Can't wait to go Fishing in Ear Falls!

Wayne, Erin & Norm enjoyed last summer fishing and a great shore Lunch.  Wayne has a Blue Walleye showing from his 2011 Fishing trip to Ear Falls.

Red Lake Ontario, Born to fly Pete McLeod - Red Bull Air Racer

Pete McLeod from Red Lake loves to fly.  Congratulations on all your success Pete!

Red Lake Publicity Board Travel Giveaway

Red Lake Publicity Board Travel Voucher Giveaway: Now You Can Enter Online!

Earlier this month we publicized a $1,000 Travel Voucher giveaway, with the drawing taking place on April 9, 2012. Entry forms could be filled out and submitted at our Red Lake District booth at any of the three scheduled sports shows listed in our blog post.


We are happy to announce that eligible participants will be able to participate online!


Simply fill out the online request for a map of the Red Lake District anytime before April 9, 2012 and your name will be entered into the Travel Voucher giveaway.


The winner will be able to claim their $1,000 cheque after they submit a copy of their bill from their 2012 stay at any Red Lake Publicity Board Member Camp or Business. The bill reflecting your paid 2012 vacation must be submitted by December 31, 2012.


For all  other pertinent details please click on the photo.

First Snowmachine of the Year in the Drink!

Denis and his Friend ended up fishing a big Cat out of the River on the Weekend!  Boys and their toys!
It's the first machine in the lake this year.  Maybe they need to go faster next time?  :)

Ear Falls Family Day Amazin' Race

Amazin' Race Ear Falls - Family Day Edition

Feb 20th, 2012

It's just like the TV Show, but without the International Travel and the Million Dollar First Place Prize
The Recreation Committee is planning this unique event on Family Day, Monday, February 20th.
Plese register your Teams of 2 or more for a Race around Ear Falls.
ALL Teams must register by February 15th.
Call 222-3624 ext. 31 for more info or to register.

Ray & Erik Bjornson at Pakuni Lodge have it right!

Catch and Release Policy

At Pakuni Lodge, we promote catch and release fishing to sustain and enhance high quality fishing. We encourage the release of all walleyes over 18 inches. All guests of Pakuni are required to release all walleyes over 21”, all northern over 27.6” and all small mouth bass over 15” regardless of where the fish was caught. By releasing these breeding size fish, you will be doing your part to ensure there will be quality fishing in the future. By releasing a trophy size fish, you may be giving another angler the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For those who wish to display their trophy, fish must be frozen whole and intact for the taxidermist. We recommend that you consider a replica mount as an alternative. Releasing big fish is necessary to maintain the population and to ensure quality fishing for generations to come.

Big Fish = Breeding Females = The Future

http://www.pakunilodge.com

 pakunilodge@gmail.com

MNR's Advises Catch and Release Fishing

Catch and Release Fishing

Catch and release fishing is a concept that is "catching on"!

More Information

More on what you can do as an angler

• Catch and Release Fishing 
• Planning for Successful Catch and Release
• Helpful Tips on Releasing Fish
• Community Fisheries and Wildlife Involvement Program
• Partnerships in Muskellunge Management
• Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia
• What is Poaching?
• Natural Resources TIPS Reporting Line
• Crime Stoppers

Not long ago an angler's expertise was measured in pounds of fillets and photographs with stringers of dead fish. Now, live releasing all or part of the catch is more common, as anglers across Ontario become more conservation-oriented. They realize that no body of water has a limitless supply of fish, and understand that they have a responsibility to protect and improve the fishery.

Thanks to this new attitude, more anglers are finding satisfaction in quickly and carefully returning their fish to the water so they can spawn again and be caught again. Careful live release also allows for a selective harvest of fish: releasing large spawning-age fish and keeping smaller fish for the table.


Why practice live release?

The most common reason live release has become popular is that anglers simply want to help the fishery. It has been said that "Releasing a fish back into the water is the single greatest personal contribution an angler can make to a local fishery". More and more anglers are keeping only a few selected fish for the table and releasing all others.

