For the first time since Gerry and Lorraine bought the lodge in the late 80’s, we hosted a group of biologists and wildlife experts at Aikens Lake. The purpose of the visit was to gather information on the protected Woodland Caribou that frequent the shorelines at Aikens. A team of 7 people and led by Kelly Leavesley (Wildlife Manager, MB Conservation) was attempting to corral Woodland Caribou in order to get GPS collars on the animals and do various tests - including taking blood samples. After this short capture, the animal would be released back into the woods. During the summer, Caribou are mostly solitary animals but they do herd up in the wintertime. MB Conservation set up this visit because they had noticed many tracks and resting areas for a herd of Woodland Caribou near Stange Bay this past winter. They wanted to learn more about their movements and migration patterns.

How easy is it to nab a wild Caribou without the help of tranquilizers, you ask? Well, not very easy as it turns out! To be honest though, it actually isn’t as impossible as you may think… although it certainly takes strategy and planning! Aided by Pit and a few of the guides (Mitch & Marcel), the team set out with a strategy to “push bush” on peninsulas and islands in an effort to scare the animals into the water. Teams of bushwhackers would holler, clap their hands, and blow whistles as they moved through the forest. The animals would hear the ruckus and presumably head to the water to swim for safety. From there, awaiting boats would easily be able to lasso the animals and lead them back to shore. Once on shore, they would be blindfolded (it subdues them quite a bit) while the biologists took their samples.

Our team was lucky on the first morning when a boat with Kik and his guests from Indiana (the Drerup family) came roaring down the lake to let us know that they had just spotted a Caribou in Horseshoe Bay. Everyone quickly setup up at the Impassible Reef to herd the animal into the water. The Caribou was very alert and jumped to the next island as we were just beginning to walk. In fact, a cow moose did the same thing! The Caribou had moved to the big island next to the Saddle. We regrouped and walked the new island. The caribou was able to double back behind us and he attempted to get back onto Horseshoe Island. A team of two biologists was in a boat near Horseshoe Bay waiting for him, but even though our plan worked the caribou was too quick to swim the short gap, then he found his footing in the shallower water and was off and running again! We were never to see him again!

We pushed bush in several other areas over the next day and a half including the islands near Moosehead Bay, the Cookie Jar, Lost Lake, and the mouth of the Gammon. Unfortunately we ran out of time and didn’t end up encountering any other animals, but the experience was thrilling. We invite MB Conservation to come back anytime to learn and gather data on this majestic animal!

We are sorry it took this long to post the new staff bios, but we had to wait for Janelle to get here!  She just spent a winter in an intense photography course.  You will notice that our bio photos are spectacular this year… thanks Janelle!  Check out the 2008 edition of the Aikens Lake staff!

 http://www.aikenslake.com/services/staff-bios.htm

Imagine a spot where huge Lake Trout, big Walleyes and Trophy whitefish abound. Sounds a lot like Chris’ Corner doesn’t it? Well it’s our pleasure to inform you, our readers, that the guides have yet another destination to bring their guests looking for big fish. Welcome to Kik’s Corner!

Traditionally, trolling the Point (Split rock to Beacon rock) has been one of our go-to patterns. Typically trolled with shallow tackle, this technique has furnished many entries in the Master Angler trophy log. This bite usually tapers off in mid-June. But where do these fish go?

Let’s set the stage… A week’s worth of heavy West winds coaxed many boats into the Flats and the Honey Hole. The Back Bay having reached approximately 70 degrees urged the shallow Walleyes to begin their migration into the main lake. Spring transition has begun. At this time of year, the walleyes are scattered and aren’t holding on their summer structures yet (ex. The Saddle). That being said, our intrepid guides started thinking outside the box.

The originator of the bite stumbled onto dozens of slot Walleyes and Lakers by trolling mid-range diving shad raps in the deeper waters off Beacon Rock. Mitch came back to camp and shared the details of his good fishing. Kik then hopped on the trolling train and mentioned it to Griffin. Griffin took another approach and started jigging large schools of fishing in 40+ feet of water. Pretty soon, almost the whole guide team was reaping the rewards of the depths on the South side of Beacon/Split rock. So far a dozen trophy Walleyes, 3 trophy Lake Trout and 3 Whitefish have been logged. Not bad for a week’s work!

