If there is a carbon-dioxide hell, that’s probably where I’ll be going after this trip. I have already covered three flights in order to get to the city of Saskatoon in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. Early tomorrow morning, another three flights await before I’m ready for the final leg of the journey: a flight that departs from the barren outpost of Stony Rapids in the northwestern corner of Saskatchewan, and one that involves an old de Havilland Turbo Otter hydroplane – a Canadian-manufactured plane that had its heyday in the post-World War II era. After two days of arduous travelling, the propeller-driven air freighter will touch down on Phelps Lake’s vast surface and moor at Wolf Bay Lodge in the middle of the Canadian wilderness.
On our way, out of the dead airspace above Saskatchewan, I can see how we’re slowly transcending the realm of civilisation and disappearing into what appears to be a massive void way beyond. Symmetrical and lush green pastures, neatly outlined by fences and bordering gravel roads, are gradually relieved by vast woodlands, the monotony of which is only broken sporadically by the flickering waters of ancient, glacial lakes and quietly meandering rivers. Once on the hydroplane with a course set for Phelps Lake, there is nothing but wilderness as far as the eye can see.
THE PIKE HUNT IS ON!
This story is from the October/November 2019 edition of The Complete Fly Fisherman.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October/November 2019 edition of The Complete Fly Fisherman.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
It's Called Evolution
Our quarry constantly has to adapt to the everchanging conditions of their environment. It goes without saying then, that we, too, need to revise our fishing strategy to remain successful on any given day. Anton Hartman explains.
At The Gates Of Antarctica
Mauritia Kirchner falls in love with the farflung Falkland Islands.
Six Of The Best Largemouth Flies
FlyTying Field Editor Murray Pedder lists the top six largemouth yellowfish flies for the Orange, Vaal, Vanderkloof and Gariep dams.
Ascending caddis pupa
The ascending stage of a caddis makes easy prey for both trout and yellowfish – the reason why Arno Laubscher propagates tying a pattern that imitates it.
In Search Of Natal Yellowfish Top Scaly Rivers Of Kwazulu-Natal
Carl Freese shares his favourite home rivers for hunting KZN scaly.
A Rod Maker's Thoughts: Why Bamboo?
Stephen Boshoff elaborates on his passion for bamboo.
Rhodes AN ICONIC TOWN AND HOME TO fly fishing legend: Fred Steynberg
Like the prodigal son, we return to Rhodes to meet up with old friends and revisit rivers filled with memories and wild rainbows.
The TCFF Charity Initiative: FLY FISHERS GIVING BACK
After two and a half decades of publishing TCFF, we are honoured and blessed not only by the support of our readers, but also our industry in the main.
IN MEMORIAM: Gunga Donn
It’s always tough to lose a friend, but when that friend is a fishing buddy with whom you have shared boats, banks and lodgings, it is particularly distressing.
In pursuit of Weza
Sean I'Ons relates how it took 40 years for a story of a fishery and the people he got to know along the way to come full circle.
