Welcome and thank you for visiting
Pine Beach Lodge
We appreciate your time &
hope that you enjoy viewing our website
***ATTENTION***
EVERYONE NEEDS A PASSPORT NOW !!!
Starting on June 1, 2009, ALL US citizens will need a passport or a
passport card to travel anywhere and by any means outside the the United
States.
If you want to reenter the U.S. you must have a passport.
Visit our "Border Regulations" Page for further details and helpful links
April 21st 2010 -
Things have been busy around here. It felt like we were shot out of a slingshot
after the Mpls Sportsman Show and have been going, going ever since.
Currently we are in the throws of packing, cleaning and getting organized for
our move back to camp. It is hard to believe that this time has already
arrived. I have to say that the early spring that we have been blessed with,
has made it a lot easier to prepare.
It looks like we will be
departing on Monday April 26th. We heard from the locals that the ice is
ALREADY off of Eagle which is remarkable. Helen said that she has never arrived
to camp with the lake being open. It is a wonder how that is going to affect
the fishing - Rick said it will be for the better!
We have placed the order for the connection for our internet so hopefully that will be up and running upon our arrival. I will try to make a post to that you know we are up and running.
We no longer have a toll free line into camp - so in order to call us please dial direct at 807-227-5574.
We will be having an
eventful Spring as Rick purchased the materials for decking and will be
rebuilding decks on Cabin #1, 2, 4, 11A, B, C!
Other
than that things are well with us. We are all healthy and happy and looking
forward to getting back to PBL.
Hope all is well with you and we look forward to seeing you soon!
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Winter 2010
When evoking the memories from a previous season, we usually get a warm, sunny feeling inside but the 2009 year was anything but warm and sunny! The season began cool & wet and finished off the same way, with guests wearing long johns and sweat shirts during the middle of the summer months! The only good thing about such weather conditions was that the consistency of it made for steady fishing patterns. Although the guests were heading out in unseasonably cool weather, they were coming back to camp with great fishing stories and good catches.
We pulled into camp on Wed. April 29th and were excited to see that the camp had weathered the winter well. It sure was nice not having to deal with the clean up from a break in, which we had suffered the season before. Upon our arrival, ice was still covering the lake but it didn’t take long for it to go out, with Portage Bay opening up completely by May 5th.
As the guests woke up on opening day (May 16th) they were surprised to see a couple inches of snow on the ground and no water in their taps! The freezing temperatures led to frozen water and lines and frigid air. After shoveling out their boats, a few brave souls hit the lake and were back to camp not long after with their limit, which was a motivating factor for the other guests to bundle up and head out. When they returned to the dock with their catch, they noticed a new smiling face to great them. We are proud to announce Scott McNally as a new member to Pine Beach Lodge and one that we are very happy to have. Brennan Flickenger who was with us for many years suffered a sports injury and was unable to work at camp, so Scott stepped up to fill the position and did with ease. Thanks Scott!
After the essential cleaning and preparations needed to open the camp for a new season, we began the process of moving out of the old laundry shed and into the new building. This bright, open space will be used for camp laundry, grocery storage, and a large mechanical area for Rick to repair & fix boats, motors and anything & everything else! Once we were settled and working out of the new building, we put on the hard hats, fired up the skid steer and knocked down the old laundry shed! A portion of the building was left standing and will be used as a “guest services” featuring 3 washers/dryers, a commercial sized refrigerator, deep freeze and ice machine for guest use. Speaking of ice machine..the guests at the top of the hill will be happy to hear that they will no longer have to fight with the old ice machine by cabin #10! After years of patching it up, Rick finally decided it was time for a new one! You will be happy to hear that this one will produce over 1200lbs of ice in a 24hr period of time! That should be enough ice to keep your Labatt’s cool!
Now, for the technical stuff: In addition to the United States Government mandating that all US citizens must have a valid passport to return to the US, the Ontario Government also required non residents of Canada to purchase an Outdoors Cards along with their fishing license. If you purchased a Canadian fishing license during the 2009 season, a plastic, wallet-sized card issued by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources will be mailed to you. These cards are valid for 3 years from the date of issue. It is necessary that once you receive this card, you put it in safe place and bring it along with you on your next trip into Canada. If your Outdoors card is lost, stolen or destroyed call the Outdoors Card Centre at 1-800-387-7011.
The outlook for the 2010 season is looking good. With the pressure on the economy and finances we have decided once again not raise our rates. By doing so, we hope to pass along the opportunity to serve you, your friends, & family for another enjoyable year at Pine Beach Lodge.
Our projects for the spring of 2010 include new decks on Cabins #1, 2, 4 and 11 A, B & C. We will also be doing some roofing and of course work to the road!
