It was a long shift. I am back from the North for the first time since last fall.  Like many outfitters we have had to take on another job to ensure survival as the Border Closure continues to plague our Industry.  I was fortunate to find a job that I enjoyed, kept busy at and was right where I belong, in the bush.  

We had some warm weather at times this winter but it was -38 C when I left on Saturday. Pretty normal amount of snow, almost up to your waist in the bush.

Dustee and I saw a Lynx and got to watch it for 15 minutes. It was not concerned with us at all and Dustee knew that she did not want to tackle that cat 🙂

I had a friend stop by on skis to say Hi a couple of times and to bring me some essentials.

As we are approaching 90 days or so from the start of our season, we are in the dark as anyone as to when the USA/Canadian Border will reopen.

It is impossible to make any kind of a long term, or even a short term plan when the government moves the goal posts further away month by month.  Please do not hesitate to email or call us if you have any questions.  As soon as we have any information regarding Non-Essential Travel across the border we will pass it on.

Please bear with us as we wait anxiously for better days.  I think there are plenty of people who need some time in the bush away from civilization right now…..

The melt is slowly starting…… March is coming in like a Lamb, I hope not out like a Lion.  I prefer to go with 3 snows after the crows 🙂

We had a fairly nice and easy winter this year.  Cold (-25 to -30C) a few times but it didn’t stay for too long.  Moderate temperature for the most part by our standards.  We even had some calm stretches, which is the best part of all. There is quite a bit of snow in the north where the camps are but nothing excessive from what I have heard.  Red Lake has snow but not as much as up north.  Hopefully we have a nice spring to follow…….

My brother and I are still out commercial fishing on Lake Manitoba, it is pretty slow right now.  It has been pretty cold and the fish are just sitting there.  We are catching a few, enough to keep us out there getting some exercise as we say.  Dustee is out there with us for the last 8 years.  Only missing a stormy day here and there.  She used to be able to fit on top of a boat cushion.  

Now Dustee casts a pretty big shadow!

She is always with us out on the lake and is constantly watching and hunting.  Staying close on the stormy days and wandering pretty far on the calm days.

Here she is trying to get to an Otter, that is long gone but she thinks she can get it.

Our schedule is changing all the time as we book people.  We only have a few holes left here and there and then some openings later in the season as well as a date which opened up due to a cancellation.  Here are what we have open at this time.  Please feel free to ask for specific dates and we can do our best or add you to a waiting list in case of a cancellation.

Shearstone Lake, May 30 – June 3, 2020 (5day)

Cherrington Bay, May 28 – June 1, 2020 (4 day)

Shearstone Lake, July 2-7, 2020 (5 day)

Findlay Lake, July 22-28, 2020 (6 day)

Cherrington Point, August 3-8, 2020 (5 day)

Cobham River, July 30 – August 3, 2020 ( 4 day)

Jeanette Lake August 6-13, 2020 (7 day)

Please click here if you would like inquire about one of these dates.  We look forward to hearing from you.

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

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 going hard, getting ready for the season.  The camps are all open and people are enjoying the bush.  The weather has been dry and sunny most days with temps on the 60’s and 70’s almost every day, but the nights are very cold.  We have had frost right up until the last few nights.  The mornings are very cool so our fishermen and the fish do not get moving until later in the morning each day.

The fishing so far has been good, great at times, but generally good.  The water temperature is still quite cold and the afternoon fishing is much better than the morning.  The fishing at dusk has been phenomenal!  That is when the water is the warmest.  The best fishing reports have come from the guests who would go back out fishing after supper for the evening bite.

George almost had the biggest pike during his stay at Loree Lake. His son Mike beat him by 1/4 inch. 🙂

During the first week the temperature warmed up at the end of the week and so did the fishing!  There were a number of BIG fish caught and released in the first couple of weeks with a 46 inch pike being the largest so far from the Cobham River and multiple 42 inch pike caught on Loree lake, Jeanette lake, and Cobham Daniel.  Rick M. who was at Daniels had the best hour and a half of his 30 years of fishing Canada.  He had a 39.5,  40, 41 and a fat 42 inch pike in one spot!

Walleyes have been numerous but the big ones have not really hit their stride yet with the cold water temps.  Although there has been more and more large walleye caught each time I pick up happy fishermen.  The largest so far has come from Loree lake at 29 inches.  All of the other camps have been catching a few walleye in the 22-26 inch range but not quite as many as usual.  Lets hope it warms up at night soon……

Here are more pictures from the Seal party who countdown the days until their next visit!!

Skip H. has a new personal best! A 29 inch Walleye!

Mike took home the crown for the biggest Pike.  There has been many comments already on how thick and healthy the fish are!

