With all of the Outfitters in Ontario, why pick us?  Here is a blog I wrote a few years ago which tells our story. 

Since I wrote this we have added some key people to our business.  Our Oldest daughter Taina and our son in-law Aaron have started to work with us.  We are excited to show them the ropes and teach them all we can to be successful.

This should help you make a good decision on who you want your outfitter to be.  We want everyone to have a great trip each and every time they visit us.  Click on the link below to check out a previous blog.

https://www.canadianflyinfishing.com/2016/01/why-choose-amik-outposts/

2020 is here and we are looking forward to the year ahead.  Our booking sheet is beginning  to fill up but there are always a few open dates here and there as our schedule is constantly changing.  Here are a few dates for you to consider:

Cherrington Bay June 1-6, 2020

Loree Lake June 30- July 7, 2020

Vee Lake July 14-19, 2020

Findlay Lake July 22-28, 2020

Cobham River July 30- August 3, 2020

Black Birch Lake August 19-24, 2020

Cobham Daniel August 22-30, 2020 (8 day trip for 7 day price) 

We set some nets out on one of the reefs 5 miles out from shore.  The ice really piled this year!  It was mostly 12-14 inches thick and piled probably 40 feet.  We thought the fish might have stayed near the reef…. They didn’t 🙂 trial and error that’s the only way to find the fish.

Please let us now if you have any questions regarding dates or your upcoming trip.  Click here to email us.

Christmas is fast approaching.  We hope that everyone is getting ready for Santa and that you plan to spend some quality time with family and friends.  

Our days are very short now.  The sun doesn’t get up until well after 8am and is down just after 4pm.  

We started out cold this fall, but as the entire USA was in the grips of winter for awhile, we were warm and dry.  Once we had about 8-9 inches of ice on the lake and very little snow it stayed beautiful for 2-3 weeks.  It was almost too warm for working out on the lake.  Especially when you are catching 6-900 pounds of fish a day.  Each one has to be handled numerous times before it even gets to town and then to market.  

It has since cooled off (-25 C) and we are snowing now.  It was beginning to look like a brown Christmas up here.  The lake has 13-14 inches of ice and fishing is still good.  Our third man, the Bombardier is out on the lake now.  Our lives just got easier, it pulls the nets out for us and then back in once we have taken the fish out of the net, keeps our fish warm,  gives us shelter from the wind and has a radio 🙂

Dustee is out there with us each day.  She loves to run, eat frozen fish and try to catch the ravens.  A couple of weeks ago, she went off on an adventure near Long Point and awhile later we heard a weird howl from where she went.  I took off on the snowmobile to find her.  She fell through the ice near the point.  We never go near the point as the ice is always unpredictable there.  I walked towards her to help, and it started cracking under me.  I was still 15 yards away.  I told her I couldn’t help her.  She had to do it.  She tried one more time and then she popped up and came to me.  She had broke through the ice for about 30-40 yards before she called for help.  She has used up a few lives on that point.  But she was right back there the next day!  She was soaked but scrubbed herself dry on the snow.  She had a ice cold bath!

Dustee also gives new meaning to the term sled dog…  “let’s go”  she jumps on the sled and rides.  We bounce across the lake at 35-50 mph.  She hangs on as best she can.  She hasn’t fallen off yet 🙂  The orange thing behind her is the Jigger.  That is what we use to get our lines under the ice.

The ice makes for some great pictures.  

We went to talk with our mechanic the other day and plan the winter maintenance.  I just could not resist taking a picture of the old girl at rest.  It will come into the hangar in the New Year and the inspection will be done.

We continue to book people for 2020 and if you are interested in an excellent fishing vacation next season, please contact us.  If you have never fished with us before and are on the fence about which outfitter to choose.  The only thing we will say is that we have more experience at showing people a good time than any outfitter in the area.  Our fishing is first class, we are very organized, everything at our camps is in great shape and works, and most of all, we appreciate our guests and treat them like family.  We know what we are doing.  

