Come See us On FaceBook!! Phone Forwarding Problems...

This is just an update to all of you that are currently trying to contact us via phone. Our phones are forwarded to us here in the States, but doesn't alway cooperate with us. If you have problems reaching us through our toll-free number, please call us directly on our Cell Phone at (918) 636-6748. We are also checking our e-mails frequently, so drop us a line if you'd like!

We are also updating our FaceBook Page more often, so for regular updates, please check us out there!

Fall Update - Or is it??

Well, we are still experiencing one of the warmest Septembers on record for Northwestern Ontario! We are seeing temps in the 70s during the day (it hit 81 yesterday!) and lows in the 50s at night. The forecast is telling us it will cool off later this week, but we'll see.

As for the fishing, the walleye are scattered from anywhere in 5 ft of water to 25 ft of water, so its anyone's game out there and there are several groups bringing in their limits of walleyes, northerns and lots of perch. Anywhere from simple jigheads and minnows/crawlers to trolling cranks are catching the eyes right now.

Muskies & northerns are doing good right now with several following up those hooked up northerns/walleyes. No problems catching numbers of northern right now.

We've got a couple more weeks left here and then we're headed for Oklahoma. We have enjoyed all of you that have made it up this year! Please keep us updated to the weeks that you are wanting reserved for the 2010 Season! Spots are going quickly!

Very Warm Fall Weather...

We are still seeing un-seasonably warm weather for this Fall, with temps ranging in the mid to upper-70s during the day and falling to around 50 at night. We had a nice little rain-storm lastnight that really didn't cool things off much. We'll see how the next few days pan out.

As for the fishing, we've had a good late-evening bite for walleyes and some very nice smallies caught the last few days as well. Perch by the plenty, too!

Fall Fishing Update

The weather here has been summer/spring-like here for the last couple of weeks. The water temps have actually been the warmest the last week than it has all year. The walleye bite is consistent right now, with most being caught by trolling/jigging. We've also had plenty of muskie sightings and big ones caught in the last two weeks, as well.

We have a great group of people here from all walks of life, Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa and Illinois... We want to thank all of you who've chosen us to spend their vacations with. Thank you for making us one of the busiest camps in this area!! Also, keep an eye on our Face Book page, as well...

Update for August 19, 2009

The weather is starting to cool off this week with plenty of showers and highs in the 50s and low 60s. We've seen our fair share of rain these days, with thunderstorms moving thru this evening, as well. This has brought the lake level up about a foot the last week or two.

As for the fishing, the eater-size walleye are plenty with a few bigger ones being caught this week, as well. Casey guided yesterday morning w/ over 27 walleye being brought in w/in the first hour...Everyone had their limits in the first 15 minutes. Its a finesse presentation right now, with jigging and back-trolling both being effective. With so many eaters being caught, this goes to show how the slot sizes have worked substantially for Eagle Lake!

The muskie are moving around pretty well, with plenty of big ones being razed... Make sure that you keep an eye on our new Facebook page, as well. Posts are directly posted onto your main page if you become a Fan!

Update to August 17, 2009

Sorry that we've not been posting regularly on this site. I've been keeping up with the posts on FaceBook, though, so this site is being a little neglected.

The weather has gotten the fishing off on some crazy patterns, as we are seeing more rain in the last 2-3 weeks than we've seen all summer! It finally warmed up in the last two weeks, so we are seeing lots of thunderstorms popping up. The lightning doesn't agree w/ our aluminum boats, so that means a little less time on the water for those of you lucky enough to be here for those.

As for the fishing, the walleye are still scattered with all of the fronts and storms moving through, but my fishermen are catching eyes. Bait is the key for the walleyes, but artificials are working great for everything else. Some nice smallmouth being caught w/ the largest being at 18 1/2 inches just caught last week.

The muskie are active, as well, with tons of follow-ups.

Come join up on Facebook and we'll get you a post right on your wall!!

Update for July 26, 2009

We have really done a sorry job in keeping up with regular posts here. Bottom line, we've been extremely busy thanks to you. While other camps seem to be slow, our business is booming! We still have full camp right now, which is great! Thank you!

For those of you regulars, some of our weeks for June 2010 are getting full, so if you would like to snatch your week's trip, just let us know. We'll pencil you in for now.

As for fishing, its been a very cool summer, overall, so a lot of the weed structure is not to the norm. Last week, the walleye were suspended, pretty much all over the lake, but they are still biting. Just having to fish them different. We had a great group of guys in last week.

