When will the ice go out in Northwest Ontario?

The sun is making a dent in the ice at Pakwash lake Camp.

This Spring has not been kind to many of us this year. April in Northwestern Ontario has been one of the coldest on record. After having a winter where many communities have had above average snowfall, it would have been nice to have a warm Spring to kind of 'make up for the winter'. The snowmobilers, skiers and snowboarders sure liked the all the snow this past winter. At Mount Evergreen in Kenora, skiers took to the hills for the first time ever in May.  However, winter is gone and now we want some warm weather.

A common question around these parts in April and May is "When will the ice go out?". Many friendly bets are placed as to when the ice will go out on their lakes. With open water walleye opener happening in two weeks and with a lot of ice still on the lakes, locals and visitors are all asking "Will the ice be out for walleye opening on May Long weekend?

Here's a few photos from the beginning of May on lakes in Northwest Ontario.

Mylies Place on Lake of the Woods in the southern area of Sunset Country:

It'll be a while yet before you can use the boat launch at Mylies Place in Morson.

Barker Bay Resort on Lower Manitou Lake on May 2, 2013:

Most of the snow on the ground is gone at Barker Bay Resort

Bonny Bay Camp the morning of May 4, 2013:

Lots of snow and ice left at Bonny Bay Camp on Wabigoon Lake in Dryden.

Nestor Falls is a bit farther north up on Lake of the Woods. You can see from the photos by Nestor Falls Fly-in Outposts and Northwest Flying Inc. that while the ice is starting to open up, there's a lot more to melt.

The eagles, loons, pelicans and other birds are back. Thanks to Nestor Falls Fly-in Outposts for the photo.

Looking out on Kakbikitchiwan Lake from Northwest Flying in Nestor Falls.

Temple Bay Lodge on Eagle Lake near Vermilion Bay is starting to break up around the shore.

Starting to look up on Eagle Lake.

 Gustafson's Resort on Longbow Lake near Kenora posted this photo:

Longbow Lake

Wenasaga Lodge near Ear Falls:

Looking south from Slate cabin. The snow is now all gone on the ice and most of the shoreline.

Even though Fireside Lodge got a bit of snow last night, the lakes around Sioux Lookout are melting and are starting to break up around the shore.

Little Vermilion Bay is slowly starting to melt.

Ghost River Lodges has packed up their yearly rail car and headed out to their boat in camp. They obviously haven't boated in to open up camp this year.

Ghost River Lodge near Sioux Lookout hoping that sunset means sunshine tomorrow.

I see some open water at Agimac River Outfitters near Ignace:

Open water! A week or two of nice temps should really speed things up.

Just how much ice is on Red Lake? Watch Hugh Carlson from Viking Island & Outposts checking the depth of the ice on May 1st. There's at least 16" of solid ice.



For those in Thunder Bay, the weather has been the hardest. They have had many huge snowfalls, with a couple of those being very late in the season. Freezing rain covered the city on May 4th. The following video by Giant FM shows just how much ice they got.



So when will the ice go out of the lakes in Northwest Ontario? It's anybody's guess. All I know if that's it's going to be at least a month later than last year. How's ice the where you're at?

4 Shows the Whole Family Will Love

Flyin' Bob opens the Children's Entertainment Series circuit in Northwest Ontario. Atikokan's Children's Entertainment Series, Dryden's Children's Delight Series, Fort Frances' Kids and Company, Kenora's Sunday Smiles, Red Lake's Family Entertainment Series,  and Sioux Lookout Kids Kaleidoscope have been offering four, high quality performances that focus mostly on dance, music theatre and puppetry for children and their families Sunset Country.

The 2011/12 performances are as follows:

Flyin' Bob

From the rainbow skywriter, to a dramatic and nearly disastrous finale on the 9 foot high, 20 foot long tight-wire, Flyin' Bob; balancer, wire walker, professional idiot and highly skilled goofball, takes you on a visit to the one man three ring circus in his mind. He views the world as filled with toys, and tries to convince his audience to see it the same way. The most common reaction after seeing the show is, "This guy has too much time on his hands!". Flyin' Bob considers this the highest possible compliment.

