A message from Mike and Julie Hoffman . . the changing of the guard at CNL

It seems as if it was just yesterday when we arrived as owners of Canada North Lodge. As far as Julie and I are concerned, it has been a real adventure and experience. We have been privileged to meet so many wonderful people in this business & have made so many friends both in Canada and the US. Our years at the lodge have been blessed with good health, and a lot of good luck in being able to get everything accomplished that we set out to do.

But the inevitable has happened. On May 27^th, 04 we finalized the sale of Canada North Lodge to Lance & Carla Densing of Biloxi, MS. Our biggest concern with selling CNL was to find someone we could trust to follow in our footsteps and take care of the lodge, our guests, and our years of work. After 2 years of working with Lance there was no doubt in my mind that he was the person destined to follow in our footsteps. I can personally assure you that they are dedicated to following our path and way of doing things and we have been assured that they have no intention of re-inventing the wheel.

Many ask why we sold CNL. The simple truth is that after 36 years in business we decided it was time to pay attention to our personal lives and things we longed to do. It was time to move on with our lives. Time passes by quickly and Julie and I wanted to be able to spend valuable time together while we could enjoy it. As they say, you can only live once, and we did not want that once to slip by.

During our many hours of daily conversation over the phone there was little that was not discussed and little either of us does not know about each other. We have both built a true business relationship build on trust, understanding, and the right way of doing things. We understood the importance of a smooth transition for our guests and the lodge. Both parties are dedicated to seeing that end. Julie and I are committed to this transition and will be there for advice or help whenever needed. Lance on the other hand has made it possible as part of the sale for us to retain our “Sunset Cabin” at Canada North Lodge for as long as we want. Yes, we will be back at CNL each summer, but as guests of Canada. We are finally going fishing and Julie is quite excited about joining me. Fish watch out – here we come. And, we will be available when needed for advise. We plan on wearing out a boat and motor and a few rod & reels.

As we end our 27 years we extend a heartfelt Thank You to our many guests, our staff, and many suppliers. Without all your patronage, help, and dedication our years and success at Canada North Lodge would have been impossible. All of you will be remembered for years to come and invite all of you to stay in touch with us. Julie and I look forward to introducing -  Lance and Carla Densing. He is a fisherman and hunter, a good business man, and a people person, he will fit in well and we are confident you will enjoy him and Carla as being the new owners.

Looking Back to 2004

2004 – A year of transition and change.

Wow!  What a year! What a season! What a place! I can’t believe 2004 went by so fast.  As the new owners of Canada North Lodge both Carla and I have been really impressed with the quality of the Lodge, the management and the professionalism of the staff.  Yes, it is true, 27 years of experience tells it all!  Mike, Julie and the staff at Canada North are the primary reason I am now in the Resort Business in Northwestern Ontario.  Canada North Lodge is definitely the” real thing”, I couldn’t have it any other way!  The transition of Canada North Lodge was 2 years in the making and countless hours of preparation and of course a lot of strategic planning.  I have worked out an arrangement with Mike and Julie which places him as the Lodge’s ongoing consultant.  Be prepared to see him each summer at the Lodge or at many of the shows, he will also be our official website development specialist, an art he has shown great aptitude for in past seasons. Hopefully he will continue his genius for us in future seasons.

I want to take the opportunity to thank all the guests who spent time with us during the 2004 season and look forward to seeing you in 2005.  I met many people from all across the U.S., Canada, and Europe and definitely have seen that having a great time is universal to all nationalities.  Many of the guests were kind enough to give insights on the various operations we were conducting during the 2004 season and some of the things they would like to see in upcoming years as far as value added comforts, to that end I have included many of them in my upcoming plans for 2005-2006.

a luxury facility for small groups while at the same time being extremely remote.

Also under development are some creature comforts in the form of a bathhouse with both sauna and hot tub which will be under way in the spring of 2005. You will also see some additional staff cabins that will be under construction as well as lodge upgrades!  So, in a word we are not going to be changing our woodsy feel but will add a couple of log cabins to the lodge compound. We will be also adding 2 18’ platform boats as “premium” boats and will continue to do so each year until we feel we have enough for our older guests.