The naming of this spot has become a daunting task. None of the guides wished to hog all the glory given the fact that so many people had a part in developing this trophy producing location. Names flew around : Leclaire’s Lane (Mitch), Crime Dog’s Cove (Griff)…. We finally settled on Kik’s Corner. Ironically Kik is short for Christian, a name that is already assigned it own corner of the lake (Chris’).

The area is large and can easily accommodate many boats. And the short drive to the point makes your time line from dock to trophy that much shorter. Watching school after school of bait fish roll by on the depth finder, it’s no surprise the large trophy fish are hanging around! It will be interesting to see how long this bite will last since the hot sun will warm the lake in the next few weeks. Yet another chapter is written in the Aikens Guide Handbook and we further our strangle-hold on those monster fish!

It is with a deep sorrow that we announce that we have had to say our final goodbyes to one of the beloved members of the Aikens Family. This morning, after a valiant battle with a debilitating disease, Dave smith was finally liberated.

We met Dave nearly 10 years ago through a connection he had made with Leo. Together they had rebuilt a bar in Selkirk in the early 90’s (Leo working on all the steel, Dave on the wood). Leo was so impressed at Dave’s skill and precision that he asked him if he could help him build his log home on the outskirts of Winnipeg. Dave, never having built with logs before, was quick to take on the challenge and built a magnificent home for Leo. After seeing Dave’s handy work in Leo’s new home, Gerry and Lorraine invited him to come to Aikens and to rebuild our aging “Wilderness Trail” cabins. Dave and Maurice spent the next two summers (2000 & 2001) carefully carving log after log and putting together a true masterpiece! By August of 2001 the first Boardwalk Chalet was up and running! They began construction on the 2nd Chalet in the spring of 2002. By that fall, the illness had already started to take over Dave’s body and he decided early on in the year that he wouldn’t physically be able to continue. With Dave’s tutelage, Maurice was able to replicate the handy work of first Chalet along with other builders such as Grant and BJ who each in their own way helped to complete cabin #2.. In a joyous return in the spring of 2003, Dave was able to come back for a few weeks. In what would turn out to be one of his last visits to Aikens, he was able to lend his skilled hand and put his signature on some of the finishing work of the 2nd Boardwalk Chalet.

We want to thank Dave for his years of incredible service to Aikens. The craftsmanship in the Boardwalk Chalets is truly spectacular, and it instantly brought Aikens to a new level and gave us instant credibility among some of the most luxurious lodges in Canada! Dave, we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We know that you are in a better place now. Hopefully you are now able to return to Aikens and finally have the opportunity to see all the smiles and reactions you’ve created every time someone steps into one of your masterpieces!

Whether it’s fishing for Sail fish in the Florida Keys or wrangling Mahi-Mahi in the Bahamas, Sam Cannon seems to know how to boat these monsters. His prowess is no different here at Aikens. Accompanied by his charming wife Jacque (another accomplished and avid angler), Sam has finessed four trophy fish in the past two years. In itself this feat is impressive, but what sets this streak apart from most others is that this lucky fisherman has succeeded in catching a Master Angler fish in all of our “Big Three” species!

In 2007, Sam and Jacque arrived at Aikens after a long absence away from our pristine waters. Shortly after arriving they met their guide (Mitch) and the rest as they say is history. The bar was set high from the early onset: they wanted trophy pike and trophy walleye. Mitch, tightened his belt, flipped his rally cap and set out to put these determined guests on the fish they seek. After much effort, trolling and jigging Sam ended up with a monstrous 41.5″ Pike and a beautiful 28″ Walleye caught on Pit’s Point no less!