• October 20, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Sacred Heart School in Sioux Lookout
• October 21, 2011 at 6:30 pm at New Prospect School in Dryden
• October 22, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Red Lake District High School in Red Lake 
• October 23, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Lakewood School in Kenora
• October 24, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Townshend Theatre in Fort Frances
• October 26, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Atikokan High School in Atikokan

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus 

Based on the book by L Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz, this exciting story follows the early life of Santa Claus from being abandoned in the forest and adopted by the wood-nymphs, through to making and delivering the very first toys. Meet the original reindeer Glossie and Flossie as well as the chilly rogue Jack Frost and find out the answer to lots of Christmas questions! Why do we hang stockings? Where the first Christmas tree was decorated? And finally how he came to be known as Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus. Packed with funny jokes, inventive puppets, enchanting songs and tons of opportunities for the audience to join in, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus is both a beautifully crafted story and an engaging piece of theatre.

• November 17, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Sacred Heart School in Sioux Lookout
• November 18, 2011 at 6:30 pm at The Centre in Dryden
• November 19, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Red Lake District High School in Red Lake
• November 20, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Lakewood School in Kenora 
• November 21, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Townshend Theatre in Fort Frances
• November 23, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Atikokan High School in Atikokan 

Anders Magic 

Winnipeg magician Anders has been performing and astounding audiences professionally for over 10 years. Anders' show is an interactive combination of magic, juggling, comedy and pick-pocketing. The kids will be glad to know he uses plenty of audience participation but watch out for Anders' 2 animal co-stars Rocky and Vinnie. A true entertainer, Anders strives to make your experience memorable and magical. This 60 minute show is sure to impress and delight all ages.

• February 23, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Sacred Heart School in Sioux Lookout
• February 24, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the New Prospect School in Dryden
• February 25, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Red Lake District High School in Red Lake
• February 26, 2012 at 2:00 pm at Lakewood School in Kenora 
• February 27, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Townshend Theatre in Fort Frances
• February 29, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Atikokan High School in Atikokan

Project Soul

Project Soul was created to share the love and passion of hip hop. It shows the positive impact it can have on communities and how it connects/identifies with so many of today's youth. The group is made up of individuals who each specialize in different genres of street dance: popping, locking, hip hop, street jazz and breakdance. The show highlights these individual lives and how they came together as Project Soul.

Project Soul begins with the opening of their current touring show: how music gave them the gift of dance. This leads into each individual performer's solo that include biographical voiceovers expressing how they got involved with street dance culture and what impact it has on their lives. In conclusion they end with how hip hop has brought them together as a group, a community and given them much more understanding of their own identity.

• April 19, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Sacred Heart School in Sioux Lookout
• April 20, 2012 at 6:30 pm at New Prospect School in Dryden
• April 21, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Red Lake District High School in Red Lake
• April 22, 2012 at 2:00 pm at Lakewood School in Kenora 
• April 23, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Townshend Theatre in Fort Frances
• April 25, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Atikokan High School in Atikokan

For more information and ticket prices, please visit:

Atikokan: Atikokan Children's Entertainment Series or call Kathy at 807-597-4306
Dryden: Children's Delight Series
Fort Frances: Kids and Company
Kenora: Sunday Smiles or Sunday Smiles on Facebook
Red Lake: Family Entertainment Series
Sioux Lookout: Kids Kaleidoscope

Red Lake Fall Classic

Red Lake Fall Classic on Red Lake in Ontario - Courtesy of RLFC

The catch & release walleye tournament is held In Red Lake on September 3rd and 4th, 2011. The Red Lake Fall Classic is held each Labour Day with the top anglers taking home cash, merchandise and some bragging rights. Last year's winners of the Red Lake Fall Classic were Joe Barron and Lonnie Lundmark. With a day one total of 14.22 lbs and 13.70 lbs on day two, the 27.92 lb total was enough for first place. The big fish of the walleye tournament came on day two and was a nice 7.82 lb walleye caught by Wayne Cerven and Stan Cerven.

