Liddle's Fishing Adventures Inc. Newsletter for Spring & Summer 2005

Albany River History The Albany River has a rich history, significant to the formation of Canada as a country. Native inhabitants have been using this waterway for thousands of years as a trade route linking the Cree and Ojibway Indians of the north, with networks of Natives to the south. Prior to the settlement of Europeans, natives led a mobile lifestyle relying entirely on the bark of trees, animal hides, and wood to build their homes, canoes, and clothing. Wood was used in the making of canoes, snowshoes, toboggans, paddles and dishes as well as for the framework on lodges. Hides, particularly caribou and hare, were made into clothing, as well as lodge coverings, and containers. Transportation was limited to the canoe in the summer months because the presence of muskeg in the Hudson Bay lowlands, which made overland travel impossible. Snowshoes and toboggans were used in the winter months. The first recorded contact by a European in this area was by explorer Henry Hudson in 1610. In the years to follow, other explorers visited, and began trading goods for furs from the natives inhabiting the area. A few trading posts were established along the shores of Hudson's Bay, and in 1670, a Royal Charter was granted to the "Governor and Company of Adventurers of England trading into Hudson's Bay" and marked the establishment of the Hudson's Bay Company (Canada's oldest traded company). Fort Albany Trading Post was built at the mouth of the Albany River in 1683, and the construction of permanent dwellings by the Hudson's Bay Company represented a radical departure from the Cree's mobile adaptation to the environment of the Lowlands of Hudson's Bay. The Hudson's Bay Company depended on the Cree to bring goose, caribou and moose meat when they came to the posts to trade, since large game was scarce in the Lowlands. Gradually significant numbers of Cree came to live in the Lowlands all year round. They became dependent on the trading posts for arms and munitions as well as for a variety of other items such as fire-steels, knives, hatchets, ice chisels, and clothing. The natives responded to the presence of the fur traders and missionaries by gradually changing their way of life. They replaced many of their traditional tools of bone, stone and antler with metal tools and firearms. Flour, tea, sugar, oatmeal, and other imported food items were obtained from the traders to supplement their traditional food resources. Cloth, as well as manufactured clothing, replaced garments made from hide and fur. The Hudson's Bay Company's monopoly in the Lowlands was challenged on several occasions by aggressive opposition from French traders (Voyageurs). To compete, the Hudson's Bay Company sent men inland in the form of canoe brigades to trade with the Native trappers, and established further trading posts such as the one located where we now consider Fort Hope to be, 30 miles between Makokibatan and Miminiska Lake. The European's demand for beaver pelts and other furs was so strong that it became necessary to develop a standard of trade to calculate the value of goods traded. The Hudson's Bay Company set up a universally accepted system where one good quality big beaver pelt, called a "made beaver" was worth a fixed amount. This method of trade was used in exchanging everything from tobacco to gun shot. A blanket was worth four "made beavers", a gun was worth twelve "made beavers" and either a brass kettle, 2 pounds of Brazil tobacco or 20 steel fish hooks was worth one pelt. The "made beaver" became the standard against which all other furs and goods were measured. At one point, "made beaver" tokens were issued. Trappers would bring in their furs, and instead of trading directly for goods they could be given these coins to be used later. The coins ranged in value from 1 to 1/5th of a pelt, and these coins were engraved with the company coat of arms. The Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) was awarded sole trading rights to the area draining into Hudson's Bay. After considerable debate, it was accepted that the Albany River was the southern-most limit of the HBC's influence. This land grant lasted well into the 19th century. At the time of Canada's Confederation, the northern limit of Ontario was fixed at the Albany River, and it wasn't until 1874 that Ontario was able to assert its claim on the region north of that line, and 1912 before the province's limits stretched to the present-day boundaries. Treaties established between the Dominion of Canada and the Natives inhabiting its lands in the early 1900's caused the formation of reserve communities throughout the north, which still remain today. The Albany River has been an important piece of Canadian history and the stories of the past have contributed in developing a Northern Ontario culture.

