ELK LAKE, Ont. — Today we ran south, which in this part of the world is up river. We portaged from the south end of Lost Lake into a new water, Calcite Lake. Immediately, it was clear this was like no other lake in the chain. Calcite is a much more narrow body of water, surrounded on each side by steep canyon walls. Although they are nothing like the mountains we are accustomed to in West Virginia, these are the highest hills we have experienced.
We started with our beaver hut pattern. Our host, Tony, gave Hank a Tiny Torpedo as a gift when we first arrived. Another father and son team who are in camp with us fished Calcite on Tuesday and caught a lot of fish on top water. They found success on white buzz baits. I threw the buzz bait and Hank tossed the torpedo. A nice pike nailed the torpedo within the first few casts. If you’ve never caught a fish on a top water lure, it is a heart stopper, particularly when the fish has a mouth full of razor sharp teeth. The pike crashed the torpedo after Hank stopped it in the water for a few seconds. It was sudden, violent, and quite a rush.
We used the wind to our advantage. We positioned the boat within casting distance of the canyon wall and allowed the wind to drift us down the lake. Hank caught another on the torpedo from deep water in the canyon. I caught several using the Bandit crankbait, including a nice walleye. We’ve caught three walleye this week. They are in all of these lakes, but seem to be less common than smallmouth bass and the pike. We didn’t catch a single smallmouth from Calcite Lake.
The weather was overcast, cold, windy, and a constant misty rain. The temperatures have dropped to the lowest levels they’ve been since we arrived. We stayed in the 50’s all day and the wind and rain made it miserable. But you can’t do anything about the weather. The forecast is calling for improving conditions for the rest of the week. The owners have an agreement with the Canadian government. Across the road from the camp is a remote weather station. The station is linked to the camps wireless internet and makes a report to the Ministry of Forestry headquarters each day. The data is used to gauge the moisture levels and set burning bans or advisories.
We haven’t decided on tomorrow’s fishing plan just yet. Depending on the weather we may return to Bloom Lake. It’s the most remote lake in the camp and is the most difficult to reach, but the fish are much bigger and get less pressure there. A warmer day could set the fishing on fire on Bloom and the difficulty getting there can be quickly rewarded with trophy sized pike and smallmouth bass.
The owners of Lost Lake Wilderness Lodge, Tony and Melissa Thomas, are actually Americans. They bought the camp four years ago and have done a lot of work. The cabins are clean and modern. They are also heated, which you wouldn’t think you need in July, but last night was the coldest July nights I’ve ever experienced. Meals are served in a dining hall in the lodge. The food is fantastic. However, a few people in camp save money and bring their own groceries. Each cabin is equipped with a full kitchen with stove, oven, sink, refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, and microwave. They also provide all cooking pots, pans, plates, and utensils. Sheets, blankets, and pillows are provided. The only housekeeping items we had to bring were towels. Here is a link to the camp which will tell you much more.
I’m headed for supper. I’ll report back tomorrow.