Winter is on it's way out-----SLOWLY!!!!



Amanda releases her Grouper with her Dad





Everyone:  Hi again from our winter hideaway. We are daily reading the weather reports from the middle of the country, and boy what a winter everyone up north is having after the last few milder ones! We are also talking to Shorty and Fran, who are looking after our house at the Lodge while we are gone, and I am certainly not in Shorty's good book this year.  We are having a heavy snowfall at the Lodge and the temps have been quite a bit on the COLD side. (-30's normal).  The lake conditions are not very good for getting around on snowmachine, as there was so much heavy snow early before the ice was thick enough, the slush conditions are keeping people from enjoying ice fishing as much as they should this year.   When we say cold at the Lodge we do not factor in the wind chill as this would give most people a heart attack but you just deal with it. Did I say deal with it?   No... not this year.  We are really enjoying the time we are spending in the Florida Keys and are making the most of it by fishing and enjoying the outdoors. We don't get to do very much fishing during the summer as we are so busy taking care of business, so this is a real treat for both of us.   I am posting few of the fishing pictures that I have from last week when our older daughter Amanda, and my brother John came for a week visit.  Having trouble getting the photos to post, to this is all I can get into this issue.  I know many of you have been asking, but we'll try again later and see if we can get it to work! 



Spanish Mackerel caught by Bob's brother John



You might enjoy this little video of dolphin in the bay near our rental place though.  We watched these guys who must have been fishing themselves, for quite awhile.





Gale and I are looking forward to the spring and getting to all the projects that we have planned. We find that being away from the Lodge and our home for a while makes you appreciate it all that much more when you get back. It also makes us understand why people like yourself want to make Rainbow Point Lodge part of your vacation plans.



We have some prime fishing spots left during the last couple weeks of May.  Opening day is May 21st this year, so if you have a chance to slip up to the lodge for a few days or a week, give us a shout and we'll see what we can do to accommodate your schedules. If you've never tried early season fishing, you really should just once -- you'll be hooked!

We are having a few of the same employees back that we had last year and one new one of mention, our Daughter Karla. She is coming back for the summer ,from her travels to Ireland, to work for us before she goes back to College for two more years. This will add to her culinary arts degree she got a couple of years ago.  We are all looking forward to having her around for the summer and a little closer to home once again.  She missed camp life a lot, and looks forward to seeing everyone again!



Bob, Amanda and Gale together for a vacation

 



Well that's all for now but keep checking in with our Blog as you never know when we will have some news for you. I hope you don't mind the warm weather pictures, as I am not trying to rub it in, but I just don't miss snow shovelling & cold back home this year - the feeling guilty stuff just didn't stick around with me!!

Take Care and will talk to you soon.

BOB and GALE



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.

Quick Update!

Hi ALL: Well the winter is almost half over and spring fishing is coming up faster than you realize. Gale and I are going to the Green Bay sport show on Thurs. Jan. 27th. - Jan. 30th. we would love to see you and help you make plans for your 2011 fishing or hunting season at Rainbow. I would like to point out that we will have some Show Only specials there so make sure you take advantage of them only offered for the length of the show.

We sure appreciate all of you that have signed up for our online info page and mini newsletter. If you have not go to our webpage and click on the link at the side. www.rainbowpoint.com

As I am writing this letter I can just imagine the water cooler talk regarding the Packers-Bears game next weekend! Since we have sooo many guests from both Wisconsin and Illinois I will just say that I am neutral in my opinion. Both teams are looking pretty strong.

You probably know that we are spending some time down in the Keys this winter and we are not really missing the cold and snow that is hammering the Lodge. We have been busy doing the standard promotional stuff online and taking care of the phone etc. and it is sure nice to do it while looking at open water and with the windows open. We have been doing a bit of fishing but have been slowed down of late while waiting for one of the two motors on the back to be re-powered. I wish they were small Yamaha's and the bite out of the check book would not be so hard! We will post some fish pictures in the next blog I hope.

Again, stay warm and try and see us at the show in G.B. if you are in the area or call us toll free anytime to discuss your vacation options. Till next time. BOB

The New Year Look's Promising!!!!!!

Well: We all got through the Christmas season and passed the New Year with fire works and celebration I hope! We obviously wish all of you a Very Prosperous New Year and hope that 2011 will help us all continue on the upward path out of the down economy!

Gale and I flew back to Winnipeg Manitoba just before Christmas to be with one of our daughter Amanda, as our other daughter Karla, is in Ireland working for a year. We also spent some time with my Father, and Gale's Mom, Dad and family just south of Winnipeg. You may ask why go down to the Keys and get away from the cold and snow then fly back into it? I asked the same question and it is kind of obvious what the answer was!! We actually hit a warm spot in the weather while we were there and it got much colder the day we left, so the trip timing was perfect.

I am sitting on the deck with a coffee writing this Blog and must say I feel guilty about the 75" degree temp, no wind, and sun in my face!! Not really!

I talk to "Shorty", who is looking after our house and the Lodge Property, and he tells me that there is already as much snow on the ground as we had all last winter! I know you folks in Minn. and Wisc. are also having good volumes of snow.

I cannot tell you how much that just getting away for a little while each year seems to rejuvenate you and give you the urge to get back to the Lodge and get going on the projects that we are planning for this spring! We have an aggressive dock change that we are working at and many improvements to the detail in some of the cottages. Our carpenter, Gary, will be busy working on Gale's TO-DO list for me as I am not the finishing carpenter he is, and I am much more comfortable with a chain saw in my hands. We are also looking forward to the totally new fleet of Electric Start Yamaha Outboards that are being delivered to the Lodge this spring. George and I will be busy also, as usual, raking and getting all the necessary lines and pumps etc. hooked up for your arrival.

We hope you have had time to read our Christmas letter online and if you have not please go to our web page @ www.rainbowpoint.com and read it for yourself. You may find your own picture in the letter and will undoubtably find some interesting reading! I hope that you see that the rate schedule was virtually untouched and that we are going beyond the extra mile to make your Vacation to Rainbow Point Lodge as cost effective as possible without cutting corners in quality and your experience. Please consider this as one of your plans for this coming summer. We will be celebrating our 27th. year at the Lodge and do not see any slow down in sight. As long as we have the support of our loyal friends and guests and the many new people that enjoy our hospitality for the first time, we will continue our effort.