This year’s trip came with much anticipation. How to top such a successful adventure the year prior? This question bounced around Mitch’s head as he waited on the dock while Sam and Jacque’s plane taxied towards the dock. The answer was simple. Keep showing our fine clientèle some of the most outstanding freshwater fishing the world has to offer. Aikens’ coffers opened up for Sam once again (actually twice). This fortunate angler boated TWO trophy Lake Trout in one morning! The first beast hit on what we refer to as a Jig&Magic in 40 feet of water on the Eastern side of Chris’ Corner at 8:55 am. Sam deftly worked rod and reel to quickly guide a impeccably healthy 40″er into the net. The fish drew quite a crowd, and numerous praises and congratulations were exchanged amidst a flurry of “high-fives”. After the adrenaline ebbed off, Sam, Jacque and Mitch conferred and decided that rather than ending a unforgettable morning of fishing at noon for shorelunch, they’d push their luck till One ‘o clock. What a faithful decision! Sam, now used to muscling big fish, hooked and landed his second trophy Laker at 12:30 pm. This fish taped out at 35″ and was just as plump as its larger counterpart. This one hit on a Jig&Black Magic in 38 feet on the West end of Chris’. Both fish had been feeding on Whitefish and were gorging on anything else they could fit down their gullet.

Sam you might want to consider sitting back and watch your wife reel in the next lunkers you hook into at Aikens… Once again congratulations on such a magical day of fishing. And for those envious outdoors people, don’t fret both fish were successfully released and are awaiting the next lucky angler to dangle some magic from their rod.

Big Molly’s Bar, as we all know, is the place where guests and staff like to kick back and reminisce about the day’s fishing stories and all the good times they’ve had here at Aikens Lake. Lately, however, there is a new topic of conversation…it seems everyone wants to talk about the shuffleboard champions, Aisha and Elise. They are on an incredible run since the beginning of the season. Over the past three weeks, they have taken on some pretty competitive opponents and have systematically dissected them… In fact they have yet to be defeated! They never back down! Previous challengers, like the smooth brother duo Bee-Renden and Sean Juan attempted to steal their thunder but as skill would have it, they came away humbled by pure shuffleboard prowess. And as for the professional hockey superstar Jonathan Toews, let’s just say he should stick to the pucks on the ice and leave the shuffleboard pucks for those who know how to use them!

So this is an open challenge for those of you who think they can take down this power house team, they are ready for any challenger - big or small!

Luv you all,

Aisha and Elise (Team A&E)

Tom Frain and his group of friends have been coming to Aikens for years. Enjoying the majestic and spacious setting of the Great Gray Owl Outpost, the group sets out for the lake with guides everyday. Day one was very nice and once again the Back Bay produced yet another trophy. Bottom bouncing a spinner rig with a crawler was the technique of choice and Dan Klasen caught a beautiful 28″ Walleye. Day two brought a huge East wind and constant showers. But as the old adage  held true: “When the fishing gets tough, the tough get fishing!”. Those who did brave the waves had a good time on the lake, and of course, the classic Aikens Shorelunch warmed even the soggiest of anglers.

Day three, however had it’s fair share of success.   Dave Hayward and Bryan Lupe each caught trophy Whitefish down river (fast water and Slammer Straights). And one lucky fisherman, Doug Harvey, caught a newly added Manitoba Master Angler game fish.  Doug’s 22″ Sucker was the third trophy fish for group capping off a great day on the lake! Congratulations guys!

With only Lake Trout, Perch and Burbot missing from the trophy book, the question begs to be asked. Will you be the one who breaks the ice for these species?

For the second year in a row, Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge is proud to have hosted a charity auction trip for the Children’s Wish Foundation. This special event raises funds for children who need it most. The winners of the auction enjoy a three day fishing adventure accompanied by NHL star Jonathan Toews. Jonathan is not only a great hockey player, earning a nomination for the Calder Cup (attributed to the most outstanding rookie of the season), but he’s a heck of an angler.

Fishing with his father and the auction winners Claudio and Randy, they caught numerous fish in the slot sizes, trying very hard to find the coveted Aikens Lake Master Angler fish. Cooler weather and water than the previous year’s trip showed them a different side of Aikens. The Back Bay held the lion’s share of the group’s catch, and many bays were casted in hopes of hooking up with a monster pike.