There are other reasons to practice live release.

Fish caught during the closed season must be released right away. Also, there are waterbodies throughout Ontario where size limits are in effect. Fish of a size which may not legally be kept must be promptly live released.

Anglers who purchase a Conservation Fishing Licence must also be proficient at live release. When fishing with a Conservation Fishing Licence, anglers must carefully and quickly live release any muskellunge, aurora trout, Atlantic salmon or sturgeon they catch, as the Conservation Fishing Licence does not authorize the keeping of these species.

The number of anglers who fish Ontario's waters has increased substantially over the last quarter century and anglers are becoming better at what they do. Anglers are more educated than ever before, and many own advanced tackle and electronics - which can result in increased catches. For these reasons, the need to practice catch and release fishing is essential to sustaining Ontario's fisheries. Although many anglers are catching more fish than ever before, they are also releasing more than ever. Study after study indicates that live release results in more and larger fish.

When and where should I release my catch?

"Selective Harvest" is a term used when anglers release a chosen portion of their catch yet still keep a few fish for the table. Most of Ontario's fish are excellent to eat. Harvesting enough for a meal or two is perfectly acceptable and an important part of fishing.

However, some fish are better to keep than others. For example, fisheries managers and anglers alike realize the value of larger fish in a population not only for their trophy qualities but for their spawning superiority. In many cases it is better to keep a few of the averaged-sized fish you catch, and release most or all of the larger ones.

In Ontario waters, species such as yellow perch, rock bass and sunfish are far more abundant than game fish such as walleye or bass. Keeping a number of these "panfish" may well be preferable to keeping a limit of the less abundant game fish species.

 

Wishing Everyone Happy New Year!

Yes a New Year and a New Fishing Season is Fast approaching.  Pakwash Lake Camp Brochures are in the mail and the 2012 Rates have been set and changed on the website.  We are pleased to maintain an affordable Fishing Vacation for all our Friends and Guests.  2012 Pakwash Lake Camp Rates

We will be out of town to visit Shawnisty, Nicole and Grand baby Chase for Jan 2-17th.  Please feel free to call and leave a message and we will get back to you when we return home at 807-222-3353 or
Cell 807-727-0941   text and e-mails will go to my cell phone
pakwashlakecamp@xplornet.com

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

MNR Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries

The Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries

The Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries

More Information

More on managing Ontario's fisheries

MNR's Fish and Wildlife Program

We All Have a Role

Why is the Fisheries Resource Important?

Challenges Facing Ontario Fisheries

The Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries

Freshwater fisheries are among Ontario's most valued natural resources. Protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems not only means healthy fish but healthier environments. Healthy aquatic ecosystems provide fishing opportunities and a nutritious food supply, and create employment.

Developed in 1976, the original Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries (SPOF I) provided a long-term plan for managing Ontario's fisheries resources. SPOF I was a beginning, and led to substantial gains.

In 1989, the Ministry of Natural Resources, in consultation with the public, designed a new Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries (SPOF II) for the 1990s and beyond. This consultative approach to the development of SPOF II allowed for the contribution of many diverse groups. SPOF II identified the ecological, economic, and social values we place on our fisheries, and mapped out a course of action to sustain aquatic ecosystems for the future.

SPOF II was formally adopted as a policy direction in June 1991.

The Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries consists of four important components:

• goal for Ontario fisheries
• objectives to meet the goal
• guiding principles to form the foundation of fisheries management, and,
• strategic management actions to resolve important fisheries manag
• ement issues.
  

Goal for Ontario Fisheries

Healthy aquatic ecosystems that provide sustainable benefits, contributing to society's present and future requirements for a high-quality environment, wholesome food, employment and income, recreational activity and cultural heritage.

Objectives

In order to provide sustainable benefits for the future, the objectives of the Strategic Plan are:

• to protect healthy aquatic ecosystems
• to rehabilitate degraded aquatic ecosystems, and,
• to improve cultural, social and economic benefits from Ontario's fisheries resource.

