OP Report: Where to Begin - June 19, 2018

Another season has begun in Port Louis. The OP crew and I are looking forward to welcoming back old friends, and to making new ones.

The season started at the crack of June after a hectic little start where, curiously it looked like the dock was trying to get away.

We waved goodbye to our Hydro mapping guests and welcome in some long returning guests.

Straight out of the gates we welcomed back Mr Kenneth Ross Beatty and father David for another trip full fishing, crib and grilling me at the dinner table.

Ken being a newly minted father, relished the chance to sleep in until 6…The season definitely started a little slow as we got out and started looking for the fish. We had to work for them first while, but our crew was up to the task.First time guests, Chris and Sarah Treanor wasted no time getting into the groove. Sarah brought in a 24lber on her first day, only to top it with a 26lber the following.

Back at the lodge we have the guests enjoying a little OP hospitality.

We can’t forget about the initial start up of the Krud season.

It was good time to set the bar for the season’s challengers to meet.

Back on the water, team Beatty after the fish as always.

This trip we also welcomed back John and Louise Graham, owners of Nanuk. For those of you who know it’s some of the best, smoked salmon on the market. Their eye for detail is second to none, and the consistency is remarkable.

Fishing locally was scratchy. We definitely had to work for the Chinook. With the weather up for good portions of the first week, we ended up working a lot of structure around danger and lunch spot. We saw action on the tides and a few more fish off Selvesson Point.

As we waved goodbye to Kenny and the gang, we welcomed back a few long time customers. Tony Adrian was back with his brother in law Richard.Tony is a long time lodge guest and good friend to the OP. One day I’ll get down to Oregon for visit.

Here we have D’arcy Arthers showing off the days spoils.

Back again for a 3^rd season was Jeff Clarke and his band from and with Inflector Enviromental services in Ottawa. Jeff always brings in lively group, and this trip was no disappointment. The whales sure did approve.

Out on the head, the bite was on again.

Back at the dock, Mike Buller and Russell Grass showing off a nice 21 and a 16.

As I was on the water this trip, we stopped by Brock to get a little pic with Reggie the resident eagle

The kitchen cooking up the goods

We said goodbye to boys and hello to first time guests Drew and Joanne Tumbach. The couple wasted no time getting into the swing of things hooking into some good numbers out on Tian Head.

Meanwhile Tim Stemwedel and wife Deborah, also enjoying the day on the head. Tim topped the trip with nice 28 lb'er on day 2

Mean while the “Butcher” was busy dethroning me from my former glory

Fishing seemed to turn on at the head this last week, with boats reporting 15-20 fish/day with averages of 15-18lbs. Meanwhile, the halibut has shifted and while chickens are in fairly abundant supply, turkeys have been little harder to come by in the perfect 30-40lb range. We have expanded the search and Stephen Fletcher brought in a perfect 41 lb halibut from Louis Rocks yesterday.This last trip we welcomed Lovett Lewis and the crew at Cansel. With a derby prize on the line, we headed back out to the head and fished around 150-200ft. On Day 2, Martin Trudelle took the lead with a 20lb chinook. The guys chased him all week, along with their total poundage goals but alas his fish held through the final hours. David Davidson took the overall weight with a trip saver Lingcod on the last morning bringing his total just north of 100 lbs for the trip.Back at the lodge we had one of the more interestingly competitive KRUD matches in recent history. With the guests pre-warned, they took advantage of an extra night of practice. Alas, with all the preparation, they could not match the intensity that Guide Bradan brought to the table this night. Doesn’t he look happy!!

We have some new faces around here at the OP. Along with the returning rock stars, we have added some new up and comers to the ranks which should make for another epic season.

I should probably take the time to introduce the youngest member of the OP crew and the official mascot and cuddle buddy, Heidi. Anytime you want to, she's up for a game of catch.As I speak, we are welcoming back Dave Akins and a crew of his friends for the week ahead. We will keep you updated on the progress, but at this point it’s looking good. The salmon are out there, we just follow the feed, follow the whales and drop the balls down low. Until next update, keep those spoons bright.Cheers,Jordan