2006 Canoe Trip Information

2008 Canoe Trip Information

To our guests: Even though this may not be your first trip with us, please read the following carefully as there are some changes. It is very important that you review this material and pass it on to other members of your party. By doing so, everyone will have the knowledge to ensure the trip goes smoothly. Additional copies are available online at http://www.loonhaunt.com/canoeing/info

This is the final authority on everything you need to know about fishing with us at Loon Haunt Outposts. We include answers to many questions and supply information on a variety of important topics. Please review carefully and remember to contact only us in the event of further questions or concerns. We know our operation better than anyone and would be glad to help you. We have had problems in the past several seasons with guests who disregarded our instructions and instead, in one case, followed the advice of a well meaning but totally uninformed local taxi driver. As a result the guests arrived late and without fishing licences. When in doubt please ask. Remember assumption is the mother of all screw ups.

A great source of general information about travel to north-west Ontario is www.infonorth.net

BEER, POP, WATER AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUESTS: (Beer $41.000 U.S./cs24 cans tax incl. Pop $10.00 U.S./cs24 +tax, Water $6.00 U.S./cs24 + tax) We arrive at a beer price by taking the current price in Red Lake in Canadian dollars and converting that price to U.S. dollars by applying the current rate of exchange. These prices will only change if the local price or exchange rate changes. Why is beer so expensive? In Canada the big breweries are unionized and wages are fair. Both the Federal and Provincial governments levy high taxes on beer, liquor and cigarettes. In Canada we pay $41.00 for a case of beer, $35.00 for a bottle of whisky and $8.00-$10.00 for a package of cigarettes but heart bypass surgery is free. I guess it all evens out in the end.

TRAVEL PLANS: It is important for us to know your plans and if/where you will be staying in Red Lake the night before your flight. Last minute changes by the airways and important messages from home necessitate our knowing where you can be reached.

CUSTOMS: Use common sense in your dealings with Customs. It is a good idea to turn off the radio, roll down all the windows and remove sunglasses. Appoint 1 person, (usually the driver), to be the group spokesman and have all identification papers ready for viewing. Be courteous and respectful and you’ll be treated the same way. You are permitted to bring into Canada a reasonable supply of groceries for your stay and one case of beer (24) OR one quart of liquor or wine (40 oz.=1.14 liter). Up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes or 2 pounds of tobacco may be allowed entry. It is worthwhile stopping at the duty free shop in International Falls, World Duty Free 218-283-2556. This shop is the last building in the U.S. before you head across the tracks toward the bridge. They can offer you considerable savings on liquor and cigarettes. If you are traveling in more than one vehicle, the distribution of beer or liquor and cigarettes must correspond to the distribution of people in the vehicles.

IMMIGRATION: The long standing practice by border officials of allowing oral declarations of U.S. citizenship at the border is over. Adults aged 19 and over, must be able to prove identity (photo ID like a driver’s licence) and citizenship ( original birth certificate, not a photocopy or a passport.) Those of you arriving by air must have a passport. If you have children with you, but their parents are not a part of the group, special rules apply. You should have along their original birth certificates and a notarized letter of permission from their parents. The phone number for Canada Customs in Fort Frances is 807-274-3655. For answers to all questions at the border, check out the website www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

There seems to be much confusion about border crossing and current passport requirements by the U.S. border officials and the latest information we have indicates that the new enforcement date is now June 1st of 2009. If you do not yet have a passport you should definitely consider applying for one. A passport indicates to the border officials that you have a security clearance issued by the United States government. Consider it your contribution to improving Homeland Security. Another website with good information is http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

You should be aware that with the increase in computer use in government agencies, the people at Canadian Immigration have access to your complete record with law enforcement in the U.S. Felons are denied access to Canada. The problem arises with a DUI conviction. DUI is a felony in Canada and if you have a DUI in the U.S. you will be regarded as a felon in Canada. There is a time limit on old DUI’s of 10 years. If you need more information, try www.cic.gc.ca. You should be aware that MACE and PEPPER SPRAY are illegal in Canada. Don't even think about bringing guns!

