Posted August 24, 2007

August 13 to 17

The Outpost welcomed a brand new group this year; John Reimers brought his Aviation Partners Boeing group and a host of clients to sample the fishing at Port Louis. These first-time guests brought good weather and good fishing charms with them and had a great week on both counts. The skies were blue and the seas were flat as these catch and release guests enjoyed the Outpost in all its splendor and some good catch and release karma. The small group of just 8 guests proudly landed 9 tyees between them; the 2 largest tied at 39 pounds by Jeff Smisek and Joel McWhorter. Joel also caught and released a halibut in size extra-large that measured out on the chart to 165 pounds. This group of keen fishermen took full advantage of the fantastic weather and a nice new run of springs passing by our front door. Patrick LaMoria and Dick Reimers; both admittedly a little ‘fishing crazy’ cast buss bombs off the dock in their spare time and were rewarded with some hugh chum; the largest about 17 pounds which is good fight on light spinning gear! It was an excellent weekend the Outpost looks forwarded to welcoming the group back next year.

August 17 to 10

Some old friends and some new faces arrived at the Outpost for this weekend trip. Return guests Chick Brownbill and Brian Gregson brought their grandson and son, respectively. And we were joined by ESPN/B.A.S.S. for another weekend of great weather and fishing. In my 9 seasons here, I’ve never seen such a long stretch of such fabulous weather… with hardly any wind and no downpours, it has been an idyllic 3 weeks. Each morning we wake up, we wonder if we’re really on the west side of the Queen Charlottes! On the first fishing shift, the guests came back to the dock with 4 tyees – pretty impressive. Day 2 they outdid themselves and there were 6 tyees proudly recorded on the board for that day. With salmon out if the way, the guests turned their attention to bottom fishing and brought in perfect eating-sized halibut…the largest being Paige Green’s 66 pounder. A small pod of killer whales showed up for a brief moment on Day 3, offering a great glimpse of north Pacific wildlife. They were followed by a pod of Pacific white-sided dolphins that put on a great show for any boasts within eyeshot. By the end of the trip there were 10 tyees on the board with the largest at 41 pounds landed by Charlie Kevitt. Another fantastic Outpost trip!

August 15, 2007

During our August 6-10 trip The Outpost welcomed a brand new group this year, Rob Gregoire brought his Kiewit group as a celebration for their recently competed Cogent project. The fishing was rough and Rob and his group had to put some hours in, on the water in search of the elusive Spring Salmon. Our water is warmer than it should be at this time of year, and our Fisheries and Oceans friends suspect the weather temperature may have reached its critical point where Chinook "choose" to go down the inside straits or the outside open. We'll keep you posted on that theory as the season continues. Calm waters and rainless skies smiled on our Kiewit friends and made a great trip for everybody. Steve Bolen landed the trips largest halibut and we were pleased to see the average coho size increase this week. Talk about 'trophy sized' pinks!? Where the heck are these things coming from and how did they get so big? From a managers eye with 17 season under her belt, I wonder how the pinks and sockeye are gaining greatly in average size, but the Chinook and coho continue to decline in average weight- a question for our DFO friends and all of us to ponder, no doubt. Regardless, our new Kiewit group laughed their way through a 5 day trip for remarkable Charlotte's weather and good times. I don't think the Outpost has ever had the pleasure of hosting such a good natured, fun-loving group who scoffed in the face of tough fishing! Loose Change, Broke, Food Stamp, 57 cents and Handful of Peanuts thank you all!

Lisa Winbourne
Outpost Manager

We were very pleased to host yet another Transwest Mining Services group and a new group to the Outpost, the Tatone "Commercial" group this weekend of August 10-13. Again, the weather smiled on us as we saw flat seas and relatively rainless skies. I'm beginning to wonder if the mariner's forecast women has gone on vacation and put a recording on as we're into our 7th straight day of "NW 15 to 20, clouds, fog and showers". Maybe if she keeps saying it enough it will happen; regardless, we're loving this , and if she can keep this up through the end of the season, we'll be happy! On the first day out Wayne Schellenberg had a lunker on his line and the wily spring spit the hook. According to his guide, Davey Jones, 'the biggest spring he's seen in his 2 seasons here'- 50 plus. A fish tale, or a true "one that got away", who knows? Again, the guests had to put the time in to come up with springs but it seems a little easier to take when you're drifting around in the sun, instead of the rain! Bill Lapp got the trips largest halibut at 82 lbs and Gary Macey had a nice 14 lb coho. Here's hoping for a fresh run of salmon any day now!

Lisa Winbourne
Outpost Manager

August 7, 2007

The Outpost welcomed a brand new group this year; Bob Pugmire and his extended family visited us during our July 30th- August 3rd trip. The weather was very good with fairly calm waters and very little rain. The fishing also improved and Bob and his family had great success with bottom fish and some good salmon fishing aswell. There were 5 tyees on this trip…the largest at 39 pounds landed by Brian Hurban. Heath Denning managed to land matching 31 pound Chinooks on this trip. The halibut fishing was very good and everybody went home with lots of halibut. There were 3 over 100 pounds, the largest belonging to Heath Denning at 165 pounds. Coho are still unseasonably scarce and smaller than we would expect to see at this time of year. Average 6 to 8 pounders seem to be the norm instead of the usual 12 To 14 pounders commonly seen at this point in August. Ramsey Tuita set a new season record for lingcod with his 46 pound monster. The killer whales came through briefly and provided a great photo opportunity for those fast on the shutter. As we move into early August we look forward to seeing good, strong runs of Chinooks passing by us and hope that this week’s trip was the start!

