Lunge Log 2006

We would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays. It is hard to believe, but the end of 2006 also meant the completion of our 8th season. Time really does fly! Once again, we would like to thank those of our guests who have been with us over the years as well as the new friends we met this past season. As in years' past, the 2006 season left us with many good memories, new camp fish records, and also the completion of additional projects and improvements to the camp.

The river level was good and we only had a few real hot days. Conditions were ideal for a great fishing season. The only surprise we had was the incredible storm that rolled through in mid-July. The storm was not declared a tornado, but had equally devastating effects. Many trees on the river, as well as on the Lunge Lodge property, were uprooted. The power lines along Dokis Reserve Road, and at the Lodge, were down leaving the power out for five days. It is truly amazing the strength that Mother Nature possesses. After the storm, both staff and guests were in awe at the indescribable noise, wind, and devastation that so quickly took place. It is equally amazing, how in times of need, people pitch in and help clean up debris, hang power lines, and just put up with no power on their vacation. The whole camp really came together and friends were made with one another. Around the campfire at night, the conversation always referred back to the storm. Thanks again to everybody who pitched in during a couple of very difficult days.

Many spectacular fish specimens were recorded this summer. The first one that comes to mind is Matt Fussner’s 57 inch muskie. It is the longest muskie that has ever been caught at Lunge Lodge. It was caught and released; and although its weight was not a camp record, it was one fantastic fish! Matt earned a free return trip up to the Lodge. Congratulations Matt! Another good muskie was Jay Meric’s 51 incher. Muskie madness week was a great success. Early in the week, plenty of impressive muskies and pike were caught, but the weather change mid-week slowed things for the tournament. Mike Petras, however, prevailed and won the tournament. Those interested in big muskie should consider late September – early October. Other notable catches: Jim Jordan had the summer walleye record at 31 inches, 11 lbs. Wally Topa had several in the 6 to 9 lb. range. Roger Meric released a nice 18 lb. pike and Ken Ray had a nice 16 pounder. Once again, we had a great bass season. Numerous 5 pounders, too many to even keep track of, were caught. The one-day Pettry Invitational was a lot of fun. This tournament was held in conjunction with muskie madness and approximately 10 boats entered. The winning team of Mike Pettry and Big Bob Collins weighed in with all largemouths that averaged just under 3 lbs. The big fish was a 4.06 lb. smallmouth caught by Joe Pettry.

If anyone has noteworthy fishing photos, and would like us to include them in the albums at the sport shows, please mail us a copy or stop by and drop them off at any of the shows: Pittsburgh (Feb. 14-18), Erie (March 2-4), Buffalo (March 8-11) or Cleveland (March 14-18).

A few of the improvements that may be of interest would be the cabins up on the hill. They have been painted and landscaped. New outdoor lighting and a boardwalk were added plus a personal fire pit, which makes for a great private, two-person cabin. The only drawback is the 2½ minute walk to the boat in the morning! Dogwood and Aspen now finally have their own boat pier. Red and White Oak have begun to be leveled, painted, and a new porch was installed.

A new report page on the web site was added which includes real time reports throughout the season, fishing and weather conditions, and fish photos. It can be checked out at LungeLodge.net.

Again, thanks for another great season and your continued support. We wish all of you a peaceful, happy, holiday season.

God Bless and Always Keep a Tight Line,

The Staff at Lunge Lodge