THE INTERNATIONAL FALLS BRIDGE: Be advised of the toll system in effect. Toll for use of the bridge is collected northbound only. This is not a tax for going to Canada, but rather a charge by the bridge owner, Boise Cascade of Boise, Idaho.

MOTEL RESERVATIONS: To view lodging choices for the Red Lake area, go to www.norsemancapital.com and follow the links. If, like most of our guests, you are planning to overnight in Red Lake before flying in - please make motel reservations early. The summer is shaping up to be a very busy one for the local motels because of increased mining activity in the area. There will be very limited rooms available, please plan accordingly. Listed alphabetically, the choice is as follows:

Balmer Motor Hotel phone 807-735-2076 fax 807-735-2530 Toll free phone 1-888-615-2161. Situated in Balmertown (6 miles from Red Lake). This is a good choice for those who fly to Red Lake. Free shuttle service to the hotel from the airport and then to Green Airways in the morning. This establishment has a main hotel with bar and also an annex. Rates are slightly higher at the newer, quieter annex. We have had many favorable comments on the adjoining restaurant. Approximately $86.00 Canadian for a single plus tax, in the main hotel. $8.00 for each additional person in the room. Almost next door is the Village Variety store which sells liquor. The phone/fax number for Village Variety is 807-735-2325. Righty’s Sports Bar, across the street, serves light fare and is a favorite hangout for the serious sports buff. www.norsemancapital.com/accommodations/Balmer/index.html

Chukuni River Campground 1-800-268-0910 This campground is located on the Chukuni river, midway between Red Lake and Balmertown. A very economical place to stay. $25.00/night/camper for 2 people and $3.50 for each additional person. Stay in your own tent for $18.00/night. Owned by the Fischers. Email is fischer@goredlake.com www.norsemancapital.com/camping/chukuni/

Classic Accommodation Bed and Breakfast Our latest information indicates this place is now closed.

Howey Bay Motel Phone 807-727-3419. Toll free number 1-877-464-6939. Situated in Red Lake across from the Sobey’s food store, this establishment has been totally renovated in the last 2 years. There is an adjacent restaurant and bar. Approximately $90.00 Canadian for a single and $96.00 for a double, plus tax. www.norsemancapital.com/accommodations/Howeybay/index.html

Nature’s Inn phone 807-735-2626 website address www.naturesinn.net This establishment is located in Balmertown, 6 miles from Red Lake. They offer very nice rooms in quiet surroundings. Their rate is $92.00 Canadian for a single with $10.00 for each additional person in the room, plus tax. There is no restaurant or bar at this establishment. The restaurant at the Balmer and Righty’s sports bar are a short walk away (see Balmer Motor Hotel above).

Norseman Inn Phone 807-727-2858, fax 807-727-1907 Toll free number 1-866-665-6608. Situated in Red Lake, close to the Esso service station. Approximately $89.00 Canadian for a single and $99.00 for a double, plus tax. The Norseman Country Kitchen, located next door is open to patrons of the Norseman Inn. www.norsemancapital.com/accommodations/Nmaninn

On the Lake Suites and Accommodations 807-727-2044. Another choice when looking for a place to stay. Owned by Bud and Malinda Murray, this place is situated on a quiet residential street overlooking Howey Bay. The website is www.onredlake.com email is info@onredlake.com

Red Lake Bed And Breakfast Michelle has informed us that she is totally booked for the summer of 2008 with workers in the mineral exploration field and will not be open to the public.

Red Lake Inn This hotel has been sold and is no longer open to the public. It is now a bunkhouse for the many men working in the mineral exploration field.

Northwoods Waterfront Inn and Restaurant is closed.

There is plenty of room to camp at our Stormer Lake landing the night before your trip if you wish. Just let us know you plan to camp there and help yourself. We supply tents for your trip. If you wish to camp at the Stormer Lake landing you will have to bring a tent for that.

MAPS: We have enclosed maps of Red Lake and the highways along the way. Also included are copies of your route maps and a map showing how to get to our landing at Stormer Lake.