Lisa Winbourne
Outpost Manager

August 3 to 6, 2007

We were very pleased to host the Telesat group this weekend of August 3-6th who wanted to experience the fishing plus everything else the Outpost had to offer. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t entirely co-operative and the group experienced some unrelenting northwest winds. But didn’t deter them, Telesat’s guests enjoyed some ½ day kayaking adventures, some helicopter flight-seeing and the group hiked and sightsee-d everything in the neibourhood! There was even an expedition to a local island to search for geodes or ‘roc eggs’. Congratulations and thanks to Charlie Ergen for catching and releasing a beautiful 46 pound Chinook. Charlie now holds the record for the Outpost’s largest released Chinook to date. Gary Smith also released a 34 pound Chinook. A good time was had by all and we look forward to seeing our Telesat friends next year!

Lisa Winbourne
Outpost Manager

August 2, 2007

The Outpost had the supreme pleasure of hosting the Transwest group this week of July 27-30th, who in various incarnations have visited the lodge for nine seasons of its existence. The group was at their ‘home away from home’ to help celebrate Jim Popowich’s retirement. It was a fun-filled weekend with daily celebrations of birthdays and Jim’s party on Sunday night. The weather held up and the group was able to run their fishing derby as planned. Dave Sharples released twin 27 pound Chinook on the opening afternoon of fishing, Denise Knight came oh-so-close to catching her first ever tyee with her 28 pounder. By the time it was all said and done, the ladies vs. mens derby teams were pretty much equal in number and poundage of salmon and bottom fish caught. The Outpost crew always look forward to this group we wish Jim and Laverne many happy carefree days!

A multi-layered, Multistack group joined us for the week of July 23-27th from various parts of North America. This was the group’s second visit to the Outpost and like the weekend’s guests, they had to put their time in out on the water to find the springs they were looking for. The weather was awesome and the group enjoyed some beautiful days around Port Louis on a quest for wily Chinook salmon. Paul Amsler and Bruce Proudfoot witnessed an outstanding humpback whale show when an exuberant whale jumped close enough to their boat for them to experience “whale snot”. I think all the participants were a little surprised at just how close the encounter was! Peter Hoemberg, who was hosting his charming father Bill, set a new season record for yellow eye with his 17 pound snapper. Not to be outdone, Ken Bright tied a season’s best with his 26 pound lingcod. There were some nice halibut as well with Cam Lowry’s 115 pounder topping the list. Mike Reichbach took the top prize for Chinook when he managed to pull in a tyee on the trip’s last full fishing day. Thanks to Mark Platt for bringing such an enjoyable group back to the Outpost once again.

Our July 20-23rd trip welcomed the North American Coal group back to the Outpost under sunny skies with flat calm waters; a pleasant change from their trip here last year. The humpbacks put on a good show for most days of this trip. Butch Wright and his group enjoyed some of the most consistently fine weather the Outpost has seen this season. The weather was great, but the fishing was tougher than it should be at this time of the season and the group certainly put their time in, hunting for springs. There were no tyees to be found this trip, but Randy Harris came close with his 28 pounder. Bob Bartosh captured the leader board for halibut with his 150 pounder with Justin Burggraff landing a 110 pounder the same day. Mike Kezar caught the Outpost’s season-largest Coho to date at 14 pounds. Overall the group took home a good number of fish and the lodge was thrilled to host our North American Coal friends again.

July 19, 2007

Tyeeeeee......was what eleven year old Ty (Tyee) Thomsen shouted every time a guest caught a 30 +lb Chinook. Young Ty was the life of the party as Tyee Pins were awarded to Sean Frost ( 30 and 34 lb), Dorothy Vatner (33 and 36 lbs), Walter Luccetta 31 lbs, Gordon Byrd 30 lbs and Richard Napowanez 34 lbs. Horst Gehron caught the largest Coho to date 12 lbs. Many thanks to Sean Frost and Richard Napowanez for choosing the total catch and release option. Ty Thomsen also received a special tyee pin for his wonderful enthusiasm, work ethic and passion for sports fishing!

Rob Stewart set a new Halibut record when he brought home his 212 lb monster....looks like the Stewart family will be eating Fish and Chips forever! Rob was also awarded a Tyee pin for his 31 lb silver beauty as was Jeff Lukins 31 lber and Paul Bride's 30 lber. Many thanks to Matt Granger for choosing the total catch and release option.

The Pacific Ocean, has been like a sheet of glass over the last tree days. Humpback whales are feeding just outside of our cove and the weather has been exceptional. I took an opportunity to go out and visit with the whales and was overwhelmed by their gracefulness and presence. To my delight and wonderment one of the young whales followed my vessel around the cove, leaping several times in front of me while the Mother Humpy watched over her baby with a protective glare, such is life at the Outpost.....and how was your day today?

