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FISHING Can I bring my own boat? Yes, you are welcome to bring up your own boat. There is a public boat launch located at the Government Dock in the nearby town of Red Lake. It is only a 25 minute boat ride to our camp. We do not have a boat launch at our camp. What types of fish are in the lake? Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie, Lake Trout, White Fish, and Small Mouth How big is the lake? 43,680 acres with a maximum depth of 140 feet. What is the boat set up? You will have a 16 ft. aluminum boat with 15hp Honda or Mercury out board motor. The boats come equipped with plastic swivel boat seats, landing nets, seat cushions, two paddles, and emergency throw line and whistle. Each boat is provided with 5 gallons of gas per day. There will be 2-3 passengers per boat, although we try to keep the ratio at 2 adults per boat. Boat upgrades are available, call for more details. Please provide your own wearable personal flotation device and waterproof flashlight, required by Canadian law. Will we have access to portage lakes? Yes, there are at least 5 different portage lakes that you can fish. All of the lakes have boats and motors at the end of each portage, so you only need to bring your fishing gear, a camera and maybe a lunch. All but one of our portages are free of charge and you may go to as many as you like. Flat Lake is the only portage which requires an extra charge. There is a $25 dock charge to fish this lake which has a large population of muskie and small mouth bass. We ask that you sign up for each portage lake at least a day in advance, and please give other fisherman a opportunity to sign up as well. The sign up sheet for all portages will be located in the main lodge. Do you supply live bait? Yes, we sell a variety of live bait at camp. Small Minnows = $4.00/doz Large Minnows = $5.50/doz Night Crawlers = $2.00/doz -or- $65.00/flat Leeches = Hard to get in Red Lake, but will try to get some if needed. (note: all prices are subject to change based on our suppliers’ prices) Do you supply fishing and/or hunting licenses? No, we do not carry fishing or hunting licenses. You can purchase your license once you cross the border at one of the many tackle stores along your route, or at Red Lake Marine located in the Town of Red Lake. What are the fishing regulations and possession limits? For the most recent and up to date Ontario fishing regulations in our Zone (ZONE #2) visit the Ministry of Natural Resources web site : http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/fishing/fmz/nw_zone_2.html Where do we store the fish we plan on keeping? We have fish bins or coolers located in our brand new fish house for you to keep your fish in. You may also use your own coolers if you so choose. There are also 3 flaked ice machines located in the fish house to keep your fish cold until your trip home. What items should we bring to camp? See the Travel Checklist for some items you may wish to bring. How many people will fish per boat? Typically there are 2-3 people per boat, depending on the number of people in camp that week. We try hard to keep the ratio at 2 adults per 16 foot boat. If you prefer you may fish up to 4 people per boat. How should my fish be prepared for transportation across the border? All fish must be prepared or packaged so they may be immediately identifiable as to the type and size of each fish. Fish can only be transported in the same vehicle as the license holder. Here are some of the preferred methods: Gut and gill (each fish must be tagged by the license holder) Filleted and put in a Zip-lock bag (Only 1 fish per bag, at least 2 inches of skin left on each half of fillet, bag is labeled by license holder, and fillets are laying flat so approximate length can be determined) Camp Records
What type of tackle should I bring up? Walleye is the most popular of our game fish on Red Lake. Walleye season opener is the third Saturday in May. Drifting or vertically fishing jigs tipped with a live minnow, leech or night crawler is the most popular presentation for catching these fascinating fish. A mixture of jig colors in 1/16 through 1/2 ounce should be in your tackle. Other angling methods that produce well are trolling with bottom bouncers and spinner rigs or crankbaits such as the Rapala husky jerk and shad rap or the Storm thunderstick. When it comes to finesse fishing, live bait rigs such as slip bober or Lindy rigs works the best. Light to medium action rods and spinning reels spooled with a clear line in the 6-8 lb test range is suitable for most walleye fishing methods. For trolling bottom bouncers and cranks a medium action baitcasting rod and reel works well. Northern Pike with a demeanor that is unmatched, are one of the most aggressive and hardest fighting freshwater game fish. Pike are abundant throughout Red Lake. Casting or trolling over weed beds and along weed lines is a popular method to catch these aggressive predators. Think bright colors when fishing for these toothy critters. Your tackle should include a wide range of artificial lures including: Tandem spinnerbaits in the 3/8 to 1 ounce size with gold, silver or orange blades matched with white or florescent skirts. Larger spoons, including the five of diamonds and red/white Daredevil are a Canadian tradition. Inline spinners such as the Mepp's Musky Killer. Imitation minnow lures such as Rapala