Ease of transportation Now traveling to Nakina, is easier that ever before. We have created packages to both Makokibatan and Miminiska Lodges from Thunder Bay. Guests can now arrive in Thunder Bay by commercial airline and have a choice of transportation to Nakina. By Air - Nakina Air Service is now offering flights from Thunder Bay to Nakina matching up with the connecting flights from North West Airlines and Air Canada. For $275 Canadian funds, you can have a round trip flight that is quick and convenient completing your travel plans to Nakina. Rental Car - Very good rates on rental vehicles are available at the Thunder Bay airport. This option allows you and your group the flexibility of exploring the spectacular north shore of Lake Superior during your 3 ˝ hour drive to Nakina. Shuttle Service - As you and your group members arrive at Thunder Bay International Airport, a private limousine will escort your party for the 3.5-hour scenic drive to Nakina. You can relax in comfort, knowing that all of your needs are taken care of. You can take advantage of our shuttle/accommodation package, which includes evening accommodation at the Shores Motel in Nakina and transportation to the air service base in the morning to bring you directly to Makokibatan or Miminiska Lodge. When departing from the lodge back to Nakina, the limousine will drive you and your party members back to Thunder Bay International Airport for your connecting flight. Let us take care of all your travel requirements! This package is available for parties of four or more for the low price of $180.00 per person.

Fish Secluded Waters on a Daily Fly-Out Our commercial license to fly guests to far off locations in remote, untouched lakes is now up and going. This up coming season, Liddle's Fishing Adventures will have its own air charter and will be setting up daily fly outs for our guests to fish outlying bodies of water from our main lodges. We have done some test trips this past season with great success. These fishing destinations have been untouched by many fishermen, and the fish are eager to bite. Steve or Heather will be able to work with you to suggest a spot that is ideal for you, depending on the season that you are there, the weather conditions, water level and your species of choice. We want to ensure that the spot that you are fishing suits the experience that you are looking for. If you are interested in this type of adventure, please feel free to contact our office and inform us of your interest. We do need to prearrange these trips due to the scheduling of our aircraft. You have an amazing range of fly-out opportunities at Liddle's. Only Liddle's Lodge guests use these locations, making the fishing pressure minimal. Here is a listing of our fly-out options: Petawanga Lake East and Rapids: Petawanga Lake has excellent walleye and northern pike fishing. Many of our guests have fished the west side of the lake after walking the half-mile portage trail around Miminiska Falls. The fishing on the east side of the lake is unbelievable for walleye and northern pike, and has been untouched in recent years. Due to the distance required to get to the hot fishing holes in this area, the only way to manage a day trip with adequate fishing time is to fly there on an exciting floatplane ride. Try fishing above Petawanga Rapids for outrageous walleye and trout fishing. The structure around the north shore is great for Northern fishing and consistently produces 15 lb plus pike. Ozhiski Lake: A 15-minute float plane flight, directly north of Miminiska, will take you into the deep wilderness on the famous Attawapiskat River system to Oshiski Lake. The 100,000-acre lake is filled with outstanding fishing opportunities for walleye and trophy northern pike. This lake supports many feeder creeks, bays, and points, which make for excellent walleye and northern fishing. This is a spot not to miss. Keezhik River: Few anglers have had the pleasure of fishing this top brook trout river. The river flows south from Keezhik Lake into Miminiska Lake and is home to some of the largest brook trout in miles. This day trip is adventurous and full of excitement, as you and your guide canoe down this fast moving river stopping at various rapids and springs. Wading and walking along the river is the method of fishing here. It's tough wading (slippery rocks) in a few places but it's worth it. These monsters can be caught on the fly or spinning reel and we have yet to have a disappointed angler after this day trip. Troutfly River: This river has been untouched for five years and is an incredible brook trout haven. Natives in the area have been talking about this river