Our schedule is ever changing with dates and numbers of fishermen, so please enquire about any dates you may be interested in and we will let you know if we have anything open.  Here are some dates that we have open for our 2020 season.  We look forward to hearing from you.  Please click here to email us.

Cherrington Bay June 1-6, 2020

Jeanette Lake June 6-9, 2020

Shearstone Lake June 28- July 2, 2020

Loree Lake June 30- July 5, 2020

Vee Lake July 5-9, 2020

Cherrington Point July 4-8, 2020

Black Birch Lake July 18-21, 2020

Loree Lake July 21-27, 2020

Findlay Lake July 22-28, 2020

Cobham River July 30- August 3, 2020

That is all of the holes that we have at this time.  Please let us know if you have any questions or if you would like to reserve one of these dates.  We do have some availability in later August if you need some alternate dates.

Take care of yourselves. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us.

John and Rena

Aaron, Taina and Jack

Winter has arrived a bit early this year.  There is always things that have to be done before freeze up and it is nice to have some nice weather to get things wrapped up.  This year we only had a small window of opportunity to get our fall jobs done before the weather cooled off and the ground froze.  Of course hunting season is also very important! 

Our deer herd is in pretty good shape in our area this year.  It has fully recovered from a harsh winter a number of years ago and there seems to be quite a few nice bucks.  I always try to get away from everyone else when I hunt and put up a new enclosed stand way off the beaten track with a heater 🙂  The deer rutted early it seems this year and most of the action was around Halloween.  Which is my favorite time to hunt as it is usually warmer.  This mature buck showed up on the 3rd time I sat in this stand.  It was almost -20C but the heat was going and I was drinking a coffee……. He came in too close for me to even move, just take a picture, then he made a scrape and walked 90 yards away and gave me the shot.  

Fall time is also butchering time.  My brother raises me a pig each summer so we try to pick a nice day to get this job done.  It was chilly this year but it was calm at least.  Our freezers are full and ready for the winter, Moose, Deer and Pork and Fresh Fish from the lake.  It feels good to not have to rely on the grocery store to feed ourselves.

Dustee also loves fall.  Lots of fresh wild meat and bones to eat for 2 months!  She too gets fixed up for fall.  Her favorite day is when I put fresh straw in her insulated dog house.  She is happy, jumping around in the fresh straw and making herself a bed.  Sometimes she spends the night inside but usually only when the temperature drops below minus 20 C.  Otherwise she always wants out before bed.

Pictures

We will updating our website soon as well as sending out our Thanksgiving Newsletter.  If you have not shared any of your photos with us and would like to, we would appreciate it a lot.  Our guests catch lots of big fish and we like to keep our website updated with recent pictures.  The best advertising is word of mouth and references but our website is always quite active and we like to showcase the trophy fishing we have on our lakes.  If you caught a big fish this summer at one of our camps or saw some beautiful scenery and would like to share them, please email them to us at amikoutposts@gmail.com  

Dates for 2020

We are booking dates and filling in the puzzle that will be our 2020 season.  Certain times of the season and certain lakes are almost booked solid but holes remain scattered here and there.  Please email us by clicking here if you would like to inquire about booking a trip for next season.  

I hope everyone has a good deer season and that you get to spend some time out in the bush.

The snow is flying, the airplanes are on dry ground, the water has been drained and the camps have been put to bed!  Another season is in the books.  It was a great year once again.  

Moose Hunting

2019 was pretty normal moose hunting.  Each group except one had some sort of excitement during the hunt each week.  The weather as always plays such a huge role in how each hunt will go.  During the first week we battled the wind and during the second week we battled snow, rain and wind.  We had a number of great hunting days also each week and that is when the moose moved.

We ended up with 2 moose for the season and one that got away.  

