June 16-19, 2006

We departed Airdrie and Olds Airports respectively on a 3.5 hour trip to Northern Saskatchewan's Cree Lake, June 16, 2006; Daryl Medd flying C-GWAU and I flying C-GDTX (both Cessna 182s). We arrived at the Cree Lake airstrip on a beautiful, sunny Friday afternoon. The strip itself is hard packed clay that’s used on a weekly basis by some local charter operators.

We were picked up by the camp staff and after a short welcome, we were off fishing for a few hours prior to dinner. The lake trout were biting and we managed to catch a few prior to heading in to eat. The accommodations were fantastic with four separate houses to sleep in, with hot/cold running water, showers, laundry and fridges in each. The camp provided a full complimentary breakfast and dinner each day as well as a shore lunch while out fishing.

Each house slept six so there was plenty of room for out group. In the evening, you could go up to the lounge and enjoy satellite TV and cold refreshments. What luxury for being so far in the bush.

Each boat had 2 people fishing and a guide. The fishing was superb, with lake trout on Saturday and pickerel (walleye) on Sunday. Our final day, Monday, was for just relaxing and planning that 3+ hour flight home. After breakfast we packed up, said our good-byes and thank yous to all the staff for their great hospitality.

The weather was clear departing Cree Lake but on the way home we encountered some rain showers and lower ceilings. We stopped in Fort McMurray for fuel. Once airborne, we were just over 2 hours going home with the odd thunderstorm to dodge around.

The entire trip was absolutely breathtaking with the scenery and of course, the fishing. If you ever want to catch your daily limit of Pickerel in about 2 hours, Cree Lake is by far, one of the best.

I attached a few photos for anyone who wishes to see the results of Northern hospitality at its best.

Wayne Van Beek