I hear Gale getting up now so I must go for another cup of coffee and get the day started as it is 8:30 anyways! With company in from Canada we have had a few lazy mornings. Just thought I would bore you with a small update and will do so in the near future. Next blog I will show you some pictures of our fishing adventures

Christmas Newsetter

Hey guys... If you haven't gotten our e-mail Christmas Newsletter yet, it means you haven't signed up for it!  You can do it now by clicking the link at the top of this block to "Join our Free E-Mail List".  You'll get a link for this year's newsletter, packed with information and photos for you.

Gale's moose hunting day

After more than 30 years of being married to Bob and owning and operating Rainbow Point Lodge, I have been moose hunting many, many times.  I think my favorite part of the hunt has always been walking through the woods and enjoying nature in general but, the moose meat is a great bonus too, so don't get me wrong!   Being a rifle hunter, I typically go hunting with Bob to fill our our personal moose tags after the 1st snows have arrived and most of the area hunting traffic is long gone.  This year we thought we'd get out in the bush a little earlier since I had was drawn for a resident bull tag.  For locals of Ontario, we are part a draw/point kind of system, and sometimes you have to wait for years to get a bull tag.  This was MY year! 

We took a couple of trips out in the bush to start out with on the ATV to areas that Bob knew quite well from bear baiting/hunting earlier in the season, and from archery hunting which just finished a couple of weeks before.  We head out at about  5:30 a.m. and try to be in the right general areas at daybreak.  1st day out we walk a long trail along a swamp and settle in for awhile to wait for daylight.  As daylight approaches, Bob lets out a moose call and I wait, 308 in hand, ... and wait.  His call echoes over the swamp, and I am definitely impressed every time I see/hear him do this!  Definitely takes a lot of practice to be a good caller.  Another call, and more waiting; and so it continues.  We watch the local squirrels and ruffed grouse around us, but sadly no moose here today.  We venture on to another area to check for sign, and take another trail walk.  Suddenley from the silence, a loud crashing through the woods that seems to go on forever!  We must have nearly walked on top of the bull that we just saw running off into the thick bush.  No sense sticking around at this point, but we know where to come back to on another day.   It was exciting non-the-less.

Sorry to make you wait, but the real story comes a few days later.  We are joined by 4 friends of ours, also Ontario residents, one of which has a cow tag.  Between the 6 of us we could shoot a cow, a bull, and 4 calves at max.  We know of a great area where we have heard some moose calling the evening before, so have a solid plan for the morning.  We unload our ATV's in the dark, and head out down the trail. We split up on various points on the trail, to head off into different "cuts" (old logging areas great for hunting), but still close enough to be in radio and distance range to be part of a legal "party hunt"  Myself, Bob and another couple (Rick & Leanne) stop at the 1st trail while the other carry on to the next.  We quietly gear up and walk in the darkness through the dense bush and fallen trees to access a clearing,    Above us is a steep rock cliff which could give a good vantage point for a good size area, so Rick, Leanne and myself assend and find a comfortable vantage point and Bob stays below us. He will try calling the moose from below.

As the 1st light of day starts to break, Bob lets out one of his famous moose calls.  The 3 of us on the ledge are spanning the clearing as the sun breaks through, and far off, we sight a bull and a cow, obviously still active in the rutt!  Forget outdoor tv - this is the real thing!   Normally this time of year the moose are no longer in the rutt, but after hearing the calling the day before, we knew there was still some activity.  The excitement on our rock ledge was amazing as we realized that there was a huge bull & cow, both in the clearing.  We could see the 1st bits of sunlight reflecting off the massive rack of the bull, and we know this is a real trophy!   We are very excited to take a shot, but we talk about the distance, and options, and know it is out of range, & best to wait it out.  Bob's call has gotten the bull's attention, and there is no reason for the moose to be afraid - the wind is just right!

Time ticks on and Bob lets out another cow call.  The moose are on the move, slowly towards our direction in the distance, and to our amazement there is not only the bull and cow, but ANOTHER bull over to the south.  After further watching, there is yet ANOTHER moose - another cow.   The excitement for the 3 of us on the ledge is unbelievable!.   We would have been so happy to have the opportunity to see even 1 moose, but FOUR!!! All 4 animals are ever so slowly making their way closer to where we are, sticking in pairs.  We can see the big bull raking his massive horns on a willow just in the bush line.

Bob, down in the willows below us cannot see any of what we see, but we have been trying to signal to him that we 1st had seen 2 moose, and now that we have 4 in the clearing.  He looks up at us in amazement, holding up for 4 fingers, and looking for our acknowledgement.  Each time he lets out a moose call, it is haunting.  It echoes over the clearing, and you'd think it were coming from far off, not just below us.   

Since we have a bull tag AND a cow tag in the group we think that the opportunity is perfect for us to take both animals at the same time since there are 3 of us up on the ledge ... we just have to wait it out for the right shot.  (ok maybe greedy, but how often does this kind of opportunity come along?)  Waiting...waiting... and the shot is just about perfect..... rifles raised, we have our plan made out.  Suddenly over the ridge we hear a gunshot.  Our hearts sink and more than one profanity is mentioned.  The moose below us do not seem alarmed at this point luckily enough, and continue as they were.  The shot is definitely from one of our other hunting party.  Now we need to find out what they have shot - we can't risk shooting the wrong sex of animal!    We get on the radio (that couldn't have made any more static noise if it had tried!!), and frantically ask ... "What did you shoot???? What did you shoot????"   Moments later we hear the news - they have a bull down.  My heart sinks as I realize the trophy bull in front of us would not be mine today.  Quickly we re-compose & our focus moves on the cow instead.  The bush is so dense, and there are so many uprooted stumps in the way - we have rifles up, each waiting to let the other know if we have a clear shot.  As luck would have it, another shot rings out over the ridge - our hunting party has had to take another shot to finish the job.  Now the moose have become alarmed below us, and they are on the move, and fast.  In and out of thick brush and then off into a distant right-of-way.  Long out of our range.  I know that if Bob had been on that ridge with me with rifle in hand, he would have had the confidence in his shot to be able to take the cow, but with my experience, (or lack of) and that of the couple that were there with me, we did not want to take a shot we were not positive of.  Off in the distance they disappeared! 

This was a morning to remember for the rest of my life!  Even not having shot my own trophy bull, I, along with my friends, were able to watch 4 majestic Canadian moose for well nearly an hour and a half!  It was a sight that is still engrained in all of our minds!   Now I truly understand what kind of excitement our archery moose hunters must experience hearing and seeing their moose up close.  Usually by the time we are hunting the rutt is done, and moose do not answer to calls. Moose don't come to calls, and it is more tracking, and distance opportunities.  This was our lucky day, and I can certainly see why archery moose hunters love the hunt so much.  I'm very lucky to have had my personal moose hunting guide that day to give me the opportunity of a lifetime!   Thanks Bob!  Tip ya later!!!