2011 Red Lake Fall Classic prizes, based on 140 teams, are as follows:

• First $11,000
• Second $5,000 & 2 Humminbird Trolling Locators
• Third $3,000 & 2 MinnKota Trolling Motors
• Fourth $2,300
• Fifth $1,700
• Sixth $1,300
• Seventh $1,200
• Eighth $1,100
• Ninth $1,000
• Tenth $900
• 11th - 15th $300
• 16th - 20th $200
• 21st - 25th $100 & 21st - 24th get a tackle box

There are also prizes for Mystery Weights, Big Fish each day, Mixed Team & Ladies Team Big Bag each day,  Low Weight with Ten Fish, Team Finishing in 51st Position - Randy Brownlee Memorial Award, Big Fish Over All, Big Bag each day and Overall Big Bag, Big Charge to the Top 25 placings, Big Charge Award, and Top Team with Lund Boat.

Here's a short clip of anglers waiting to weigh in at the 2010 Red Lake Fall Classic. Courtesy of L.A. Varga. If you like to watch the boats take off or come in, the anglers leave in 3 flights between 7:00 and 7:30 am. Saturday they come back between 4:00 and 4:30 and Sunday anglers arrive to weigh in between 3:00 and 3:30pm.

There is a Junior Championship on Saturday September 3rd from noon-2pm at the Government Dock. All participants win prizes. Last year Isabeau Laverdure won first prize with a 0.72 lb Rock Bass. The Kids Tournament is open to children under 12.

Check back next week to see updates on who won the 2011 Red Lake Fall Classic Catch & Release Walleye Tournament. Visit Sunset Country's website to see a listing of other fishing tournaments in Northwestern Ontario.

UPDATE:

Red Lake Fall Classic Day 1 Results as per the Red Lake Fall Classic website:

Top five anglers

1. Dave Cryderman & Dan Daciw - 17.53 lbs
2. Dennis Wintle & Kevin Szachury - 17.06 lbs
3. Dominic Dodic & Andy Willis - 15.35 lbs
4. Doug Skomoroh & Keith Rutter - 15.19 lbs
5. Kevan Bassingthwaite & Harry Spence - 14.83 lbs

UPDATE #2, September 4th:

Unofficial results of the 2011 Red Lake Fall Classic are:

1. Dennis Wintle & Kevin Szachury  D1-17.06, D2-14.89, Total: 31.95
2. Dave Cryderman & Dan Daciw  D1-17.53, D2-13.34, Total: 30.87
3. Patrick MacMillan & Catherine Farley  D1-14.54, D2-13.99, Total: 28.53
4. Kevan Bassingthwaite & Harry Spence  D1-14.83, D2-13.27, Total: 28.10
5. JP Kennedy & David Koss  D1-13.92, D2-13.53, Total: 27.45
6. Dean McDonald & Scott Gardiner  D1-14.45, D2-12.58, Total: 27.03
7. Dominic Dodic & Andy Willis  D1-15.35, D2-11.54, Total: 26.89
8. Doug Skomoroh & Keith Rutter  D1-15.19, D2-11.62, Total: 26.81
9. Jerry Woods & Jake Teichroeb  D1-13.79, D2-12.69, Total: 26.48
10. Jason Leblanc & Tim Szaflik  D1-14.58, D2-11.80, Total: 26.38 

Big Fish Day one: Dave Cryderman & Dan Daciw with a 8.72 lb walleye.
Big Fish Day two: Warren Kujansuu & Ron Kujansuu with a 6.19 lb walleye.
Junior Championship: Garrette Peloquin won the Kid's Tournament with a 1.46 lb Northern Pike.

For a complete list of winners, please visit the Red Lake Fall Classic website.

Angler Young Angler Introduces Kids to Competitive Fishing

Focus on Kids at AYA Tournament!

Dryden AYA 2011 Winners John Butts, Aidan Butts and Luke Turcotte

The Angler Young Angler program takes place in Red Lake, Dryden and Thunder Bay Ontario as well as many other cities in Canada and the U.S. This year's Championship is in Kenora on Lake of the Woods. The Angler & Young Angler Tournaments started in 1998 with the intent of giving  youth the opportunity to fish in a Competitive style tournament.  The main objective is to introduce young anglers to competitive sport fishing in a fun environment surrounded by family and friends. Kids get to spend time with their parents fishing together. The memories created will last a life time.

