Boils down to reflections and connections I suppose... The desire to just get away alone, hit the open road and ride through whatever may come. Some stops planned, others left to chance. "A Solo Roady North" each spring seems to fulfill a need. A reward and rejuvenation of sorts, and yet always a test of will and stamina for a slowly aging soul...
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/41838e83-15f0-40bc-a712-aedab9951de0_zpsldm1na0p.jpg)
The Opaz to Mattice along highway 11 was violently shaking the boat rivets loose when I received a call from my good buddy the agent Stevie Z of "Mission Fishin' Impossible" fame. "Hey man! Was that you we just passed in Smooth Rock," he asked? "You bet, saw you out on assignment. Brake lights came on twice, thought you were gonna turn around and lay chase but knew it was you nonetheless," I claimed. Too much on the go for Stevie Z to join forces and little space for the extra body aboard, with me in spirit as always, after a long chat we said our goodbyes.
Beyond the first ten hours of driving, the tumbleweed corridor Hearst to Longlac and Jellicoe blew the Chev straight to the bugs, dirt and dust of the 801. Bob Marley was blazing "Stir It Up," and what was a completely clean boat the entire route north, became totally filthy unrecognizable after just the first of the 48 miles remaining. The Lund, my baby, would survive, thank you Jeebus!
As it was last year the destination would be Lake Nipigon via Onaman River Resort. http://www.onamanriverresort.com/
Fully booked campsites and cabins every June, my friend Rob is kind enough to let me squat anywhere space can be found. The busiest man on earth during the fishing season, he and his aging father have a tonne on their plates with seeing through the day to day operations of O.R.R. Well over a thousand visitors each year, the grounds, cabins, rentals, charters and angler's needs are endless.
A self made man with a rooted appreciation for hard work, nature and experience, Rob has endeavored in and against the elements and isolation to build a life he has best hoped for. I marvel and to a lesser degree relate to his story of a northern life if you will.
Ole Wilf was first to say hello when pulling up to the office. Rob was down at the dock tending to some work so I dusted off the boat and motor then got to pitching my tent. Basically, I set up camp right at Rob's side door to his house, understanding that in a day or two it would all be relocated to a distant site many miles out on the lake. Once Rob came home that evening, a gin in hand we shared a late dinner and talked of the upcoming week. Bill Spicer with The New Fly Fisher television show would be arriving Sunday morning. Being late Tuesday, the four days until then we needed to find safe harbor and make a suitable campsite on the lake, pack and shuttle all things and, I needed to prefish one vast and completely new-to-me area of Lake Nipigon. And lastly, there was some hope to find a little time for some personal fishing and a vacation.
Day 1. DEAD MILK RUN.
Morning skitters and blackflies weren't too bad at all. Horny to fish, upon a picnic table quick work was made of breakfast and a big lunch to-go. Overcast, gentle east breeze, it was thought around noon Rob would ride out and find me on the lake where we would then anchor my boat some place before looking for a camp.
The morning fish was peaceful but horrible at the same time. One speck and three laker areas were absent any line takers. Restless on a flat calm surface around twelve the Lund stepped up on plane and I was off into the deep blue distance. Figuring on meeting Rob somehow, someway, I kept on fishing awhile until it became evident he wasn't going to come out today. So, curiously helpful I started looking around myself.
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D1-01_zpshnsmhsdg.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D1-02_zpszxbqspxf.jpg)
On route back to O.R.R. Rob was spotted out fishing at the river mouth. Boating over to him a little deflated by the fishing and what I hadn't found in any suitable camping sites, the mere mention of this seemed to momentarily upset my friend. He assured me we would find a good spot and that staying at the resort just wasn't an option. There would be no way he could give decent attention to the NFF show if held back with all the other guests and operations. Besides this, he expressed that in fourteen years he has not had a summer vacation of any kind and he was very much looking forward to taking a break away to camp, fish, and relax some place quiet and remote on the lake. This in mind, the minor stresses of a days crap fishing, two edematous feet, muscle aches and pains and a distended belly from a rather intense bag of Sweedish Berries, Mike & Ikes and Skittles, my head quickly re-wrapped around the fact that I was here to make it easier for Rob. Before heading off to bed I promised we'd leave together the following morning to find a camp.
Nine days to go and I forgot my tooth brush too.
Day 2. CAMP BUNK.
Puttered around camp and visited with other anglers during the early morn, then come 11:00am we were off.