Finally Mike, David,Ken,Bill!!!!!!!!!!>>>>

We are now finished the fall shut down and working on the plans for next year. Our last guest left a couple of weeks ago and I was able to get the water and sewer pumps winterized before the snow hit! The weather has been pretty darn good considering the time of year. I remember the temps. being much colder and the snow staying on the ground by now. I don't miss it but that's just an observation!!!! We have been hunting lately as Gale was successful in drawing a Bull tag this year. She tagged a small bull last week and we are looking forward to the winters chewing!!

We are presently working on the plans for upgrades that we will be doing next year. One of the big jobs that we are doing, will be revamping the long dock with the bridge, and we have plans for a new approach that will make your docking more pleasurable.

I still have my plane in the water and hope to do a final flight of the year tomorrow and then I will have to pull it up before it freezes in!! Gale andI have done a fair amount of pleasure flying and fished off the floats a few times in remote lakes with great success. We are thinking of remote possibilities in the future and will keep you posted if anything surfaces. I know I said I had no intention of getting back into the commercial flying business again but you never know!

Our plan is to continue to provide you with the best possible service and accommodation that we can supply and our 28 year record will speak for it's self in our dedication to the job!

One of the big things we did for next year is purchase ALL NEW 4-STROKE YAMAHA'S. These will be featured on every boat we own! Even in these tough times we still strive to provide you with the best dependable equipment possible. We sincerely hope that these constant improvements will make your loyalty a pleasure.

We have had a look at our fishing calendar from the past season and the catching has been getting better from year to year. The size variation has stayed constant and the larger fish have really made a big surge in the past 7 or 8 years. This is totally due to fishermen releasing many large fish and the size limits that were imposed a few years ago. We all have a new outlook on the way we handle the resource now and how it affects the fishing in the future.

Gale and I went down to the Florida Keys last year for a while and are presently packing up for a return visit. We will post a few pictures of our fishing adventures as they occur! Last year we fished with our fish ID book in hand so we could figure out what we had on the end of the line.

We have just finished up printing our rates sheets for the Christmas mailing and are busy working on a detailed newsletter that will go with it. We hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and will talk to you soon

I must apologize to David, Mike,Ken, Bill, etc ,,,,, who have been pointing out to me that I have not published a blog lately. I hope this will help with the Rainbow withdrawal for a while. I will edit this in a while to add some pictures, so check back, and will do another one in a couple of weeks. Please keep up on the comments and hope all is well with you all. BOB

High water story of 2010

2010 has been quite a year for rainfall here in NW Ontario.  While we started off very early, dangerously dry, and moderately low water levels, early June changed the trend.  From early June until early August, the water just kept on rising.  The weather was very nice overall once again for our fishermen and families.  We got tremendous rainfalls that usually came in short spurts, or during the night, not bothering the vacationers much at all.  By tremendous rainfalls, I mean dumps of 3-5 inches at a shot.  Each time the water levels on Perrault would continue to rise for days afterward, from all the runoff. 

High water levels seemed to have nothing but good effects on the fishing throughout the summer, so that was a bonus.  On the down side, we had a couple of our docks that were not usable for about a month.  Thank goodness this wasn't the case when we had the largest of our boat traffic in.  With the high water and waves, our docks have sustained quite a bit of damage, so we have a fall/spring project for sure.

As September approaches we're looking forward to seeing some great northern pike and musky action once again - typical for the fall season.  Don't forget our great Fall Special pricing!  If you can't come for a week, we also can work out a daily package for you to fit your time schedule.  September is one of the nicest times to be up here in NW Ontario. 

Loons are starting to gather up, so I think they know something we don't know....  Always a fantastic sight to see so many in groups on the lake. Lucky enough to see a family of wolves off the roadside last week, and yesterday one of the guests sighted a bear on the lakeshore.  The bald eagles that have their nust just up past our house kicked their young one out the other day for what we think was it's 1st flight.  Amazing to watch the flying lessons!  Also have had a golden eagle hang out on a tall tree near the main dock the last few days.  Just sits for hours on end and doesn't seem to mind the human attention.  Add to all this, the occasional moose or deer on the roadside and it just doesn't get much better than this!   Wish you were here. 

Till next time,
Gale

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!

Blueberry season & Fishing at Perrault Falls

What a great year for blueberries in NW Ontario.  Berries are perfect for picking right now.  Just have to keep an eye out for the bears that like them just as well!   Got out picking a couple times so far, and am trying to find some spots that are nice an accessible for our guests.  Pictures right is Dianne, George's wife who went out with me last week.  Nothing better than a dish of fresh blueberries, or those morning blueberry pancakes!

Besides picking blueberries, George got Dianne out for some walleye fishing as well before she had to head back to work in Winnipeg.  Fishing has been fantastic overall, with more and more large fish being released each year. 

Support Our Troops Draw Winner

I know - we're in the dog house for not posting for a long time.  Excuse - we have been so busy enjoying visiting all of you wonderful guests, and keeping the camp ship shape, the computer somehow gets left behind.  Enough of that!  Bob has a great blog in draft to publish shortly, so he'll have more information for ya.

In the meantime, I wanted to mention a great young man, and a fantastic fishing trip.  You may recall that we worked in conjunction with wildlife artist, Anthony J. Padgett this past winter, to provide a free trip for 2 for a US service person.  This was sponsored and promoted through the winter by Anthony (Tony).  The winner of the draw was Zack Carver, from Indiana who recently returned from a tour in Iraq.  We thoroughly enjoyed meeting Zack, and his younger brother Caleb who joined him on the trip.  Zack came up with his own personal tour guide/ draw sponsor, Tony Padgett and partner Heather Rayka, who know us, Rainbow Point Lodge, and Perrault Lake all very well.  Tony and Heather provided great home cooked and shorelunch meals during the week for Zack and Caleb, and had a great time fishing with them on Perrault Lake.  Ontario fishing was all new to these boys, and soon after arrival, they were catching plenty of walleye, northern, smallmouth and perch. 

Shown here, Wildlife Artist Anthony J. Padgett, Zack Carver, Gale and Bob Extence

During the same week Zack was here, we had the pleasure of hosting our own Canadian service person, Will Bawden from Manitoba Canada, who had just returned from Afghanistan.   Will was a dock boy here at the lodge 3 summers ago, and we were so happy to see him here again, this time for some R&R before his next rotation.  We wish both these boys (no... Brave Young Men) great success and most of all good health and safety in their future.  We are proud to have had the opportunity to help give back to both of you.