FISHING LICENCES: We do not sell fishing licences! It is essential that you pick up your fishing licence any time after crossing the border. Licences are available at most gas stations in Fort Frances. Try Rainy Lake Sports, between the Harborage Restaurant and Bayview Motel as you are on your way out of town. Close to the river, they open early and stay open late. About 15 miles east of Fort Frances on Highway 11(left side of road). is a large Shell gas station and convenience store called The Great Bear that carries licences. On Highway 502, try the Mallard’s Nest (also the last gas station until Dryden). In Dryden, try Riverside Sports in the Fas Gas station. In Vermilion Bay, try Bobby’s (also the Esso station). In Ear Falls, the Four Seasons Sport Shop, the Pit Stop and Smitty’s all close to the highway. If you make it all the way to Red Lake without finding a licence vendor, try Red Lake Marine, Mitchel’s Midtown Grocery or TJ’s Kwik Stop (the ESSO station). You will have a choice of several different licences, but only one is of interest to you - (the Non Resident 8 day Conservation Licence), because we have gone to a "no take home fish plan." By purchasing the 8 day Conservation Licence for $24.28 (Canadian), you can possess up to 2 Walleyes and 2 Northerns for eating. The maximum size for Walleyes is 18 inches and 27 inches for Northerns

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS: As part of our package, we include a radio to contact us 24/7 in the event of an emergency. The radio is a small hand held portable with a "throw up antenna". The unit is packed in a waterproof shell box. Please remind me to show you how to operate the radio when I drop you off.

GROCERIES: Most people who canoe with us are seasoned veterans and bring a mixed bag of fresh food to eat in the early part of the week and freeze dried food for later in the week. Plan on eating a lot of fish. Gander Mountain in Duluth has a great selection of freeze dried foods. If you are bringing your own groceries, DO NOT BRING POTATOES. There seems to be some problem at Canada Customs with potatoes and they are often confiscated.

LIVE BAIT: You will be canoeing in a part of Ontario where live bait is prohibited. See information on lures below.

OVERWEIGHT: Keep the weight down! You will have to carry everything over the portage. Pack everything in pack sacks. No pack boards. Pack boards are for back packing, not canoeing. We simply cannot fit pack boards into the aircraft. Maximum baggage is 60 pounds per person.

AIRWAYS: Call us at 735-2400 (local call) when you get to town and we can arrange a pick up time at the Stormer Lake landing. If you will be delayed call 1-877-773-5564 and let us know your plans.

VEHICLE PARKING: There is plenty of free parking space at our Stormer Lake landing. If I am not there when you get to Stormer, unload and get ready and I will be in shortly. Stack your gear off to the side and out of the way. Please park your vehicle out of the way and do not bother the neighbors if I am a few minutes late. My airplane is white, black and red.

WHAT TO BRING: Groceries, first aid kit, insect repellent, sun screen, mosquito coils, rubber boots, camera, good quality rain gear, fishing licence, playing cards, matches, life vest, sleeping bag and (tent if you plan to camp at Stormer.) A bug proof mesh jacket is a very good addition to your gear. Don’t forget the cooking utensils, a foam mattress and an ax. A disposable Weekend 35 camera is $12 at Walmart. It is completely waterproof and can be left in the tackle box for photo trophies. If you send us a copy of one of your photos, we will enter you in a draw for a free trip. Please bring sufficient CASH OR TRAVELER’S CHEQUES to pay the balance owing on your trip.

RAINSUITS: We always tell people that the likelihood of good weather is directly related to the quality of their rain suits. If you got it at Kmart for $5.99, it will rain all week. If you have a $400.00 Gortex rain suit, it may never rain on you again!

PROVEN LURES FOR CATCHING FISH: For Walleyes - jigs (3/8 and ½ ounce) and a minnow or night crawler. If you don’t use crawlers, then the new scent impregnated plastic bodies(Gulp) also work well followed by the regular plastic bodies (twister tails) in a variety of colours including white, black, yellow, orange and florescent green. Also bring along small plugs (Rappala and Rebel) and spoons (Daredevil and Little Cleo). Lures for Northerns include Mepps Spinners, Red Eyes, Daredevils, Buzz Baits and a selection of large plugs. A large white twister tail added to the trailing hook on any of the above works well. You will have very little trouble releasing fish if you bend the barbs down on your hooks. Include a pair of side cutters in case you need to remove an impaled hook.

