Ice and June Availability

Hi Friends,

Here's the first update on the ice conditions on the lake.

It seems that the wind has come from all directions today! So it has brought the ice back into our bay which is a very good thing! Movement means thrashing and bashing which certainly helps to beat it down. The wind is strong and gusting over 30 kms from the SE at the current time, and current temperature is just over 20 degrees celsius. An overnight low of 7 should help break it down further.

All this movin' and shakin' is breaking it up pretty quickly. I'll post again tomorrow with a new up-to-date pic!

For those of you who have not booked and are thinking you might not be able to get in through the June prime fishing time...I have a cabin and a couple of Eagle's Nest suites that just came open. This can accommodate group(s) up to 14 people on Thursday June 16 through to check-out on Sunday June 19. Don't wait on this one, I am fully booked out for June weekends otherwise. This opening won't last long!

See you all here at the lodge!
Carol

Out Fishin' (by Edgar A. Guest)

Hello Friends,

Over the past few days, we've been watching, debating and scrutinizing the ice conditions on the lake. Until this week, we were convinced that the ice might not be gone for our opening weekend, May 20th. However just today, we can see the ice beginning to move. As I look at our dock, the ice has moved to the east and there is now open water from our dock to the first point on the west side of the bay!

It appears that our bay is ice free. As we all know, it will move around for awhile before it's gone. But this sure is an improvement over last week when we couldn't see any water at the dock.

I will start posting pictures each day, starting tomorrow, with comments about the lake conditions.

I am booking and have availability for the May long weekend. As outlined in the Alberta Sportfishing Regulations, the fishing season opens on Winefred Lake on May 20th which is also the lodge's season opening date.

With great expectation for a wonderful fishing season, I'd like to share the following with you all. This was sent to me by a very special angler who quickly became a fan of Winefred Lake and a friend to all of us here at the lodge. Thank you for sharing John! See you in June!

Cheers!

Carol

Spring has sprung?

Hello Friends,

I 've had quite a few phone calls regarding the ice conditions on Winefred Lake. For sure, it has been a long winter and it's been slow getting going with the spring thaw. We are finally seeing that most of the snow has disappeared and the lake has begun to show signs of melting. Having that said, there is still probably close to a couple of feet of ice on there. We are hoping some rain, mild temperatures and a little wind will take care of that. However, I am cautious to assume that we will be on track for May 20 opening. So here's what I'm gonna do. Starting on May 13, I'll post a picture here on my blog each day until the lake is ready. You can then check in with my blog for up-to-date lake conditions and our comments from here at the lodge.

I'll be away from the office from April 28 to May 2. We will be hosting a booth at the Fort McMurray Spring Trade Show at MacDonald Island. You can find us in Hall D, Booth 435. Drop by and see us, if you're in the area!


We are excited to tell you that one of the Grand Prize giveaways is a full-service package for 2 to visit us at the lodge. Every person who purchases a ticket to attend the show will be eligible for this draw. For more information , you can speak with the show organizers (Fort McMurray Toursim) or drop by our booth.

This package is a great 3-day, 2-night full-service package for 2 people, which includes accommodations, boat rental and meals. For more information, see our Rates & Packages link, or drop by to see us at the show!

While away from the office, I will try to pick up my messages (both email and voice mail). Based on past Fort McMurray shows, it can sometimes be a challenge getting back to everyone. But I promise, I'll return all calls and emails as soon as I get back in the office.

See you there!

Cheers,

Carol

Dust of your gear & sharpen your hooks!

Hello Friends,

Just thought I'd drop a couple of lines to update you all on the happenings here at the lodge.

We arrived back at the lodge after 3 weeks of holidays and found that we arrived back before spring did. In fact, the temperatures are just now starting to do a little climbing. The snow is melting, albeit at a snail's pace. We are hoping for some good old fashioned spring rain, wind and higher temperatures to help get the ice off the lake.

We are continuing renovations and upgrades this spring, especially in the cabins and tent camp.
But as we prepare for the upcoming season, I can sure feel the excitement from your calls and emails. And am looking forward to season opening on May 20. I still have some availability throughout the season however June is filling up fast! I can still accommodate small groups throughout June and have pretty good availability for the rest of the season.

Here's a couple of pics from last year to whet your appetite!

So dust off your gear, sharpen your hooks and if you can drop by to see us at the Fort McMurray Spring Trade Show at MacDonal Island April 29 to May 2. You will find us in Hall D at Booth 435.

Cheers,

Carol