July Newsletter

July at Halley’s Camps: ‘Tis the Peak of our Fishing and Exciting New Upgrades!

July has brought a wave of excitement at Halley’s Camps with summer in full swing, our guests are enjoying excellent fishing and enjoying the great Canadian outdoors!

Caribou

Guests at the landing this month fished, fished, fished, fished, and took some pictures of their fish! The fishing was incredible! Ken and company fished for many different species and they went out and tried the northern fishing. Ken caught the biggest northern pike at Caribou measuring in at 44”!!

Duane had his family come up and fish at Caribou. They fished for a few days fishing many different hot spots on the lake. Every day they came back with some kind of fish story-always good of course! Look at their photos!! Lots of trophies, laughs, and memories made!

The total trophies for Caribou Falls Landing in July was 94!!
Largest Smallmouth: 20”       Total Smallmouth Trophy Count in July: 43
Largest Northern Pike: 44”    Total Northern Pike Trophy Count in July: 20 (6 over 40”)
Largest Walleye: 31”             Total Walleye Trophy Count in July: 31

One Man’s Addictions to MONSTERS!

The guests this month caught so many gargantuan walleyes it’s absolutely silly. We had one customer, Kim, she registered 7 trophy walleyes in 3 days, her friend Judy caught 4 trophy walleyes. Look at the photos-those are BEASTS! We ran out of room to put all her trophy walleye pictures! LOL!! Ryan and his mom are pictured here with their big walleyes!

We also greeted another family that has been with us for 4 decades! The Tri-Anglers that have usually fished with us in early June came this year towards the end of June into July as they had to arrange their schedules so the kids could make it. That is 4 generations that this group has been coming!! Hats off to the Tri-Angler group! They had 33 trophies between them!! Amazing!!

In the month of July, the numbers of fish being caught was outrageous with some boats catching 175-200 fish per boat per day. The fishing on the humps and reefs was incredible. Jig and a minnow baby!

The total trophies for One Man Lake Lodge in July was 136!!
Largest Smallmouth: 19.5”       Total Smallmouth Trophy Count in July: 34
Largest Northern Pike: 45”             Total Northern Pike Trophy Count in July: 12
Largest Walleye: 32.5” (6 over 31”) Total Walleye Trophy Count in July: 90

Kettle

The Franks family of 23 fishermen came to Kettle Falls late July to enjoy a family reunion. We were honored that they picked Kettle Falls Lodge. The family ranged in ages with everyone having a good time. We had used one of our larger pontoons and fishing boats to get the crew around on the lake. The highlight of the trip was 88-year-old Eileen’s caught a 44” northern pike.

Bernie & Patricia have been long time customers that date back decades. Pictured here is a memorable great day fishing on the English River by Kettle Falls. 

Shaye and her mom decided to do a girl’s fishing trip to Kettle Falls. This mother/daughter duo had such a blast. They caught over 120 fish on their last day of fishing! Shaye earned herself a trophy hat from her big walleye! Cheers!

Surprise alert!! Carla & Mike surprised their grandkids Michael, Deklan, Maliyah, & Colton with an all-inclusive fishing trip to Kettle Falls. It was one heck of a fishing/bonding trip with the grandkids as the kids are still talking about the trip!! Carla caught at 27” walleye & 18” smallmouth bass, Maliyah hooked into her 27.25” walleye, a WHOPPER 30.5” walleye, and her 38.5” northern pike. Deklan landed his own 28.5” walleye. Those are some fun memories for the grandparents and grandchildren to remember the smiles on their faces.