Husky Jerks and Storm Thunderstick. Rat-L-Traps in larger sizes, emphasis on red, blue, silver and gold. Large jigs 3/8 - 3/4 oz tipped with 4-6 inch twister tails. Under most conditions, Northerns will eagerly attack just about every kind of live and artificial bait presented to them. A good rod and reel combination to pursue lunker gators with is a 6 - 7 ft medium heavy action rod with a bait casting reel spooled with 12 - 30 lb test line. Braided line such as Power Pro is an excellent choice with a 6 - 12" leader attaching your lure. Many anglers prefer to use spinning rods and reels, which is fine. Many huge pike have unintentionally been caught while jigging for walleye using lighter equipment. It is suggested to use at least a 10 lb test line with wire leader. Our lake waters has a slot size limit of 27.5 - 35.4 inches, pike in this length range must be released. Northern Pike fishing season is open year round. After ice-out, Lake Trout cruise the shoreline shallows and reefs in depths shallower than 20 feet. They will hang out at these depths until water temperatures start to rise later in the spring. Once the water warms above the mid 50 degrees range, the lake trout seek the cooler depths. Look for them in depths usually in the 60'-120' water column. Troll with downriggers, wire line, or dipsy divers, using crankbaits or flashy spoons. Vertical jigging with spoons or 1-2 oz jigs and a white mister twister tail tipped with a minnow or cut bait is another popular summer fishing method. A medium action fishing rod and spinning reel spooled with plenty of 8-12 lb test line is a suitable choice throughout the seasons. The legendary Muskellunge (Muskie) is Canada's largest freshwater predator fish. Dedicated muskie anglers live for the chance to catch this fish which is referred to as the "fish of 10,000 casts". Muskie season opens on the 3rd Saturday of June and closes on December 15. The minimum length in which you may keep one fish with a sport fishing license is 48". We strongly urge our guests to practice C.P.R. Catch- Picture- Release. Early season success can come to those who fish areas close to weed and reed filled bays. Jerkbaits, in-line bucktails and spinnerbaits in natural colors perform well in our clear waters. Many classic muskie holding structures including saddles, underwater humps, mid lake shoals, weeds, deep shorelines and fallen shoreline trees. Deep water trolling with crankbaits above the baitfish often produces. Quality equipment is essential for muskie fishing. A 6 1/2 - 7 ft. medium heavy action baitcasting rod and baitcasting reel spooled with 30-65 lb test braided line works well. Polarized sunglasses, camera, soft measuring tape and a release kit with bolt cutters and long nosed pliers should be part of your basic tackle. Red Lake does not have a large muskie population, although we see a few caught every year. If you are serious about landing one of these elusive fish, then a portage to Flat Lake is recommended. Flat lake is a great muskie lake, with a large population of trophy sized fish. Do you have a catch and release policy? Although we do not have a required catch and release policy for our guests, we strongly encourage all fishermen to be environmentally responsible. In order to maintain the strong fishery that we have had over the years, fisherman are encourage to release all trophy sized fish and to keep only those fish they wish to eat at their shore lunch. With the cost of fiberglass replicas going down every year, we would prefer that our customers take some quick photos and measurements of their trophy and then release the fish so others may have a chance to enjoy the thrill of catching the fish another day. Can I fish after sunset? If you are fishing in one of our camp boats, you can not fish after the sun sets because there are no navigation lights on the boats. If you bring up your own boat and it has the appropriate lights then you may fish as late as you like. We do require that you let us know that you will be out late and the general location you will be fishing. Can I fish before breakfast? Yes, you may fish before breakfast. The sun typically rises around 5am, giving you 2-3 hours of quality fishing time before breakfast is served. Please be back for your required seating time. HUNTING What items should we bring to camp? See the Travel Checklist for some items you may wish to bring. Do you supply fishing and/or hunting licenses? No, we do not carry fishing or hunting licenses. You can purchase your license once you cross the border at one of the many tackle stores along your route, or at Red Lake Marine located in the Town of Red Lake. What is the success rate? We have a near 100% shot opportunity and have harvest 17 bears in the last 4 years!
Do you have a references list of previous hunters? Yes, please call for more information.
Do you offer non-guided hunts? Yes, we offer self guided hunts. It includes everything in a guided hunt EXCEPT: a baited stand and transportation (you bait).
see BEAR HUNTING INFO page for more information Passports (as far as we know) are required for early summer '09. If you call the National Passport Informational Center (877) 487-2778 they can answer more questions. There is a new thing called PASSPORT CARD which is good for 5 years and is cheaper also!
Any child traveling with an adult whom is not his or her parent needs a letter of permission from the parent.
