Destination: Manitou weather station lodge
Destination: Manitou weather station lodge
I'm standing on the dock that belongs to my gorgeous cabin as the sun begins to rise. The water is beautifully clear, and I'm immersed in the warmth of July.
It had been a long-term goal to visit this beautiful lodge, and with COVID's closure of the border and foreign travel, I found myself with more free time in NWO. It had been a good amount of time since I'd been to this lodge and had the opportunity to fish with the family who owns and operates it!
I met and fished with Duane, Kerrilyn, and Kris, and was guided by Aiden. Each day started with a first-class breakfast and a very relaxed fishing schedule. The question was asked, "What do you want to fish for?"
Small and largemouth bass, lake trout, and, in some spots, walleye can all be found in Lake Manitou. We went musky fishing, and I had several follows to the boat, as well as unlimited pike! But, as I was itching for something other than constant casting for musky, I decided to go after some largemouth bass. Opting for "bucket mouths" was a huge treat, and they did not disappoint!
They're a lot of fun to catch on the fly and lure, and they pull line like miniature freight trains. Fishing in the crystal blue Manitou Lake was a real joy, and the sight fishing was great! When you see the fish coming for your fly, it's difficult not to become hyped and set the hook too soon. On one of my days there, Aiden took me to a portage-only lake that had yet to be fished this year on one of my days there. We set out early in the morning for the tannin-stained lake, hauling our equipment from the lodge boat to the old 14 foot Alumacraft boat stashed in the bush! With tremendous success, we fished top water with streamers. The fishing was so amazing that it was unbelievable. Once, we each had a large bass in hand and I had another on the hook after it was barley dangling in the water. We had double headers and even a triple header. This small lake did not hold back, and Aiden and I both enjoyed every minute of the nonstop action. This little lake did not disappoint, and both Aiden and I rejoiced in every moment of the non-stop action. It was totally spoiling! Once a person has that much fishing action, everything else seems to pale in comparison.
Lunch was approaching, so we returned to the main lake to join the crew for a shore lunch! Of course, the meal was out of this world. Cooked fresh pike, white fish, and lake trout with all the fixings! All that fresh air makes a person hungry by noon, and a shore lunch couldn't be more welcome.
When it comes to food, Kerrilyn isn't just a great angler; she's also a fantastic chef! She made the most delectable feasts that could compete with the best chefs in the world! Guests staying at this fly-in/boat-to lodge will be treated like royalty, from the food to the quaint and beautiful log cabins.
The lodge is a lot more than a fishing lodge; it’s a resort, a relaxing get-away. The wood-heated hot tub is a favorite of mine, followed by the sauna and lake swim. There are paddleboards to take out and endless Adirondack chairs positioned at the lake view spots to sit, relax and take it all in. Each private cabin has its own dock, a full kitchen, various bedrooms, and a screened-in porch with a view of the lake.
The three days I spent fishing with the MWS family went by so quickly, and I have to say that it was an absolutely fantastic experience that I would fully recommend. Without hesitation, I give this lodge a 5 out of 5 star rating, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful getaway where they can not only fish but also relax lakeside after a day of fishing.
Don't forget to check out the ancient petroglyphs on your way to the main lodge via boat.
When traveling from Thunder Bay, head west towards Fort Frances. The drive takes approximately 5 hours. Fly-in options are available. Pick up by lodge boat at the main Manitou lake launch is the option I took.
MWS Shore Lunch recipe:
safflower oil, (or a vegetable oil you prefer)
Cast Iron skillet
*Fresh fish
*Aunt Jemima original pancake mix
Salt and pepper / seasoning salt
Place the dry pancake mix and spices in a big baggy, then add the fish to "dust" the fillets before placing them in the hot oil. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the fillets begin to float, then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
Recommended side dishes:
1 can of baked beans and canned whole corn – place opened cans over fire to cook.
5 (usually one potato per person) Chopped / diced potatoes
1 whole onion – diced.
Franks hot sauce.
Place potatoes, onions and seasoning into another skillet with some oil
and cook till tender
Enjoy!