As noted we had so much luck with the “sea-anchors” (Mercury’s) that we decided to go back for 2005 with all new motors of the same type “ I still can’t get used to me admitting to being a black motor owner”.  We also will be putting more seats out on the shore lunch sites and also on the boats on the portage lakes.  Our new policy will be for bait to be included for the 2005 season.  In conjunction with our building plans we will be instituting a new guide staff program.  During the 2004 season I was proud to be the one to promote “Moose” Don MacDonald to Lodge Manager and he will be my point man for 2005.  Don has spent 11 years as a guide at CNL and it was only natural that he would be moving into management one day.  He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Lodge and we are all expecting big things from him in the future.  I know that he will be as successful as a Lodge Manager as he was a guide.  “ His bear fighting abilities at the dump convinced me he was ready”. A bad bear brought out the good in Don!

In closing I would like to assure all of you that my ongoing commitment to quality and to your hunting or fishing experience at Canada North Lodge will always remain my top priority.  I look forward to continuing to keep Canada North Lodge as one of the top fishing and hunting destinations in Northwestern, Ontario. We’ve been doing it since 1947! 

Have a happy holiday! and I wish each and every one of you the best in the coming year!

Lance, Carla, Ida & Dixie Densing

2004 List of Big Fish “Caught & Released”

Each day our guides record the fish that were over the size limit and released. We post a listing with the guests name and the size of the fish in the lodge.

The list this year was amazing – we virtually ran out of wall space for posting. I also know that many of the fish caught are not listed by the guides on the days when their guests have a fantastic day.  So this listing is actually quite larger than what is posted. We believe that almost all the really big fish get recorded and feel that part of the list is close to being accurate. But the listing of walleyes from the 18” thru 25” and northern pike from 28” thru 34” is far short of the true number. We believe the guides actually acquire a lazy arm and writer cramps.

The Stats from the 2004 listing:

·          A total of 3851 fish were listed

·          610 northern pike over 28”

·          328 northern pike 40” to 45”

·          83 northern pike 35” to 40”

·          217 northern pike 30” to 35”

·          69 walleyes 27” to 32.5” – 7# to 12# class

·          189 walleyes 24.5” to 27” – 5# to 7# class

·          429 walleyes 23” to 24.5” – 4# to 5# class

·          864walleyes 21” to 23” – 3# to 4# class

·          1062 walleyes 18” to 21” – 2# to 3# class

Your chances of catching “A Trophy” while at CNL are excellent.

Looking Forward to 2005

Bus Fishing Trips to Canada North Lodge

Originating from Oklahoma City, OK

Three (3) Motorcoach Trips from this area for the 2005 season.

·          Originating in Oklahoma – serving Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, & Minnesota – I-44 to US route 71 to I-35 to US 53 then on to CNL.

·          Dates – 

·          June 4^th thru June 11^th, 2005

·          July 9^th thru July 16^th, 2005

·          July 30^th thru August 6^th, 2005                    

·          Departing Oklahoma City on Saturday morning, arriving at Canada North Lodge on Sunday, Fish Mon-Tue-Wed-Thu, Depart for home Friday, Arrive home on Saturday.

·          Fishing Dates – 4 day-5 night trip – Mon-Tue-Wed-Thu

·          St. Louis area interested guests have found it convenient to be picked up at a location in Kansas City.

·          For reservations or information please call or visit our web site at http://www.canada-north.com  - Click on TRAVEL.

·          The package includes: fully modern accommodations at Canada North Lodge, transportation, meals, gas, boats and motors, one guide per two persons, daily maid service, conservation fishing license, fish filleting service, 2 motel layovers, and lots of fun.

·           Taxes, store bills and (minnows) bait are extra. 

·          Overnight motel is based on two persons per room. Single occupancy if required will require an additional charge.

Rate per person . . . $14700.00 Plan 1 w/guide service

                                   $1250.00 Plan 2 w/o guide service

**New** Special Children Rates – 17 years of age or less – 2 full fare adults required. 25% discount – maximum 2-3 children – includes extra guide, boat, motor and gas. 35% discount – if child is 3^rd person in party and 3^rd person to boat and share motel accommodation in same room as adults.

We have provided these bus trips for over 15 years and have a long list of happy guests, for references please call.

The Conservation Fishing Policy at CNL

During 1989, The Lodge Owners for Wilderness Preservation initiated a Fishing Conservation Policy on our lakes which is known as the Woman River Chain of Lakes. Our goal was to release the larger breeding size fish, while allowing take home limits of quality size fillets. This program promotes natural reproduction and development of a trophy class fishery.