Took Caden & Tyler out fishing this evening and the walleye are still close to the surface. Walleye fishing was excellent tonight. Not the norm for this time of year but the weather's not been normal all year. We don't mind the temps as much because I hear that some of you have contended with some record heat this summer...glad to be here...we'll keep our highs in the 60s and 70s.

Again, check out our Facebook page for Bear Trail!

New Facebook Page for Bear Trail Lodge

Feel free to check out our new site on Facebook. We will be utilizing that venue, as well as this one, to communicate better with our guests. This way, if we have any new info, it is immediately sent to your page.

If you have questions about this new site, or any other questions, for that matter, just let us know! Thanks!

Update to Week 10 - July 19, 2009

The weather here has been less than desirable with cool temps in the 50s and low 60s for daytime highs and down into the 40s at night. Today has been the warmest day in a couple weeks with temps going up to 72 degrees. The water temps are in the 50s and low 60s, which is a lot cooler than it typically is this time of year.

The fronts coming through here have slowed the walleye a bit but the guys are still picking up their shore lunch limits... The northern have not been affected too much, with lots of numbers being caught throughout. The smallmouth are being picked up out there with some of those still having eggs, so the fronts pushed them off the beds a little too early.

As for now, the weather's beautiful and the walleye numbers are picking up by the day. Keep in touch with us if you guys have any questions about your upcoming trips!

Update to the End of Week 8 - July 8, 2009

Sorry so long since our last update. Lots has happened since the storm that moved through the weekend of June 28th. The fishing was really messed up for a few days with most out on the water on Monday, the 30th.

The smallmouth drive-in lake produced lots of fish on Thursday of last week. We had some better fishing mid-week of that same week after the wind calmed a bit, with a number of folks taking home their walleye/northern limits. The water temps cooled down from 75 degrees before the storm to about 62 degrees afterwards. The water temp is now hanging at about 66 degrees, which is still unseasonably cool.

This week started off with sunshine on the 4th of July and a nice "interesting" fireworks show for all of the new guests...you had to be here to understand the inside joke there!

With all the sunshine, comes great vacation weather and decent fishing for most in camp. Lots of big walleye being caught w/ the biggest this week at 28 1/2 inches. The northern are giving everyone plenty of action with some big perch being caught, as well, this week. The muskies are still a little hungry w/ several stories of swipes this week of fish being reeled in.

Today, Casey took a Oklahoma Group to the walleye drive-in lake and they all caught their limits plus all the fish for shore lunch. Simple jig and a minnow...works every time!!!

We'll keep you posted...some of you can drop us an e-mail if you need more frequent updates....

Week 7 - Update for June 28, 2009

Last week was a blow-you-out-of-the-water week as far as the fishing goes...everything was being caught in huge numbers including walleye, northern and bass. Everyone wanting limits to take home had no problem filling them.

As for this new week that started yesterday, we are seeing a little storm the size of Missouri move through the area and no one has been fishing yet. The water's a little choppy, to say the least. The weather is now cooler since this is coming thru w/ highs forecasted in the low-mid 60s for most of the upcoming week. We saw mostly 80s for highs last week and lows in the 50s at night.

We'll keep you posted on the latest...

Don't Forget Your Passports!!!

Just another reminder that you will be required to show your passport at each border when you cross this summer. The only exceptions are if you have a land-card which allows you to pass w/out a passport or if you are a child under the age of 16.

All people ages 16 and over are required to have either a passport or a land-based passport card.

The reason I feel that I need to remind you is that we've had two people in the last week that have forgot them and had to turn around and grab them from home!

Returning E-Mails & Phone Calls....

As most of you know, in the off-season, we are very prompt in returning phone calls and e-mails. However, this time of year, it takes a little longer to return those phone calls, as we are usually not in the lodge until after 10 most nights...

E-mails are a little easier to answer seeing that we can do those anytime, so feel free to drop us a line. If you need to call, just bear with us and we'll get back w/ you soon! Maybe even try a couple times to grab us in the Lodge!

We tell all guests that are coming up that they can call/e-mail us before their trip for tackle tips, as we do not post those on the website. However, if you call several weeks or a month before you are scheduled to come, then we can only guess at what may be working at that time. It will be more beneficial for you guys if you can call no more than a week before you come! You are always welcome to call anytime with any other questions that you may have about your trip.

We look forward to having you guys in camp this Summer and the Summers to come!