FISHING WOW!!!!

Hi All: I finally have a second to keep you up to date on the goings on around here. We have been very busy lately and it sure is nice to have many old friends and new guests to share the summer with. The weather has changed since the first part of the summer and has been a bit damp to say the least. The nice thing is that we don't have a fire problem and it has not affected the fishing adversely.
I know I run the risk of sounding like a broken record but the fishing is the best I have seen it since we bought the Lodge 27 years ago and it doesn't look like it will do anything but continue to improve. The walleyes are coming in from 15-18 inches and the number of big fish released is unprecedented. Last week our guests released over 35 walleyes from 25-32 inches and many northerns 35+. We saw the mayfly hatch happen which did nothing more than move the fish into shallower water to go after the larvae. This also made the use of small minnows, leeches, and crawlers the baits of choice in no prominent order. The bass are very aggressive and the perch catch is really heating up.
We tried to have our fish fry last Mon. instead of Tues. as the weather was forecast to be great on Mon. and not so great on Tues. (our normal day!) Well, as you can guess I got poured on as I put the first pans of spuds on and we had to cancel it until Wed. Calling the weather for the fish fry is always a big thing as it takes us 3 hours to prepare and we don't want it rain on the 10 gallons of hot oil I have going. But on Wed. we all had a great time. Gale and I look forward to the weekly fry as it gives everyone a chance to get together and many friendships are made for years to come.
This coming week it is supposed to cool down a bit but the fishing should stay great and we hope if you haven't booked a trip yet there is still lots of great fishing weeks left and we would love to host you. Make sure you visit our website at www.rainbowpoint.com for all the current news and to look at the updated photo album. You may see someone you know or perhaps yourself!
Take Care and as always we are only a call away. BOB and Gale!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fishing pictures on the web

Hey everyone... I've been busy uploading pictures to our 2010 fishing photo album, and have many more to put up this week.  Check out what people have been catching lately!  Good weather and fantastic fishing .... wish you were here!  Will give a more detailed fishing report/news update shortly.  Just been so busy it's hard to get time to go on the computer.

Fishing Season is well underway!!!!!!!

Hello Everyone: Well Gale and I were a little hesitant about how the fishing might be, with regard to the extremely early ice out and the above normal temperatures that we had before the season opened. We did not see any adverse effect and the fishing, as we expected, has picked up quicker than other years as the water temp is 5-8 degree's warmer than normal. The Northern fishing has seen quite a few 40+ inch fish caught and released, and not all the fish are being picked up in shallow water as we would expect. Walleyes are getting more numerous every day and the size is an easy 16-18 with many fish being released in the mid to upper 20 inch bracket. We had a dedicated perch fisherman come in the other day with a nice number of fish and half of them were 12-14 inches!
We will have our photo album for this year up and running very soon so you can see a few of these fish and know that I am not talking through my hat about the size
Earlier this spring we hired a school class to help us rake the leaves on the property and it took 24 kids, 3 teachers, and 5 of us a whole day to rake and pile leaves at the back of the yard. The pile was about 60 feet long and 10-12 feet high as this had to be pushed with the bobcat to consolidate it a bit. If any of you are free next spring give me a call as we have another bumper crop of leaves growing!!
We have been busy replacing dock boards on many docks and totally replacing a couple of smaller ones. I am presently adding a small floater dock to the main dock to be able to tie down my new addition !!!! Will talk about it later and show you some pictures, or better still come on up and see it????
The wild life has been out in full force posing for the camera and you will see some great shots on the photo page that will be out soon. If any of you were up here earlier this spring and did not leave a copy of your pictures with Gale, we would love to see a few and post them on our website album.
We had our first Fish Fry of the summer the other night and it was a great success. The pot luck food was a great hit as usual. The fried fish and spuds are always fun to cook even though it gets awful hot some evening as you well know. I have often thought of doing it in a deep fryer but it just wouldn't be the same as a real fire and monster pans!!
Got to go but just wanted to touch base and let everyone know that we are in full swing and now is the time to book your last minute vacation. If you get the fishing or hunting urge and would like to come and see us again or visit us for the first time give us a call @ 1 800 282-9039 or go to our web page www.rainbowpoint.com for all the details and contact us there.

As I have said in the past, Gale and I Thank-you for your continuing support, and that makes all our hard work and continued upgrading very satisfying. Take Care and look for the photo album pictures and an addition to this blog with some more info in few days.

Ontario Fishing Licence Reminder

Just a quick note to all of you return customers who purchased a fishing licence last summer that included the Temporary Ontario Fishing Outdoors Card.    During last fall you should have received a plastic Ontario Outdoors Card in the mail.  Check your wallets or files now before you come up and make sure you have it along with you.   We are hearing from several people that either they never received their cards, or perhaps had thrown them out thinking it was a credit card scam letter.  If you don't have your card and you purchased a temporary last year, you can get a free replacement, but only if you call in advance of your stay.  Allow 3 weeks delivery. 

Call the Outdoors Card Centre at 1-800-387-7011 to request a replacement if you can't find your card or never received your card. 

Worse case scenerio, if you don't have your card, you'll simply have to purchase another one ($9.00) at the time you get your fishing licence again this year.

Beautiful spring so far...  have you booked your fishing trip yet?  Perrault Lake is beautiful, quiet and waiting for you and your fishing hooks!   Call us today, as we still have some available for prime summer weeks.  Ph: 1-800-282-9039. 

Bye for now,
Gale

Spring weather trends at Perrault Falls

We know all of you fishermen (& ladies) are anxious to hear all about the lake levels and weather, so here's a quick update.  The calendar page has turned, and opening day is in sight!

We had a very long stretch of above normal temperatures early this spring, and as we mentioned before the ice went out on Perrault Lake exceptionally early on April 14th.  Since then we've seen 3 solid weeks of beautiful summer-like weather, wil absolutely no rain.  Evenings still dipped down to the mid/high 30's, but day-time crept up to the high 70's some days.  The high lake levels we saw last fall are long gone, and with not much for run-off this spring, the lake is down considerably -not the lowest we've seen, but certainly down.  All the warm dry weather resulted in extreme forest fire danger, and the MNR implemented the restricted fire zone designation. 