We have had a bit of a delay in the mornings so far this year due to frost but the weather otherwise has been great for flying. 

Cobham Morley recently had a makeover!  A new floor and a new kitchen.  It turned out great!  Except one countertop was too short.  The new one is on order but at least it was big enough to put the old sink back in 🙂 The new one will have a double sink.

All 3 Cobham camps also received a new 16 foot boat.  The larger boat is great for odd numbered groups like 3, 5, and 7.  More room and a more stable boat.  Much needed when there are triple headers being caught!

Shearstone lake also had some upgrades this spring.  There are 3 new 14 foot Lund boats to accompany the new motors we put in there last season.  We also installed a new larger hot water tank, paired with a new shower and vanity in the shower house.

We are always doing our best to make your experience the best it can be with good running equipment and comfortable cabins.  We added a new futon mattress at Jeanette, an entire new futon at Blackbirch, a new BBQ at Findlay as well as new stoves at Jeanette, Vee and Blackbirch.

We have filled most of our openings and holes for the season but have some availability here and there.  If you are still interested in coming fishing later this summer please let us know.  We may have a spot for you.  

We have been waiting for this time to come!  The ice is going and we are opening camps.  We will have just enough time.   Like always…… 🙂

We have been fairly cool at night so the ice has taken its time leaving.  Plenty of lakes are still iced over too much to get in but almost all of our lakes are open or will be shortly.  The ice has gone out up north before the lakes east of us.  A fairly common occurrence and ice out being May 9-10 is pretty normal.  Fishing should be awesome!!!

This was BlackBirch this morning on our way to Cherrington to drop of motors etc.  The ice will be gone from there in another day or so.    We will be busy for the next 2 weeks getting camps ready for the season.  Rena and Taina will be at the base getting the next load ready and the boys will be up north getting it done.  

From what I have seen so far, the water levels are perfect on the camps to the west and a bit lower over by Findlay and Loree.  I couldn’t get into Shearstone, Jeanette but DarkWater was perfect also, just up to the dock.

And I saw a few mosquitos today!!!! 

If you are still looking for a fishing vacation for this summer, please send us an email or call us.  Our schedule is ever changing and we can do our best to accommodate you.  Click here to inquire about a LAST MINUTE FISHING TRIP.

25 years ago Rena and I began working with my parents at Amik Lodge and Outposts.  Since then we have grown into a great team who have tons of experience in the outfitting business and know how to keep our guests happy and coming back year after year.  Pictured below is the first Cessna 185 that I used to camp check in.

The Outfitting business has seen a major turn over in the past year or two.  Many outfitters are getting to the age where they are ready to hang it up and sell to a new owner.  The flyin outfitting business is a small community and in our time with Amik Outposts there has not been many changes.  There will be many new faces at the Sporthows this winter behind some well established companies booths.  Amik Outposts on the other hand has not been doing many Sportshows in the past 8 years, we have been putting our dollars towards improving our cabins and equipment.  Our philosophy is that it is easier to keep our guests happy so that they want to come back, not find new ones.  We want to be your only Outfitter. 

Whether you are a first time flyin fisherman or an experienced group of fishermen looking for a better outfitter, you can not go wrong with choosing Amik Outposts.

Here are a few things to consider when you are booking your Fishing Vacation to Canada.

Experience in the business.  We have operated on the same lakes for our entire career.  We have started at the bottom and worked our way through every job that needed to be done and have learned to be efficient and provide a First Class Experience to our guests. 

Organization.  Rena and I have taken pride in our work and want to make sure you have a great time.  We look after the smallest details in all aspects of your trip right from the planning, having a well outfitted camp, the flight and the fishing.  We offer assistance with many factors of your trip planning , Groceries, Bait, Beverages.  Many outfitters have stopped doing these extra items, we have not.

Your Pilot.  With Amik Outposts, the pilot flying you to your camp is the owner.  I have been flying this area of Canada since I was 19 years old and strive to make every flight the smoothest flying experience  of your life.

The Fishing.  Having been in the business for a long time we know how our fishing compares to the rest of Canada.  We can honestly say that our fishing is World Class.  We have had fishermen who have fished all over the World and Canada, after fishing with us, their search for the best is over.  Our Conservation policy, a healthy gene pool and a pristine environment ensures that our fishing will stay great forever.  We are fortunate to be able to share this awesome renewable resource with our guests.

Comfortable Cabins.  Our cabins are not fancy.  They are functional and comfortable.  Breathtaking views of the lake, screened in decks, new mattresses, a Sat phone for emergency use, dry boats with good solid seats and reliable motors.  We do our best to ensure the small details are looked after also such as a new grill every 2 seasons, having 2 refrigerators at each camp and many other small items to make sure your trip is uneventful and enjoyable.

