2014 Episode Synopsis
Episode 251 : Cree Lake Monsters
Today, the Mercury Marine Destination takes us up to Cree Lake Lodge in Northern Saskatchewan. Many lakes at Northern fly in lodges have big Pike, but this lake is exceptional. The lack of fishing pressure or the forage base, I am not sure what the magic recipe is, but something must be responsible, this lake has numbers of Pike, and some true monsters around every corner. 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.
Today, Charlie is faced with two different situations, a shallow, stained, weed filled area, and the other a gin clear bay. First, Charlie has always had great luck with the Live Target Blueback Herring lures on these Pike lakes, but a new lure from Live Target is the Mullet Wake bait. The Mullet is made from the same tooth resistant, puncture proof plastic as the Blueback Herring, only designed to run on the surface at slow speeds, or just under with a normal retrieve speed. This jointed lure has an amazing action, and a rattle that calls up the big fish in the stained water like magic. With so many huge Pike completely engulfing this Mullet, Charlie decided to take the tail treble hook off to make it easier on the fish, and for releasing purposes. This beautifully balanced lure even had great action with only the belly hooks on, and the back jointed tail section of the Mullet danced with the same alluring action that drove the Pike into a frenzy.
As is quite often the case in Pike lakes, around the next corner is a new challenge to contend with, a Crystal clear bay full of monsters. Spooky from noise and the presence of the boat.....not too sure about anything suspicious looking; time for leaders with the invisible Seaguar Fluorocarbon leader material. Even the 100 lb test is invisible in the water and makes for incredible clear water leaders. The secret here is that the Seaguar Fluorocarbon resin has almost the same refraction index as water, so while it looks like thick mono out of the water, in the water it is virtually invisible, the fish simply can’t see it. Matched to a darting flashing Northland Live Forage spoon, the hits were arm jarring! That’s when you know you have them completely fooled. Hooks are easily damaged from the crushing power of big Pike, not to mention, nets and pliers. Once a hook’s strength looks compromised, Charlie is quick to replace them with his trustworthy Mustad 3X trebles. These are not only extremely strong, but thin, not thick and heavy. Thick and heavy would lend to changing the lures action.
One extra level of comfort was enjoyed this trip, Cree Lake runs the smooth riding 18 foot Crestliner Kodiak boats and 60 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 60 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. Charlie is certainly going back!! Charlie also noticed that unlike some lodges on big water, that have some of the best areas inaccessible on windy days. Cree Lake offered a wind protected run from area to area, even on windy days the islands and back cuts kept the run enjoyable.
This is no area to come to without proper equipment. If you are going to pay for a once in a lifetime, dream come true trip, bring equipment that can handle trophy fish. You will encounter several each day. Stories back at the dinner table have lengthy fights with 20+lb Pike and even larger Pike breaking free, and spooled reels from hefty Lake Trout, come prepared. Charlie brought up his favorite Pike gear, and caught several beautiful 50 inch - 30 lb Pike this episode. His standard ‘go to’ casting gear for trophy Pike is the Okuma medium Heavy C3 rods and Okuma Komodo reels loaded with 50 lb test Seaguar Kanzen braid. The C3 rods are light in weight for all day comfort when casting, but have unbelievable power for hook sets and stopping power. The Okuma Komodo reels are small, light, and feature a smooth drag. Heavy duty aluminum gearing and shaft keep this reel extremely light at only 6.5 oz, and the 11 ball bearings will keep it smooth for years. Available in both 5.4:1 and 7.3:1 speeds, Charlie likes the faster 7.3:1 for quick line pick up and speeds to trigger hits from these speedy gators when needed. The Seaguar Kanzen braided lines have only been available for a couple of years now, but have quickly become a favorite. This tight braid is sensitive, tough, excellent knot strength and offer a no stretch hook set and control over large fish that makes it perfect for these monster Pike. 50 lb test is the choice for today.
One valuable piece of equipment that sometimes is over looked is quality eyewear. Quality sunglasses not only protect your eyes from damaging UV rays, but cut the glare on the water and offer a view around you, including seeing fish to cast at, or those monsters that turn away, following just outside of the boats shadow. The Maui Jim sunglasses Charlie was using, definitely gave an advantage for sight casting to the shadows for monsters lying in wait, and even the direction they turned and swam away to. Sunglasses are smart to wear at all times in the boat, and will protect your eyes from flying hooks. Even on dark days, an amber or rose lens colour can brighten up the surroundings to help you see better. Make sure the glasses are polarized, that is what helps to cut the glare on the water.
No one wants to be uncomfortable, and when you are in the far north, it can go from sunny and warm, to cold and wet in minutes and back again the entire day. Dress in layers and be prepared. Charlie loves the Viking rainwear, the coats and bibs are standard equipment. Even when the jacket comes off, Charlie leaves on the bibs to protect from the constant boat side splashing and slimy tail slaps during the day, keeping his clothes clean underneath. The new Viking Evolution jackets are a thin, lightweight, 100 % waterproof, wind block jacket that offers a perfect layer under the Viking Tempest Raincoat, for a warm comfortable combo on even the coldest day. Even the lightweight Bekina boots are part of Charlie’s perfect element battling attire. These polyurethane boots are light and comfortable on warm days, warm on cool days, and ready for any rainstorm or even leaving the boat for shore lunch without worry of getting wet. Proper equipment is not only rods and reels; it is everything to make your day enjoyable and successful.
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