This week we've seen a change in the weather pattern that looks like it will stick for about a week +-.  Finally got our much needed rain; enough for the MNR to drop their fire ban, so that is always a relief.  Day time temps are a chilly and damp 50 deg +-, and down to just above freezing at night.  More seasonable for this time of year, but I'm sure it will turn around again before long.

Will update things soon.  Right now we've got plenty to keep us busy getting ready for all of you to arrive! 

Oh... still have a few spots open for spring fishing!   Give us a call today to set up a quick long weekend trip, or maybe you can swing a week.  Life is too short - get out enjoy it!

Good-bye to a friend

We are sad to say we have lost not only a long-time loyal customer, but a wonderful man we were proud to have considered a friend over the last 26 years.  Mr. John Dobson, aged 85, of Phillips Wisconsin passed away on Saturday, April 3rd.  We 1st met John on the opening morning of fishing in 1984 - our first opening day after purchasing Rainbow Point Lodge - We awoke before dawn to be ready for the big opener, and much to our surprise looked out the window to see several cars and trucks lined up in our drive, occupants sleeping, waiting to check-in and get onto the lake.  Needless to say we hastily dressed and wondered what we were in for.  John, and his regular buddies from Orfordfille at the time greeted us with strong handshakes, and laughter.   Every spring since that day we have enjoyed John's company; have enjoyed the customary games of cribbage, and of course the required Manhattan to go along with it.  He loved his fishing, cards and friends.  We know that many of our other guests have come to know John over the years, and wanted to pass this information on to them as well.   We are all better for have known him. 

Our sympathy goes out to John's wife, family and good friends. 

Ice Out 2010

Here we are April 14th, and yes.... the ice is out of Perrault Lake today!  We'll have to mark this one down in our history books, as Bob & I have never experienced such an early ice-out in the 26 years we have been here at Rainbow Point Lodge.  Funny thing is that this is the last day of walleye fishing, which is usually spent on the lake fishing through a hole in the ice.  If it wasn't so windy today we could be out on the lake catching our supper! 

An early ice-out will mean a good chance for the fish to complete their spawn before the opening of walleye season again on May 15th.  Northern pike however is open throughout, so we may be catching a few over the next few weeks to get that taste of fresh northern fish we are all so looking forward to. 

Catch you later!
Gale

Early Early Spring at Perrault Falls

In 26 years we don't remember as early a spring as this one! Perrault Lake is black, and we wouldn't doubt if it was out before the weekend. Last year we we were still driving a truck and 4wheelers out on the lake and ice fishing at this time.   Hard to believe the difference.  The bay at camp is nearly open.  Absolutely no snow on the ground. 

Get out those fishing rods guys (& gals)!   Still room for some groups the 3early weeks of season - give us a shout today to book in your long weekend, or week long stay!  1-800-282-9039

Spring has already been Springing!!!!!!!

Hi Everyone:

Only 6 more weeks till fishing season!!!! I know many of you have a countdown going yourselves. For all of you who have planned your spring trips, there will be no fear of ice not being out in time for spring opener. Like many of you, we are seeing a very early arrival of warm spring weather. so there is next to no snow already, and the lake ice won't take long to go out with the continued warm temps. This early warm weather is unheard of for us this time of year.

A bonus for us for the early spring is that we will be able to get to the many jobs we want to do before the season starts which is just fine with us. Some years it is a scramble to get things ship shape by the time the 1st guests arrive as we are often still seeing snow and deep frost into late April. Besides and week long raking job and cabin spring cleaning, there are always many repairs and improvements to be made. This spring will see some additional dock renovations and deck staining to keep things looking good, along with many other projects that I won't bore you with. You'll see what's new when you get here.

I was talking to George a couple of days ago and he is "winter rested" and ready to go. Just a few weeks ago he and his wife Dianne were blessed with the birth of their 1st grandchildren - twins (boy and a girl) Big congratulations goes out to their family!

We have hired some brand new dock staff and I am really looking forward to working with them and hope this will work into a long time relationship for them working with our team.

We are all looking forward to seeing everyone again, and also meeting all you new first timers to the Lodge! If you have the spring fishing itch, we have some openings for early season, and have a special running for the 1st 3 weeks that may be hard to pass up. Check out our website for details!

Knock the dust off the fishing gear and get ready for a Great Season! BOB and GALE!

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!

Support our Troops Draw

We are getting geared up to head out to the All Canada Sport Show in Green Bay, Wisconsin, starting Thursday. Anxious to see so many of our good friends, guests and future guests there as always!

Rainbow Point Lodge is happy to be part of a wonderful promotion with Wildlife Artist Tony Padgett this year in support of the US Troops serving the USA. Here is the total information on the trip Rainbow Point Lodge will be donating to this worthwhile cause.

Wildlife Artist Anthony J. Padgett to Host Contest for Military Personnel with Fishing Trip to Canada During All Canada Show Event

Wildlife Artist Anthony J. Padgett supports U.S. Military with a contest to win a Canadian fishing trip for two during the 2010 All Canada Show tour. All presently serving or honorably discharged Active Military, Guard, Reserve or Retired are eligible to enter.
Anthony is a renowned wildlife artist with recent accomplishments that include the 2008 Ducks Unlimited International Artist of the Year Award and 2009 Louisiana State Waterfowl Stamp Award. Anthony’s love of the outdoors is depicted in many of his paintings. Being an avid fisherman and outdoorsman who enjoys fishing in Canada was the idea behind this contest as an opportunity to say thanks to US Military personnel.
Anthony’s love of the outdoors and wildlife came at an early age when even then the urge turn memories into drawings had begun. A self-taught artist, Anthony’s career as a wildlife artist has spanned almost twenty years. His work has taken him all across the United States and Canada. Whether its researching polar bears in the arctic or watching an eagle soar above, a realistic portrayal of wildlife in their natural environment are trademarks of his style.
The All Canada Show attracts over 300 Canadian fishing and hunting lodges. The angler and hunter can book their adventure directly with the lodge owner during the show. The All Canada Show will make stops in eleven cities starting January 9th in St. Louis, Missouri and continuing through February 21st in Dallas, Texas.
The contest will be held during the All Canada Show tour. Anthony has a booth at the All Canada Show and entry forms can be filled out and turned in at his booth. The winner and their guest will be able to choose a week in either July or August 2010 to fish with Anthony. Rainbow Point Lodge in Perrault Falls, Ontario, Canada is the destination for that week of fishing.
“As Americans we are fortunate to have so many brave men and women in our military keeping us out of harm’s way” says Anthony. “I want to share my love of the outdoors with a soldier and give them an opportunity to relax, have fun, and enjoy a week of fishing. This is my small way of saying thanks.”