for years, knowing that the trout are ready and eager to bite. The river flows south into Miminiska Lake, and we will drop you and your guide off at Runions Lake for you to travel down river in a canoe to try your angling luck at the rapids and hot fishing holes. The rocks are slippery in the river and walking along the river edge is required in some locations. Kagagami Falls: The scenic beauty of the falls is alone worth the trip. Kagagami Falls are east of Makokibatan Lake along the Albany River and it produces some incredible brook trout fishing options from a 14 ft boat. Due to the size and power of the Albany River, the trout grow to be furious and large. A fisherman can only be excited by the action at this location. Caviar Lake: Caviar Lake is a widening in the Albany River just east of Makokibatan Lake and offers outstanding walleye and northern pike fishing options. The water is practically untouched and it is abundant with structure, creating a natural hiding ground for good size walleye and northern. The fast moving water is incredible and exciting to fish in, with pristine falls above and below the lake. Wottam Lake: Wottam has become known as the lake for incredible walleye action. Walleye are plentiful, and have a distinctive golden color making them rather unique. Wottam has had little fishing pressure, and the small lake is easily explored in a day The following lakes are Zodiac access only. The inflatable yet stable, rubber boats are powered by 15 hp outboards. You will be safe and comfortable in these ocean worthy boats. Most of the lakes have not been explored. The Zodiac fly-outs provide the ultimate in seclusion, adventure and excitement. Talbot: With some exploring done on this lake last year, we are certain that this spot is home to a number of incredible walleye and northern. It is located north west of Miminiska and we are excited to see the anglers explore more on this body of water. Trading: With the large Trading River flowing though this two mile long body of water, it is an excellent spot for walleye fishing. Grace: This is the lake we are most excited about. Rumors state that it has some incredible trophy pike resting in the water, and we want to provide some lucky anglers with the possibility to have the fishing of a lifetime. Seagreen: This lake is directly east of Miminiska Lake. We are excited to try this body of water to see if it holds the trophy northern that we are searching for. Spence: This body of water situated north of Petawanga may be a walleye haven. It is untouched. Oneside: This is a large body of water with many bays, points and river inlets. We suspect that the walleye on this lake will be furious in the spring around the water inflows. Cadaman: This is another small water body that looks like a beauty. Beeswax: Unexplored. Never been fished. Be the first…

New 25 HP Four-Stroke Outboards It is a fantastic sensation cruising along the open waterways of northern Ontario with a brand new four-stroke motor. Our order has been placed, and our new Mercury 25 HP four-stroke motors are being constructed in the factory as you read this article. We are very excited to be able to provide the luxury of a four-stroke motor to our guests. The quiet sound of the four stokes makes enjoying the peacefulness of northern Canada even easier than it already is. Pike fisherman and the mid summer walleye angler will appreciate the smooth and slow trolling speed of this motor. These motors will be great additions to the already well-outfitted 16-foot Lund boats. Like last season, all of our boats will include Lowrance fish finders, as well as all of the essentials including: comfortable seats with a back rest, fuel, life jackets, nets, paddles, anchors, etc. We are certain that everyone will appreciate using these quieter, environmentally friendly outboards this season on the Albany River. Scenic Flights With our new commercial aircraft license, we want to share the beauty of northern Canada with you. The northern part of Ontario is littered with gorgeous lakes, rivers and impressive waterfalls. There is no better way than by air, to enjoy these sights of the isolated wilderness areas of the far north. Imagine yourself in the small aircraft skimming over the water prior to take off, and gently lifting above the trees. You can fly around the area for 20 minutes searching for shoals, your favorite fishing spot, directly over the famous Albany River and beautiful rapids and falls. You descend slowing above the lodge and roar onto the water below. It is a memory of a lifetime! Let us know if you are interested in a scenic floatplane flight and we will arrange it for you during your stay.