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D2-01_zpscftjasmh.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D2-02_zpsxutths5k.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D2-03_zpsejpcg6ic.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D2-04_zpscnndzjgg.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D2-05_zpsun2wi8oa.jpg)
The 24-foot Boston whaler fully rigged with a nice sleeping cabin is the ultimate big water ride. Rob has it set up with autopilot as well, that hands free travel and trolling taking the comfort level up a notch. Being that he charters 50 to 60 days a season for laketrout and specks, he picked the perfect rig for guests to enjoy a day. I always feel safe and spoiled when aboard.
Though one thing with Lake Nipigon is you always need to keep your head up and wits about you. It is remote, you're often isolated, it's out there man! Traveling over some waters which Rob has done so time and again, after veering off regular course to peer into a distant bay for a prospective camp site, once back up on plane and leaving we almost smoked a hidden shoal. The water color ahead suddenly changed blue to gold in a small space, as I happened to be looking out because of recently mapping out the area from home. Can't stress how helpful and important this has been for Lake Nipigon travel over the past years. Do not take safety for granted. Rob's boat stopped nearly ten feet from a table top square shoal inches under the surface in the middle of nowhere. It could have been instant disaster but he was quick to cut the power and hit reverse. On one side of the hazard the drop is drastic to 180 plus feet of water, the other side shallower into the 30-40' range. The normal route would have been fine but just a little off standard course and we were both quickly reminded how treacherous and many the shoals can be on Nipigon.
At home over the years I have used Fugawi's topographical software to print maps specific to any and all areas planned to fish. Using the Nipigon Recreation Map, Northern Ontario Fishing Guide, another copy of a Lake Nipigon map and, most importantly Google Earth, the personal maps created incorporate as much info as possible, including fish spots. Marked shoals are first noted on my print-outs from those other map sources then, using Google Earth I can examine as best possible and define the size and shape of the shoals. Some are marked with only a single dot which does little to note actual size and area. The maps are always being updated... here's an example of one for the Macoun Islands. Each square is a kilometer. Take away all the added pink danger zones and imagine navigating through this big expanse of water or trolling islands on just blind luck.
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D2-05a_zpso8pgrh3c.jpg)
Nipigon has little hydrographical data and certainly nothing available for sonar use in the boat. There is no phone reception. On the lake I'll run my Lowrance with Navionics (which shows nothing) but also my handheld Garmin GPS which has topographical data. That unit helps with orientation and route planning. The map book keeps the head in the game. I also have a compass and two small radios, one for current marine forecasts and communication, the other to pick up some tunes and news from Thunder Bay. My next boat will have a kicker but because I don't have one now, the Yamaha always gets tuned up in the spring and early fall before big water fish seasons. Take note again that it's big water out there and you have to think safe as possible. The map planning has helped me avoid damage and maybe even death more than once...
Back on course Rob and I probed into numerous safe bays exploring for a camp site. One he really liked was on high ground, sparsely treed, having easy and safe access with good docking but, the ground was very uneven, mossy and loaded with dead falls. Despite the caribou evidently there and the trails in and out, it would require work and leave me guessing as to how my boat would be best anchored at nights. It had potential.
I hoped most to see a spot Rob had said he used for a shorelunch years back. Not remembering the state and space it could provide us, after navigating our way safely through a rocky bay we went ashore. It was perfect in my eyes. So much clear space and flat ground, there was little work to do in that respect to get it camp ready. To make all comfortable I had brought my bug tent, gazebo and two four man tents. Rob had also packed a two man tent as extra, though he planned to sleep on his boat. We could pitch all this and more if need be. Plans were made for following day to get out early with all the gear and make the camp. The next couple days I would stay behind alone to find fish... which as it turned out was already in the works, big sunning pike were everywhere.
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D2-06_zpsmrunqtmz.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D2-07_zpsuj9gy6eh.jpg)
Late afternoon under a hot sun, Rob and I took reprieve from the heat with a leisurely laker troll that turned into an hour long speckie hunt. Rounding a small island he was pulling his preferred bait while I was quarter casting from the bow. Close ahead a fish rose to a bug and with a quick bass flip I swear the lure didn't even touch the water before the speck had it in it's mouth. Just a little guy but a start... and nice to finally get on the board.