Year 2005 - 16 years later and the program is a success story. The secret to sustained good fishing is the number of breeding fish available for reproduction each year. The larger the number of breeding fish the more fish you are going to have. Protecting the large fish promotes just such a condition.  Our lakes are proof that these methods work.

The policies that are in effect on our lakes are as follow:

• Live Release of all Walleye over 18"

•  Live Release of all Northern over 27"

• Live Release of all Lake Trout over 25” – 22” after Sept 1

• Catch & Release of all Smallmouth Bass.

• All Large Fish are Released trophy mounts are reproduced with replica mounts and are far superior to skin mounts.

• Designated portage lakes as "Sport Fishing Only." The lakes were selected because of their good fishing, lake size being small, & demand for fishing the lake.

• Conservation Licenses are included in all our Plans, our appreciation for your participation in "Catch & Release".

• Encourage the use of barbless hooks on crank baits, spinner baits, and other lures not designed to hold bait.

• Practice proper handling techniques of fish for live release.

Our goal is to provide each guest with an exceptional fishing trip that they will remember for years to come. As it has often been said, “memories are made of things like this”.

Confidence and Guide Service

Confidence in one of your own known good fishing spots makes it easy for an angler to hold out, but it's difficult to have confidence when you don’t know a lake or only fish a lake a few days every year. The use of a knowledgeable and experienced guide can greatly increase confidence and improve your odds of success. The term "guide" gets thrown around quite loosely at times and some of our new guests arrive with more than a healthy bit of skepticism for the quality of the guide staff.

Doubts quickly disappear when guests realize that our guides are experienced, work together as a team and are on the water almost every day of the season looking for new patterns, presentations and locations. First year guides should not be looked upon as questionable either as they go through an extensive proven training program with the older guiding staff not to mention that we hire  them through fishery specialized colleges and have enjoyed fishing  throughout  their youth and know  fishing and boat handling technique’s when we hire them. These so called first year guides often surpass the expectations of the guests and the older guiding staff with their abilities.

The cumulative experience and knowledge of the guiding staff is another tool that consistently successful anglers use to improve their odds. The guides know where all of the good fishing spots and big ones were caught that season and the seasons before. Areas that attract trophy class fish at a specific time of year tend to draw big fish every year. Confidence based on the guide's knowledge and experience keeps anglers attention focused on a good fishing spot even when volume is down.

Confidence in their abilities are further reaching than just fishing, they are unmatched when it comes to knowing the shore lunch spots, filleting your fish and preparing a delicious meal of freshly caught fish. Their ability to navigate the lakes and their knowledge of hazard spots is very important in a day of fishing.

Fishing Regulation Limits and License Fee

Ministry of Natural Resources – Size and Limit Regulations

Walleye – Possession Limits – Opens 3^rd Sat May

4 walleye possession limit - Regular license

2 walleye possession limit -Conservation license

Northern Pike – Possession Limits – Open all year.

4 Northern possession limit – Regular license

2 Northern possession limit – Conservation license

Lake Trout – Possession Limits – Jan 1 to Sept 30

2 Lake Trout possession limit – Regular license

1 Lake Trout possession limit – Conservation license

Non-Resident License Fees – Effective January 1, 2005

Regular Seasonal Fishing License - $62.50

Conservation Seasonal Fishing License – $38.00

7-Day Regular Fishing License - $40.00

7-Day Conservation Fishing License - $23.50

Small Game Hunting License - $87.50

Moose Hunting License – 350.00

Bear Hunting License - $175.00

License Prices are Quoted in Canadian Funds.

We have a safe water system!!!

Everyone has heard and read media coverage about problems with water and water supplies. One of the most frequently asked questions is where do we obtain our water and is it safe to drink.

Canada North Lodge has a water treatment system that delivers safe drinking water to every water outlet throughout our resort. The water system includes water storage tanks, a chlorination system and three large filtration systems. The final filters are absolute filters, which remove everything, including Guardia and Crypto. The result is completely safe drinking water. Inside the lodge itself we take one additional step, we remove all the chlorine, providing excellent water for our dining room coffee and drinks, and a place for our guests to refill their water bottles for the day with plenty of pure, good tasting water.

