My wife Mona and I are members of the Green Bay Area Great Lakes Sport Fishermen Club for probably about 20 years now if not more? I was on the e-board for most of those years and Mona was in charge of membership for several years as well.
The Club has an annual outing which involves area Special Olympics Groups. We run a raffle to raise funds so that we can invite Special Olympians from surrounding Counties to an outing which includes fishing in a trout pond full of trout, having them cleaned and ready for the frying pan when they get home, as well as a lunch or snack and beverages. The Club has been involved in this program for a good number of years now.
I mentioned the Raffle earlier, that is how we raise our funds to cover the cost of this event. There are special individuals and businesses that donate goods and services to help our Club with their support. One of those businesses is operated by Glen and Shirley Roulston who manage Route Lake Lodge on Route Lake about 20 some miles North of Dryden, Ontario. To make a long story short, Mona and I won the trip last spring at our annual Smelt Fry. We had been to Canada on fishing trips 3 times before, but figured what the heck - I have the week of Labor Day off and if Mona can get off - let's do it. On the way up there I mentioned to Mona that it could be our final "Bucket Trip" to Canada.
All I can say is that we both recommend the experience if you can do it. If you are looking for a place to go to get away from the day to day hassle this is it. I'm not saying your secluded from civilization but you can throw away your cell phone.
When you arrive at the boat landing you are greeted by Glen with their new pontoon boat. They pick up you and your "Stuff" and transport you for about 10 minutes or so to the Lodge.
The cabins are modern and clean and the electricity is supplied by solar power or one of the two diesel generators.
We were the last (and only for that week) fishermen booked for the season and we were told we had the best weather all summer. It was in the 80's every day.
The Lake is known for Walleye, Northern, Lake Trout, and Perch. Mona and I caught and released more Walleye then we had ever caught before.
We really enjoyed the trip so if it is ever offered again - buy some raffle tickets; not only are you supporting a great cause, you may get lucky. Otherwise if you have to pay full price - it'll be definitely worth it.
Below are a few of the 1,000 something pictures we took.
Mona caught this Walleye that was a keeper just under the slot size.
John caught and released this Northern Pike which was just over 30" and in the slot.
Sunset on Route Lake. Photo was taken from the deck of the Cabin.
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