The highlight of the trip however came on day three. Jonathan has a big appetite. Or so he thought.  The gauntlet was dropped in Big Molly’s Bar the night prior: Beer-Batter Walleye eat-a-thon. Claudio Reda, the Winnipeg winner of the auction, is of Italian heritage and it seems having a healthy appetite is synonymous with growing up around the family dinner table. High noon, GGO shorelunch site.  The fish was cleaned cooked and ready. The gloves came off and a face-off that Jonathan had never experienced before began. They both valiant attacked the colander of delicious beer-batter. The first plates went down fast, followed-up by the second without much slackening in pace. By the end of the third fatigue was setting in. That’s when Claudio went into overtime. He expertly negotiated another six pieces after Jonathan had taken a seat on the bench, and we all watched in amazement as the hungry man lifted his arms in victory!

As it were the trip this year was a success and Aikens is proud to have hosted these fine people and to have been part of such a great foundation’s mission to help kids who need it most.  We hope to continue being part of such a goodwill initiative. Hey Jonathan, see you next year and better work that appetite!

Well we have just gone through one of the busiest openings in recent memory! The first week was full of great weather, big smiles, and big pike! We had people in every single cabin and Big Molly’s bar was a lively evening hotspot.

The lake trout action was and continues to be fast and furious after ice-out and should continue in more structured patterns well into August when they begin their pre-spawn migrations.

The Northern Pike fishing has been hot right from the “getgo” with lots of very large fish and several Manitoba Master Angler trophies being recorded. The end of post spawn corresponded well with the arrival of our first guests. As good as the pike fishing was in May, it will only intensify until the end of June, beginning of July when the larger fish of 34 inches to 50 plus inches ( all females) will head for open water and suspend around the thermocline 30 t0 35 feet deep. They will only feed sporadically on larger baitfish such as ciscoes and whitefish and the occasional walleye lost or stranded in the WaterWolf’s deadly environment and then will return to the cold of the thermocline to slowly digest their “daily catch” The trophy pike fishing will return with vengeance to shallower waters in late August and September as the lake begins to turn over with shorter days and cooler nights.

June has finally arrived. The recent emergence of leaves has changed the view and the shorelines. Real heat in the 15 to 25 degree C ( 60 to 75F ) and sustained sunny days has slowly awakened the walleye fishery. After a very late spawn and a sluggishly slow post-spawn period, shorelunch plates are again generously graced with scrumptious walleye. The numbers of slot size fish and Master size fish are beginning to swell. These aggressive feeding patterns in shallow and fast moving waters will now continue until the summer peak migration occurs at the end of June, early July. The walleyes will have staged in class years by then and will be taking their act to the deeper reefs and structure where they will predictably come to feed every day until “turnover”.

Things started quickly for week #2, as the first trophy walleye was caught by Bob Matthews of Arizona. He was trolling a Bomber Long-A by Compost Island (in the Back Bay close to the dock), and the 28″ hit just as the sun was going down.

A 2nd trophy walleye was caught the next day by 14-year old phenom Sam Guertin while fishing with his friends at the Fastwaters. He expertly piloted their boat during the entire 3 day trip. In fact, the only thing that could top the fishing during the large father/son trip was the excitement of the nightly “soccer” games on the trampoline!

Since these two trophies, we have steadily seen an increase in the walleye fishing. With temps getting to 60 degrees in the Back Bay and Stange, we expect that the walleyes are now done with their recovery stage and are now getting geared up for a voracious regeneration of their tired bodies! The dock bite, which has been very slow up to now, is ratcheting up with many slot walleyes caught every night. The old classic Honeyhole has also come back to life and produces big walleyes daily. Yesterday, despite a hot and calm afternoon where most of the fishermen ended up working on their tans, Points guided Steve and Brad White to an afternoon full of Back Bay spinner-rigging which produced over 15 slot walleyes! Things are back on track and we hope you will have the chance to come and experience it soon!