But, there is always a downside to everything. The filters must be changed periodically and the largest problem is that we never know when the flow rates are going to decrease because the filters need changed. Occasionally this happens during peak water demand and we then have no choice except to shut down the water and change the filters. Sure hope it wasn’t you in the shower!!! If you are, just wait a couple of minutes and the water will be running again. The maintenance is a very small price to pay for ensuring safe water.

Summer / Fall Bear Hunting Season

The Ontario Bear Hunting season is August 15^th of each year. We have found that the August dates present our hunters with excellent bear hunting which is as good or better than the past spring hunt. Some positive points about the summer/fall hunt are

Ø       This is the time period in which the bears are very active in their search for food and actively hit baited sites.

Ø       The bears size is much larger and their coats are prime.

Ø       The weather is warm, stable and reliable.

Ø       The bug population is considerably less compared to spring.

Ø       Our kill ratio is higher than our previous spring hunt.

Ø       Our Bear Management Area consists of 368 sq km.

Ø       We bait 30-40 sites each year weeks prior to hunter arrival.

Ø       Baits are checked daily – no exceptions.

Ø       Last year the number of hunters was down but we had a very good hunt, 9 hunters - eight were successful.

Ø       We book no more than 10 hunters at any given time period during the hunt. Hunting dates are blocked off into 3 week periods – no overlaps.

Ø       Combination fishing and hunting trip at no extra charge.

We consider the time period between August 15^th and Sept 10th to be the prime time for a successful hunt. Our bear population is excellent and has never been over hunted.

Telephone Problem – An Explanation

Our telephone system is just not a simple matter of calling the telephone company and asking for another line. We are on a phone system that requires radio frequencies controlled by Communications Canada. Because of all the remote locations in Canada and the demand for radio-telephones there is a shortage of frequencies. As a result it is extremely hard to get another line. We have requested another frequency and another line as soon as one is available.

Until this frequency becomes available we must use the old system that allow all connections but present the same old problems: one line - and not enough time for guests, business, staff, fax, credit cards, etc. Not a good situation as we know the need for the extra line, but that is reality.

In the meantime all we can ask is that everyone use the phone as infrequently as possible and then please keep the calls short.

**New** Minnows included in packages:

Effective in the spring of 2005 Minnows (2.5 dozen per person per day) are included in the Plan 1, Plan 2, and Plan 5 American packages. 

We are happy to announce this additional feature to our package plans and should put closure to the minnow discussion and confusion about minnow use and the additional charge.

Minnows are not included in the Plan 4 -Outpost Package and will be sold as requested by the guests.

Taxes, tackle, souvenirs, and store items are not included in the packages.

2005 “Tagged Fish Contest”

During 2004 our guests can participate in the “Tagged Fish Contest”. These rules are required to qualify:

·          Record & submit the tag #, specie, total and forked length.

·          Fisherman must be a registered guest of CNL.

·          The tagged fish must be live released with tag attached.

·          Submit location where the fish was caught.

·          Our guides are not eligible; the fish must be guest caught.

·          One entry per guest/per tag #.

·          A guest can submit different tag #’s

Winners prize - Plan 1, 3-day fishing trip for (1) person.

Life Jackets:

Canadian Coast Guard regulations require that you must have one approved life jacket on board for each occupant of the boat. The life jackets must fit the person and be readily available. Even though the law states that they do not have to be worn we encourage everyone that does not swim or feels uncomfortable on the water to wear the life jackets. This is very important in the case of children. Boat cushions are not legal for life saving.

If you have your own life jacket USCG approved life jackets are legal if you own them. Any color is acceptable provided it has the coast guard approved tag. We have ample life jackets to go around, but many guests prefer their own personal lifejacket. If so - bring it with you.

Bear & Moose Hunting Information:

Our brochure does not provide ample space to address all the information about these hunts. For complete information on these hunts please call 222-3234. We prefer to discuss these hunts personally with our hunters to ensure all their questions are answered properly. We have individual brochures about the bear and moose hunts and will forward them to you by mail or you can visit our web site and access them immediately.

http://www.canada-north.com/hunting.htm

Trip Payment–Cash, Checks, Credit Cards

Cash or checks is our preferred method of payment

As a convenience and courtesy to our guests we accept Visa and MasterCard. We are now able to accept your credit cards in US funds without having to convert the amounts to Canadian Funds as we are allowed as a Canadian Merchant to have a Merchant Account for Visa and MasterCard with a US Bank. This is especially good news as the previous method was time consuming, confusing to our guests and often led to final charges being higher than the original amount.

