May & Early June 2012 Pics

Christina and Dion with some early season walleye & northerns.

Travis's first time fishing on Winefred Lake had his Dad along for the thrill.

Beautiful 24 pound northern, Travis! See you next year!

Roger and daughter Katie snapped up some nice fish and shots of others in their group in early June!

Here's Ray on a trip to the lodge with son, Scott. No, he's not double fisting...

Scott had to grab the camera for a shot of their double header!

Nice fish guys!





My apologies

Hello Friends,

This season has been so hectic that I haven't had enough time to sit down and share with you some of the great fishing going on so far this season. My apologies.

Here's a shot of Dan with his trophy from the May long weekend. What a lunker...the pike , I mean. Great job Dan!

I will make an honest effort to share some more great shots over the next few days.

While some weekends are fully booked , please note that I still have availability throughout the season. Give me a call to check on your preferred dates!

Cheers
Carol

2012 - New pics

Hello Friends!

Well, here we have it. The season is off to roaring start! Weather has been great until a couple of days ago. We had some (much need) rain but all indicators point to a fantastic year!

Please drop off your pics before you check-out or email your 2012 pics to me at the lodge at info@winefredlakelodge.com and I'll make sure to get them up for you.

Just received these pics from Grant & Sherril from their trip to the lodge this past weekend.

They report that they had a "one day" best at 120 fish between the two of them. Sounds great! Especially since Grant and Sherrill have been fishing at Winefred Lake since the 1970's.

Ice-free, at last!

What a sight this morning. The ice has pushed onto the shore but it appears that the lake is ice-free! I'm not sure I'd chance being out there just yet, but we are definitely OK for season opening.

May 14, 2012
10:30 am
Temp: 11 C
Winds: 33 NW
Gusting: 57 km

Ice Conditions (Updated daily)

Well, the ice is hanging out at the north end of the lake. It's barely visible from the dock!

May 12, 2012
Temperatue: 16 C
Winds: 20 km West

1:30 pm

May 11, 2012

Our bay is ice-free! It won't take long now. We're expecting about 19-22 C for the next few days. Winds will change up from westerly to north westerly to south easterly. Shouldn't be any ice ice left in a few days! Stay posted!

Temperatue: 11 C
Winds: 25 km West

A different angle: 11:30 am


















May 10, 2012
Temperatue: 9 C
Winds: 30 km West

10:30 am                                                                         

1:00 pm
 

May 9, 2012

11:30 am

Temperature: 12 C

Winds: 17 km North

Gusting: 46 km

Expected high: 15 C

May 8, 2012
Noonish
Temperature: 21 C
Winds 15-20 SW

Ice conditions, May 7/12

Hi Friends,

I'm just a little late with the first "Ice Conditions Report".

The truth is, there has been very little to post about the conditions and even less to see in pictures. Today, I walked down to the dock and found our bay on the south end of the lake has become free at the shoreline. A family of ducks have made their way home. As well, you can stand on the dock in the evening and listen to a chorus of gaggling geese to the west. Unusual for them to hang out in our bay but I guess they're just happy to find open water.

With the wind directions expecting to change up a number of times this week and wind speeds climbing for a few days as well, I am anticipating some great changes to the ice conditions by week's end. Of course, I'm no expert but a few days of good seasonal temperatures coupled with the wind can make light work of a little ice.

For those of you still looking for early season bookings, I have some availability for mid-week. Weekend slots are pretty tight but I still have some small spots open. Do not hesitate to call me if you're still looking!

Looking forward to a great fishing season this year. I have heard from many of you that this year is supposed to be one for the record books! I think every year is just that great here!

Cheers,

Carol

Updates and Info

Hello Friends,

Ever have that feeling when you foot or hand "falls asleep"..you know, like pins and needles. The body part feels cold and numb, and it feels kind of like it's not quite in sync with the rest of your body. Well...that's the best comparison I can make for this so called spring. The tingling of spring is here but it's cold and not quite up to par. Most of the north is experiencing below seasonal temperatures this year.

We all know that it can change in a blink of an eye. A couple of weeks of decent weather, some rain and wind can make short work of a mere 3 feet of ice. Like last year, I will begin posting daily pictures of the ice conditions at our dock beginning on May 4th.

We now have our own Facebook account. When you search for us, look for the account that has the profile picture of the lodge. I am hoping that our guests will tag us in their pictures taken here at the lodge to share with our other FB friends. You can also copy and paste the following into your browser:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100003672514260.

A number of people have commented that it is hard to get me by phone. This year has been particularly busy especially with phone calls. I rely heavily on voice mail here at the lodge. As many of you know, we operate with a cell phone and when you get my voice mail, I am often on the line. It is important to leave a message so I can get back to you as soon as I can. It is also seems that every year in the late winter and spring, we lose our otherwise excellent cell reception. Sometimes I get a call or voice message that is nothing but static. So, if you have left a voice message but have not received a call back, you can email me at info@winefredlakelodge.com. One way or the other, I will get the message and get back to you.

We are gearing up for the Fort McMurray Spring Trade show at MacDonald Island on April 27-29. If you are in the Fort McMurray area, drop by and see us in Hall C, Booth 218. We have given a full-service package for 2 to the show organizers for one of their door prizes at the show. Drop by and see us for details about the prize and other packages we have available. For the first time, I am able to book and confirm reservations at the show.

Looking for the best outdoor summer job in the Fort McMurray area? Winefred Lake Lodge is looking for some outstanding energetic individuals for the fishing season. Dock hand, housekeeper, kitchen helper needed. If you think you are the person for us, email your resume to info@winefredlakelodge.com. All jobs starting in May!

As many of you know, The 2012 Alberta Guide to Sportfishing has outlined that the season opening for Winefred Lake as May 15th.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WINEFRED LAKE LODGE'S SEASON OPENING IS MAY 18TH.

For any "early birds", make sure to call the lodge if you are looking to use any of our facilities prior to the lodge's official season opener on May 18th.

Looking forward to this new season!

See you all here at the lodge!

Cheers!
Carol

Change in the 2012 Fishing Regulations

Hello Friends,

Just thought I'd drop a few lines from the lodge. Yes, we're back at the lodge and preparing for the upcoming season. We had a great break from the north but we're glad to be back and looking forward to the new season.

Season opener is May 18, 2012.

We hosted a booth at the Edmonton Boat & Sportsmen's Show last weekend. It never disappoints! Met some old friends and made a few new ones!

While I was there at the Edmonton Boat & Sportsmen's Show, I was able to get my hands on a copy of the new Fishing Regulations...Thank you Robyn! The regulations for Winefred Lake are still the same as last year but I noticed a change that is worth mentioning here.

In 2011, the distance an angler could possess a live game fish was within 100 meters of the waterbody in which the fish was caught (See page 19, 2011 Alberta Guide to Sprtfishing).

In the new regulations for 2012, the distance that an angler can possess a live game fish is reduced to within 5 meters of the waterbody in which the fish was caught (See page 18, 2012 Alberta Guide to Sportfishing).

That's quite a difference! I believe this is a good thing but I'd love to get some feedback from you. Feel free to post your comments below. You can read the new regulations online at: http://www.albertaregulations.ca/.

We are filling up fast for the prime fishing season. Do not hesitate to contact me with your dates.

Dreaming of Spring...

Cheers,
Carol