Guiding Principles

Five "guiding principles" form the foundation for fisheries management:

• sustainable development
• limit to the resource
• natural reproduction
• knowledge
• societal benefits

Sustainable Development

Sustainable development requires that adverse impacts on natural elements such as air, land and water, be minimized to ensure the aquatic ecosystem's overall integrity.

Ecosystems are a heritage for future generations. The use of resources today must not compromise the ability of those generations to meet their needs. Uses of air, land and water that affect aquatic ecosystems must be environmentally sustainable if society is to continue to benefit from economic development. Where local impacts occur, in spite of our best efforts to prevent them, compensatory actions should be taken to maintain the overall integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

Limit to the Resource

There is a limit to the natural productive capacity of aquatic ecosystems and, hence, a limit to the number of fish that can be harvested from them.

Fish, in their natural environment, are rarely visible to humans. The damaging effects of overharvesting are not readily apparent, and for that reason the need to limit harvest is not always recognized.

Since human activities, including overharvesting, pollution and improper land use practices can reduce productivity, healthy fish communities require the management of these human activities.

Natural Reproduction

Naturally reproducing fish communities, based on native fish populations, provide predictable and sustainable benefits with minimal long-term cost to society. More than 95% of the fish caught in Ontario are the result of natural reproduction. Most are native species, which have evolved since the last ice age and adapted to the ecosystems in which they live.

Although priority is placed on sustaining naturally reproducing fish communities, hatchery-dependent fisheries will continue to play a role in providing fishing opportunities in Ontario. The use of hatchery-dependent and non-native fisheries will be based on the analysis of long-term ecological, social and economic benefits and costs.

Several introduced species have established themselves as naturally reproducing species in Ontario. Some of these naturalized species, such as rainbow trout, brown trout and smelt, have become valuable components of the fishery.

Other introduced organisms, such as sea lamprey and zebra mussels, have become nuisance species. Naturalized species must be recognized and managed as part of the aquatic communities.

Knowledge

Good fisheries management is scientifically-based and relies on the collection and use of the best available knowledge.

Freshwater fisheries management is a relatively young science that has evolved over the past several decades. As we learn more about fisheries, aquatic ecosystems, and socio-economics, it is vital that we use this knowledge to manage Ontario fisheries effectively.

Societal Benefits

Resource management decisions, including allocations, shall be based on ecological, social, cultural and economic benefits and costs to society, both at present and in the future.

For thousands of years, fish have provided an important source of animal protein for humans. More recently, the state of fish communities has been recognized as an important indicator of the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Resource management decisions must take into account the enormous contribution the fisheries resource has made to the material, physical and cultural well-being of the people of Ontario. Our first priority must be to protect sufficient fish and aquatic habitat to sustain the resource. This will ensure that these benefits continue in the future.

Strategic Management Actions

The following strategic management actions address the issues that currently face fisheries managers.

1. Ensure benefits are sustained by protecting and rehabilitating aquatic ecosystems.

• Ensure protection of healthy aquatic ecosystems and prevent further deterioration of degraded ecosystems.
• Expand and improve efforts to rehabilitate degraded fish communities and habitat.
• Allocate aquatic resources to provide a fair distribution of benefits to all stakeholders while ensuring sustainable benefits for future generations.
• Provide for a variety of consumptive and non-consumptive opportunities based on naturally reproducing fish communities and judicious use of hatchery-reared fish stocks.

2. Inform and involve the public in decision making and program delivery to foster stewardship

• Increase the public's understanding of resource management principles, the value of healthy ecosystems, and the results of fisheries management efforts.
• Encourage communication among the public and stakeholders to foster harmony in resource use.
• Develop and encourage public education and involvement programs based on the ecosystem approach to managing fisheries on a sustainable basis.
• Improve consultation and involvement mechanisms for co-operative decision making and program delivery.
• Work co-operatively through partnerships.