* HERE ARE SOME OTHER TIPS THAT MAY MAKE BORDER CROSSING EASIER* Crossing the Canadian border is usually quite routine and effortless. You simply drive up to the booth and the custom officer will ask you a few questions. Be truthful to the officer’s questions and you need not volunteer any more information than they ask. There is only a small chance that you may be randomly asked to pull your car to the side for a spot check by the officers. Remember to bring your proper forms of ID and also a copy of your motor vehicle registration. Be aware that if you have had a Drinking While Driving conviction you may be denied access to Canada. Call ahead and work this out with the canadian boarder. How should my fish be prepared for transportation across the border? All fish must be prepared or packaged so they may be immediately identifiable as to the type and size of each fish. Fish can only be transported in the same vehicle as the license holder. Here are some of the preferred methods: Gut and gill (each fish must be tagged by the license holder) Filleted and put in a Zip-lock bag (Only 1 fish per bag, at least 2 inches of skin left on each half of fillet, bag is labeled by license holder, and fillets are laying flat so approximate length can be determined)
MISC.
Do women come to camp? Yes, every year we are seeing more and more women and girls coming up to camp. One year we even had a week where the women out numbered the men. What age groups do you cater to? Children and adults of all ages are welcome. Last years youngest guest was 4 years old! What is in each cabin? Each log cabin has bunk beds with foam mattresses, table and chairs, oil burning stoves, and Coleman lanterns. Are there hot showers in each cabin? No. There are hot showers in the shower house. Both showers have locks on the doors so the can be used by the men or women. Where do we park our vehicles once we arrive? There is a parking area located at the top of the trail to our camp. Please Do Not drive into camp. Have one or two people walk down the trail into camp to let us know you have arrived. We will then bring your gear, along with the rest of your group, down to camp using our 4x4 ATV’s. What type of bathroom facility does the camp have? Black Bear Lodge has always been a wilderness outpost camp, and to maintain its original feel we do not have indoor toilets in the cabins. Instead, we have 2 separate outhouses throughout the camp, similar to the ones the pioneers used when the camp was founded more than 50 years ago. We do, however, have a shower house with hot and cold running water for you to use at your leisure. Where is the camp located? Black Bear Lodge is a drive in outpost fishing camp located 250 miles north of International Falls, Minnesota. It is about 20 miles west of the town of Red Lake, Ontario. Click here for Map and driving directions from Chicago, Illinois. Can I bring my pet up to camp? No, we do not allow our customers to bring their dogs or pets to camp. What is the weather like? The weather up here can vary from day to day. Typically you can expect the afternoon temperatures to be around 65-85 degrees and the evenings to be around 40-50 degrees. May is typically the coolest month; in June the weather starts to warm up; July is usually quite warm; and August has very pleasant stable weather. The only predicable thing about the weather up here, is that it is unpredictable. Come prepared for a wide range of conditions. Is there a hospital nearby in case of an emergency? Yes, there is a hospital located in the Town of Red Lake. The hospital is approximately 25 miles from camp which takes 40 minutes by car. Is there a phone at camp? There is no public phone located in camp. We do, however, have a radio phone for emergency calls only. Also, there is no cell phone service or internet access available at our camp. If you need to contact someone back home, there are public phones located in the nearby Town of Red Lake and you may rent a computer at the public library for $1.00/hour. Do you have a problem with bears coming into camp? Because we are located in the heart of the Canadian wilderness, there is always a chance that a curious bear may wander into camp. We rarely have problem bears that linger around camp because we make a strong effort to keep the camp clean of garbage or accessible food. We also have two young dogs that do an excellent job of chasing out any unwanted bears. Black bears by their nature are very docile creatures. They are usually more afraid of us than we are of them. If you always make your presence known when walking, carry a flashlight a night, and keep all food and drinks in your cabin, you should have little to worry about. MEALS What types of meals are provided? Breakfast consists of pancakes, french toast, or eggs with a side of bacon, sausage, or orange slices. Lunch fixings are put out at breakfast for campers to pack their own sack lunch. Lunch meats, cheese, peanut butter and jelly, fruit, and cookies are typical. Dinner consists of a main entree, side dishes, and a dessert. Typical entrees include lasagna, spaghetti, steak, baked turkey, meatloaf, ham, hamburgers and brats, or a taco bar. You will not go hungry at camp. **All meals are served at a designated time, determined by number of campers. Typically breakfast is served at 8am and dinner at 5pm. ** What are the meal times? Meal times are based on the number of guests in camp. Typically we serve breakfast at 8AM and dinner at 5PM. Lunch fixings are set out at breakfast for everyone to make their own sac lunch to take with them. Do you offer shore lunches? Yes, you can have a shore lunch with any fish caught that same day. We will supply you with a propane burner, propane tank, deep frying pot or frying pan, potatoes, onions, oil, plates, silverware, and spices. Please sign up for your shore lunch in the main lodge at least a day before. We will provide you with the equiptment for one free shore lunch. If you are interested in doing more than one there will be a charge and we need to know well in advance so we can order supplies