When you are researching outfitters for your next Fishing Vacation look at the map of Ontario and have a look where the outfitters are located.  If you look up into the far Northwest corner of Ontario away from everyone else.  That is where you will find us.

Please click here to enquire about fishing with Amik Outposts in 2019!

We are nearing the end!  Only a week or 10 days that we are busy with fishermen and then it slows down and around the 10th of September we will be done with fishermen.  We have started to do some dockwork and have a number of other projects to accomplish in the bush before moose hunting starts.  My turn to be in the bush is almost here.  The next 5-6 weeks are my favorite. 🙂

Fishing continues to be great!  Our guests are all coming out of the bush with big smiles.  All lakes are catching numerous walleyes up to the 25-26  inch mark with a few bigger ones caught on Cherrington up to 28 inches.

Pike are beginning to come out of the deeper water and feed in the bays near the deep water.  Almost every camp I pick up has a story about a pike attacking either walleyes on their way to the boat or attacking walleyes attached to the stringer tied to the boat.  

We tell people all the time,  great fishing is the bonus.  Being in the bush away from any outside distractions with family or friends is the best reason to be here.  

The dock at Cherrington Bay is complete although I forgot to take a picture of the finished job.  This one involved half a day of being in the lake to get it done.  It was a nice hot day so it wasn’t too bad despite the sunburn.

Scott and I noticed that the lake west of Vee lake that feeds it was dammed up and holding water back from Vee.  With the lower water levels our region is having this year we went and rectified the situation and freed up some water for vee lake as well as the Cobham system.  It didn’t make much of a difference on the Cobham but Vee lake has a nice boost of water for awhile.  It turned from a trickle to raging river in 45 minutes with me and Scotty excavating.

Seth and Don W. from Ohio love Shearstone Lake and have fished it many times now and have really found the big pike the last few years.  This year they caught some really nice ones.  Here is a fat 40 plus inch Pike from their trip in July to Shearstone.

The Hendricks family’s happy place.  Vee Lake!  Someone photo bombed them this year!  We got a framed copy in the mail for our office. 🙂

2019 is booking up early this year.  We are already filling holes for next season, it looks like it will be a busy one again next year.  Please email us at amikoutposts@gmail.com or call us at 807-735-9968, or simply click here to find out what dates are available.  

Each year we meet lots of new people and every one has a different outlook after returning from the bush.  It takes a couple of days to unwind and completely relax.  No cell service, no Internet, no outside distractions.  Just you and your friends or family, a boat, your fishing rod and miles of open space around you.  Time to connect, time to think and for some people it is a time to heal.  I have always said that being alone in the bush is therapeutic and good for your soul.  Having a comfortable cabin with good beds to sleep on as well as great working equipment to enjoy the outdoors and be on a world class lake with lots of trophy fish also helps. 🙂

It feels great to be able to show people how special it is to be here.

Our guests continue to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine.  We are in need of some rain as water levels are going down and there is plenty of forest fires still burning.  Mostly west and southwest of Red Lake.  Just one pesky fire on the Cobham continues to survive but is not much of an issue at this time.  We just have to deal with some smoke on some days depending on the wind that day.  It is cooler with a few showers today which will help.

Fishing continues to be very good.  Numbers of fish have been exceptional with lots of 22-25 inch walleye being caught with a few 28 and 29 inch walleye.  There has been a few 40 plus inch Pike being caught and released as well.  The fish are in different depths on each lake, anywhere from 4 feet to 30 feet of water.  As usual, bigger fish have been in or very near some deeper water next to nice structure.

Here are some pictures from some of our guest who have been up fishing with us recently.

The Berry party made the annual return to the Cobham and were there during part of the fire in the area.  The fire didn’t get close at all but made for some great photos during the height of it.  Fishing was awesome and they had a great time as usual!

The MNR put sprinkler systems put on all of our camps in the area as a precaution, just in case.

The fire is almost right out as of today, we are delayed due to bad weather up north……Rain and crappy weather.  We needed it badly

“Rena,

Another awesome trip with Amik, this year to Vee lake and it didn’t take long to figure out where the fish were at! 10 year old Laurel really showed the boys how to put quality fish in the boat and she’s a pretty darned good cribbage player too! Laurel had the big northern on the trip but I managed to beat her out with this fat 40″ fish on the final day.

Joey had the big walleye with a nice 26″, lots of walleyes that were 20-24″ and several days where individual boats caught over 100 fish per day, not too shabby!

Thank you for the great time!”