The total trophies for Kettle Falls in July was 103!!
Largest Smallmouth: 20” (2 of them!!)    Total Smallmouth Trophy Count in July: 32
Largest Northern Pike: 44”                     Total Northern Pike Trophy Count in July : 17
Largest Walleye: 30.5” (4 of them!!)       Total Walleye Trophy Count in July: 54

Outposts

A cherished family memory came alive at Rex Lake outpost when Chris brought his dad and son along, reliving a trip he had taken as a young boy with his own dad and grandfather. This time, his brother joined in for an exciting fishing adventure. They were fortunate to spot one of Canada’s official symbols—the beaver—during their stay. They portaged into Little Rex Lake to catch some walleye for a fish fry back at the cabin. Over their time at Rex Lake, they reeled in numerous smallmouth bass and northern pike, crafting plenty of fish stories to bring home. The group enjoyed their time together so much that Chris made a video of their stay, which we featured on our Facebook page. You will probably have to copy and paste this into a web browser, but this is a fun video to watch:  

Our groups again at Trapline Lake loved the fishing! Erik was fishing at Trapline Lake Outpost and hooked into and landed a large walleye! Nice one- it measured 27”! We will post his picture soon on Facebook!

Fishing Highlights:

July has delivered some outstanding fishing opportunities. As the water temperatures continue to rise, our guests have been reaping the rewards:

• Walleye: These prized fish have moved to deeper waters, ranging from 10 to 22 feet, often found around points and humps. The key to success has been using deep-diving crankbaits or live suckers. Many anglers have reported excellent results, with some impressive catches making it to the dock.
• Northern Pike: The pike are now venturing into deeper depths, around 8 to 16 feet. Our guests have been utilizing deeper crankbaits with great success, and the action has been thrilling. The challenge of reeling in a big pike has been a highlight for many.
• Bass: Bass are active in 8 to 18 feet of water, especially around rocky points and ledges. The bass bite has been strong, with deep-diving crankbaits and ned rigs tipped with leeches proving to be the go-to baits. The excitement of bass fishing continues to be a favorite among our guests.

Exciting New Projects:

We’re thrilled to announce some recent upgrades that are enhancing our guests’ experiences:

• New Decks at Kettle Falls Cabins: We’ve completed new decks at the Kettle Falls cabins, creating perfect spots for relaxation and enjoyment of the stunning lake views. These expanded decks provide a great space for unwinding after a day of fishing or simply soaking in the natural beauty of Kettle Falls Lodge.
• Our Dufault’s Cabin: It is on our radar for August and hoping to get the roof on before snow flies! Keep tuned in for the updates!

Looking Ahead:

As we move into August, we anticipate more great fishing experiences. Walleye will continue to be concentrated around deep points and humps in 14 to 25 feet of water. Northern pike will be found in 10 to 20 feet deep within the deep weeds, and bass will be active around 14 to 20 feet on rocky points and shelves. Expect to see continued success with jig heads, minnows, leeches, deep-diving crankbaits, and ned rigs.

Here’s to a fantastic summer of fishing and relaxation!

Many of our Halley’s Camps guests, whether fishing or hunting, have remembered our guide, Brian Parker. Brian Parker has been known as a head guide at Halley’s Camps Kettle Falls Lodge for decades. Brian was the longest employee of Halley’s Camps as he started in the early 1990’s. Brian started as a fishing guide for George and Sharon at Kettle Falls. Brian worked a number of winters doing sport shows and camp work/building. He also spent a lot of time in Mexico in the off season. Brian loved to fish, which he was amazing at. Brian had many guests that would love to have him as their guide not only for the good fishing but for the good conversations and friendships he has made with customers who became his lifelong friends.

Brian could not be here for our opener or the start of June as Brian has been fighting cancer since December 2023. One of Brian’s goals was to be able to see Kettle Falls,  what he has known as his summer home, where he has called home for over 34 years and the other was to make it to his 75th birthday. We were so happy that Brian was able to come, fish and/or visit with the guests that he has come to know as friends over the years while guiding at Kettle Falls. 

While Brian’s bucket list items had come true, it came to a quick halt. On July 10, 2024, we lost our dear friend, employee, a member of our camp family and his memories will live on the waters of the English River by Kettle Falls Lodge.

Brian had an infectious smile and a great sense of humor. He could strike a conversation with anyone, and he could always find the right joke to tell. For those who knew him, he’d love for you to find a positive memory of him-maybe a great fish story with him and remember one of the good times you had with him or a laugh at a joke that he told you.

