TBL Outpost Trip

[Oarin]

Back from another trip to the TBL Outpost. We were up by 4:00 AM and on our way by 4:30 on the 28th. Smooth sailing down the 90, the 290, the 190, and across the Grand Island Bridge. We got about half way across when the road was closed and everyone had to exit. No explanation why. We followed all the other cars and semis, all the possible ways back on were blocked by DOT trucks. We did a big circle and ended up right back where we started at the road closure. We got off again and luckily found a DOT worker. He said there was a terrible accident down the road and both lanes were blocked. He suggested heading back and take the peace bridge, which we did. Jon was able to change our ArriveCAN arrival point and we finally were across the Border. More than an hour lost. I was worried we'd get caught in the traffic leaving Toronto on the 400, but we beat most of it. I called ahead and Billy Bob's had leeches! Stopped and were able to get 8 dozen large and healthy ones. We did the usual stuff in Temiscaming and finally got into TBL around 2:30. We got things loaded into our boat and Yves large camp boat and off we were. By 3:30 we were unpacked and were working on our poles. Around 6:30 we were on the water at our favorite spot when the skies opened up. We were both beat by the trip, so we headed back to the cabin. Sunday we were back again at our spot and had just started fishing(Jon caught 2) when Yves personal boat came flying up to us. I thought for sure I had an emergency at home, but he said to get off the lac and tie up the boat at more protected side dock. There was a severe thunderstorm warning and a tornado watch. Back to the cabin to watch the light show. That storm shut down the bite. No one was catching anything. All in all it was the worst fishing I've ever had there. Jon managed 6 walleyes and I caught bass, which we brought home. Yves said the end of the week before they were killing the walleyes.

Final thoughts.

The nights were really cold, temps in the low 50's maybe upper 40's.
The outpost cabin is amazing.
The young girl at Billy Bob's was very friendly and helpful.
I had called Pronature several times before our trip and never got a call back. Turns out they had leeches reserved for people. I'm done with them and will use Billy Bob's in the future.
That burger stand by Pronature is excellent!
There were people fishing areas I've never seen before- the middle of bays.
The little gas station/store in Laniel is open and completely remodeled. We tried to give them as much business as we could.
We're signed up for next year at the end of July. 
No pictures this year, wasn't much to take one of.
Go BILLS!!

[T-Bone]

Sorry to hear you had a tough fishing week Oarin. Though only 20 or so miles apart, we were killing them for most of the trip...even commenting "this may have been our best fishing ever". But let's face it...fishing isn't the most important part of the annual Kipawa trip...not by a long shot. 

Thanks for the report...glad you had a safe trip and priceless time with Jon...

[Greg]

Oarin...

To bad about the weather and limited fishing, however, as T-Bone says, the fishing isn't the most important... you got to plan and execute your trip, see the lake once again, and spend time with Jon.  I am happy for you that you were able to get your trip in!

Cheers,
Greg

[Jay Thomas]

Hi Oarin,

Thanks for your trip report. Sorry to read about the poor fishing in your area of the lake. Glad you got to enjoy another week on Kipawa with Jon.

Contrary to the colder temperatures you experienced, the first 3 days of our trip into a nearby lake (20-26 Aug) were uncomfortably hot. Daytime temperatures were above 32 degrees C (above 90 degrees F). Drank lots of water and cooled off in the lake. While the fishing was adversely impacted, we still managed to catch some walleye at dawn and dusk.

Jay

[Oarin]

Thanks guys.

[limacharley]

Oarin?
I personally enjoy watching the thunderstorms roll through Kipawa. Sorry it shut down your bite. Hope you had a relaxing week nonetheless.
Yes the Bills look legit this year.

Just an FYI for everyone: Billy Richards retired and sold his business this summer. You are dealing with the new owners. Billy was a character for sure. Served in the Kinsmen Club with him.

[Oarin]

Thanks LC, we did. Jon and I only fish the evenings, which was from 5:30-6:00 to around 8:30. Two of our 6 days were cut short by rain and thunder. You can't catch fish if your lines aren't in the water, and for most of the time, they weren't. We spent most of our time relaxing, sitting around a camp fire,(when it wasn't raining) exploring the bays, reading, and more. Jon really likes the remoteness of the outpost, which is why we keep going back. I had a lot of bites on my slip bobber, but missed most of them. I guess 2 years of not fishing took its toll!As badly as I did,  it was still a trip I was able to make. Hopefully I have a few more in me. Good luck to anyone yet to go. T-Bone, were you able to get leeches?

[Hodgey1]

Oarin, So glad you guys were able to make the trip! Fingers crossed for a better 2022 for you.