3. Ensure resources are appropriately valued.

• Instill a broad appreciation of the value of the resources in those who benefit from them, and price access to aquatic resources, including fish, to reflect the cost of effective management.

4. Ensure effective program management and coordination among agencies.

• Improve effectiveness of fisheries management systems.
• Expand coordination among agencies sharing responsibility for managing aquatic ecosystems.
• Ensure staff receive appropriate training in the skills required to be effective aquatic ecosystem managers.
• Expand cooperative programs to increase efficiency and to ensure a comprehensive approach to ecosystem management.

5. Acquire and communicate essential knowledge for timely and effective resource management decision-making.

• Set priorities for acquisition of new knowledge based on resource management needs.
• Develop improved techniques for the acquisition and application of knowledge to protect and rehabilitate fish communities and habitat.
• Develop better understanding of fish communities and habitat and of the socio-economics of the fisheries resources. Increase understanding of the effects of environmental and social changes, as well as the impact of management actions.
• Improve communication of knowledge to managers, other agencies and the public to ensure understanding of the implications of management actions.

6. Enforce firmly and effectively.

• Ensure enforcement priorities reflect protection and rehabilitation needs.
• Focus efforts on regulating the harvest of naturally reproducing fish stocks.
• Increase efforts to ensure compliance with legislation.
• Evaluate effectiveness of enforcement efforts.

With this Strategic Plan, the Ministry of Natural Resources is providing the leadership for management of aquatic ecosystems in the province. However, fulfilling these goals can only be accomplished with the commitment and efforts of all the people of Ontario.

How to Make an Ice Fishing Rod, for Cheep!

Time tested and true, Our ice fishing rods are over 15 years old, easy to pack and cost very little to make. Supplies that you need:
Old, broken hockey stick (approx 2 feet long with a 45 angle cut on top and base of stopper attached.)
spring door stopper, that screws into the base(stopper spring is attached to wooden dowel)
wooden dowel
2 screw in eyes, (one to guide the line up the stick, one to hold the line at the tip of the wooden dowel)
Old Mitchell fishing real spoil (attached 1/2 way down the hockey stick)
dark color spray paint (for wooden dowel to see better when the fish bite)

Why do they work, the tension on the Mitchell real, can be set to the fishing conditions needed. Mitchell has built top-quality fishing tackle since 1948 almost everyone has an old Mitchell real laying around. They are easy to break down and pack flat in your fishing gear bag. The wood doesn't freeze up in the cold weather. You can hold a lot of fishing line on the real for Large Northern and Trout. You can keep a jig on it when packing up by poking it into the wood.

Please drop us an e-mail if you have any fishing tips or fishing tricks to share.

Ice Fishing Rods, Let's catch some Walleye

OK any idea which one is the best? I think, it doesn't really matter. It's the hook and bait that matters.

Pakwash Lake Camp Merry Christmas to All!

JP, Corey, Mandy, Denis, Jocelynn, Kim, Nicole, Shawnisty, Chase and Oma

New Puppy "Buddy" a Small Munsterlander & a Brat!

Corey and Mandy

Jewels

Jocelynn and JP, Corey and Miller

Wishing everyone a great holiday season with family and friend. May your New Year bring joy, peace & good health.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

from the Pakwash Lake Camp Family!

Please join us on the Blog and drop us an e-mail every now and then. Love Denis and Kimby

Pakwash Lake Camp
Box 128 Ear Falls, On P0V 1T0
807-222-3353 or 1-888-PAKWASH
807-727-0941 Cell

BLOG: http://pakwashlakefishing.blogspot.com/
WEBSITE: www.pakwashlakecamp.com
E-MAIL: pakwashlakecamp@xplornet.com

If you wish to be removed from our e-mail list please send an e-mail with your name and e-mail address with the subject Remove e-mail. Also we are getting ready to send out the 2012 mail out. Any address changes would be helpful as soon as possible. Thank you for your help and we look forward to seeing everyone in the new fishing season.