BE YOUR OWN WEATHERMAN: With careful observation, you can predict the coming weather. Our prevailing winds are from the west and indicate stable weather. A north wind brings colder air while a south wind will bring warmer weather that usually lingers for a few days. When the winds switch to the east, it signals an approaching front - almost always bringing rain within 24 hours. This too, will take up to 24 hours to blow itself out. To view the current Red Lake weather please click here http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/71854.html

GARBAGE: We expect you to burn all paper, cardboard, etc. in your camp fires Crush all cans and bring with you for the flight out. Do not leave ANY garbage in the bush or water.

FLYING IN AND OUT: Rather than include my long winded speech on bush flying, please just keep the following in mind. When flights are delayed due to weather - sit back and relax. We will get you in a little later than planned but safe and sound. We have been flying in these conditions for many years. In reality, we rarely have delays.

TO FIND OUR STORMER LAKE BASE: On your way out of Red Lake, take a left turn onto highway 125 by the Township of Red Lake sign. Follow the highway toward Cochenour. After passing the 2 turnoffs to Balmertown, watch for the Nungesser road. (there is a big blue truck garage right beside the road) Turn right onto the Nungesser road and travel for 45 miles. Watch on the left for a sign that reads STORMER LAKE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CENTER. Turn left onto this road and travel half a mile to a small road off to the right (the only one). Turn right onto this road and drive on down to the lake. You are now at our landing and I will be there shortly to pick you up. If you miss the turnoff from the Nungesser road, you will end up passing a lake on your left and you will see a sign for STORMER WILDERNESS CAMP. You have gone too far, turn around and go back half a mile. (see map)

IMPORTANT: Postage to Canada is 72 cents for a normal letter size.

Reminders for 2008:
*We offer only the no take home fish plan.
*Maximum size on Walleye is 18 inches and on Northern 27 inches.
*You must have a life jacket (personal flotation device) for each person in the canoe. Please bring your own.

We have almost reached the 21st century here in Northwestern Ontario and your cell phone should work most of the way to Red Lake. The big problem is the local cell phone company does not have a working relationship with your cell phone company and they will charge you extra. You will probably have to give them a credit card number for charges.(there are some areas without coverage along Highway 502) Once you fly north of Red Lake, the cell phones no longer work.

ENROUTE INFORMATION: Radar Warning Devices. Radar detectors are illegal in Ontario. The fine for using one is in excess of $350. You should be aware that the Ontario Provincial Police have radar detector detectors. If yours is turned on they will pull you over (you don’t have to be speeding) and they will confiscate your detector and fine you.

CLOQUET CUTOFF: If you are traveling north on Highway 35 from Minneapolis to Duluth you can bypass the congestion of Duluth and save about 20 miles by taking the Cloquet cut off…..20 miles south of Duluth one mile past the weigh scale is Exit #237 to highway 33. The cut off exits on the right side of highway 35 then rises up and crosses above highway 35. You will pass through Cloquet and join highway 53 about 20 miles north of Duluth. Highway 33 (the cut off) is now divided highway most of the way.

HIGHWAY 502: To travel from Fort Frances to Red Lake most people take highway 502 through Dryden. Leave Fort Frances traveling east on Highway 11 about 20 miles then turn north on Highway 502. Watch for the bad curves in the first 10 miles or so when the highway crosses Crow Rock Bay. Of course you filled your gas tank before leaving International Falls. Highway 502 is about 115 miles to Dryden. When you reach the stop sign TURN RIGHT and go through Dryden. Turn left at the lights and then left again at the 4 way stop and then left again at the lights. The following map will guide you. If you need gas at a 24 hour station turn right at the second lights instead of left as in above and you will immediately see the 24 hour gas station and convenience store.

How to get to our Stormer Lake base

Madden Map Willis Map