The moose that got away happened during the first week of the hunt.  I was guiding some guys that had hunted with us many times and have had great success almost every time they hunted with me.  After seeing some cows during the week and lots of wind, on day 5 Mike and I were just setting up in a spot on a perfect morning.  As we were walking up the hill I thought I heard a grunt.  After calling back and waiting awhile we didn’t hear anything.  I left Mike and went to call from the top of the hill.  When I got to the top I met up with a Monster Bull about 25 -30 yards away headed our way.  I scurried back over the hill and fetched Mike.  The moose had moved away slightly and I called him back.  He came right to us within 50 yards but the brush was thick and we couldn’t see him very well.  As he came into the open Mike had a shot.  I heard it hit and it turned and disappeared.  After it was behind some bushes for a few minutes, it started to move and it went through the bush and up over the ridge.  

Mike figures he shot him fairly square in the chest.  That isn’t a good shot on a large animal.  We waited for an hour to give him time to lay down and expire.  After finding the blood trail we began to follow.   It was hit but the blood was clear and only looked like a flesh wound and not through any vitals.  The bull never laid down until it was half a mile from the lake.  He was in the thickest stuff imaginable when I heard him get up.  And like a sheet of plywood being dragged through the willows, he got up and walked away, deeper into the burn.  I tracked him for another half mile over the next ridge but he never stopped.  Never ever struggled or fell once since being hit.   He was gone.  I hunted that area a number of times since then and never saw any birds or activity. This has only ever happened to me one other time but I hope that bull is healing up.

One of our unguided groups of hunters were successful in taking a bull as well.  I was a day late in picking them up as the weather was not very good.  As I was loading the moose I asked if I could get a picture for the website.  Where are the horns?  It was a spike bull and the guys had just cut off the spikes and were going to make a knife handle out of it.  He could put it in his pocket 🙂 We had a few other groups of hunters who had moose calling and wouldn’t quite come in, lots of encounters with cows. One cow was even dancing in the water!  It was a good hunt but the rut was late again this year as it was last year.

Aaron and I saw the forecast coming the day we brought out the last moose hunters and there was a couple of nice days followed by a Colorado low, heavy wet snow and lots of rain for 4 days.  We went back up north and worked as hard as we could to get most of the work done and camps closed before the storm.  We had hoped that we would be able to hunt for ourselves and leisurely close the camps.  Our last night up north with the Otter, we got to Loree after closing camps all day at 5 pm.  an hour and a half before dark, our only opportunity to get out hunting.  “Let’s just hunt right by the camp”

After a half hour of calling…….

He came right to the call but quietly.  He was still fat and not very beat up.  Aaron had not shot a moose before, so I gave him the first shot.  The moose came out across the narrows and turned perfectly.  Aaron hit solid on the first shot, the moose headed for the lake.  I shot and hit him and he kept going for the water, so I gave him one more and down he went….  in the water of course.

It is always so exciting to get a moose but to see someone’s first moose is awesome.  Aaron was so happy, I was happy and Dustee was happy.

Aaron’s bullet went right through the moose but my 338 Win mag was on the far side against the hide.  They both did their job.  

We were able to get all the camps closed but one and put the Otter away one day before the storm.

For some reason, the Ravens were always close to me this year.  One morning a raven sat next to me for 5 minutes, just shining his beak and staring at me from 3-4 feet  away.  Many others sat in trees next to me this year and made weird noises.  I don’t know if they were being friendly or what but it was always entertaining.  If you spend enough time in the bush you will see some interesting things.

We saw a lot of this……

But also some of this 🙂

Dustee as always loved her time in the bush and was very happy to see the snow.  We had 6 inches 2 separate times.

We are always trapping mice while we are up there but this year was a first.  2 Mice, 1 Trap!!  It looked like they were 2 friends that said to each other “let’s do this together”  Both of their mouths were on the bait at the same time.  The ravens came each day and picked up the mice.  Maybe that is why they were so close to me all fall.

