Sunday, May 28, 2006

The Bug Dance

Yes, we are all doing the Bug Dance these days. Locally known as the Muskoka Wave, this phenomena is generally observed during Black Fly season. You may have found yourself doing the Bug Dance but not known there was a name for it, as it is usually an unconscious reaction. If you've never done the Bug Dance, here are the steps:

  1. travel to an region known for Black Fly populations
  2. get out of the car and step into a wooded area, preferably in a wilderness setting
  3. do not apply any repellant or wear bug netting
  4. remain still until you are surrounded by a cloud of hungry insects
  5. wave your arms about your head, in an effort to fend off the bugs
  6. shuffle your feet to maintain the rythym with your arms
  7. you're doing the Bug Dance!

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Good fishing this past weekend!


We received a nice e-mail and photo from Ryan S. after his trip this past weekend. Pats-on-the-back are always appreciated! He has kindly given us permission to post his note and picture.

Just wanted to quickly say thanks for the prompt, courteous service provided by your staff this past weekend. My girlfriend and I did a short trip out of Canoe Lake staying at Burnt Island, Sunbeam, and Teepee respectively. Only got 15 minutes of fishing in on the trip on Sunbeam, but landed this beauty on a 1/4 oz Silver and Orange Little Cleo.

We will be using Algonquin Outfitters again.

Ryan

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

From ice to bugs...

First of all, thanks to many faithful readers of this blog for their positive feedback on the ice-out story. This blogging is time-consuming and more work than you might think, so it is heartening to know that people are out there reading and appreciating it.

I've a number of requests for blog reorts on the black fly hatch. Here's the first one. Along with early ice-out and warm weather come early spring flowers, dropping water levels, and yes folks, black flies. They have emerged at my house, just outside of Huntsville, but we've had no reports of bugs in Algonquin Park yet. I'd give them a week or so, unless the weather turns cold, which could delay things a bit. The good news is that they don't bite for the first few days, even though they are quite annoying. Several days later they start looking for their blood meal.

For more Black Fly information:
  • The Maine Nature News has some great information and FAQs on black flies. I wholeheartedly agree with the "personal philosophy" expressed by editor Frank Wihbey (near the bottom of the page). Substitute "Algonquin Park" for "Maine" and the philosphy will work up here.
  • Hardcore black fly enthusiasts should enter the annual Black Fly Hunt in South River, Ontario
  • Keep your spirits up by singing the Black Fly Song by Wade Hemsworth. His niece is our book-keeper!

"Two Worlds," courtesy of Steve Baker
This is the kind of weather we've been having lately.

Monday, May 01, 2006

You are missing the best week of the spring!

If you are reading this, you are not in Algonquin Park. You should be. The weather for the last few days has been stunning: warm, sunny, light breezes and best of all, no bugs.

Trout caught from cedar-canvas canoe, trolling with a fly rod.
Photo by Steve Baker, long time AO customer

The fish in the picture was taken on a Mickey Finn trolled on sinking line and 6 pound tippet about 90 feet behind the canoe in a lake somewhere in Algonquin Park.