2014 Episode Synopsis
Episode 247 : Cree Lake Monster Lakers
Today, the Mercury Marine Destination takes us up to Cree Lake Lodge in Northern Saskatchewan. Many lakes at Northern fly in lodges have Lake Trout, but this lake proved to be exceptional. Averaging a heavy Lake Trout hit an hour is almost unheard of, but this is how the fishing is. Hits never turned to catches because Charlie was trying to keep with only a single hook on the back of the Flatfish, but many of the solid fish were shaking free. It was noticed half way through the day, the big Lakers were completely T boning the lures, and the free hanging single back hook was hooking them on the outside of the jaw in the cheek, and easy to throw the barbless hook. Once the barbless Mustad 3 X strong Ultra Point treble hooks were added to the belly of the lure, all hookups were solidly hooked. Always pay attention to how the fish react, it can make or break the trip. Now, even double hookups of 30 and 35 lb Lakers were enjoyed, and fish between 25 and 35 lbs were boated on an hourly rate. Cree Lake Lodge is situated in the North East corner of Saskatchewan, and guests arrive in comfort aboard a large otter float plane. No crowded plane on this trip, lots of room to stretch out and enjoy the scenery. Guests enjoy a heated cabin with full amenities. Hot and cold running water and a private bathroom and shower in each cabin. www.creelakelodge.com (306) 344-4862.
After an incredible afternoon of Lake Trout on the very first day, and the mystery of poor morning hookups solved, back out the second day to see if the enormous average size of Lakers had changed. Yesterday, Charlie was using a Worden’s Hawg Nose Flatfish, but wanting additional diving depth, added a #30 Jet diver on a dropper line to the swivel 6 feet ahead of the lure. Always prepared for fish of a lifetime, Charlie brought up quality tackle, the Okuma Catalina 30 size line counter reels and a medium heavy Okuma Celilo rod. Lots of flexible tip action on this rod, needed to watch for bumps and proper lure action, but with power to spare in the butt section for lifting power. What a difference it made to have line counter reels, once an exact lead of line out proved successful, it was repeated exactly with the line counters, no guessing involved. The Okuma Catalina reel was loaded with 50 lb test Seaguar Kanzen braid that made for solid hookups with this no stretch line. Charlie also added 30 feet of 30 lb test Seaguar Fluorocarbon, not only as a shock leader, but with the lures making frequent contact with the bottom, this was keeping abrasion reduced greatly, and joining the braid to the 30 lb Seaguar is easy with a double Uni knot. Keeping in mind the size of fish possible, this was matched to a 6 foot leader of 50 lb test Seaguar Leader material in front of the lure, to combat the constant wrapping in the leaders, and the sharp teeth of trophy Lake Trout. The 100% Seaguar fluorocarbon is virtually invisible and is extremely abrasion resistant, much more than braided lines.
The morning of the second day didn’t take long before the first fish. With a beautiful, sunny calm morning, both Charlie and the Guide agreed the Lakers might be deeper yet, and 2 ounces of weight was added to the existing Jet Diver to add diving depth, it worked!!! 5 minutes in, the first 20+ lb Laker of the day. No more than 10 minutes after the first release, a hit that once again pinned the rod to the surface of the water with line peeling from the Okuma. Only this time the line never stopped for about 30 seconds, and the smooth drag of the Catalina kept an even steady pressure on the fish below, even as Charlie struggled to get the rod from the holder, then more line peeling from the reel in another powerful run! Great to have a quality reel and the line capacity when expectations of a dream come true could be on the end of the line. Several minutes of excitement later, the glow of a monster, and a Lake Trout close to the 50 lb mark was in the net and released. Wow, and on a custom painted lure at that. Shortly before the trip, Charlie wasn’t happy without a natural blue and silver lure with the flash of a white belly, so using automotive paints, one was done up quickly, and it was the magic colour for many of the larger fish. One day and only one hour of the trip in, and more Lake Trout than one could imagine, including the monster!! WOW!!! Ok, time to see how big the Pike are up at Cree, and that is covered in detail in other episodes.
One extra level of comfort was enjoyed this trip, Cree Lake runs the smooth riding 18 foot Crestliner Kodiak boats and 50 hp Mercury motors. No time wasted here from long slow runs around the lake, the Crestliner Mercury combo gets you comfortably around the lake, and much faster than most lodges that choose to think they save a little on fuel with smaller motors. The owner Brandon Schrieber has done his homework, and found the new Mercury 50 hp 4 stroke motors are even more fuel efficient than the smaller motors of other brands; and the lodge now enjoys the advantage of extra power and speed. Fuel is difficult to bring into remote locations, so no mistakes here. His philosophy is to keep you on the fish, move you to them quickly, and keep you happy. Even better, the best Lake Trout area is only 10 minutes from the lodge, no time wasted here!! How big are the Lake Trout here, who knows, many stories of guides chasing down fish that were spooling smaller reels, and long fights on lighter tackle ending in sad stories, are common. I know Charlie can’t wait to go back now knowing what waits below. Be prepared for weather, it is the Spring time in northern Saskatchewan, Charlie layers with the new Viking Evolution Jacket and Tri Zone rain gear. The Evolution is a warm, thin stylish jacket that is 100% waterproof and also windproof. Then add the other 100% Tri-Zone raincoat and bibs. The Tri Zone has a zip out inner fleece, giving options for warm, sun, pouring rain or cold days. Perfect when you can get all three during the same day.
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