I left Monday for a much anticipated Musky trip to The Lower French River at the invitation of Andrew Marr, one of our Bass Pro leads. I picked up co-worker Bernie Zweerman in New Market and we made our way to Hartley Bay on the Lower French where my boat was launched. Andrew was at the dock to greet us along with his buddy Mike Short and Mike's Dad Bob. We found out that Mike had caught (and released) a 43" Musky the day before. Andrew led us out to the Ochtwan Hunt Camp of which he is a member. The group has been in existence since the 1880's!!
The camp is located on a small island (see green arrow on map) in Wanapetai Bay, home to some very large Muskies!!
We fished most of the water that you see in the picture.
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The camp was fabulous!!
Something right out of a Red Green episode. It had so much character and history. There were pictures on the wall of some of the early members from the 1800's!!
The kitchen was huge and well supplied. They hire a culinary chef during their hunt week in the fall!!
There were 5 bedrooms n the main cottage and a bunky that slept another 6. Bernie and I stayed in the bunky. This was the view from the foot of my bed!
Here are some of the highlights:
Its great to have a tall guy like Bernie around when you catch "Tree Bass"!
My best fish of the week, a 30" Pike.
Bernie with a nice Pike!
On Day 2, our Walkie Talkie went off and we knew that Marr had lit into a big one. Andrew nailed a 45" Musky, but by the time we got there it had been released. I asked if they got pictures and they assured me they had, but to my amazement, they were taken with a film camera (just like Mike's 43"), so I will post them once I get them. I can't believe people are still using that old technology!!!! 8O)
On Day 2 we went downriver to the Dallas, a major set of rapids downstream.
Our Official Group Picture!
Bob, Mike, Andrew, Bernie and Me
We beached the boats and hiked to the down side and fished from shore.
Bernie spotted a Massassauga Rattler, the first one I've ever seen (and heard!!).
Bob started things off with this nice Walleye.
Marr nailed a beauty Walleye in the fast water.
Mike wasn't far behind , landing this pretty fish shortly after.
Mike and his Dad spending a bit of quality time together.
Andrew and Bernie trolling by some interesting rock structure
Andrew pulled in this nice 35" Pike.
Andrew monitoring Bernie's filleting skills. That's our Bunkie in the background.
A dragonfly bumming a ride!
Bernie with a monster!
Bernie is a Walleye specialist and taught me how to use a few different setups. This was the best I could muster on a worm harness !!!
We spent two great nights out on the dock watching satellites, meteorites and the Milky Way...
...............while Bernie, Andrew and Mike fished for walleye and catfish off the dock.
The rocks reminded me a bit of Sedona during sunset.
Mike was a workhorse in the kitchen and we ate like Kings the whole week!!
Some great conversations, better than expected weather, awesome surroundings, great company and some hard fishing made for an awesome trip!
The only sour note happened while I was attempting to tarp the boat for the ride home, slipped and fell sideways into a real stinky ditch and just soaked myself (picture to come). Thank God I had spare clothes!! The good news was that I didn't soak the side that my wallet and iphone were on and I didn't hurt myself (except for me ego).
A great trip with a great bunch of guys and some fabulous scenery.
Thanks for the memories boys!!
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