All in all, when we look back on the 2009 season we are very happy with the outcome. Exciting musky stories with over 38 fish being caught including a massive 53 ½ caught by Mike Lehiti, lively bass catches, powerful trout adventures with the largest one weighing in at 22 lbs, and an incredible 4-way walleye tie!
Although our moose hunters (Rick, Jason Gorman & Guy Dittle) were not successful our bear hunters (Tim Ritter, David Lowe, Adam Klinkhammer, Nick Feyereisen, & Kevin Gorman) were! Congratulations to our three successful bear hunters: Dave, Adam and Nick on their triumphant hunts.
Top fisherman award jackets go to:
Northern John Turpin 44” (released)
Lake Trout Buck Buchite 38 1/2”
S.M. Bass Brian Johnson 20 ½
Mark Spriter 21 ½ (season not open)
Walley David Holm 30 1/2
Cale Brakke 30 ½
Trevor Jacobson 30 ½
Jeff Thurston 30 ½
Congratulations to these top anglers! We would also like to make note of the 53 ½ inch muskie that Mike Ramey caught in 2008 which had been overlooked in the printing of that newsletter. Congratulations Mike on your awesome catch.
Sport shows that we will attend this year:
All Canada - Pheasant Run St. Charles, IL Jan. 14th - 17th 2010
Northwest Sportsman Show Minneapolis, MN March 24 - 28th 2010
Opening day of fishing is MAY 15th 2010
Reservations: We would like to ask each and every one of our guests to PLEASE confirm your reservations as soon as you are able. Even if you made your reservation when you left last year - PLEASE CONFIRM!
Confirm by phone or e-mail
Helen Johnson 1-651-653-9250
Rick Fuerst 1-651-278-1129
E-mail
Helen pblfishing@aol.com
Rick & Allie allietesta@hotmail.com
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August 19th, 2009
It is officially nearing the end of summer and yet I am wondering where the summer went? The days have been wet, windy and cool feeling more like fall, rather than the warm summer time air that usually shines down on us at Pine Beach. Speaking of "beach" with as much rain fall as we have gotten here there is not much of a beach left! The water is up a couple of feet and the Eagle River Damn is free flowing with both gates wide open!
I can count on one hand the days that we have had warm weather. One of those days being last week when we topped out at 100 degrees Fahrenheit! And wouldn't you know, that is the day that Rick decided to tear down the old laundry shed! There is nothing like sweat, dust and DEMOLITION!
On the plus side...the fishing has been great! As long as you packed accordingly, and are not afraid to go out in the wind and rain, you will be coming back to camp with lots of healthy fish.
We had an exciting event happen during the first week of August, when Mike Lehiti was reeling in a nice walleye and a HUGE musky chomped onto it and took it down whole! Beings that Mike was walleye fishing, he did not have a net big enough to land such a large musky, so he called over to his brother in law's boat who was fishing near him. With the assistance of Donna Brakke who held the two boats together, while Alan & Brad Brakke netted the monster fish, all the while it was being filmed by Jeff Lehiti!
Watch the exciting catch of a 53 1/2 inch Musky on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNl5FhQ3LnI
As the season winds down, kids will be going back to school, the days will be getting shorter and the leaves will start changing color. We wish you and your family a happy fall season and a healthy autumn.
Thank you for your time and for visiting our webpage.
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June 1st, 2009,
Here we are three weeks after opener and I am just now placing a post on our newsletter!
As you can imagine we have been busy preparing for the season, getting things cleaned up and in order for the first guests.
Rick and Allie pulled into camp on Wed. April 29th and were excited to see that camp weathered the winter well. It sure was nice not having to deal with the clean up from the break ins that we had suffered from the season before.
Upon our arrival the ice was still covering the lake but it didn't take long for it to go out with the bay opening up completely on May 5th.
After three fun filled weeks of travels in China, Helen pulled into camp on May 11th She was excited to get back to camp and it didn't take long before the kitchen was filled with the fresh aromas of cinnamon rolls and bread.
As the guests woke up on opening day (May 16th) they were surprised to see a couple of inches of snow on the ground and no water in their taps! The freezing temperatures led to frozen water lines and frigid temperatures. After shoveling their boats out, a few brave souls hit the lake and were back to camp not long after with their limit which was a motivating factor for the other guests to bundle up and head out.
Unfortunately the cold and wet days have out numbered the nice days...but....the fishing has been great! The water is up a couple of feet making travels into Bottle and Muskeg a piece of cake.
As the season progresses we hope that fishing stays as plentiful and healthy as it is this spring.
We wish you all a happy and healthy summer and look forward to your visit to Pine Beach.