Anthony J. Padgett Gallery

Good luck to all the entrants for the draw, and we look forward to meeting the winner this summer!

For the rest of you, if you haven't made your reservation for this summer yet, now's the time before we run out of room. Give us a call toll free 1-800-282-9039 today.

Stop by and see us there. Thursday thru Sunday, ShopKo Hall in Green Bay

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

Seasons Greetings

Just a quick note from Rainbow Point Lodge to say a big hello and Happy Holidays to all of our guests in the US, Canada and abroad who we are also proud to call our friends. Thanks for all the wonderful cards, e-mails and letters. We sure appreciate hearing from you and look forward to seeing so many of you this coming season.

Tomorrow, December 26th is Boxing Day in Canada (always the day after Christmas). We hear many of you chuckle at us mentioning this national day. Now adays Boxing Day in Canada is kind of like the US Black Friday being a day off for many people & a great day for huge after Christmas sales. But.. What is Boxing Day?

"This is a tradition based on British History and roots, and is recognized in most commonwealth countries. Boxing Day was a day the higher classes gave gifts to the lower classes. Before or on December 25th people of similar class would exchange gifts to celebrate the Christmas season. Gifts were not exchanged with the lower class until the next day called Boxing Day. The holiday is named Boxing Day because the tradition of giving gifts of cash, food, clothing and other goods to the less fortunate were placed into boxes for easier transportation. The goods were distributed based on the family needs and their services to the giver."
Read more at Suite101: Origin Of Boxing Day: History and Meaning of Boxing Day http://teachertipstraining.suite101.com/article.cfm/origin_of_boxing_day#ixzz0alcsHbLB
Read more:
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1868711,00.html#ixzz0alXw3iSh

Thought I'd share this bit of trivia with those of you who were curious.

Happy Boxing Day everyone!

Winter has it's moments!!!!

This winter we have had it pretty good over all regarding the temps and snow cover but I sure feel for all you folks in Wisc. threw Indiana. We all knew it was going to come but why all at once? The temperatures at the Lodge have dropped into the -30 range at night but we did not get as much snow as the folks down south did. I was listening to the radio the other day and the southern parts of Florida are getting record highs for this time of year and are complaining about the humidity levels!! (Big Deal)! We have humidity it's just a bit more solid than theirs!!!

Well, all of you have received our Fall Gazette, and we hope you enjoyed reading some of the articles that we presented. Gale and I enjoyed putting it together, but it gave us a whole new perspective on the amount of work it takes to put a daily, let alone, yearly paper out!! Just as we suspected, many of you are taking advantage of the early sign up savings, and for those of you that are making bookings for the summer, you have just a few days left to benefit from it. We are still running our referral program that directly benefits you for telling your friends and neighbors about Rainbow Point Lodge. Call or write us for the details

We are looking forward to the Jan. edition of the Midwest Outdoors Magazine as it will have a full story on the 64" Moose that Greg Wierzba of Green Bay took with a bow this past fall. It has gone through the 60 day drying period and it will be scored real soon. This is not just any Big moose, this is going to be one of the top bulls taken in Canada with a bow. I will keep you posted on any other news about it.

We are getting ready for Christmas along with everyone else and it will be a little different this year with both our Daughters away from home and not able to join us on the 25th. We are going to have our family get together for Christmas in the middle of Jan. as it is the only time that the girls can get some vacation together. Amanda, our oldest Daughter works in the entertainment booking business and they are very busy around the holidays and Karla our younger Daughter is a Chef working in St. John's Newfoundland and as you can imagine the Christmas season is very busy with all the parties etc. We will miss them but we get to have two Christmas celebrations so it can't be that bad. It's just that we will finally get rid of the turkey and then we get another one to work on!! Oh Well!!

We are looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Green Bay All Canada Sport show at the end of Jan. and hope that the Packers are continuing to do well. The guests at the show seem to be in a much better mood when the Pack is in it!! I must tell you that I went to a Packer game at the end of Nov. with a few other guys from Canada and Boy, do you folks ever know how to put on football game! I have gotten my liver back from the cleaners and will be ready for another game next year if my therapist from AA will let me go!! I was telling the guy's that I bet I run into someone I know, and sure enough, I saw three different guests at the game and they were sure surprised to see me there.

Anyways, I will let you go and wish you a Merry Christmas and will update you in the New Year as to any STUFF that's going on. Take Care BOB

Fall Gathering of the Loons

I kept forgetting to post this picture, so the timing is a little off, but I wanted to share it with you anyway. Each fall it is a must for me to get out in a boat and see the loons as they are gathering before leaving for the winter. It is really quite a site. The water looks black with them from a distance, and as you come closer, they are not all that alarmed - just gracefully swim away. To sit quietly in the boat amongst these beautiful birds is really something. Groups of loons in the fall can number in the hundreds. Then one day you wake up, and they are gone - no more loons calling in the evening until next spring. This generally happens mid September - totally depends on the weather - sometimes earlier. Wish my photography was better, but this may give you an idea.

Minto stops by the Lodge

Just hosted my nephew Kalvin Olafson and his band for a night stay and dinner as they make their Cross Canada tour. The Band, Minto, just left Winnipeg Manitoba, and are playing in Thunder Bay tomorrow. You can see/hear them on MySpace. If you like them, pass the word! We wish them luck on their tour, and success with their new album.

Moose Article News Paper

It's snowing and cold and winter is coming. The temperature 3 weeks ago when Greg took this moose was 80 and now the day time highs are 35 and 20 at night. Just thought that some of you would like to read the first story. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009910110693
Stay warm!! BOB

Fall is definitely here

After an incredibly warm September at Perrault Falls(the warmest month in 12 months!), we are now into below normal temps for early October. Bob has most of the water lines drained and motors put away, and so much more to ready for the cold nights ahead. Just a few cottages are left open for the last guests arriving this week. I've been working on fall close-up cleaning in the cottages, and inventory and packing at the store. Seems like we just finished opening up such a short time ago!

The opening day for rifle moose hunting in our area is on Saturday for residents, and on Monday for non-residents. Our little highway is busy with trucks, trailers and atvs arriving for hunts in the area.

Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend, so Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Twittering at the Lodge

Checking out the world of Twitter, and wish we had looked into in this summer. We'll have fun giving updates through the season next year on the great people, fishing and hunting. In the meantime, if you'd like to follow our "tweets" look us up on Twitter (twitter name - fishinontario)

New pictures up on Hunting Album

Just finished uploading a few new pictures on the hunting photo album. Congratulations to Rick Mather from Mukwonago, WI on his 520 lb. black bear (rifle), and to Greg Wierzba from Green Bay, WI on his Pope & Young 64" moose. These two hunters got the big guys for the year for sure!

