2007 Newsletter

We would like to start by saying Thank You to everyone that visited us last summer and the past seasons and mention that we greatly appreciate your continued patronage. Our on going success in this business can only happen with the great support and referrals we get from our many guests and we certainly appreciate the calls, emails and photo’s that many take the time to give us. If you have never been with us we would like take this opportunity to invite you to join us for a truly memorable fly-in trip to Cat Island Lodge on Trout Lake.

The Year in Review...
Another mild winter meant the ice was off the lakes early again this spring. This is always a bonus for us when it is time to get the lodge and outposts ready for our summer season. Faron and the gang were busy early making sure everything was ready for the guests when they arrived. Zack who was loading aircraft at the float base last summer and flying the Aeronca Champ last year was flying the Cessna 185 this year. After getting checked out on the Aeronca Champ in June last year he was able to help Colin keeping everything maintained in mint condition at the outpost lakes and get the necessary training to fly the Cessna this summer. Faron  enjoyed flying our new Dehaviland Otter this summer with it’s increased load capacity  and more comfortable cabin for the guests. He always finds it nice to get into all the lakes himself and make sure everything is just right for the guests stay. 

The season started off real dry with a Restricted Fire Zone being enforced early in May. The early ice out again and the wet summer meant good fishing with lots of big fish being caught with large numbers being caught and released. By the middle of May we started to receive substantial rain. From record low water levels in the fall no one was prepared for the record rainfalls we received in later May and June bringing water levels and winds on all our lakes  to record levels for later June. July and August were great with lots of nicer weather which meant the lakes returned to near normal levels and the fishing was great.  Over all numbers were very good this summer.

Border Crossings...

The U.S. congress has passed a bill which will delay the requirement for U.S. citizens to have passports to enter back into their country by land until as late as June 2009. I’m sure this will give people much more time to get passports organized for future trips to Canada. Although customs is more focussed on security and citizenship now you will need to have 2 pieces of I.D. One must be proof of citizenship, birth certificate or passport and the other preferably with your picture on it. A driver’s licence will work fine. Children must have there birth certificates and if you are travelling as a single parent it is recommended that you have a letter from your spouse regarding your travel. Although customs is usually very helpful with your entry it is a good idea to check ahead of time if there is any questions about your to admissibility to Canada.

Our Gem of the North, “Cat Island Lodge” on Trout Lake...

 We are proud and pleased with all the compliments that we received this past year on our Cat Island Lodge on Trout Lake. Our return guests who liked the fly-in fishing wilderness adventure but wanted the finer amenities that only a full service lodge could provide them found Cat Island to be the ideal place for them. Those who wanted to give their wife or family a true fly in experience and all the creature comforts that a resort could offer loved it too. This year we are offering a couple different new packages, the Non-Fishermans Package for those that want to enjoy all the amenities of the lodge, or choose to spend there vacation with friends or family members who are fishing, they can now do this at a reduced cost. For another truly unforgettable experience, Cat Island Lodge also offers a One Day Fly-Out Fishing Trip to a carefully selected lake. Depart in your own private float plane from Cat Island Lodge after breakfast and return late in the afternoon. You will be flown to your own private lake where you will find a fully equipped boat ready for a day of incredible fishing. For more info on this checkout our newly updated website for the lodge, www.cat-island-lodge.com

Don Uzendowski, Omaha, Neb.  August 2007

Walleye season opens on Saturday, May 17th this year. We are now offering over night accommodations at the float base for those people who would rather stay with us on the lake rather than staying in a Motel close by.

Rates and Package changes...
We’ve added a new package this year for those guests that want a little more of a true wilderness experience. Our Day Fly-Out Package from the lodge to a remote lake.

We are again offering a Father & Son/Daughter Package in July and August. What a great opportunity to spend some one on one time with your child or grandchild.

Book a family trip for July & August and pay only HALF per person rate for each child!

Also this year we are hosting a couples fishing tournament at the lodge in July.  We are inviting you to join us for our first annual Cat Island Couples Fishing Tournament - a friendly competition for couples staying at the lodge between July 1st and July 31st. Any couple staying at the lodge during this period will receive a 10% DISCOUNT each off their regular package price and FREE ENTRY into the fishing tournament! This is true incentive to spend some quality time with your partner in an enjoyable and exciting atmosphere.

This is the time to land a big one. Every inch counts when a fabulous prize is up for grabs!

1st prize for largest walleye, northern pike and trout combination is a
3 piece diamond necklace, bracelet and ear ring set valued at $1500 US or a certificate for a return trip with our Plan #1 Super Deluxe “ AMERICAN PLAN”  at the lodge.
Contact us for available dates and contest rules!

Rates...

We have had to make some minor adjustments to our packages pricing to ensure that we supply you with the same high quality trips that guests have come accustomed too. This was needed due to the lowering U.S. dollar and higher costs for fuel, float plane charter insurance, wages etc. that have been rising sharply. To make our packages more affordable we are now offering packages that include flying into the lodge in the morning. This is to utilize our aircraft better and also to provide those who want to arrive early in the day and still be able to enjoy a full day of fishing on the lake. Traditionally we have flown guests into the lodge in the afternoon before and they begin fishing the next morning. We are still offering to do this for those that want too, with a slight up-charge.

On a Personal Note...

We are often asked what the peak time for fishing with us is. It is always hard to predict as it was this year because of water levels and early ice out. There are just so many variables but with our on going lake policies of releasing the trophies and 90% of guest’s now voluntarily  taking only a conservation license and the trend for fewer people to take fish home with them these lakes are sure to remain top quality fisheries.   When comparing packages we only hope that you will take into account exactly what we are providing with ours in comparison to other outfitters  and the level of quality of  aircraft, lodging, boats and motors, weight allowances and professional service staff that is included in your vacation.

We realize that there are many choices when planning your vacation but remember that “the spoils of a trip are remembered long after the savings of that same trip are long forgotten”.

We invite you to make your fly in vacation to Canada one that you will cherish with fond memories for years to come and what ever trip you choose we hope that it is your “Ultimate Fly-In Destination in Northwestern Ontario”.

                                                                                                     Faron & Joyce Buckler