know we are not anywhere near the torrential amonts of water in the mid States but a few weeks of nice warm dry weather would be nice about now.

(Shown above is Dan Pecard from Wisc. with his 41" northern caught June 27th.)

With respect to the specific species- the walleyes are being caught in two depths, from 4-12 feet early in the day and up to 17+ feet when it's sunny and hot. Last week the bait of choice was either minnows or leeches with the night crawler not as productive. There will always be someone that will swear by a certain bait but I am just reporting on the over all trend. The northerns are starting to become a little more aggressive as the cabbage weed tops out and a combination of large spoons and spinner baits is working well. The smallies are being caught in all areas of the lake by casting almost up on shore and retrieving in a pumping manner with mepps spinners, jig and a tail, and small rapalas being the favorites. The bay just in front of the Lodge is really becoming a hot spot that most are overlooking but as they see limits come in they are giving it a try.

If there are any of you that think they need a quick fishing/vacation trip Now is the time so give us a call and make it a reality. We still have plenty of late season openings and we would love to be your hosts this summer.

If there is any thing that you would like e to address in any future Blogs please repy to the blog or send me an e-mail and I will be glad to talk about it. If any of you that have been here lately would like to post a comment on our blog please feel free to write about your trip and we can get some chat going to make this that much more interesting

Take Care and hope you have a Great 4th. of July as we are celebrating our Canada Day today July 1st. Talk to you soon. Bob and Gale

Spring Fishing Trip Still Possible!

Bob & I are back home after our 10 day sport show circuit. We travelled to shows in Milwaukee, Madison and Green Bay. Aside from an 8" dump of snow in Madison, we managed to miss most of the bad weather, and managed to miss the worst of our Canadian cold while we were gone. We are still in a deep freeze like most of you in the midwest are right now, with temps in the range of -30 and down to -45 with wind chill. Brrr...

The shows were very well attended, and it was great to visit with many of our guests at the various shows. We also met many new people who will be making their 1st Canadian fishing or hunting trip to Rainbow Point Lodge this season. Bob & I are excited to show them a wonderful time at the Lodge this coming summer & fall!

For those of you who haven't made their fishing trip plans yet, we have a couple of odd cottage openings the 1st couple of weeks of season shortly after ice-out (Mid May into Memorial Day weekend). The fishing will be fantastic that time of year, so if you have a chance to get away for a few days, give us a shout and we'll see what we can do for you to get the spring fishing itch scratched!

Shown here is Kurt Carlson with one of the many northern pike caught during opening week. Fast action and plenty of numbers this time of year!
Call us today Toll Free while vacancies last! 1-800-282-9039.


Talk to you soon!

Join us on Facebook

For all you savy internet users, and Facebook fans.......
Our daughter Karla was kind enough to help us get a facebook group set up over the holidays, and we'd like to invite you to find us there, and join the Friends of Rainbow Point Lodge group on Facebook. Share your photos and fish tales on our site. It'll be great for our guests this summer to be able to post their pictures and stories about their Canadian fishing trips. See you there! Don't forget to check out the website from time to time too -- we've made some changes over the last little while, and have some great links to help you plan your fishing or hunting trip.

Canadian Fishing Vacations at Perrault Lake, Ontario

Bob & I have been experimenting in how we can make our fishing & hunting blogs more interesting for everyone. Here is one of our 1st attempts at a short video show showing some of the fishing and vacation images from the lodge. These are camp images we chose randomly to practice, but I think they show a pretty good representation of the lodge, and the fishing we have here at Perrault Lake in Ontario. Let us know what you think!

Guests at Rainbow Point Lodge