2nd week update

Our computer has been a little temperamental, so accessing emails and making new posts will be tough for the next few days.

The walleye fishing is very good right now, with water temps stabilizing at about 52°. My son Liam's got the touch, reeling in a 26" (6lb.) and a 22" last night.

This year's staff additions include mother-daughter kitchen staff/housekeeping team Joann and Sarah:

Sarah (right) and Joann

My neighbor, Matt Jenkins will handle dock duties...

...and other routine chores

Photos from the pre-opening week...

Joe Nuebert, Tiffany, and Mike Steinman re-roof Maple
Sam and Scott Mardis stave off black flies to engrave the buy-a-board planks

Ken Boyer, Gub Atkinson, and Jim Jordan take a break while building the WGFCH

Bernie, Dennis, Rich, and Bob prep the fleet for duty

Spring trip finale

This year's Spring trip ended much like last year - no behemoths but a lot of fun with smallmouth and largemouth bass in between regular catches of feisty northern pike.

Mike with a typical smallie,

me with typical northern.

If you ever wondered where the rainbow ends, your search is over. The pot-of-gold is nestled safely in the waters of the Upper French River.

Once again, our thanks to Todd and Mike for maintaining the best fishing camp on the planet, as well as to Mary for the great food that keeps us nourished through the many hours of casting.

How is it that walleye guys catch musky?

Jim Jordan with a nice 40" musky caught on a jig and minnow!

Guide Service

Jim Jordan and Gub Atkinson took on the task of guiding some long-lost friends from Pittsburgh:

Gub at the helm.


Jim with a nice 'eye...

Followed by a second!

Check out the markings on these pike - beautiful!

Whole Otter Fun!

The water is a foot or so higher this year, allowing us to navigate to the back end of Satchel's creek for the first time in several years. As we approached the falls, these two guys were caught a little off guard but weren't too concerned by our presence. Maybe they're fans of David Bowie?

Sunshine!

The skies cleared for most of the day and the fishing picked up along with the sun.

Mike and I found some aggressive smallmouth to go along with the occasional pike.


We had a ball watching two otters in the back end of Satchel's creek, even got some of their antics on video. Once we get home I'll try to post it (the dial up here won't allow a post that big).

The camp is close to full right now with a large group of Walleye guys from Buffalo. Pictures should be coming along soon.

2008 Camp Improvements

Replacement of the historic L Dock is progressing nicely - it's almost time to make the turn...

The buy-a-board program has been very popular, with Mary claiming the rights to the very first plank. Mary is known to most of you as our hostess and "head chef" and we are thrilled she has taken the lead in our little fund-raising adventure.

Dontations for the program have come from guests both past and present and we thank everyone who has allowed us to remake and preserve this landmark!

Another work-in-progress is the construction of the "World's Greatest Fish Cleaning Hut". This multi-faceted unit will provide our anglers with a covered, lighted, and functional location to carve out the precious filets of walleye, pike, and bass sought from the waters of the French.

Our sincerest thanks to the volunteer workers who helped to get the camp open and functioning, we couldn't have done it without each of you:

Ken Boyer, Lewisberry PA

Jim Jordan, Allison Park PA

Gub Atkinson, Burgettstown, PA

Sam & Scott Mardis, Johnstown, PA

Mike Steinman, Clarence, NY

Joe Nuebert & Tiffany, Clarence Ctr, NY

Bernie, Rich, Dennis, and Bob, St. Catherines, ON

Nice Post, Jay...

I'm sure it's just a spelling error, surely you mean "Pens" inFive!

First Update of 2008

It's cold!

Definitely the coldest spring trip in 8 years!

The fish are biting regulary, but we haven't found the big ones.

Rain is falling steadily and Michael's new rainsuit has been baptized daily!

The camp is active and a number of pike have been reported, but pictures are scarce.

A large group is expected tonight and things should really get active tomorrow, in time for the improved weather.

Good luck Pittsburgh.

You'll need it.......Wings in 5.

Preparations for the Season Opener

The 2008 Lunge Lodge season officially kicks off Saturday, May 17th! Todd is set to arrive today in advance of the 14-member volunteer work crew. Mary will also be arriving and available to answer the phone at (705) 763-2180.

Mike will remain in Pittsburgh until the 17th and is accessible by phone at (412) 992-7226 or email, LungeLodge@AOL.com.

The all-volunteer work crews expect to address the completion of the “L” dock*, some new roofs, and of course, typical camp opening items such as boat detail, cabin preparations, and repair/maintenance/landscaping activities.

Limited openings are still available; contact Mike this week should you need to confirm a reservation.

*If you haven’t already participated in the “Buy a Board” campaign, please consider placing your mark on the historic Lunge Lodge landmark. The “L” dock has been the foundation of the Lunge Lodge property since the 1940’s and many long time Lunge Lodge guests remember this dock as a great fishing pier, floatplane slip, even a dock for the 60ft Chief Commanda. Constructing a dock of this size is a difficult task and of course the cost can be prohibitive. Small donations have helped to offset the cost and make the project a reality. 100% of the money collected to date has been used on its construction, but we can still use your help. A minimum donation of $20 is all that is needed to put your name, hometown, and date on one of the deck boards. So if you’re interested in helping out, and want to see a lasting legacy of your time at Lunge Lodge, remember to complete the form during your stay. Thank you to all of you who have already contributed and to those of you who will!