In Brian’s honor, we will plant a beautiful white pine that will be at the water’s edge at Kettle Falls Lodge.

June at Halley’s Camps: Fishing Excellence and Summer Adventures!

Our fishing season is here and it’s time for all the summer adventures!! Our guests have come from near and far. It’s amazing to see all of our fishermen-get your rods and tackle out!

Fishing Success Stories:

As the temperatures rise (average was in the mid 70’s), the fishing conditions have only improved. Our walleye have started to move to deeper waters, ranging from 6 to 15 feet, making for a rewarding challenge. Anglers are finding success with jig heads tipped with minnows or leeches. It’s been a season of memorable catches, with many guests landing impressive walleye on points and submerged structures.

Northern pike enthusiasts have been thrilled with the action as well. The pike are hanging out in the 4 to 8 feet deep weed beds, and the traditional spoons continue to work wonders. The excitement of reeling in a hefty pike is the highlight of many of our guests fishing trips.

Bass fishing has been equally exhilarating. Bass have transitioned to 4 to 12 feet of water, responding eagerly to chatter baits and topwater lures. 

Caribou Falls Landing

June has brought a wave of warmth and excitement to Caribou Falls Landing. With the fishing and hunting seasons in full swing, our guests are enjoying some fantastic experiences on the water and in the woods. Guests really enjoyed the new docks down by the fish house that are drilled into the rocks with nice new floaters that were built.

Gary, daughter Laruen, and his fishing party came up on their annual trip and caught tons of big northern pike!! They had 3 different 39” pike caught by Carter, Lauren and Maurie. The bass were really hitting too as they had 19” and a 21” in their party. The Nelson brothers and crew found the large walleye again with their friend, Tom, catching the largest at  32.5”. We also had Dean catching 3 trophy walleyes measuring 27”, 28, and 30”.

Caribou Falls Landing total trophies in June was 209. 117 smallmouth bass (biggest 21 1/2”), 5 walleyes 30”+, 19 northern pike over 40” (biggest 43 ⅛”)

One Man Lake Lodge

Schools out! Many groups that were at One Man this June had kids that were happy to be out of school for the summer and on a fishing vacation!! One Man guests had great fishing groups come in and experience the amazing fishing close to the island. We had Jon and his family and friends enjoying the fish, the sun, and the camaraderie. Look at their fish pics!! What a blast they had! Gabe and his crew came and enjoyed the fishing as well with the father/son/friends crew. It is great having them in and seeing all their monster fish pictures! Ellisa and her hubby brought their daughter, Corelei, for a quickout-a-school trip to One Man. Jr was their guide and they had the best time-the smallmouth bass that they were catching was unreal. This was their best trip ever. Even our pilot, Nick, could hear the thrill in their voices when they were telling him about the trip!

Tom and Doug had a fun time fishing at One Man with their guide Louis. Louis brought them fishing for walleye, northern pike, bass, lake trout-the first for one fisherman, and white fish. Check out all their fish pictures as they had such a fun trip!

The total trophies for One Man in June was 195!!
Largest Smallmouth: 21”       Total Smallmouth Trophy Count in June: 144
Largest Northern Pike: 41.5” Total Northern Pike Trophy Count in June : 37
Largest Walleye: 29”              Total Walleye Trophy Count in June: 14

Kettle Falls Lodge

Guests at Kettle Falls have been enjoying the fishing, the guides and the weather! It was nice to see so many return customers this year at Kettle Falls and happy to meet and greet new customers as well. The fishing experiences whether in the boat during the day or the dock-fish-off in the evenings, the fishing was spectacular. The current was nice to fish in as that cool water moving through and past Kettle Falls which kept the walleye, northern, and smallmouth biting fierce. Lance and his family crew came out with their rods ready and they really landed some nice fish!! Wallies and smallies!!

300 trophy fish were registered in the month of June. There were four bass 20” long (little footballs), 120 walleyes with the top two being 30.5”, and there were 10 northern pike over 40” with the largest at 42.5”. Some hot fishing tales were Bryan who landed himself a few northern pike during his 3 day stay measuring 38.5”, 39”, and 39.5” all in the same day! Stacy found lots of smallies having a total of 9 trophies and Dustin registered 14!!