Fishing tips that you can apply to all months.

Ø       Sunny, bright, hot, little or no wind, these picture perfect days – you can count on the fishing being poor to bad.

Ø       Cloudy and rainy days, with a healthy breeze or wind, good to excellent.

Ø       Directly before and during the early stage of a large weather front good to excellent.

Hunters must Register Firearms

Effective January 1, 2001 Canadian Law requires non-resident hunters entering Canada to register their firearms. Complete information about this new legislation and the registration forms can be obtained on the web at http://www.cfc.gc.ca. The form appears to be very simple to fill out.

Hunters at CNL do not be concerned. We will be assisting you by forwarding you the necessary information and forms.

In brief here is what is required:

Ø       Filling out the Non-Resident Firearms Declaration  (Form JUS 909 E/F) in triplicate, prior to arriving at the border. DO NOT SIGN

Ø       Present this Form to Canadian Customs at the border.

Ø       Form will be completed by the Customs Officer

Ø       A fee of $50.00 CDN FUNDS is required.

Ø       Is good for 60 days and can be renewed any number of times within a 12-month period at no extra-cost.

Commercial Air Flights to Winnipeg

Canada One Travel Planners have been in business since 1984 and are a approved fish / hunt travel company with Northwest Airlines. They have negotiated the lowest available airfares from most US major airports directly into Winnipeg, Manitoba. These flights are very popular and book fast. We encourage you to make sure air reservations early. Rental cars can be booked at the same time. Distance from Winnipeg to CNL is 310 miles, a 5 to 5 ½ hour drive.

For complete information go to our web site and click the blue TRAVEL button. To arrange you flight reservations we prefer you call us with the details and we will make the original contact or visit their web site http://www.canadaonetravel.com/canada-north.html . Simply fill out the form for your travel plans and they will respond back. You can call them direct at 866-401-9900.

Excellent Rates – Check Them Out For Yourself !

Outboard Motors

New Mercury 25 hp motors have been ordered for the 2005 fishing season. We are committed to providing our guests with the finest of equipment for their fishing trip.

Propane Cooking Stoves

As owners of Canada North Lodge for the past 25 years, we have always known that forest fires present a very dangerous threat to our lake system, surrounding forests, and our business.

The threat of forest fires is always in the back of our minds and we live in fear of their happening. It has always been known that forest fires are often started with “shore lunch fires.

“Propane cooking stoves” are in place at all shore lunch sites. We no longer allow open wood fires in any form. . guest or guide built . . the risk is not worth it.

Woman Lake Outpost

Due to lack of space in our color brochure little is mentioned about our Woman Lake Outpost Plan #4. The Woman Lake Outpost is located 15 miles north of our main lodge on a scenic point on Little Woman Lake and is accessible only by water. Little Woman Lake provides our guests with excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike and lake trout. To the north of the outpost is Big Woman Lake to the south is Big Bear and Middle Lake, all within 10 miles of the outpost.

The outpost has been completely remodeled, inside and out, is a very clean modern accommodation. Included are: kitchen cabinets, sink, thermostatically controlled propane heat, hot and cold running water, solar electric for interior lights, propane refrigerator, propane cooking stove w/oven, a bathroom with shower and vanity, cooking & eating utensils, and bunks with foam mattresses. You need to bring your own food, towels, personal items and bedroll.

Included are two 16’ boats with new Mercury 25hp motors and 5 gallons of gas per day per boat. The boats are kept at the lodge for your pickup and are very clean, dry, well maintained and comfortably fish 3 persons. The boats are complete with swivel seats, depth finders, paddles, life cushions, landing net and minnow bucket. Your trip to the outpost will be assisted by one of our guides. The return trip is not assisted.

The outpost is booked for 4 to 6 persons on a Saturday to Saturday basis, a full 7-day fishing trip, or any portion thereof. Other options available include guide service, additional boats, and evening meals booked at the main lodge. If you are looking for a housekeeping plan where you can do it yourself, have good fishing, and be in an isolated area, this is your chance.

For complete information about the Woman Lake Outpost  - go to our web site at: http://www.canada-north.com

Wishing everyone a successful fishing year

Phone: 800-890-7903

E-mail -info@canada-north.com