After the storm went by, we were able to get back up north and finish a few jobs that were left to do.  Winter was knocking on the door so we knew it was time to be done.

Since the storm we have had some phone issues and are having land line trouble.  If you are trying to reach us please email us at amikoutposts@gmail.com or click here to send us an info request form.  We are continuing to book dates for next year so please let us know if you are interested in specific dates or lakes in your email.

We are down to the last few groups of fall fishermen headed to the bush.  It is always bitter sweet to see the end of another season.  Lots of work to do and camps to close up before moose hunting.  We will see how Mother Nature treats us this fall.  We have gone from hot and dry to cool and damp.  We have had a fair bit of rain which has brought up the lake levels which is nice to see.  Fishing has been good, just deep, walleyes are down in 18-30 feet of water but the big pike have started to move into the bays and are feeding heavier as fall approaches.  The sizes have gotten bigger in the last week or two with many 26-28 inch walleyes being caught and released as well a more 40 plus inch pike.  Our guests continue to have a great time, no matter the weather or depth of the fish.  Just being in the bush away from the rest of the world should be your main reason for getting away, the great fishing is a bonus.  The silence and solitude are good for your soul and waking up with no alarm clock in such a place resets your mind.  I always look forward to fall.  It is my time of year……

Here are a few pictures from our last trip up north after getting some work done and closing the first couple of camps.

I had a ticket to the Packer game in Winnipeg but I had a bunch of flying to do that day.  Then was delayed by fog in the morning.  It wasn’t looking good to make it to the game.  Once we finally got going, there was just enough time.  We got the flying done and made the flight to Winnipeg.  Aaron and I were walking up to the stadium just as they were playing O’Canada.  Met up with my buddies who are also in the tourist business and had a great time. 🙂

The time of year where I disappear into the bush is upon us.  Working in the bush is nice.   You only have the task at hand to contend with and then move on to the next one.  We have accomplished a bunch of jobs already and have a couple of weeks to get some others done before we start our Moose hunt.

Lulu has become a good flying dog once she got used to it.  She jumps right in the Otter now and doesn’t mind it at all.  She is more needy than Dustee as you can see by this picture. Inside Aaron’s personal space….

You have never seen a dog as happy as Dustee when fall comes around.  It is nice and cool, she has mice to hunt and is always watching out for us.  She feels like she is our guardian I think. 

We work hard all day so that we can go fishing in the evening.  Always taking plenty of food but end up eating fish more times than not.  It is so good when it is fresh.

Dates for next year are booking up fast.  We seem to see a high demand for trips in 2020.  Please do not delay in getting your trip booked for next year.  You can inquire about dates for 2020 by clicking here.

Where does the time go?  Another season is almost done as we head into September.  The weather has continued to be great, sunshine and dry although we have had a lot of wind.  It always seems like fall gives summer a big push and we get a bunch of wind most years.  It makes fishing tougher and it also causes the lake temperatures turn over leading into fall.  This puts the bigger fish down into 20-35 feet of water.  Trying to catch fish in deep water is tough enough, never mind in a 20 knot wind. 🙂  The more experienced fall fishermen have been doing great but it is tough in the wind for everyone.  We are supposed to get some rain over the next couple of days and that should hopefully let the weather settle down a bit and freshen up the lakes.

All of our guests have been heading home with smiles on their faces already looking forward to next year, in the bush with no cell service or internet, a beautiful view and a lake full of fish.

Here are some pictures from the Otter.

My grandson, Jack had to have his first plane ride.  I wasn’t about to let it be with anyone but me.  He sat with me for most of the flight and took to it naturally.  He monitored the gauges and had his hand out the window just like I do. 🙂  I am sure in the years to come he will be my right hand on most flights.

The view for the morning coffee is pretty special.  I had a lot of these mornings but fall is coming.  The weather is going to change…..

We have started to do some jobs at some of the camps and get to spend the odd night in the Bush.  Colten caught this nice walleye on Cherrington.