We also have to mention that Keith, Michelle & Justin in total caught 12 trophies of which Justin netted 7 himself! Another great year at Halleys.

Pictured here is Nick, our Halley’s Camps pilot, loading up guests for their float plane ride from Kettle Falls back to Kenora.

Guests enjoyed seeing familiar staff faces as we had so many returning employees. Here is a picture of the lodge staff that were at Kettle Falls this summer.

Fly-In Outposts

It was great to see all of our outposts with many return customers enjoying the fishing and peace and serenity that our outposts offer fishermen. Let’s not forget about the wildlife that everyone can see: the eagles, moose, beaver, bear and much more.  

Shad and his family, accompanied by close friends, have returned to Trapline Lake for their annual fishing getaway at Halley’s Trapline Lake Outpost. Known for its abundant walleye and pike, the lake didn’t disappoint this year. Among their notable catches, Wesley landed 27″ and 28″ walleye, while Brent and Terry each reeled in a 27″ walleye. Shad proudly caught a 28.5″ walleye, and Neil matched that with his own 28.5″ catch. However, the highlight was Ryan’s impressive 28.75″ walleye, the largest of the trip. Beyond the thrill of fishing, Trapline Lake offers a retreat where memories are made.

Jim’s group stays at Rex Lake for the amazing smallmouth bass fishing. They caught hundreds of bass and registered 11 trophy bass this year! 

Moosehorn had Tim’s new group in, and they had a fabulous time at Moosehorn. They caught so many bass and enjoyed their stay thoroughly. 

Looking Ahead:

As we head into July, we’re excited for more fantastic fishing opportunities. Walleye will continue to move deeper, exploring 10 to 22 feet of water on points and humps. Northerns will venture into deeper 8 to 16 feet depths, and bass will be active around 8 to 18 feet on rocky points and ledges. Expect to see some exciting catches as anglers use deep-diving crankbaits and live suckers for walleye, and explore deeper crankbaits for northern pike.

We look forward to welcoming more anglers to Halley’s Camps for months to come for great experiences. Remember, tight lines!

WALLEYE OPENER: MAY 18, 2024

Not only is it walleye season opener, but our spring bear hunt season has officially started as well. We had one of our earlier hunters, Jon, who was successful with his bear and afterwards, he fished for some northern pike. He was super excited to get his bear and had some fishing with Louis. There was not another fishman on the lake so fishing spots were completely endless!

Our second round of hunters were Kurt and Scott. They were thrilled to come hunting with us after so many years of fishing. Pictured below is Kurt and Scott all dressed up ready to head out hunting. We had been pre-baiting the stands with kitchen scraps covered in molasses. Scott was successful at getting a bear and it was big-it weighed over 400#. High fives were given to Scott and Kurt still had to go hunting to get his bear. When it was time for his pickup and Louis saw his bear, WOWWWW!! The bear was hefty-it weighed in at 508.5# and uffdah-it took some muscles to move this one! Later when Kurt got the bear to the taxidermist it measured 8′ from nose to tail-what a trophy!! Cheers to all our bear hunters!!

The first couple of weeks are always busy getting everything opened and water turned on. Everything gets the spring clean, and shelves again get fully stocked. Hats off to the staff as there is always so much to get ready for opener!!

Some wacky numbers to think of:

89 toilets, 89 bathroom sinks, 3 commercial kitchens, 4 airplanes, 72 boat motors, and 135 deck chairs, and 22 barbeques that are all in daily service once guests arrive! Lots of flowers as well!

We had some early northern fishermen come in before season to go after those big northerns. Some fishermen prefer to come right after the ice is out while the waters are not even 40 degrees. Other fishermen think that the northern pike fishing really turns on about 52 degrees. Again, there are all sorts of fishing theories, and lot of different fun artificial baits to throw for the pike. The shallows are definitely the best place to find the pike early in the season. The walleye fishermen were super ecstatic about the fishing year – seemed again jigging in the shallows with a minnow was very productive. Even fishermen trying to catch pike in the shallows were catching walleye in the shallows on spoons that they were throwing.