appropriately. (NOTE: Ontario law does not allow you to transport any fish to a shore lunch that have been previously gutted, filleted, or cleaned. All fish must be whole and be from that days fishing). Can I cook in my cabin? No, we do not allow any cooking in the cabins. Cooking in the cabins is a serious fire hazard as well as an attractant to bears. OTHER ACTIVITIES What else is there to do at camp besides fishing? Although fishing is main reason why most people come to Black Bear Lodge, there are many other activities to do as well. Some of them include: Canoeing Swimming Hiking Berry picking (wild strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries typically ripen by late June to mid July) Photography (we have some of the best sunsets you’ve ever seen) Star gazing or witnessing the magical Northern Lights Reading, playing games, or relaxing in the main lodge Relaxing by a warm campfire Viewing the wildlife (eagles, moose, bears, birds, loons, ducks, otters, beavers, fox, or hummingbirds just to name a few) Bear watching at the Red Lake waste center Shopping at the local shops in Red Lake Visit one of the many active or abandoned gold mines Taking a nap or just taking the time to reconnect with nature in one of the quietest most secluded places you will ever visit Hanging out in our hammocks from eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com
Is there a place to go swimming? Yes, we have a floating swim raft/ trampoline anchored in front of our camp away from the boat docks. There are also many sandy beaches located on our end of Red Lake which are perfect places for a cool swim. Can I make a campfire at night? Yes, there is a fire ring located in the middle of camp that overlooks our bay. It is a beautiful place to star gaze and to listen to the lyrical calls of the loons while enjoying a warm fire. You may have a campfire any night you wish as long is it remains supervised and there is two water buckets ready. The fire must be completely doused every evening. There is plenty of fire wood in our wood shed so you will not have to collect any of your own. We also ask that you keep it respectfully quite after lights out. What type of wildlife might I expect to see? Although we can not guarantee anything, there is always a good chance you way see some of the following: eagles, moose, bears, birds, loons, ducks, otters, beavers, fox, or hummingbirds just to name a few. BOOKING A TRIP How much does it cost for a week? For 2009, the American Plan package is $550.00 (US funds) per adult. The fee for a child 12 and under with a full paying adult is $100. Children twelve to seventeen with a full paying adult are $350 for the week. This does not include any applicable taxes. We require a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 per person to secure your cabin/week. School and church groups please call for group rates. Do you offer group rates? We offer group rates to non-profit organizations such as school/church groups. Please call or email us for more information. How can I reserve a trip? *NEW FOR '09*
Every group will be required to fill out and send in a booking/registration form with their deposits.
This form will be comming soon.
You can reserve a trip by contacting us by phone, U.S. mail, or e-mail. Let us know who you are, how we can contact you, the best times to reach you, what week(s) you would like, the number of people in your group, and if you will be bringing up your own boat or not. Also let us know if you have any other special requests or needs. Phone #: 630-607-9287 E-Mail: fishblackbear@yahoo.com Winter Address: Black Bear Lodge 6900 West D ave Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009 What is included in the American Plan? Our American Plan includes the following: Log cabin (bunk beds, foam mattresses, oil stove, and Coleman lantern). All meals (breakfast, sack or shore lunch, and dinner) Boat and motor (includes: plastic swivel seat, seat cushion, paddles, landing net, lake map, whistle, and throw line. You must supply your own wearable personal floatation device (life vest) and flashlight. Gas for the week (5 gal per day) Most portages lakes you choose to fish Storage of your fish Access to the ice machines Propane and cooking supplies for your shore lunch Are there refunds for bad weather? Unfortunately we do not give refunds or discounts for inclement weather or difficult fishing conditions. Mother Nature sets her own schedule and we can not control what she throws at us from week to week. If you bring up the appropriate clothing; quality rain gear, waterproof boots, a positive attitude, and a sense of adventure, you should be able to catch fish in any type of weather. Also, do not feel bad if you just hang out in your cabin or our main lodge play games, read, share stories with good friends, or take a well deserved nap…after all you are on vacation. How much are taxes? There are two separate taxes required by the Ontario government. Provincial Tax = 8 percent Goods and Service Tax = 6 percent Do you require a deposit? Yes, we require at least a $100.00 non-refundable deposit for each person in your group. This deposit confirms and holds your cabin and boat for the week. How do prefer the final payment? All payments are due in U.S. funds on the day of your arrival to Black Bear Lodge. You may also make your final payment any time before your trip as well. What are your preferred arrival / departure times?
AMERICAN PLAN GUESTS and NON PROFIT GROUPS (schoool/church groups)
All guests are to
arrive on Saturday between 12pm and 2pm. If you are not able to arrive on Saturday please inform us so we can plan ahead.
All guests are to depart at 9am (after a light/continental style breakfast) the following Saturday. Many of our guests leave Friday night or before breakfast on Saturday morning to beat the border traffic. We can make arrangements for you to leave at anytime before 9am Saturday if needed. Do you have references that we can contact? Yes we do. Please call or email us to receive this information.
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