Big Northern

Don Bicknell, our Air Canada pilot friend from southern Ontario, caught a giant Northern on Red Lake today. Fishing is the big reason Don spends most of his time in Red Lake, instead of working or spending time with his family. We can't really blame him.

Weather

It is snowing again today! Fluffy snow, big flakes, and a lot of wind.

We are still in winter mode...

The First Viking Island Logo

The original Viking Island logo in 1947 was the viking ship. Since the copyright police didn't travel to the far reaches of Northwestern Ontario, Arthur & Florence "borrowed" the famous viking ship logo from the friendly Eaton's company, who had the logo plastered on every product from washers to boat motors. "We've lasted longer than that company," Florence says, "so I guess it's safe to admit we took the logo." There have been a few variations over the years. Click on the photos for larger views.

Fish Recipe

Last night we had fresh Walleye out of a lake near Red Lake where Hugh and his friends went fishing via snowmobile. Since we fried fish the night previous, Hugh made a different recipe this time. In a baking dish, he drizzled olive oil on the bottom, then laid the fillets out flat. He crushed A LOT of fresh garlic (this was key) and put it in clumps on top of the fillets. Then, he sprinkled lemon pepper, dill, and a bit of butter on top. He put it in the oven for about 20 minutes. Super delicious. Don't mention to Hugh that we blogged about this, because he is normally ALL ABOUT frying walleye.

- Harriet

Christmas 1980

A blast from the past! We found an old newsletter written in December, 1980, when Hugh and Enid were taking ownership of the lodge. Finding this newsletter has put us in a nostalgic mood, so we'll have some more old logos and stuff up for your enjoyment. Many of you will recognize them!
Click on the picture to read!

Pike on Orono !!!!

The Scholz family led by my Uncle Don and Uncle Jack have fished at Orono and Rheaume for the last 10 or so years. We target the large Pike and have a contest each year for bragging rights on who brings in the largest one. It is a great contest decided by skill if I win and pure luck if someone else wins. Last year was especially eventful as JB flew into the lake unexpected due to poor weather and visibility on his way into Rheaume. He spent the night with us along with 3 passengers from Chicago. We had a great time, although we ran low on beer and food. Attached are a few photos of some large pike we caught. All are in the 41 to 43 inch range. My guess is that we catch an average of around 8 to 10 pike each year that measure over 40 inches and around 20 - 25 more in the mid 30 inch range. Our largest was a 46, caught by my cousin Roger at East Rheaume.
Thanks for the memories. Jim Scholz

Not Your Die Hard Fisherman

When we met you at the Chicago Outdoors Show we advised that we were not die hard fisherman. I always wanted to do a fly-in just to get away from it all and my wife, Carol, wanted a modern bathroom and not have to cook. Viking Island Lodge was the perfect choice for both of us. Eagle's Nest cabin was like a dream come true. Our daily fishing trips on Douglas Lake may not have been as productive as the other guest's but were a perfect stress reliever. The overnight trip to Embryo Lake was challenging and worth the effort. The canoe trip on Onnie Creek to a shoreline picnic spot was great.

When the week was over we felt like you and the staff were part of our family. I could have spent the week just hanging around and visiting with Eddie and Leroy. Donna and Mary Jane prepared the best meals and pampered both of us. We enjoyed meeting Florence and sharing stories with her. The Carlson family's Viking Island Lodge is a very special place!
Thank you for sharing it with us.

Bob and Carol Kester
Crete, Illinois

A Saturday Night Sauna

This a picture of Joanne's neighbours after the Saturday Night Sauna.
Finns have imigrated to Northern Ontario over the past century and brought their saunas. Now it has become a northern tradition. Usually it is wood fired and built in a little out building near the lake.
When I was a kid many moons ago, on a Saturday night, we would go to the neighbours for a steam bath then be off to the square dance.

There is no feeling of clean like after a steam bath in the winter!!

Last Day of Trout Season

Tom is a bow hunter who has been to Viking Island twice. He and his group hunt up Onnie Creek which is outside the park.
"Attached is a picture of a laker I caught in Onnie while we waited the last day for Hugh to pick us up. ( I caught 4 this size in 5 casts, I would have gone 5 for 5 except I had a swivel on my line get pulled straight, and lost the fish). It was the last day season was opn for Lake trout."

Tom Jensema
Oostburg, WI

Viking Island Fishing Trip

Myself and John Diller are planning on a trip to fish up there next Summer. We both day dream constantly over the paradise we encountered at Viking Island and the outer lakes. Our goal is to someday get our boys up there with us. They are both working guys with little vacation so we will see.

Photos show two 5 pound Wallies the first afternoon we were there. I'm the big guy on the right and my fish is the bigger one on the left! Leave it to John to do the switcheroo.

Jeff Calvin

Telescope Lake with Lefty

George Bichler, known to us as Lefty, fishes Telescope Lake early in the season. After many years he knows the lake and feels at home there; looks after the place. In spring 2008, Lefty brought Joe Bichler, Mark Bruss and Jimi Day. All know the lake well and have seen every weather condition possible. They have many fish stories and crazy adventure tales; probably some Hugh has not heard, yet. This crew is looking forward to fresh walleye right now!

Thinking Spring Fishing

Enid, thought you might enjoy the attached pictures of a northern I caught last year at the end of May on McInnes Lake in the bay behind Middle Camp. It was 47" long and we estimated it weighed about 30 lbs. I caught it on 8 lb test, no leader, jig and twister tail with night crawler.

Thanks

Dale Andrew

Hugh in Milwaukee

Oh, it's such hard work; checking in with old friends, meeting new people and talking fishing, hunting and planes!!!! Hugh is "working" at the Sports Show in Milwaukee. Gordon Pionkowski (with coyote hat), Hugh and Mike Grady might be talking hunting. Gordon has been hunting with us since he was a teenager. Mike Grady has been part of the group for over 10 years. They will be telling stories of Phil Anderson and Jim Kriszan from years ago and all the moose that got away.

A Nice Northern

Vito and Billy were out fishing this past week.

"We ate it. It was delicious!"

Wolves need to eat too

When Hugh and I spent more time in his first plane, the Champion 7EC, we saw the results of this type of event often during the winter. We could follow the tracks of the wolf pack and see how many times they were successful. We also saw how many other animals and birds followed along and enjoyed the left overs.

My brother, Peter, sent me these pictures. I don't know where they come from but they look like the Thunder Bay area. I'll let you know if I get more information on location.

Babe Winkelman comes to Viking Outposts

This past July, the Babe came to Telescope Lake with his wife and daughter. They dropped by Viking Island for supper just to meet us and went fishing on Embryo with Hugh. The show is posted on his website.

Click here for the show: The Outpost Option
The quality of the video is not the greatest but you can catch the show on TV for the week of April 18. I can also send you a copy of the show on CD if you call or email me.

SNO-X Racing in Red Lake

It was -30F with a wind but Snowmobile Racing draws a big crowd.

We do like our machines!
Gord and Shirley Brooks and Brett and Judy Geary organize volunteers and put on a great event. The Norseman Festival committee serves up hot dogs and hot chocolate and such.

All bundled up and enjoying winter!!

A highlight of the weekend is when the little tikes race their little kitty kat machines. Micheal Harpiak was the star and main local rider. When you get to town and stop at TJ's Kwik Stop be sure to mention the race to father, Terry.

Ice Fishing in Red Lake

March is here. It's pretty cold, but it's a bright day and gotta go fishing!

Darn this ice is thick. Just made it through!!

Yes a good Day