Week 6 - Update for June 22, 2009

We've been extremely busy here at camp this summer. Lots of people in and out of camp these last few weeks... Hope everyone's had a great time!

As for the smallies, they are on the beds currently with some of the areas showing them leaving off and going to deeper waters. Last week, to say the least, they slammed the smallmouth. Lots of numbers and sizes caught...

The walleye fishing is coming on extremely well. Big numbers, big fish. They are still really shallow and up chasing bait fish right now. A great age class with anywhere between 12 inches to 32 inches being caught out there. Lots of happy campers!

Pike fishing is picking back up with them going a little deeper last week and now they are in the shallow bays with the walleye.

As for the weather, we've seen nothing but sunshine and warm weather for the last couple of weeks, with a couple days of rain mixed in there, but nothing heavy. The nights have been dipping down into the 50s the last week or so, so it makes for great sleeping weather.

If you guys have any questions, then you can call or e-mail us anytime! Keep those pics coming, as well, and we'll get them on the website ASAP!

New Outdoors Card for Non-Residents

We have had a new form that we are completing for the US Anglers visiting us this year. This is for a new Outdoors Card that goes along with the normal fishing license that you usually get while visiting. The Outdoors Card cost is $9.00 and it is good for 3 years. We fill out the form, you'll receive the original card in the mail in the coming year.

Just bring this card back with you when you come next year, or they will make you buy another one in order to issue a fishing license.

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail or call anytime!

Update to Week 5 - June 16, 2009

Summer has finally hit Eagle Lake, Ontario!!! We started seeing some warm temps on Saturday, the 13th, and the sun has been out ever since. We have had highs in the mid-70s to low 80s most of this week with lows at night hitting the 50s. This is finally the break we needed to warm the water temps a bit.

The smallmouth have moved up on the banks in the spawn mode. A ton of 18 & 19 inchers being caught and some excellent trophies at 20-21 inches, as well.

Clearwater Lake fished extremely well last week. The lakers were deep but extremely active with good numbers and one 35 inch lake trout being the biggest caught that day.

Sunday, the 14th, was an extremely good day for big wallies on Eagle. Good numbers of 25-27 inchers being caught with our biggest being one 28 incher, one 28 1/4 incher, 30 incher and the biggest being 31 inches long!

The biggest northern this week has been a 39 inch hawg. With Muskie season around the corner, we are seeing some huge fish around the lake...

Week 4 - Update for June 7, 2009

Well, we are into week 4 of the 2009 Season... Things are starting to look up, fishing-wise & weather-wise. One thing that Eagle Lake is well known for is BIG FISH and the last 3 1/2 weeks have been no exception. We've had our biggest walleye at 29 inches, biggest northern at 42 inches, biggest smallie at 21 inches and lake trout from 8 - 15 lbs. Muskie season is not open yet but the guys are seeing some big hawgs out there...

The water temps are slowly warming up....again...if we can get this weather to start warming up, as well. Today was toward 60 degrees and overcast. Had a couple groups come in with max limits on both walleye/northern, along with several other groups catching almost as many...

We'll keep you posted...

Update for 3rd week - June 2, 2009

Well, we've got another week underway here at Bear Trail! The guys are catching some very nice smallies, with the upper end being at the 21 inch mark & 5 lbs. The water's still a little cold, so they are not staying on the beds yet. Water temps are in the upper 50s w/ air temps being in the 40s and 50s.

As for the walleye, the guys are catching the eater-size eyes in the warmer waters where the temps are in the 60 degree range. A lot of our groups are catching lots of slot walleye along with trophies up to 28 inches. The bigger ones tend to bite faster in the cooler waters than the smaller ones do. We are seeing more and more smaller walleye as the water temps come up.

As for the pike, lots of action...need I say more??

If you have any questions, please let us know!

Update for 2nd week - May 28, 2009 - Also, New Availability for July 11-18th

Well, this week is passing by fast...as usual. The weather has seemed to get a little better as the days go by. We did have a couple days of rain/misting on Mon/Tues but everything cleared for a beautiful day on Wednesday.

As for the fishing, the smallie fisherman are hitting the big ones, with the biggest thus far being 20 inches, but several smallies over 15/16 inches and several upwards of 5 lbs. The water temps are at about 56-58 degrees, so prime smallie time!

As for the walleye, they are found just about everywhere with several of our groups catching fish over 25 inches. The guys seem to be doing well with bait, but I do have several groups going strictly artificial and doing good, as well.