Archery Moose Update!!!!

Well: As I promised I am posting a quick update to our archery moose hunt. Last week our hunters were hunting in 80+ degree temps, which was extremely hot for this time of year. I don't own a pair of camo shorts but I wish I did. The minute they left to go home last Sat. the weather turned around with a hard frost and seasonal temps. in the 50's. Go figure!! We called quite a few moose in but the weather was not helping the Rut much. On Tuesday Greg Wierzba from Green Bay, and I, called in a nice moose and after holding full draw for more than 3 minutes (which seemed like an hour) the moose gave him a shot at 23 yards. I have hunted with Greg before and I was sure that the shot would either be perfect or he would not take it. He did not disappoint me, and as you can see the animal turned out to be a Pope and Young trophy!! He is having the head "green scored" just to get an idea how it will rank in the stats, and has to let it dry for the 60 days as prescribed in the P&Y rules for the final measurement. The rack measured 64 inches, and as you can see has great structure. I will keep you posted on it's P&Y ranking.

The hunters this week have seen two 50+ beauties but were unable (so far) to get a clear shot. Keep an eye on the photo section of our web site as we will be posting more fishing, bear, moose pictures in the next week or so.

Gale and I will be finalizing our fall-winter advertising schedule in the next month and will be sending out our new price list etc. soon there after. We are going to be using the Internet and our web page a lot more so make it one of your favorites and visit it often. We will be introducing a new twist to the web page, that I will be talking to you about in the future, so have a look at it to keep up to date with what's going on @ http://www.rainbowpoint.com/ .

Not to forget about the fishing, but the walleye and northern fishing was great last week, while we were putting on suntan lotion. We also went after grouse and had limited success as the ground cover leaves are still on and we need a couple of frosts to remove them.

Anyways, I said this would be a short blog but as usual these two fingers keep going when they get warmed up. Thank God for speilchezk!!! Hope all is well and will talk to you soon. BOB

Fall Report!! "So Far"!!

Well: We are catching our breath after a busy bear hunting season. George and I have been baiting since late July, trying to give all our hunting guests the best possible chance at a black bear. Most people don't realize how much work goes into the pre-baiting part of the hunt as all they see is the bait when they get there. This year for instance we went through more than 4000 Lbs. of bait and lots of gas, nails, lumber, sweat etc. The summer was a cool one as we all know, and the blueberry crop (that the bears depend on) was roughly 2-3 weeks late so it put the peak of the season for them right in the middle of our hunt. This makes the hunt a bit tougher but we tried as hard as we could to keep the baits active. We had a great mix of hunters from all over the States with many of them taking home a nice animal.

On Thusday, last week, Rick Mather from Mukwonago took this nice 500+ pounder. The animal weighed 475 dressed out with 30-40 lbs. left in the bush. No need to embelish the size just have a look.

I sure want to thank all my hunters this year and look forward to seeing you again in the future for another hunt or even a fishing trip.


The fishing has been a bit funny lately with respect to the locations they are being caught at this time of year. We are finding that the walleyes will be active one day in 25-30 feet and the next day someone will come in and say they were biting well in 10ft. Go figure! The musky are really becoming agressive and many 45+ inch fish have been caught and released. (waiting for pictures from the fishermen!!). Bass and perch have also been quite easily caught in large numbers.


We are presently waiting for the fall grouse hunt that starts tomorrow. This is a great time of year as the leaves are changing and the colours are beautiful. You can combine great fishing with leasurely walks in the bush for birds and small game. Totally relaxing!


Today the temperature is going to be close to 80F. and I may even turn on the air conditioning as it hasn't run much this year. We are having nicer temps. etc. now, than we had for most of the summer.


"Enough Complaining" about the weather and the economy etc. and lets look forward to the winter and the ALL new season next year. I am going to try and look at the positive side of the future, as I tend to be a bit of a pessimist looking forward but what do I know? We are going to announce our fall-spring promotional travel schedule soon and also finalize our printed and internet advertizing. We will continue to try and keep Rainbow Point Lodge at the top of your list of vacation plans and hope that you will continue to return year after year. Make sure you look at our web page regularily @ http://www.rainbowpoint.com/ for the current packages and rates and be sure to read the customer testimonials and also look at our photo page as it changes quite often. If you have pictures that you would like to send us from this year or years past e-mail or send them to us and we will post them on the web.


We are going to be running our Fall Archery Moose hunt next week and I will do another blog after that to bring you up to date.

August Update

Pictured Left, Stacey Long, IA with a 30 inch walleye caught & released August 11th.

Here we are on the last day of August, and we're now really starting to feel like summer has started. An entire week forecast of no rain, and warm (high 70's), sunny skies. It's been a year where we have all really appreciated the sunny days more than usual since they seemed few and far between. The fishing was some the best we have seen on Perrault Lake though, throughout all the rain and cool weather, so I guess there was a silver lining in it all. Fishing has slowed up a bit the last couple of weeks, but still some great fish being caught. Right now they are finding the walleye's in the 25-30 foot level which is pretty normal for this time of year. Some of the fishermen last week did very well on big northern and muskie, which again is pretty typical as fall approaches. We'll look forward to some great catches in the next couple of weeks.

The blueberries are out in full force - very late in the season due to the lack of warmth and sunshine. Just went out the other day with George, Dianne and Bob to areas where they are also bear baiting, and picked 4.5 gallons in just an hour. Delicious!

Happy fall everyone, and we'll update you soon.

Gale

Summer News!!!!