The Bald Eagle Capital of North America Blog

Just liked up the Bald Eagle Capital of North America. Please join us on the Blog and any picture would be great to add and share with our Ear Falls & Pakwash Lake Friends
http://earfallsbaldeagles.blogspot.com/

Looking Forward to 2012 Fishing Season

2012 Fishing Season is Here!

What a year, It’s been a busy one for everyone. Fishing, Hunting, Repairs and Family kept us all busy in 2011 and before we know it, it will be 2012 Spring Fishing Season. In taking this time to wish everyone a great holiday season and the start of a new year with Joy and Happiness to all. We wanted to extend a big thank you to all our Friends and Guests for choosing Pakwash Lake Camp as their Vacation Destination. We look forward to a Great 2012 vacation season with you this year.

2012 Rates

We are pleased to announce, no major changes from last year only a slight increase. We are very pleased to continue to offer all Kids are free, 15 year and under. We are committed in keeping your Family Vacation Package affordable for all in the hope for all the young families have a chance to come to Canada to enjoy our true beauty and wilderness. We found our Summer Family Weekly Special has only been used by too few. It’s a great Family vacation offer with minnows and gas included. We hope to continue to offer this great deal for all the families to enjoy in July and August.

Summer Family Weekly Special

July & August $995.00 plus taxes,(same price as the last two years) Outfitter boat & motor, gas, dockage, net, bailer, live well, safety kit, fish cleaning station, adult life jackets, 12 dozen minnows, cabin with two adults and children 15 & under free.

What’s New in the News for 2012

· Remember to bring your Ontario Outdoor Card that came in the Mail. They are good for three years and must be shown at the time of purchase of your 2012 fishing license and to show the MNR or DNR officer upon request. See the Blog if you need to renew your outdoor card or they can be renewed at camp. We will have a new electronic system at camp.

· Passports are now a MUST to re-enter back into the USA.

· Liquor Laws have changed, anyone drinking and driving the Boat can be charged on their drivers’ license with a DUI in Canada.

· Summary of Boaters Information you should be aware of is found at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/debs/obs/quick/quick_visitor.htm#a

· We are supporting the Ontario Federation of Angler’s and Hunters, Ontario Angler Awards. We hope everyone enjoys catching and reporting all trophy fish from Pakwash Lake. http://www.ontarioanglerawards.com information is available in the cabins.

· We have increased our deposits to $200 per adult and ask that Deposit’s are in by the end of January. We can accept Visa and Master card deposits and payments this year.

· We are asking everyone to let the big fish go. Fishing has been improving over the past years and we are seeing an increase of size. Please let all walleye over 18 inches go, and all Northern over 27 inches go. This will keep our fish population improving over the years to come. Thank You.

· We have three new 2011 Lund Outfitter Boats and Motors. Only $705 per week includes the gas in the rental. Please let us know if you are interested in renting them. Max 705 lbs capacity.

· Keep up to date on what’s happening at Pakwash Lake Camp on the Blog at http://pakwashlakefishing.blogspot.com . We welcome your input, stories, photos and comments. You can email them to us at pakwashlakecamp@xplornet.com

We look forward to seeing everyone for a great 2012 Fishing Season! Thank you for choosing Pakwash Lake Camp as your Vacation Destination. We look forward to seeing you in the New Fishing Season! Fishing last year was great but this year will be even better. See you Soon!

Kimby & Denis

Some New Flights to Canada

Canada flights

John Myhre Captain at Wilderness Aircraft Co writes:

I just wanted to let you know I’m offering jet-prop air charter from Mpls to Canada this season in King Air 200 aircraft. If you have any fly-in clients looking for such service please refer to me. Thanks, John Myhre (Home page: www.wildernessaircraft.com OR cell: 612-616-8692)

Blue Walleye Update

Attached are a couple photos of blue walleye from McKim Lake. Also attached are two microscope photos (200X) showing a new family of cells, found only in Canadian walleye producing Sandercyanin (the blue pigment). The microscope photos are from a cross section of walleye skin. The free surface of the skin is at the top of each photo. Photo 1 is from McKim Lake and shows the pigment-containing cells as light purple under the dark purple mucus cells. Photo 2 is from Lake Erie where no pigment-containing cells are present. Feel free to use these photos as you like.