The fire situation is pretty good, a couple of newer fires had started to act up and the Cobham fire continues to live on.  It has been going for 2 months or more.  It is not very active but breathes once in awhile and throws up some smoke.  Far from the camp now.  Our guests are amazed at the size of the area that was burned during the fires earlier this summer.

We will be getting work done at the camps soon and closing things up for the season in a few weeks.  Our 25th season with Amik Outposts has been a great one so far.  We see certain people at certain times of year and it signifies what point in the season you are.  Our fall people are showing up.  The leaves are changing and the geese and sandhill cranes have started to move.  Fall is upon us.  It will be hunting season soon!!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

We have had plenty of first time flyin fishermen recently.  They are always so pumped to get on the airplane and head into their own lake with no internet signal or cellular service.  Just peace and quiet.  Here is a great letter from one of our first time guests who got hooked on Amik.  Being in the bush is good for your soul.

“Hi Rena,

I wanted to send you a quick note thanking you for providing such a wonderful place for a fishing get away.  Our group enjoyed every minute of our trip. For me personally, being able to spend a few days alone in a boat with my 25 year son with no distractions was truly priceless.  I know the other guys would agree that those type of situations were the true highlight of the trip.

The fishing was superb. The cabin was great, and the hospitality was fantastic.  The maps John marked for us were a great way to get started.  We got better each day at finding and catching fish. This was the first trip of this kind for any members of our group, and it certainly more than met expectations. We ate fish every day and enjoyed it immensely, but did manage to get some top quality Iowa beef up there too!

I also wanted to thank you for your help in organizing and coordinating our trip.  Everything from adding additional guys along the way, to getting supplies and bait. It really did go very well.  

The guys are already talking about next year.  Maybe a little earlier in the season.  We will be in touch soon!

Take care and thanks again!

Gary”

The days are getting shorter and it has finally cooled off a little bit.  I think I saw some Birch trees with leaves on it that were already starting to fade, but that could be just from it being so dry most of the summer.  We haven’t had much rain in the north where the water levels are low.  Further south we had a few more rains which translates into normal water levels for this time of year.

Fishing has been consistent, our guests have been happy.  Lots of fish and plenty of big ones to go around.  Walleyes have been caught up to 29 inches recently with most groups catching multiples in the 24-26 inch range.  Big pike were slower during the hot weather we had with most fishermen catching a number of pike in the 38-40 inch range.  Since it cooled off recently, the bigger ones are coming back to life with more of our guests reporting some 42-43 inch pike.  The largest caught so far has come from Cobham Morley.  48 inches!!!

Here are some more pictures from our guests who have been up recently.

The McGill party looks forward to their trip to Loree Lake every second year.  They always enjoy the peace and quiet and the time away from Cell service and the Internet.  A trip to the bush is the best reset a person could ask for…..

The Master Angler!!!!

The Clark party always fish the same lake, at the same time, every year.  The stakes are high and bragging rights for an entire year are at stake.  This year it was decided on the last night.  When James caught the last fish he needed to take home the Heavyweight belt in 2019.  Here are some of the pictures that they shared with us of their excursion to the Cobham.

Daryl B. took this great rainbow picture on Vee Lake after a good rain.  Golden walleyes at both ends of that rainbow I bet.

We have been seeing lots of happy people!  Fishing has been very good, the weather has been pretty consistent, and everything around the camps has been running smooth.  We have gotten a few rains to maintain water levels as well.  Life is pretty good 🙂 

Here are some pictures from our guests who have been up recently.

The Achterkirch party went on their first flyin to Blackbirch Lake.  They are HOOKED.  Lots of beauty walleye and some awesome sunsets.  

Walt and his Family have fished a few of our lakes in the past few years and this year they stayed at Cobham Morley.  They had an awesome trip.  Great family time and some superb fishing.  A good combination 🙂