This year Red Lake held their event on June 5th on Red Lake. Dryden's  was on July 9th on Wabigoon Lake, Thunder Bay's was also on July 9th on the Kam River and the National Championship is being held held on Lake of the Woods in Kenora this year taking place on August 13th. The 2011 winner of the Dryden AYA was John Butts, Aidan Butts and Luke Turcotte. Gord Ellis along with team members Austin Ellis and Landon Brochu won in Thunder Bay this year. The 2011 winners from Red Lake were Ed Goulet, Jenna Goulet and Brett Kreiger.

Huge walleye from Dryden's AYA Winning Team

Each team consists of 1 adult angler and 2 young anglers under the age of 17. Since fishing is the main attraction in this part of Ontario, the tournaments are one of the highlights of the summer and a fun family event! There is an official weigh-in, prizes and a BBQ to follow a day of fishing. The winner of each regional event qualifies for the opportunity to participate in the International Championship. The first place team wins the title of  'Angler & Young Angler International Champions'  as well as an all expense paid trip for 4 to Walt Disney World.  The second place team wins a fishing trip for 4 to a Wilderness North lodge. Past years have seen trips include Knee Lake Resort, Plummers Lodge, Totem Resorts and to Arctic Adventures.

In March 2012, there will be the Third Angler Young Angler Ice Fishing Derby. The 2011 Ice Fishing Derby was held on Lake Winnipeg. Carter Johnson, an 8 year old angler stole the day catching a huge 12.08 greenback walleye. For his catch, Carter won a trip to God's Lake Lodge.

The AYA events are filmed and presented on TV. The series is broadcast throughout the country, reaching millions of children who do not have the chance to participate in the tournaments. A goal of the AYA Fishing Tournaments is to expand the exposure of youth fishing throughout Canada, by participation in the tournaments and reaching them through TV. Go the Angler Young Angler web site to see video clips of excited kids and families fishing across North America. You can also find out information on how you too can become a part of the AYA experience.

For a list of other fishing tournaments in Northwest Ontario, please visit our list of Fishing Tournaments in Sunset Country.

UPDATE: August 16, 2011
The winner of the 2011 Angler Young Angler Championship on Lake of the Woods was John Butts of Dryden, a former Professional Walleye Tour angler, his son Aidan Butts and friend Luke Turcotte (pictured above after winning the AYA in Dryden earlier this summer). The Dryden Team won the tournament by 1.22 lbs, with a total of 46.41 lbs. Second place winners were Ed Goulet, Jenna Goulet and Brett Kreiger from Red Lake, Ontario. The winners win a trip for four to Walt Disney World and the Red Lake trio win a trip for four to a Wilderness North fly-in lodge.

How to Win $20,000 Fishing

Anglers waiting to weigh in at the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship

The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship is set to take place July 17-23, 2011 on Rainy Lake. If there's a full roster, the top prize is $20,000. Not bad for a couple of days fishing. The total prize package with a full roster is $102,000. There are prizes for daily top top catch, biggest daily fish, and more. There is even a top 2011 Rookie Team prize. The best rookie will have entry into the 2012 tournament.

But besides the payout there is lot's of reasons why to experience a fishing tournament. The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship goes all out and has a major celebration. The event starts with the Safeway Kid Pro fishing July 17th from 7am-3pm. On July 19th, there is a Much Music Video Dance Party. The Boston Pizza Parade of Boats begins at 3:00 and then at 7pm the Quest for the Best begins. July 21-23 the fishing starts with the Flight #1 departing from the Government Dock at Pithers' Point Park. Thursday the anglers return at 3:30pm. There's a Chicken 'n Ribs dinner from 4:30-7:30pm. Friday the dinner is Floppin' Fresh Fish Dinner and then Kartune Kriminals and Bed of Roses (Canada's #1 Bon Jovi Tribute Band) hit the stage. Saturday the excitement grows as people wonder who will come in with the biggest catch, who will win? The Top Ten Boat Parade begins at 5:00 and the Angler Awards presentation begins at 7:00. There is a Kiwanis Streak Fry  and in the evening Borderland's favourite local band, Thinking of Pinky takes the stand. For more information visit the FFCBC website or visit their Facebook page.