Lake trout has been another good hit this year, with the water temps still cool enough to catch them within 10 ft of water. We've had about half a dozen caught thus far with the biggest being 30 inches! Casey also took several groups into Clearwater Lake yesterday and had a good ol' fashion shore lunch with plenty to eat. Everyone caught lakers, so it was a good trip.

Also, if anyone is interested, we've got a new opening in July for the 11th-18th. Let us know if this date works for anyone. Otherwise, our availability is good past August 1st!

Cancellation & No-Show Policy

I know these aren't fun topics, but its better to know up front than nothing at all.

Deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE. Deposits may be transferred within the same calendar year.

No-Shows in a party will forfeit their deposit. If your party size is different than originally booked, please let us know ASAP. This helps us in figuring your cabin and boat arrangements.

If you have any questions about these policies, feel free to call or e-mail anytime.

Arrival & Check-In Policies...

Just wanted to post a note on the blog here to remind everyone that Check-In Time is 3:00 PM on Saturdays. This is put in place because our Check-Out Time is 9:00 AM on that same Saturday, as well. Most weeks, we still have guests here until 9, so that leaves us 6 hours to get the camp/cabins/boats ready for the following week's groups.

Please give us plenty of time to get things ready for your week's stay. If arriving before 3:00 PM, cabins/boats will be assigned starting at 3:00.

For those of you on the Meal Plans, we also serve dinner on Saturday at 6:00, if you're already here. If not, we'll get you set up when you arrive!

We appreciate all of your help with this. This is just so that you can have the best trip possible when you get to Bear Trail!

Update to Week 2 - May 24, 2009

We got thru opening week with some good fishing starting Wednesday, May 20th, and just got better from there! The guys in the end of last week had their limits of walleye to take home.

Yesterday, we got our second week of fishermen in, so we'll see how they do today. Already had some walleye brought in last night, as well as a very nice lake trout measuring in at about 10 lbs.

The weather is looking up, as well. Yesterday stayed in the 50s and 60s and today looks just as good with lots of sunshine!

Update to Opening Week - May 20, 2009

Well, now that we got the opening week jitters out, we are starting to see more fish everyday. The guys came in yesterday with plenty of walleye and northern. Using both artificials & bait for both.

Lake trout was caught a couple days ago w/in 10-15 ft of water.

Water temps are still frigid in the 47 degree range. We've had some up and down weather patterns this week with a majority of it being in the 50-60 degree range for daytime highs.

For those of you trying to contact us by phone, hang in there. We are returning them as quick as we can. E-mail is probably your best bet for getting in contact with us.

Season is Now Officially Open!!!

The guys just got out on the water today. Yesterday was a bit chilly & windy for most. Already had some walleyes in the boat this morning, so things are looking up. The water temps are about 45-47 degrees, with the cold front that came in Fri & Sat cooling them down. They are forecasting nicer weather as the week wears on, as well.

Thanks to those of you who filled our empty spots in May & June. We still have some empty cabins in August & September, so give us a call if you're interested in visiting Eagle Lake this summer!

We'll keep you posted!

Update Before Opener...May 16th!!! - Also - Unexpected Cancellations in JUNE!!

We've been getting a lot of calls from you guys wanting to know how things are going here at camp.

We just got here on May 7th, which is very late for us, so we are working every day/all day to get things ready for you guys. The ice was off the lake when we got here, so this means that the weather is warming up for Springtime Fishing!

We have also had two unexpected cancellations in June & one in the end of May, so if any of you are interested, please call to let us know.

Also, our internet service here leaves a lot to be desired, so we are VERY SLOW in getting on the internet. We are working on having High Speed soon, so please bear with us if you are waiting on an e-mail response from us. We are checking as often as we can. We will keep you posted on the happenings around here, but so far...so good....

See you soon!

Only 6 weeks til Opener!!!

We are getting everything ready to head up North in a few weeks... Opener this year is May 16th. Looks like its going to be a busy season for Bear Trail. We are looking forward to getting everything underway.

Casey & the boys have already been crappie fishing this spring. Its actually nice to have a little "free time" before we head to camp since the sports shows cut off early. Turkey season is just around the corner, so its just more time in the woods before heading to the North Woods....

Let us know if you guys need anything or have any questions. Everyone is told that they can call or e-mail a week or so before their trips to get the latest fishing and tackle tips. As always, e-mail is probably the best way to get ahold of us throughout the summer since we are always in and out of the Lodge during the day. We look forward to seeing all of you!

