 | | Double header 40"s |
Gearing up for a great year @ WRC
Debbie and I made our way north to camp on Good Friday. The lake was still half frozen. April 12, we took another load of supplies up and all the ice was gone. There was still some snow in the shade but open water for as far as we could see. Earliest ice out ever? I am not sure but it is definitely the earliest I have seen in my 23 years on the water.
Debbie and I have moved into camp and are cleaning and readying all the equipment for the upcoming season. Valerie-Ann has finished her first year of college and has been a great help with cabins too.
We have already had a group of early season Northern Pike / Lake Trout fishermen come and go home with big smiles. Check out the double header of a 40" and 43" Monsters! Our phone in camp is now working but I am getting older so I don't hear the phone ring as well and I sure don't sprint like I used to so it is easiest to reach us via email.
See you on the water. |
 | | Entry just made easier! |
Border Crossings new TRP
We have finally received some clarification regarding the Temporary Residence Permits (TRP) for one time offenders of minor criminality! Such as a DUI with no jail time served.
Our federal member of parliament, Greg Rickford, sent this letter to our Patricia Region Tourist Council, of which Woman River Camp is a member. Starting at about paragraph 4 it begins to explain the details about the one time pass. Some of your questions may be answered in the frequently asked questions section on the government website.
At our KDCA meeting, Friday May 4, the Immigrations officers answered our question and these were the main points.
- the TRP is a one time waiver for a person with one criminal offence with no jail time
- upon arriving at the border, an officer will conduct a risk assessment with you regarding you specifically. This assessment is to determine if you would be a risk to others in Canada. (So the guy with one DUI and no jail time is a low risk compared to the individual who assaulted four guys at a bar with a pool cue.) At this time, the officer will also give you a package and explain the application process you are required to complete for your specific requirements for future entry.
- there is no second entry in the same year but if you are permitted to start your rehabilitation, and the process has been started, they may take that into consideration.
- entry still remains at the discretion of the Border Crossing Officer Agent who conducts your risk assessment. However, at any time you are allowed to talk with a supervisor. This eliminates an officer having a bad day.
This is great news for those who have been turned away at the border for minor criminal charges like DUI or shoplifting. I would take advantage of it and hopefully in the future, the government keeps waiving the fee. The tourism industry is lobbying for the law to be changed and hopefully this will be done by next year.
For those who would like to complete the rehabilitation kit, a link can be found on our website page cool links.
Looks like our government is finally coming around and understanding tourism business is down and some of the laws just need to be lightened up a bit!
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 | | New automated licenses |
Fishing Licenses
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has implemented a new automated licensing system. As most of you know, a few years back the MNR introduced Outdoor Cards to Non Resident hunters and fishermen. The cost of the card is $9.00 and it expires after 3 years. This was the lead up to the new automated licensing system. Now when purchasing a license, your card is swiped, license type typed in and it prints out a license, and automatically debits the sellers bank account.
The new system is suppose to be faster and more convenient. We haven't had the chance to use it yet but we have heard there are a few glitches. Which can be expected with a new system. Due to our remote location and distance to other fishing license sellers, at this time, we recommend you purchase your license online before arriving at camp. Unfortunately, we do not recommend purchasing your license at a different store in Ontario simply because they may have the same problem as us.
When purchasing your license online, remember you need to be connected to a printer or you must save your license as a PDF file for printing later. The program does not allow you to go back so once you pass the screen you are toast. Be sure to read all directions clearly.
We have a few fishing & hunting packages which include a conservation fishing license in the package price. No worries, we will credit your invoice the cost of the conservation license included in the package, upon proof of purchase.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our guests. We prefer to error on the side of caution.
Thanks for your understanding. |
Availability
We are looking forward to a fun filled season. For those of you who don't quite know their holiday schedule or are unsure which week to go, here are the remaining dates we have available. We have had some groups move and unfortunately a few cancellations.
With the early spring, we are now open for early season Northern Pike and Lake Trout fishing.
May 5 - 19 Spring Special 15% off May 5 - May 19 overlap a weekend!
May 19 - 26 - Walleye opener special
May 26 - June 2
June 2 - 9 Outpost only - we just had a cancellation :(
June 9 -16 only a part week is available (June 12-16)
June 16-23 FULL
June 23-30 FULL
June 30 - July 7
July 7 - 14
July 14 - 21 FULL
July 21 - 28
July 28 - August 4
August 4 - 11
August 11 - 18 one cabin (relocated a 2 week reservation opening up this week and next.
August 18 - 25 one cabin and the outpost
August 25 - September 1
September 1 - 30 September Special
We are now taking reservations for 3, 4, and 5 night stays.
Let's get you fishing. Check out our great discounts!
Hunting Opportunities - all our Black Bear hunts are sold out for 2012. We are booking upcoming years.
We do have a cow moose hunt available for rifle or archery. Call Paul to discuss the opportunities.
Plenty of Grouse for a small game hunt! |
 | | More than just fishing! |
Weather & Water
Our weather has been beautiful lately. We are hoping for spring showers to keep the fire restrictions at bay this year. Our water levels are up from last fall but lower than a normal spring. Predictions are a wet May and June. Hopefully it rains at night and we have gorgeous days.
If the trend continues and water levels continue to drop, some portage lakes may require a little extra effort to access. We recommend bringing a pair of knee high boots or sandals just encase you need to anchor your boat offshore at portages like Nelson and Coreless.
At the present time, the buds are out, frogs are croaking and the birds are chirping. Lots of ducks returned and the pet Pike are back!
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 | | Momma bear and her cubs |
Road Conditions
Everyone is always excited to start their holiday and even more excited when it comes to catching fish and relaxing on the water.
Remember to travel safely. At the present time, it is our understanding, they have finished work on the causeway near Fort Frances. There are no other construction projects in the works to Woman River Camp. Our logging road is in pretty good shape until the Joyce Road turn off about 2 km south of camp. Then we have quite a few frost heaves. Remember road conditions can change overnight. At this time of year the Moose, Bear and Deer are coming down to the roadside to eat the fresh grass and lick up some salt from the past winter alongside the roads. Try to avoid driving at night and keep your eyes open. Have your camera readily available for great opportunities like the bears I saw along the Highway 105 last week.
Safe Travels! |
 | | A beautiful Lake Trout |
Fishing Tips
- don't take unesscesary risks in a boat. The water is cold
- cold water = lethargic fish - pause your retrieves
- Trout, Northern Pike, Walleye, Bass all utilize the shallows in the spring. Keep the noise down and be stealthy. Most fish look up naturally.
- lighter baits sink slower and can be retrieved slower
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