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D2-08_zpsgl915jgz.jpg)
Heading back to Onaman Resort there was relief for me and excitement for both. Rob was looking forward to this break away and I was stoked having seen those pike nearby camp. It had been told that Bill was looking to make a speck episode yet, he hoped to incorporate some pike into that as well. Rob admittedly doesn't bother with pike much as they're kinda low on the prize table with other trophy species such as speckled and lake trout available, as well as walleye. Kinda hard to get after them shallow with his boat too. With likely a half day tomorrow followed by a full day on the Saturday, the goal was to quickly find a few more pike areas but mostly cover ground searching out specks. Add that to what Rob keeps in his back pocket for speck spots closer to home, and all should be built solid as one big ole swamp donkey. Giddy up and bring on the show come Sunday.
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D2-09_zps9czofjn2.jpg)
Day 3. SCORCHER.
Hot and sunny by 6:00am the early heat was a welcome pleasure to rise to. Bugs still non-existent, outside in the yard after breakfast I was able to comfortably break down camp and begin loading my boat. Rob was busy with guests and the usual morning chores, and seemingly stressed a little as he was hoping to slip away as early as possible so to get back sooner. With a little time to spare I made the wait go by quick visiting with some folks. One such fella some will recognize from the local fishing forums, Tyler. A long time online friend who'd I chat with over the phone now and again, it was nice to finally meet this guy. One seriously solid angler, Tyler guides too out of Sault St. Marie. I have been meaning to travel out his way for a few years now as the Atlantic salmon come calling my name now and again. We swapped some Nipigon stories and lures before saying our goodbyes.
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-01_zps2wgfbvhj.jpg)
By 10:30am after some heavy lifting and plenty sweating, the cooler air on the water was refreshing. Smooth sailing, Rob and I had some 40 miles to cover on the lake. Thankfully for my boat the winds were nil and I landed ashore high and dry.
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-02_zpslrr0f3wt.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-03_zpsphiiemyh.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-04_zpsq6krn8ps.jpg)
A beaver out back of the camp was busy and so were we. Having been in forestry Rob is a whiz with a chainsaw and axe, he made quick work dropping anything that stood out while I followed behind cleaning it up. In no time really, the tents were being set up and afterwards Rob built an outhouse. Whiskey Jacks and the odd mouse watched on as we worked. The camp so far was awesome... although I'd wait for later to finish erecting our guest's tent.
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-05_zpsy4cj0xgn.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-06_zpsbn4mqtzs.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-07_zpsdyecr4wr.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-08_zpsa94jlu0n.jpg)
Once Rob was gone and after an early 4:00pm supper I hopped in The Bomber. All new water there was a specific area Rob was hoping I would check out. Trolling along much was OK for a time but before I knew it a rock garden labyrinth swallowed me up. Twice the motor tapped bottom as the light was a little low and the water very sketchy. Navigating out of the shallows was nerve wracking for a time and my skeg thanked me once free and clear. No specks are worth a break down out here I thought, so it wasn't long to be gone from the spot. Told myself that under high sun and calm waters only, would I return. Some pelicans and a number of eagles must have thought I was nuts to be there to begin with.
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-09_zpswuwdzndy.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-10_zps2udrrq3r.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-11_zpsweb9odzb.jpg)
The motor admittedly was idling a little off. It did not take well to the couple knocks but somewhere along the way it leveled out... maybe after a good run. It is eerie being out there by yourself... like it is exciting, humbling and inspiring too. I was fishing among islands which have been stared at on a map for at least a decade, and I am sure few souls venture out to them at all. In my time and little boat there was never any definite the chance would come to see this place on Nipigon. Around this island or that depending where I went, looking near or far there was Kelvin, Geikie, The Rabbits and even Logan and the Murch... and many islands between. And not another boat on the horizon.
Trolling some islands into the evening finally paid off with some specks. Waypoint created, waypoint created, waypoint created was the standard protocol. I'd mark the spot the fish was caught and keep moving on, for no sense in burning any other fish around before Bill's arrival.
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-13_zps4v54od8e.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-14_zps6hbpcjjc.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-15_zpsyh71ayqf.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-16_zpsvgvovsv5.jpg)
A rather long and labored day, sore achy muscles and sandpaper teeth were put to rest after brushing my teeth with my finger. Sitting out to enjoy the sunset I thought of my girls back home, wishing to make a call. Caribou nearby, the beaver still out back and certainly a moose around here somewhere, there was company enough oot and aboot. So all was goot.
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-17_zpsftqd41ae.jpg)
![Image](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/Bunx/Bunx%20Album6/D3-18_zpsvihqqdbj.jpg)
continued...