Casey & Chanda

Items to consider bringing with you on your Fishing Vacation

In Canada, the weather can be unpredictable, so bring clothing for every season: rain gear, coats, sweatshirts, shorts, etc. (layering is best...)

Rods, Reels & Tackle - You can call us before you come to see what the best tackle or lure has been that time of year. We have a good selection at camp, as well.

All cabins include towels, linens and toilet paper. Personal items that you should bring with you are: toiletries, paper towels, sun screen, insect repellent (with DEET), hats, sunglasses, camera, batteries, film and phone card in case you need to use the payphone at camp.

Bring bottled water to cook with or consume.

If you are bringing your own boat or your own batteries for your personal optional equipment, bring your own battery charger. We have electricity at the dock for your convenience.

If you are bringing your pet along, you must have a certificate signed by your Vet stating that the animal has been vaccinated against Rabies during the preceding 36 month period. You cannot bring dog food or cat food across the border.

I'm sure there are a few things I left out, if you guys can think of anything else, let me know.

What you can & cannot bring across the Border...

Passports are mandatory for entry/exit of Canada/USA - As of June 1, 2009. Children under the age of 16 will not require passports but just a certified birth certificate. Anyone ages 16 and over will require passports.

Each person of legal age may bring:
Tobacco - 1 carton of cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 1 lb of Tobacco (1 Roll of tobacco)
Alcohol - 40 oz. of wine or liquor OR 1 case of beer (24 cans)
Bait - Night crawlers packed in artificial bedding only, not dirt. Leeches & Minnows cannot be transported across the border; salted, frozen or otherwise.

No Handguns, Radar Detectors or Pepper Spray will be allowed into Canada.

You can transport enough groceries across the border equivalent with the length of your stay. The only grocery item you cannot bring across is Raw Potatoes.

Keep it simple. Answer all questions that the border agent asks you. If you cut down on any idle conversation, the process will go much quicker. Roll down all windows, have all identification ready for them, take off all sunglasses.

2009 Season - Passports will be required this year....

Just in case you've had your head in the sand for the past few years, we are reminding everyone that passports will be required this summer, beginning June 1, 2009. As many of you know, this date has changed many times in the last few years, but the Dept of Homeland Security is posting that the mandatory passport requirement will definitely go into affect this summer.

Children under the age of 16 will not require a passport to cross the US/CANADA border, they will need a certified birth certificate. Anyone ages 16 and over will require a passport for entry/re-entry of the USA/CANADA borders.

If you haven't already gotten one, you can obtain one at your local Post Office. Its a very simple process. Remember, that once you obtain one, they will be good for 10 years.

If you have any questions, you can contact your local post office or check out the websites posted on the bottom of the Home Page of our website.

Guest Comments for Bear Trail Lodge

Hey, Guys

Not real sure on how you should post your own topic, but you can list comments under this header til I get it figured out....

Thank you to those of you who are posting. We truly cherish our friends that we have made over the last several years at Bear Trail Lodge!

G-Blank Rods - Claremore, OK

I'd like to take a moment to mention our friends over at G-Blank Custom Rods, based in Claremore, OK. They are always keeping us furnished with the latest custom rods. You name it, they can do it.

I especially like the increased sensitivity that we get with these top-of-the-line rods. I use their 6'9 Med-Light weight Action Rods, which work really good for the smallies and the walleye. I use a custom-made 7'0 Heavy Rod for my extreme Musky Fishing.

Check out their line of Rods, Reels and Tackle at www.imaginationbassin.com and click on the G-Blank Custom Rods icon on their front page. If you have any questions, you can always contact Larry Mitchell at (918) 341-4523 for some of the finest rods on the market.

2009 Sport Shows

We are glad to see everyone at this year's round of sports shows. We were kind of concerned that with the current economy, things may slow up a bit. Bottom Line - Bookings are good because the fishing has proved to be great on Eagle Lake. We are off to four more sports shows in Rockford, IL, Omaha, NE, Des Moines, IA and Minneapolis, MN. Come by and see us.

We look forward to seeing you guys this summer!

New Blog Site for Bear Trail Lodge

Glad to see that you've found our new blog site. We will keep this updated with all the latest Bear Trail & fishing info for Eagle Lake, Ontario.

Keep up the chat and we'll be checking in on a daily basis to respond to any of your questions/comments!

Welcome to Blog@Beartraillodge.ca