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December 16th, 2008,
2008 was an action packed year and all began with a painful back surgery! During the first week of March, Rick suffered from 3 herniated disks (L4,L5& S1) and went in for an emergency laminectomy at St. Johns Hospital. Under the steady hands of a great surgeon, the surgery was a success! However recovery was a slow and steady process. Throughout the summer Rick continued his rigorous physical therapy exercises and although he was put on physical restrictions, mentally he didn't miss a beat! As a matter of fact, back surgery and all, we would have to say that the summer of 2008 at Pine Beach Lodge, was a productive and successful season!
The season actually began prior to our arrival when on Easter morning we received a phone call informing us that camp had gotten broken into! As our minds raced with anticipation of damage and theft we had to wait and see first hand when we made the trip up. We pulled into camp on April 29th and we were greeted by ice on the lake, snow on the ground and a mess! Doors broken, glass shattered, and drawers turned upside down and things strewn about. Although the break in was disappointing and caused for a lot of additional work, we were happy that nobody was hurt and that the items missing were replaceable.
After resolving the burglary, the construction phase of 2008 began! A powerful crew of family, friends, and guests generously collaborated their knowledge and skills and constructed a new shed (behind the laundry house) which will serve as a staff wash house, storage shed, and workshop. With Rick unable to do much, if any of the physical work, the brunt of the construction fell on the shoulders of these friends, family and guests. The cabins and the lodge also received a fresh coat of Navajo Red, as all of camp got a professional paint job! Although we would like to personally list and thank each and every one of you, that have helped us in these project, the list would go on and on. So please know that we are grateful and indebted to all of you!
With the late arrival of spring, everything seemed to be a little off schedule. Although the cooler temperatures were a nuisance the fishing was fantastic! Numerous times throughout the year guests mentioned that “this is the best fishing I have ever had!” During spring, thru the hot summer months, and into the crisp fall, several trophy mounts were caught, as well as endless good size eaters.
Lake Trout fishing once again proved to be successful with two of the largest fish weighing in at 18 and 19 ½ lbs.
Walleye fishing was first rate with countless walleye being caught and released and the largest walleye of the season measuring 31 ½.
Northern fishing was rewarding with many active 35-40 inch fish and the largest being a 44 ½!
Small Mouth Bass fishing was active with many being caught in the 17-20 inch range, 5 of the 20 inch bass caught were prior to July 1st, therefore unable to be kept. Largest bass in season was 19 inches.
Muskie fishing was unsurpassed, an incredibly active year, with many being caught although none being legal. The largest Musky was caught by Mike Ramey on Sep. 5th measuring a remarkable 53 inches!
Top Fisherman award jackets go to:
Walleye: Sept 17 Jim Turpin 31 ½”
Northern: July 18 Randy Porubcan 44 ½”
Lake Trout: June 9 Jack Olinger 35”
Congratulations to these top anglers!
The moose hunters put in a steadfast effort but were unsuccessful in filling out their tags.
Sport Shows that we will be attending this year:
All Canada Pheasant Run Pheasant Run St. Charles, IL January 8th - 11th 2009
Northwest Sports Show Convention Center Minneapolis, MN March 12th - 15th 2009
Opening day of fishing is May 16, 2009!
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December 16th 2007,
Our families all had a wonderful holiday season and we wish the same for all of you.
Looking back to 2007 was a very different one. For the first time in 38 years, Helen missed the opener! She had to have some surgery, which has recovered and all is well again. However, the surgery and recovery time didn’t allow her to get to camp until June 12th.
Rick and Allie did a fantastic job of opening camp, and getting ready for the fisherman. Allie took over the position as chief cook and did a wonderful job. All was going well when Helen got to camp, as a matter of fact the day she pulled in Rick, Allie and all the guests had a big party for her arrival, which I was exciting.
On opening day we were greeted by a tremendous storm with icy temperatures and high winds. Rick, Brennan and some of our wonderful guest’s had to endure the bitter winds and frigid water temperatures while rebuilding the docks. Then in July another dynamic storm overwhelmed our beaches submerging boats and tearing apart the docks. Once again, Rick, Brennan and some our guests had to reconstruct them. The support that we received from our guests was remarkable and we can’t thank you enough for what you did for us and for Pine Beach Lodge.
Lake Trout fishing was exceptional again this year and sustained through out the whole season. Jack and Barb Olinger are becoming experts on how to catch lake trout on Eagle Lake. The largest trout was 22 ½ inches and 36 lbs.
Walleye Fishing was outstanding with many large walleye caught. There were many from 25 to 30 inches caught and released. The largest was 31” inches.
Northern was good as well, with many 35-40 inch being caught. The largest northern was 43 inches long and caught by 14 year old Reid Dittel! What a great fish for such a young fisherman.
The Small Mouth Bass were active, providing an exciting catch with many of them being caught in the 17 to 21 inch range. The 21 was caught before the SM Bass opener.
