June 23, 2003: So much to report, where to begin. It took longer than expected, because of a faulty part, but we finally have high speed internet access at the lodge!!! For the weather click here: weather, and for the appropriate tackle click here: useful tips.

Here are a few great pictures of what's been going on at Bolton Lake.

This picture shows the bomber coming over the lodge to create a break between us and the fire.

Just behind the lodge we built a fire break with the bull dozers and then wet it down to keep the fire out.

In this picture, you can see the lodge and runway on the right at the bottom, and the area that burnt across the bay.

This forest fire has been threatening the lodge for a few days, and we finally got our first rain shower in 3 weeks today. We had 2 fire fighting crews, 3 water bombers, 3 helicopters, a sprinkler system, and 4 conservation officers here trying to determine how to save the lodge. A slight change in wind direction blew the fire just off course and we enjoyed dinner and a show last night as the fire roared on the shoreline across the bay from the lodge. A huge weight has been lifted off our shoulders now that the threat has passed.

Kitchi Lake has been evacuated because the fire has been burning all around the lake. Most of the fire has passed, and it spared the cabin. The fire did jump to our island, but luckily it only burnt half of it down. We have a fire fighting crew there now putting out the hot spots. We expect that we will be fishing Kitchi next week.

The fishing has been great, we've boated over 100 trophies to date and the numbers of fish per day has also been impressive. The Pike have been a bit slower than normal, but the Walleye just keep getting bigger and better. Yesterday we boated 4 trophy Walleye and 2 trophy Pike. One of the Pike was 45 inches, which is the second largest Pike of the season (46.5 earlier in June.)

Here is a picture of the aircraft that we will be using exclusively next season.

This aircraft, known as a Dash 7 has been to Bolton 3 times so far this season, and has yet to see the Eastern third of our runway. It's short field performance makes it look like a helicopter and it can handle over 40 passengers in and out. We're not sure where this aircraft has been all our lives, but we're not going to let it get away. Therefore, next year's schedule will be based on traveling Sunday to Sunday with one more flight during the week. Once some of our bigger groups have booked in, then we'll know exactly what dates the plane will be coming and going. Please stay connected for updates.

I have much more to report, but the appetizers are being served and the chef has prepared shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, an assortment of cheeses and vegetables and our new bartender is preparing the bar for another busy crowd of hungry and happy fishermen. Wish you were here!!

July 2nd: I've been waiting for a day of bad weather to sit in the office and update the site, but I couldn't wait any longer. We've had a few short showers in the past week, otherwise the weather has been terrific. The Walleye fishing has never been better, they seem to be everywhere and they're hitting just about anything you cast.

We've taken 2 very successful Brook Trout trips so far this season. The first trip we went to the Island Lake river with 4 guests and 2 guides. We boated 10 Brook Trout including one trophy. The second trip was to the God's river where we boated 6 Brook Trout including one trophy. Thanks to Tom and his father Charles for sending us their pictures of the Brook Trout that helped make their trip a very successful one.

Charles with his 19 inch Brook Trout.

Tom with his 21 inch Brook Trout.

Here's a picture sent up by Bob Missant of the forest fire that was too close for comfort. This picture was taken from the deck of the lodge. You can just see the guide cabin in the lower left corner of the picture.

July 7th: I should watch what I ask for... the weather has turned quite miserable. It's raining, windy and cold, so today most guests are in reading books and playing cards. Here are a couple of pictures recently sent in that are worth a look.

Guide Robin, and guest Bob Harriman with a huge 38 inch Lake Trout.

A big cow Moose watches us from shore. Photography by Robin Harriman.