Well it has been a while but this is he first time I have had a few minutes to write a quick note. The fishing the last month has been nothing short of great. It seems the weeks start out slow but as soon as everyone figures out the pattern and the depth's etc. then the week ends with many smiles! The past two weeks we had the late mayfly hatch (due to the cold weather and slow water warm up) and the fishing has been very good for walleyes and bass in the shallow water. The fish are feeding on the larvae, and an gentle approach with a small minnow, leach or a night crawler has been producing well. The hatch is over and the fish are moving to deeper water for their food. The larger northern fishing is in the cabbage weed in many of the deeper bays and smaller ones can be found in any weedy area of the lake.
We have been bear baiting for quite a while and have been out in the bush with the flies and mosquitoes rebuilding old stands and establishing new one's. The activity seems right on par and we hope for a good group of hunters. The blueberry crop is a few weeks behind, also due to the cold weather, but it looks like a decent one. If you want to make a last minute trip for fishing and berries the week after next would be the start of the picking in my estimation.
We have been seeing a fantastic number of grouse this year as we are bear baiting, so this fall we expect a good hunt with excellent success. the past few years the weather in the spring has taken it's toll on the birds but this year it seems to be to their liking.
Please take a look at the picture page on our web site @ www.rainbowpoint.com for some of the recently updated photo's. Gale has been putting up as many as she can get time for and will be adding more in the next few weeks so keep sending them to us after you get home.
This is the time in the Blog where I put my personal feelings out and sometimes put my foot in my mouth and other times get good feedback from some things that just need to be said. My rant is very positive this time and it is regarding tipping! We all know that when we go out for the 1 hour meal we leave a tip for the waiter for the three or four trips to the table and we think nothing of it. In the Lodge business we deal with the same people for 16 hours a day, seven days a week, in all types of weather doing everything from manning the bait house to cutting grass, picking up garbage, maintaining the cleanliness of all buildings and grounds and being at your call all day long plus many other things that you don't see behind the scenes. We used to find that most people either never left a tip or left a tip,based on the way the fish were biting! Now we see that most of our guests realize that our guest to staff ratio is extremely good and that the overall experience and comfort while you spend a week or more with us appreciated. We personally get many letters and verbal Thanks just saying how nice and clean everything was without bringing up the fishing or weather( which are the normal conversation topics) Our staff gets paid a fair wage, but we all love to get a tip, and in doing so it tells them that they are doing a great job! To summarize the last few lines I just want you all to know that your tips when you leave are GREATLY APPRECIATED BY ALL THE STAFF and even though you don't hear it from them directly most of the time they are touched by your generosity. Now that I have gotten that off my chest I am ready for the the next trip to the dock!
I closing Gale and I want to give our sincere condolences to the families of the three gentlemen that lost there lives in a freak tornado a few weeks ago not to far from our Lodge.
I will go now as this probably gives you a lot to talk about and We hope that you all have a great remainder to the summer and look forward to hosting you soon. BOB

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

End of May update!

I know many of you know situation with my Parents health problems and I thought I would just clear the air and fill you in. My Mother passed away last Mon. and Gale and I and my two daughters are in Winnipeg taking care of the situation. If we are a bit late at answering our e-mails we do apologize but we will be back at the Lodge tomorrow, Sun. and carry on with the very good start we had in the last two weeks with respect to the fishing. My Father is not doing very well and we hope for the best for him. Enough about my problems, but many of you have asked about them and I thought I would just be open about it.
We had a great opening week and the fishing just carried on fantastically this past week with many beauties being caught and released. The weather has not been the most favorable but it looks like we may be in for a bit of a warming trend (not fast but warmer and sunny).
We will be posting all the pictures on our 2009 picture page as soon as we catch up with things after our arrival back at the Lodge. Gale and I look forward seeing you all this summer and can't wait to get back in the routine..
Take Care and see you soon!! Bob

Ice Out May 11th, 2009

Weather conditions were just right yesterday, and the ice cleared off of Perrault Lake by evening. Finally!! Cooler, damp weather moving back in for the next few days, and even a forecast for some of the white stuff Wed night to Thursday. Spring is sure having a hard time warming up this year!

Ice Situation!

Just going out the door but thought I should bring you up to speed on the ice!! It went out in the bay 2 days ago and there is quite a bit on the main lake but won't be a problem by the end of the week. The fishing should be awsome! Look forward to seeing everyone this coming weekend. 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!!!

Quick Ice update!!

It is only three weeks to the opener and the ice is taking a beating from the wind and temperatures. As we all know and have said over and over, IT WAS COLD THIS WINTER and it is taking it's time warming up. The daily temps are just above the freezing mark with the odd really warm day thrown in as a teaser. I was out yesterday with the bobcat knocking down piles of snow and drifts in the shade, not that it helped thaw it out, just that beating up the snow was a therapeutic exercise and made me feel good!! I will post another update in a week or so and give you my prediction on ice out. It looks promising as of now for a clear opener. Take care and we look forward to hosting you this coming summer and seeing all of you, our local neighbours that follow this Blog. BOB

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!

Owls & Eagles at Perrault Falls

Just touching base quickly with everyone on a beautiful sunny day at Rainbow Point Lodge in NW Ontario. Temps today are about 3 deg. C (38 F).

Thought I’d share a picture of this northern hawk owl that made an unexpected stop at our living room window the other day. While he was probably a little starry for awhile, he seemed no worse for the bump, and flew off in just a few minutes. Besides the owl, we are enjoying hearing our local eagle pair chattering away up behind our house. All of the area bald eagles seem to have returned over the last couple of weeks. On a tour around the lake the other day on snowmachine, we sited 4 different pairs for sure – busy getting settling into their nests, and waiting for some good fishing at the river, creeks and falls, just like us land dwellers. We know there are several other nests down the river and the tributary lakes, but we won’t be going down the river unless it’s in a boat!

Thing spring everyone! It’s on it’s way.

Have a great day!
Gale

Will" SOMEONE" tell the weatherman it's SPRING!!!!

Well: Gale and I just got back from a once a year vacation and the weather was great when we arrived home. The weatherman must have known we were back and decided we had missed some of the Feb. weather! I just got back in the house from shoveling 10 inches of snow off the deck and driveway. It rained a couple of inches before it got cold or that moisture could have been a LOT more snow. The temps. are around -6C (20F.) so not real bad but it ain't melting!

We are going to get a head start on a couple of building projects in a week or two and you should be pleasantly surprised with the results!! The summer looks like it is going to be well represented from all over the U.S. and Canada. The global recession has taken it's toll but, there are those that are coming to Canada for the first time and have done the math and have figured out that the Country next door offers many new, exiting, and reasonably priced vacation possibilities.

If you are reading this blog for the first time or would like a quick link to our web site it is http://www.rainbowpoint.com/ so feel free to have a look, or sign up to our online specials section, for one of a kind specials that come along.

I was going to give you an update on my ice fishing adventures but I have not had any time to do much with a few parental health issues we have been dealing with the last while. I do plan to go out and fish a few day's in the next few weeks before the ice fishing season closes and hope to post a few pictures from our adventures.
I will say bye for now but will keep you posted on the melting and ice condition's as they become more apparent. Take care and Merry Christmas (That's a snow joke--Bill!) EH!!