2008 started off slowly, with ice remaining on most of the lakes until 5 days before the season began. This made it hectic to try and get the cabins open for the first week. We did have to move some groups to different lakes, but we were able to accommodate everyone, and believe everyone was happy with the arrangements. The weather seemed to co-operate for the most part, with only one weekend of bad weather the whole summer, which caused some issues with groups going in and coming out.

We did not encounter any major problems last year other than some issues with ethanol. With the unannounced introduction of ethanol by our local gasoline dealers, we were unaware of the properties of ethanol and the steps that needed to be taken before switching, to ensure a trouble free transition. We did run into some problems with motor performance and contaminated fuel, but we managed to resolve the issues which arose, and have since switched to premium gas (which has no ethanol) at most of the camps. All the camps and portages are now using 2 stroke 9.9hp Yamahas. The 2 strokes will no longer be produced after 2009, so we will be trying out some 4 stroke motors on Knox. The 4 strokes are supposed to be a lot more fuel efficient, so we will try them out and will rely on feedback from those groups on Knox, in order do decide whether we will switch to them, or purchase all 2 strokes.     

2008 was a busy year and some of the improvements we made last year were: Replacing the deck at Robert North, reroofing Murdock and Mimi South, replacing the rotting wall, the dock and the deck at Peisk North, sanding and re-staining the dining area floor at Peisk North, leveling the cabins at Peisk North and Knox, replacing Kitchen cabinets and countertops at Mimi North, and replacing the chimneys at Robert South and Peisk North. We also added more batteries to the solar systems at each cabin to increase runtime for the electrical system

Some of the improvements we are looking at for this coming year are: reroofing Peisk North, leveling the cabin and replacing cabinets and countertops at Mimi South, and replacing the decks on Peisk South and Knox. We would welcome any suggestions as to what we could do to improve the camps, without detracting from their rustic appeal. We feel that their appearance is one of the factors that attract our customers

We will continue to provide drinking water for each group, but are limiting the amounts to 5gal per person per week. Any amounts above that can be accommodated, but an extra charge will apply. We also will no longer offer discounts for flying in gear/beer ahead of time. All overweight items will be charged at the same rate, which will be 75 cents per pound.

In an effort to make the season run smoothly, please check with CFF, not Chimo Air Service, regarding flight schedules. We ask this to avoid scheduling conflicts and confusion. We would also like to remind you that any extra flights out to the camps during the week, to deliver extra food/beer/bait, will result in a surcharge of $150.00 which will be due at the end of your trip.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has implemented a new system for purchasing fishing licenses. Everyone will be required to purchase a Non-Canadian resident Outdoors Card ($9.00) in addition to the annual fishing license, which will be available at the CFF office. The Outdoors card is a plastic wallet-sized card used by the MNR for identification and administration purposes, which will be valid for 3 years. After 3 years, the MNR will send out renewal packages to each person. If you have any questions, you can call the Outdoors card centre at this number 1-800-387-7011.

We look forward to seeing all of you this year and appreciate you choosing CFF.

Here’s to a great 2009 Fishing Season!!!!!

Diane
(Of course all of CFF (Evelyn, myself, Stan, Ryan and Bob) wish you the best for this season)

Your hosts at CFF:

We feel very privileged to have so many of our guests continue with us year after year and we are looking forward to sharing another incredible season with you!

Canadian Fly-In Fishing (Red Lake) Ltd.

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