Muskie fishing was active. A lot were caught but none of them were a legal fish. 52 ½’ was the largest this year.
Top Fisherman award jackets go to:
Lake Trout: June 14 Guy Dittel 22 1/2” 36 lbs.
Walleye: Sept 16 Paul Buckmayer 31”
Northern: June 13 Reid Dittel 43”
SM Bass July 24 Gary Pietig 20”
Congratulations to these top anglers.
The Moose Hunters had a successful and prosperous hunt making them feel accomplished, taking one bull and one calf. The partridge and duck hunting was also very good again this year.
Sport Shows we will be attending:
All Canada Pheasant Run St. Charles, IL Jan.
N.W. Sports Show Convention Center Minneapolis, MN March
Opening Day of fishing is MAY 2008!
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December 21st, 2006,
The holiday season is approaching and so is a new year and we would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.
As we look forward to 2007, we also reflect upon 2006 with fond memories.
2006 was an exciting year at Pine Beach, and offered everything from high temperatures, forest fires, big fish, engagements, new guests and new babies!
Along with that exciting news there was also some changes that took place:
As the guests of Pine Beach made their trek down the road into camp, they were pleasantly surprised by the condition of the road! After several loads of gravel dumped and numerous grades, we finally got it into good driving shape, which everyone seemed very happy about.
The Brakke family will celebrate 35 years of coming to Pine Beach in 2007! Over the last 35 years the family has grown to a remarkable 38 people! We thank them and do appreciate their patronage over all of these years!
Due to a warm and dry season, the lake level was low. However, the fishing was great!
Walleye was very good all season long! Many nice sizes caught most released. Northern was also good all season with many nice sizes caught, released and kept. Lake Trout fishing has gotten better and better every year and this year was one of the best! Jack and Barb Olinger had a great Lake Trout season. Way to go! Small Mouth Bass was fun with many being caught. Muskie were very active with the 2006 season being one of the best I have seen in many years, with many being seen and many caught.
We are excited to announce the Top Fisherman Award Jackets for 2006 go to.......
Walleye: August 17 Larry Peterson 30 ½ inches
Northern: June 30 “Muskie Jim Chamberland 42 1-2 inches
S.M. Bass: July 30 Jim Frische 20 inches
Lake Trout: June 7 Brian Sword 34 inches
Muskie: Sept. 9 John Turpin 52 ½ inches
Congratulations to these top anglers!
Moose hunting was slow again this season. Better luck to the guys in 2007!
The partridge and duck hunting on the other hand was very good!
Sport Shows we will be attending this year:
All Canada Pheasant Run St. Charles IL Jan. 11-14 ’07
Northwest Sports Show Minneapolis MN March 27-April 1 ‘07
Opening day of fishing is May 19th 2007!
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May 16th 2006,
To the Guests of Pine Beach Lodge,
I can't believe that we are already getting prepared to open camp for the 2006 Season, how exciting!
Helen, Rick and Allie pulled in on April 20th 2006, and to our surprise, the ice was already off the lake! This was especially good news for Rick, who had a lot of work to do on the docks, due to a storm that came through last fall, which had caused some damage.
Although the docks needed some repair, the camp weathered the winter season well and so far the spring weather has been cooperating with us and has made the outdoor work and cabin cleaning a lot easier to accomplish.
As we look back onto the healthy, successful and BUSY year of 2005 we have a lot to be thankful for! The fishing was great with a variety of fish and sizes being caught and released, the weather was fantastic, and the water level on the lake was good and consistent.
We are proud to announce the Top Fisherman Award Jackets for 2005 go to......
Walleye: July 24th Kyle Simon 31"
Northern: Sept. 14th Junior Wells 45"
SM Bass: Aug. 16th Riley McClarran 19.5"
Lake Trout: May 22nd Ray Schinerio 36"
Lake Trout: May 22nd Donna Barry 36"
Muskie: Sept. 23rd Randy Proubcan 56"
Congratulations to these top anglers and to Randy and Alan on their large Muskie catches!
Although the hunting season was slow for the guys, the weather was great and we look forward to a stronger hunt in 2006!
In addition the the normal winter activities that keep us busy throughout the season, we also had a wedding! We are proud to announce the marriage of Rick and Allie, which took place at sea on the Grand Princess Jan. 22nd 2006!
Sportsman Shows Attended in 2005:
All Canada - Pheasant Run - St. Charles IL - Jan 12th-15th
Northwest Sportsman Show - Minneapolis MN - March 28th-April 2nd
Our family had a wonderful holiday season and we hope the same for you and your's.
Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing you AT THE LAKE!
For further information on Pine Beach Lodge, please e-mail pblfishing@aol.com
Or, to contact us, via mail or by phone, visit our "Contact Us" page for our info.