The 5th Annual Friends and Family Bronze Back Classic is held from July 23-24,  2011 on Lake of the Woods. The entry fee is $400.00 and there is a 100% pay out on entries. The focus of the Bronze Back Classic is to get families, friends, local anglers, long time summer residents, and especially youth involved in this boating event.

Angler showing his bass to the crowd at KBI

August begins with another big bass tournament. The Kenora Bass International  (KBI) is held on Lake of the Woods in Kenora, Ontario from August 4-6th. If there are 150 entries, the top place receives $25,000. There are many other ways to win as well. There are 10 big catch prizes, biggest smallmouth, biggest largemouth, prizes for the top 30 placing in the KBI, adult/youth team, man/woman team and more. See the pay out schedule for complete prize estimates. Every year a battle wages between Canada and the U.S. along the shores of Lake of the Woods. 5 teams representing Canada and 5 teams representing the USA compete against each other for the honour and glory of being crowned the winner and for the Frank Townsend Can-Am Challenge trophy.

Anglers will fish Thursday to Saturday. Delicious dinners and beer gardens welcome anglers and the public in the evenings. Saturday is the big finale with the top 10 boats parading through the tent to an exciting finish. There also is a KBI Kids Tournament that is open to kids ages 4-13. The children will be fishing off the Kenora Harbourfront docks. There will be a prize presentation at the end of each flight, loot bag and t-shirt for every child who participates. A trophy and a special prize will be awarded to the male and female anglers with the biggest bass on each day! There is also free kids entertainment including Minnow Races from 11:30am - 2:30pm. For more information on the Kenora Bass International visit the KBI website. With Shaw as a major sponsor, the tournament can now be viewed on TV. Current standings can also be found on the KBI website once the tournament starts.

Next in the line-up of Sunset Country Tournaments is the Atikokan Bass Classic August 12-13. It is touted as the "Funnest Bass Tournament in the Northwest". Payout is 96% of Team Entry with the first place finish netting approximately $10,000. Besides the top 10 teams, prizes will also go to the best Parent & Child, Grandparent & Child, All Women, Male/Female Teams and for the biggest fish.  Access into Marmion Lake is at  the Anderson Dam Landing.  Competitors are provided a free steak supper the Friday night of the tourney.

Fishermen bringing in their bass to get weighed

The Morson Bass International is held on Lake of the Woods in Morson from August 27-28.  This Catch and Release Bass Tournament  starts at the Government Dock in Morson.  View a video of the Morson Bass International. Like many of the other fishing tournaments in Sunset Country, the MBI has a kids fishing tournament,  yummy dinners and entertainment. You can download an Entry Form or get more information on the Morson Bass International website.

September begins with the Red Lake Fall Classic Catch & Release Walleye Tournament on the Red Lake Chain of Lakes on September 2-4.  Based on 140 team entries, the top prize is $11,000.  Second prize is $5,000 & 2 Humminbird Trolling Locators and third is $3,000 & 2 MinnKota Trolling Motors. See the Red Lake Falls Classic Prize structure for more prizes. Both days the 3 flights leave between 7 and 7:30am. Saturday there is a free supper for tournament participants where they can see the posting of first day standings.  Sunday around 6pm you can visit the Red Lake Legion to see the prize and trophy awards. Saturday afternoon also has a Junior  Championship at the Government Docks. Prizes for all children.

