Winter is Here: Outdoor Activities to Thrill All

Winter has set its snowy blanket over Red Lake and area. Although we have not been hit hard with crazy amounts of snow like Boston, there is no denying that winter is here to stay. Of course, that doesn't mean that the fun is over in Red Lake... There are plenty of outdoor activities calling to you to keep busy, active and energized this winter.

Five Lakes Lodge offers
 a complete ice fishing pkg

Ice Fishing

We are proud of our many lakes in the area that are teaming with fish. Don't let winter stop you from going out there and catching the big one. Some people claim that winter is actually the best time to fish in the area! Whether you are looking for trophy lake trout, whitefish, northern pike or walleye, you can find them by dropping your fishing line down the ice hole.

Imagine seeing your tip up flag popping up when a fish strikes your bait, the excitement of running to your ice hole and reeling in the big one. Some say it's like the fish are swimming in a barrel up here!

Many people set up portable or stationary ice huts that protect them from the wind and cold and improve the ice fishing experience substantially. If you don't have such a hut or don't want to fly or drive it to Red Lake, plenty of  resorts in the area offer ice fishing packages that are sure to give you the experience of a lifetime.

Rent a cabin or go with a full American Plan and walk out from the lodge to your ice hole or snowmobile out to a rented heated ice fishing shack. Then, get ready because it won't take long for your line to get a strike!

Snowmobiling

If snowmobiling is more your speed, there are many miles of groomed trails in the Red Lake region. Welcome to our winter wonderland... The Trailmasters Club grooms our trails all winter long and keeps them in good condition. They also host a snow poker derby every year. Red Lake can be accessed off the A trail between Dryden and Sioux Lookout on the L301. Read more about snowmachining in Red Lake on the Northern Ontario Travel Website here.

For very interesting accounts of snowmobiling and winter life in the area, head on over to Viking Outpost's blog. You're sure to be riveted by the tales, videos and photos, I know I was!

Cross Country Skiing

We are fortunate to have an active x-country skiing club in Red Lake that maintains trails in the area. Whether you decide to ski to and on McKenzie Island's 30 km of trails, on the 4 km loop at the golf course or go for a short loop on your lunch break at Centennial Park, the Red Lake Cross Country Ski Club relies on membership fees to cover the costs associated with trail maintenance and grooming. Head on over to their website for lots more information on trails, how to become a member of this volunteer based organization and check out their programs. Special events such as moon skis transform the cold winter into a magical wonderland.

So come see us this winter, come join in the winter fun and be rewarded with rosy cheeks, a healthy glow and memories that will last a lifetime!

Spring 2012: One For The Books!

Record high temperatures have made this March in Northwest Ontario one to remember. Mike Smith of Lakeside Marina reports that on March 11th he ran his Skidoo up a snow bank and down into his truck since the bank was so high, but by March 18th the bank was gone completely!

All snowmobiling in the area has obviously come to a halt because the trails are bare, but fishing has been good, with walleyes making their way into the creeks. ATV's may be the vehicle of choice to reach them, though Mike predicts anglers will be hunting walleyes from boats for the last week of walleye season. Fishermen focusing on trout say fishing has been slow, but some are finding ling in the deep reefs where they come in to spawn.

Giselle Ryczek only needed a one pound walleye to claim the grand prize at the annual Gyro Club Fishing Derby earlier this month. She opted for the $1,000 instead of the fly-out fishing trip. Congrats Giselle!

Thank you Gary Smith for providing photographs of the Gyro Club Fishing Derby!