| 2007 Dave Schabell Bill Hagedorn, Ryan Anderson, Chris Hagedorn, and Jeff Hesse Spanish River Fishing Trip |
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| We were welcomed to the Blue Heron for the 17th consecutive year on Thursday, May 17th by new owners Cal and Deborah Matheson who were still scrambling to get the camp in order for the official first arrivals that coming Saturday. They have made many visible changes to the place, most notably the new dock, which is much wider and more spacious and stable than the previous finger-slip arrangement. While it took some getting used to it proved to be quite serviceable and with little to no current in the river, was quite easy to negotiate. The cabins had been completely redone, with the interiors painted a yellow which reminded us of being back home in our SyCenter gym. All of the former dishware and cookwear had been replaced by matching sets and wine glasses were even provided. A propane grill was located outside of our door, which made the majority of our main-course cooking that much easier. New bunk-beds had been installe and the bathroom vanity had also been replaced and the fish cleaning shack also had a new look. There was a tank of fresh water in each kitchen where you could even store your minnows. Just kidding - the water was for drinking. As oldtimers who had become accoustomed to how things had been since 1991, it took adjusting, but all in all, the facilities are nice and while it didn't feel the same without Wayne and Kathleen in charge, the new owners could not have been more accomodating and cordial. We wish them a long and successful stay!!! |
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| The walleye/pickerel fishing was incredible again this year. Too good in fact, as it seemed that everyday that we went out we had to navigate around 25 or 30 boats which were drifting in the river, catching walleye. We caught as many walleye as we wanted, even though we'd much rather catch a fierce fighting pike, but the walleye were everywhere, sometimes as shallow as in four feet of water. Nothing tops a meal of fresh caught walleye and we indulged more often on this trip than ever before in the past. We would eat breakfast in the morning while watching the dew-worm-dippers (the name given to those who drift using nightcrawlers) catch walleye right out in front of camp. Interestingly enough 100% of the fish that we caught on this year's trip were all caught on artificial bait, and the myriad of walleye that came over the side of the boat either hit grubs or crankbaits. Both Bill and Ryan Anderson caught walleye that weighed in at five pounds. The majority caught were in the 17 to 19 inch range. |
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| We caught many quality Northern Pike this trip, with a 36 inch fish being tops, along with a pair of 34 inchers, several in the 32 inch category and a bunch of 30 inchers. The pike fishery is certainly on the rebound after being down for several years. Every fish that we caught on this trip, with the exception of a few walleye that we kept for dinner were caught and released. Of the hundreds and hundreds of fish that we caught during our 30 day stay, there were only three known unavoidable fatalities. |
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| Above Bill Hagedorn is displaying one of the several largemouth bass that we caught and released on this trip. Largemouth, a predominantly warm water fish are rarely found in Northern Ontario. Previous to this year we had only caught three or four in all of the years that we have been coming to the Blue Heron since 1991. We always manage to catch a few quality Black Crappie, and this year was no exception. They too were caught on 3 inch Mr. Twister grubs. |
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| Bass season does not open until the last Saturday in June in Ontario, but by throwing plugs we inevitably connected with a few who had completed their spawning duties and moved out into deeper water. We couldn't help but take a quick picture of the larger ones and then sent them on their way. |
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| In addition to the species shown here we also caught a number of rock bass, perch, a sucker, and a catfish. We also witnessed a small sturgeon being caught and released. A first for me. We did not catch any muskie this trip but the group with us during week one did boat two. As usual we sighted a number of bald eagles, osprey and a few bears this trip. |
| All in all, again it was a wonderful trip. Even after fishing for 30 days and catching hundreds of fish we could have stayed longer. The weather was hot and dry, which hurt the water levels some, but it also helped keep the bugs in check, which were virtually non-existent compared to last year. God willing, we will be back again during the spring of 2008. |
| Ryan Anderson |
| Jeff Hesse |
| Dave Schabell - 17th Trip |
| Bill Hagedorn - 10th Trip |