Perch Lake Bass Challenge  is held on the Seine River Chain of Lakes September 4th. Meet at Homer's Cabins on Perch Lake 20 minutes west of Atikokan. Top prize is $1000 & possession of tournament trophy for 3 months. Top 5 win cash prizes. There are also prizes for the biggest fish, Top Lund team, top young angler and top couple. Rules & Boat Checks at 8am, fishing between 9am to 3:30pm. The 2011 PLBC is now full. To get your name on the waiting list, email info@perchlakebass.com

Bassin' for Bucks is a fishing tournament on Lake of the Woods from Sioux Narrows September 9-11. The Sioux Narrows Bassin’ for Bucks tournament format is a two person team, fishing for 3 days, daily and total combined weight, live release tournament. Besides prizes for the top 6 each day, the grand aggregate weight prizes are as follows: 1st place is $6000, 2nd is $5000 and 3rd is $4000. There are also prizes for Tournament Big Fish, Big Smallmouth each day and Big Largemouth each day. Prize structure based on 120 entries. The flights leave between 7:30 & 8 each morning. Must fish these areas: Red Cliff Bay, Yellow Girl Bay, Whitefish Bay, Lobstick Bay, Regina Bay, Cross, Knickerbocker and Blueberry Inlets, and anywhere else accessible by boat that is within the boundaries. Out of bounds is all waters West and North of the longitudinal line #25’ that runs from the Northwestern tip of the Eastern Peninsula, South to the West side of Ferrier Island to the Aulneau Peninsula.

One of the Top 10 anglers parading through the tent

Crow Lake Classic Bass Tournament is held on Crow Lake September 16-17. Held at Hansons Hideaway Lodge on Crow Lake (Kakagi lake). $350 entry fee per team. Download registration form at the Crow Lake Classic website. Based on 50 entries, the top prize is $4,000. The top ten get cash prizes ranging from $4,000 to $350. New in 2011 are first, second and third top daily bag prizes. There is also a team draw for 2 Shimano Rod & Reel Combos, a Secret Number Placement and Closet Team to 10lb Daily bag prizes. The top 2 placing Princecraft boats powered by Mercury motors win 24 volt trolling motors.

During the fall the Ontario walleye tournaments start up again. The Rainy River Walleye Tournament in Rainy River is held September 22-24. The overall prize purse will be $43,450 with the champion earning $15,000. There are prizes for the top 15, 4 hidden weight prizes, a parade prize, River Champ, Day 1 & 2 Big Fish and the Lionel Roberts Memorial Award Largest Basket of Tournament $1,000 prize. Thursday has a parade of boats at 4pm, Fisherman's Dinner (contestants only) and then beer gardens open to the public. Friday, anglers leave between 8:45am & 9:15am. Saturday anglers leave between 7:45 & 8:15am. 3:15 the anglers weigh in and then the Awards Presentation and the Rainy River Junior Curlers Draw follows. There is a  Weekend of fun and excitement for the whole family under the Big Tent on the shores of Beautiful Rainy River! Visit the Rainy River Walleye Tournament website for more information.

The Last Chance Bass is held on Shoal Lake September 24-25. Contact Randy Paishk 807-733-3940 or or Vern Fair  807-733-3191 for more information.

The Whitefish Bay Fall Bass Classic is held in Nestor Falls on Dogpaw, Caviar and Flint Lakes. The tournament runs October 1-. For more information call 807-226-5411.

The third annual Lake of the Woods Walleye Challenge will be held on Lake of the Woods in Morson October 7-8. It is a 2 day fishing tournament. $300 per team. Cash and merchandise prizes to anglers and spectators. Last year 21 teams participated for $6,500 in cash and prizes with 100% of entry fees going back to the top placing entries and prizes for hidden weight, top finishing husband/wife team and top finishing parent/child team.  Spectators and anglers are invited for a dinner at the Morson Hall. For more information call 807-488-5905.

So, while it may sound easy to win 10 or 20 thousand dollars, it is far from it. Sure, there's a lot of luck in fishing, but there is a lot of preparation. Many anglers spend time and money pre-fishing a lake before a tournament. All in all though, a fishing tournament can be quite fun to participate in. Some anglers do the circuit and fish tournaments all summer long, some just do one in their community. The fishing tournaments I have listed here are coming up in the rest of 2011. For a complete list of fishing tournaments in Northwest Ontario, visit our fishing page on Sunset Country's website. Maybe next year I'll be reading about you winning the jackpot.