Mike Reimer with Mom Myrtle and Dad Melvin and trophy lake trout (nice catch Mom!) at North Knife Lake Lodge.
Many people don’t know it, but along with the polar bear safaris, and the elite fly-fishing adventure Wading Wild at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, Churchill Wild also operates a 5-Star catch-and-release fishing lodge at North Knife Lake. And it’s one of Churchill Wild co-founder Mike Reimer’s favourite places to spend time at before the polar bear viewing season begins at Churchill Wild.
The first 5-Star fishing lodge in Manitoba, the building of North Knife Lake Lodge was started in 1976 by Churchill Wild co-founder Jeanne Reimer’s parents, Doug and Helen Webber, and was completed in 1987.
One of the first remote fly-in fishing lodges in Canada to embrace solar power, North Knife Lake Lodge was also where many of the recipes in the Blueberries and Polar Bears cookbooks were originally invented and tested by Helen Webber and her co-author Marie Woolsey, long before they became part of the culinary experience at Churchill Wild. Helen and Marie still cook at North Knife Lake Lodge every summer for fishing guests, and that is something you do not want to miss! Famous television personalities have nothing on these two master chefs. These ladies can cook!
Blueberries and Polar Bears cookbook authors Helen Webber (left) and Marie Woolsey during the early days at Seal River Heritage Lodge (left) and recently at North Knife Lake Lodge.
Located 200 km southwest of Churchill on one of the most pristine bodies of fresh water on the planet, North Knife Lake Lodge is deep in the boreal forest and is home to wolves, moose, black bears, fox and a variety of bird species. The ideal “Create Your Own Adventure” destination can feature anything from hiking, paddling, wildlife and northern lights viewing and of course, fishing!
Trophy northern pike, lake trout, walleye, whitefish and Arctic grayling live here, and catch-and-release fishing for them is an exclusive experience available to a maximum of only 48 guests per season. The fishing is always fast and furious and this season was no different, except for one twist. Mike was able to treat his Mom Myrtle and Dad Melvin to the wonders of North Knife.
“It was quite hilarious actually,” said Mike. “Watching a muscular young athlete collapse exhausted and begin massaging tired arms after battling a trophy lake trout to the boat side, while 87-year-old Mom Reimer was giddy with excitement after landing a 38-inch monster lake trout, bouncing to her feet and exclaiming, ‘Let’s catch another one! Wahoo!’”
Dad Reimer, of similar vintage, was not to be outdone, and quickly followed up with a huge 39-inch Master Angler lake trout of his own. Probably a good thing, as it might have been a quiet ride home if Mom had caught the biggest fish again, as the women so often do at North Knife!
Mike Reimer and Dad Melvin with another trophy laker at North Knife Lake Lodge. Nice catch Dad!
North Knife Lake Lodge played host once again to long-time clients the Vukelic family, and all concurred that it was one of the best trips ever.
“Sorry, Gene (Vukelic), I broke,” said Mike. “They held my feet to the fire until I gave them the key to Mike’s Bay.”
The fishing, weather, camaraderie, food, and fellowship was fabulous across the board. Monster fish all day long, everywhere, and some lucky guy who likely will never get invited along again hammered seven monster Master Angler northern pike and lake trout. Way to go Jeff!
Thousands of fish, including 29 Master Angler lake trout and northern pike were caught and released over eight days, and we’re already looking forward to next summer at North Knife Lake.
We hope you can join us someday!
