Easter Sunday Algonquin update: ice, moose and fish.

Now that the Opeongo Store is open (even if the lake isn't) our roving reporter Jerry Schmanda can send us reports on conditions as they evolve:

Yesterday's report...

A quick update as to fishing results on opening day, April 23, 2011. Very few fisherman's cars were parked along Hwy 60 and the day hiking trails were empty. It was a windy raw day that made you think that underwater would be a better place to be. None of the smaller lakes are ice free.

Everyone we spoke to that went out fishing caught fish! One party fished from out on the ice and caught a few. The others all caught some from shore. So far so good. Nobody was skunked!

Today's report....

Algonquin Ice Out? Not yet.  All the lakes along Hwy 60 are still ice covered with some areas opening up due to the currents from small creeks and rivers. Lake of Two Rivers shows the most progress so far. Canoe Lake looks as though it might open by June! Lake Opeongo now has two resident loons, both are in the only open water, near our docks. The first wood ducks were seen on the creek that parallels the Opeongo Road today. Upon arriving at the store, I was greeted by the unmistakable calls of an Eastern Phoebe from a nearby pine tree. Two wolves were seen yesterday near the Visitor Center and a Pine Marten was spotted sniffing around on the Opeongo Road early this morning.

Algonquin Park's Annual Easter Moose Jam took place today near the intersection of Hwy 60 and Rock Lake Road. It was the least the two moose could do for all the people that drove hours to see one.

TAF (that's all folks) from Opeongo,

JS

Pictures from today, April 24, 2011. All photos by Jerry Schmanda .

Looking east on Tea Lake from Hwy 60

Cache Lake boat launch

Lake of Two Rivers. There's a big crack between the island and the point

Easter Moose Jam on Hwy 60

Costello Lake - people were walking on it today

Male and female wood ducks on Costello Creek

There is enough open water to launch a water taxi!

But not quite enough to go very far...

A little Algonquin Park brook trout stoke...

While you are sitting around waiting patiently for the ice to go out, take 10 minutes and watch this informative and beautifully filmed video on the native brook trout of Algonquin Park. There are some great underwater shots of fish and a powerful conservation message. You will also notice a few canoes courtesy of Algonquin Outfitters, by the way!

Big fish

Some folks claim there are no big fish left in Algonquin Park. Well, they are out there and responsible anglers are catching and releasing them. Our "secret lake" policy applies to this and all other fish pictures we post but I can reveal the following details, supplied by AO customer, Jeff B., who took the picture:

Per our conversation earlier today here is the picture. As we said, it was a big fish, especially for 8lb test. "Lake X" is fantastic. We'll be back next year. Thanks for all your help and the great way you present your organization. Looking forward to seeing you next year.

1. Date caught May 18 2006

2. Fish caught by Daryl M. - Toronto Firefighter

3. Fish was released with pride to be caught again another time.

4. Lure was a red devil with cheese dipped in rum - you can fish this high
or you can fish it low.

5. Fish was weighed, but digital scale only went to 16 lbs, and then
errored out. No measurements were made, but fish was an easy 20+ lbs.
Daryl would not have landed this fish if he didn't have the help from Mike W., his fishing partner that day. Mike got his line in quickly and started to paddle just before the Laker spooled Daryl. Thanks again to Mike.

(Another note about the whole week our party was in the interior. Five
of us spent four full days fishing. We fished an average of seven hours each day (5 X 7 = 35 per day X 4 days = 140 hours, give or take) and caught a total
of 131 fish, including nine Specks. Not bad for using Red Devils and Cheese.
As Daryl says, you can fish this lure high or you can fish it low, either
way, you need to fish it slow.)

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