Dr. Wayne Schaefer

When can we take Chase Fishing?

Here is an up to date of our Grandson. When can he come fishing mommy?

Is your PFD ready to save your life?

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

These come in many styles: keyhole jackets, vests, coats and coveralls, and are available in many approved colours. They are not reversible and they will not turn the wearer face up in the water. They are more comfortable and suitable for constant wear. The new inflatable PFDs are legal on the condition that they are worn in an open boat, on deck or in the cockpit at all times. They are not approved for use by people under the age of 16 years or lighter than 36.3 kg (80 pounds). They are not approved for use on personal watercraft. The ones that inflate automatically when the wearer goes into the water cannot be used on sailboards.

NOTE: PFDs and Life Jackets are no longer legal if they have been altered, damaged or repaired.

Lifejackets

Standard “keyhole” lifejackets are reversible and are available in orange, red, or yellow. They come in different adult and children sizes, with weight/size designation on the label. They are easy to put on and, when properly worn, they are designed to turn the wearer face up in the water and hold the head above water. They are bulky and uncomfortable.

We ask that all children at camp bring there own Life-jackets to ensure proper fit for their safety.

Personal Watercraft Boats in Ontario Need the Following

They may also ask you to identify the required safety equipment in your boat.

Personal Watercraft (PWC)

One approved personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket of appropriate size for everyone on board. Each device must have the Department of Transport Canada or Canadian Coast Guard/Fisheries and Oceans label and be in good working order..
A buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres (50 feet) long
A watertight flashlight or three Canadian approved type A B or C flares
A sound signalling device or appliance
Approved navigation lights if the craft is operated after sunset, before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility (The Canadian Coast Guard and PWC manufacturers advice against operating these vessels at night)
A paddle, oar, or other manual propelling device or an anchor with at least 15 metres (50 feet) of cable, rope and/or chain
One bailer or manual water pump with enough hose to pump water from the bilge over the side of the vessel
One Class 5BC fire extinguisher

NOTE 6, 7, and 8 are not required if all people on board are wearing approved flotation devices

Pleasure Craft over 6 metres (20 feet) but less than 8 metres (26 feet)

One approved personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket of appropriate size for everyone on board. Each device must have the Department of Transport Canada or Canadian Coast Guard/Fisheries and Oceans label and be in good working order.
A buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres (50 feet) long – or – one approved lifebuoy with an outside diameter of 61 centimetres or 76.2 centimetres (24 or 30 inches) attached to a buoyant line at least 15 metres (50 feet) long
A re-boarding device (ladder) if the freeboard of the vessel is greater than 0.5 metres (20 inches)
A paddle, oar, or other manual propelling device or an anchor with at least 15 metres (50 feet) of cable, rope and/or chain
A watertight flashlight
Six Canadian approved type A B or C flares. Signalling devices are not required if the vessel operates in a river, canal or lake and can be no more than one mile from shore – or – if it is engaged in an official competition or in final preparation for official competition and has no sleeping arrangements
One Class 5BC fire extinguisher if the craft is a power-driven vessel and another 5BC fire extinguisher if the vessel has a fuel burning cooking, heating or refrigeration appliance
One bailer or manual water pump with enough hose to pump water from the bilge over the side of the vessel
A sound signalling device or appliance (whistle or air horn)
Approved navigation lights if the craft is operated after sunset, before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility

MNR Fishing Lakes for Ontario

Check this out for Ontario Fishing Lakes. Pakwash Lake is there too.

http://www.web2.mnr.gov.on.ca/fish_online/fishing/fishingExplorer_en.html