Dan Angus
Guest Manager, The Outpost

July 16, 2007

“To the question, why have you continued to return to the Outpost Lodge, I’d have to say it’s the total package. An ideal fishing adventure, in a pristine Island setting, at a beautiful lodge where you are served exquisite meals by the most affable staff. It makes you not just want to come back, it makes you not want to leave”……Outpost Guest….Jeff Leese

Thank you Jeff – Its also the wonderful people we get to meet like yourself that make the Outpost special. It was also my pleasure to present Jeff (31lbs), Logan McKechnie (30 & 36 lbs), Dick Ehrler (31 lbs) and Ray Castagner (37 lbs) with their Tyee pins. The Hansen group caught a total of 27 silver beauties over 20 lbs…. As the fishing continues to be hot… hot…hot!!!

Our July 6th weekend group, Huber Engineered Woods, caught a total of 32 springs over 20 lbs. Richard McKie was the King Angler with a 40 lb prize Chinook. Tyee pins were also awarded to Dan Grenier (35 lbs), Carl Seidler (30 and 31 lbs) and Andy Trott (32 lbs). Many thanks to Tony De Carlo for his wonderful personality and for chossing to be a total catch and release guest….Tony the Tiger released over 100 lbs of salmon!

As I write this report our dear friend Frank the Deer is staring at me from outside my window…not with loving eyes but more with an expression of “Where is my morning apple for breakfast?”. You are right Jeff Leese, it is the total package at the Outpost Lodge where the beauty of nature relaxes the soul!

Dan Angus
Outpost – Guests Manager

July 4, 2007

As our helicopter glides over Graham Island and makes the approach to the Outpost lodge, I feel honoured to have the opportunity of being the interim manager of such a magnificent wilderness sanctuary. After all. its not everyday you have the chance of a lifetime to fly over pristine lakes, grasslands, mountains and a paradise of undiscovered bays and coves.

During our June 25-29 trip, Mike and Jann Stimac celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary at the lodge and they were rewarded with ideal weather conditions and exceptional fishing. Mike was presented with his first Tyee pin when he brought home 32 and 39 lb beauties...nice anniversary present Mike! The Bell Trailer group brought home a total of 11 Tyee. 3 Rocks has been the hot spot for over a week. Kelvin Isaac was the King Angler with a leading catch of 3 Tyee(salmon over 30 lbs).

Not to be outdone, the Steve Kasteler group brought home 12 Tyee. Randy Waddoups was the King Angler as he brought home a 31 and three 32 lb springs. Randy you are the salmon slayer! The average Spring over the last week has been in the 28-32lb range. Carl Rodrigue brought home the big fish story of the trip with his 37 and 38 lb Tyee Trophies....Wow... I almost ran out of Tyee pins!

Welcome to the Outpost Lodge. A magnificent natural environment where our guests have the opportunity to enjoy both a rewarding fishing adventure and a rare wilderness experience...Oh and by the way, make that a total of 25 Tyee caught over the last week as this lucky Manager caught his first two Tyee, 30 and 32lbs...life is good!

Dan Angus
Guest Manager- The Outpost

June 11, 2007

Just into our second trip and where, oh where did our summer weather go?  My, how things can change in 24 short hours!  This unfortunate group suffered through some increasing winds and seas on day 1 and had their hopes dashed at dinner by the evening’s forecast for better things to come.  Over the course of this 3 day trip, we watched the winds build to 40 knots per hour and the seas build to more than 4 metres.  For you non-sailors here’s the translation:  74 km per hour winds and waves that measured more than 25 feet from the bottom of the trough to the top of the crest.  Welcome to the Queen Charlottes folks!  Our plucky Outpost guests soldiered on and braved the conditions and still managed to take some nice fish home.  Father and son Chuck and Brad Burnfield were itching to go halibut fishing but the weather was non-cooperative.  They got their chance on the very last morning as head guide Carlin took them out and gave them a workout … finding their halibut limit in 1 hour … be careful what you wish for!   Brad also took home the prize for the largest Chinook of the trip at 32 pounds.  Let’s hope those conditions are behind us and we can move on with summer. 

Opening day … yippee!  The crew and I have been chomping at the bit for today and it’s finally here.  A beautiful sunny, windless day and a 212 helicopter full of excited guests.  Ambrose Samulski brought his employees for this appreciation trip and the weather certainly smiled on them.  15 springs to the dock in the first afternoon’s fish and 2 tyees in the mix.  Day 2 was a great day for a trip to the halibut grounds and in the day’s flatfish was a 170 pound monster for Ken Hazard.  Over the course of the trip we saw a handful of coho … a nice surprise bonus fish for this early in June.  A giant Humboldt squid washed into the bay in front of the lodge and was quickly scooped up for the kitchen.  I don’t think many of our guests had enjoyed squid that fresh before!  A great opening trip with 6 tyees; the largest being Jason Hazard’s 34 pounder.  If all our trips go this well, we are looking forward to a great season!