The guests at Caribou Falls Landing were super happy with the fishing. 119 trophies-Look at the size of some of these fish!! There were 16 northern pike registered over 40″, 7 smallmouth bass 20″ and over, and 5 walleyes over 27″.

Kettle Falls

May 16 was opening day here at Kettle Falls with staff welcoming the first of our fishermen brothers Jerry & Barry. The northern fishing was hot with Barry landing the first trophy of the year a 42“northern pike, not to be outdone Jerry caught our first trophy smallmouth bass at 20”! During their stay they landed 7 trophies & caught enough fish to hold them over until next May! See you next year guys!

We had one of our younger anglers & repeat guest Luke who out fished both Dad & Grandpa. His
biggest catch of the trip a 39“northern. Fishing never stopped for Luke, spending his free
time in the evening fishing off the docks! During his stay he was able to add 3 more trophy pins
to his hat with his freshly caught 3 trophies this trip. Awesome job Luke!

May also saw one of our long-time groups experience our corporate fishing retreats. They came for their 2.5 days of fishing on the waters by Kettle Falls and had a fabulous trip! Enjoying the fishing and shore lunches, fishermen were also thrilled that they caught 9 trophies.

The total trophy count at Kettle Falls Lodge in May was 62 and the largest species were walleye a 28.5″, 43″ northern pike and two smallmouth bass measuring at 20″!

One Man

Fishermen were arriving at One Man and excited to be back on the water. We had several groups come in and fish. Some of the return staff Janice the cook and Jr, our One Man Lake guide, swung into the normal routines from having years of experience at Halley’s. We enjoyed having a large family group come in as it was their first time here to Halley’s Camps and they loved it! The fishing was incredible at One Man in May and there was a total of 15 trophies in May- 7 trophy pike with the biggest measuring in at 45 inches, 4 feisty bass with the largest measuring in at 19 inches, walleyes-4 walleyes were boated in over 27 inches.

Our fly in Outposts-TRM=Trapline, Rex, Moosehorn

Elden and his crew, long-time guests at Halley’s Camps Rex Lake Outpost, eagerly returned for another memorable opening weekend in May. The weather was brisk with occasional showers, but that didn’t dampen their spirits. Little Rex Lake lived up to its reputation, rewarding Elden with an impressive 18-inch bass, a stunning 19-inch bass and 25-inch walleye.

Elden managed to add an 18 1/2-inch bass to his tally, showcasing his skill and knowledge of the lake. The next day, May 22nd, proved even more fruitful as Elden landed another 18-inch bass, while Logan joined in with an equally impressive 18-inch bass of his own. The highlight of the day came when Elden reeled in a massive 38 1/2-inch northern pike, a catch that they would be talked about for seasons to come. Elden and his crew experienced another unforgettable weekend at Halley’s Camps Rex Lake Outpost and they looked forward to returning next year!

For many years, John and his fishing group have traveled from Minnesota, to the Kenora docks to fly via floatplane to Halley’s Camp’s Trapline Outpost. Each season brings anticipation and excitement, with abundant walleye and memorable catches. This year, John proudly reeled in a 28-inch walleye, adding to their legacy of successful trips. Amidst the serene wilderness and camaraderie, Trapline Lake continues to be one of their favorite retreats, offering both adventure and great fishing!

We look forward to June’s fishing stories and reels. Keep your phones and cameras close!

Our season starts next month with the official opener of May 18th!! We do have groups of bear hunters and northern pike fishermen arriving before then. We are sending informative letters to many of our May and June guests. Our summer transportation lists, and guide lists are all complete and now waiting until the time for our fishermen to arrive!

And of course, we had to get up north fishing one last time before the ice goes out. Stayed at Trapline overnight. Look at this plane picture that was taken after dark-the night was so bright out!

We built some new docks at some fly out lakes and cut some more firewood for shore lunch spots. The new dock at Trapline will be awesome!

See many of you next month!