2015 Ice Cutting at Burntwood Lake Lodge

Ice cutting transportation at it’s finest! Picture taken in front of main lodge

Few blocks of ice cut at this point, stacked and ready to be transported to the ice house

Brad making the load for the 6 wheeler (or himself) a bit lighter!

Ice picks to pull ice out of water! Not an easy job hey Derek!??

Every year around March, Brad and a few friends (sometimes Larry and Sandra) need a little fresh air and exercise. As luck would have it, a good layer of ice had formed on Burntwood Lake, 20 yards from the main docks at the Lodge. Perfect for their annual ice cutting ritual!

This age old tradition involves cutting ice blocks into ~ 3’ lengths using a chain saw. Once cut, the blocks are retrieved with ice picks and transported to the ice house using an ATV 6 wheeler. Approximately 300 blocks are put up and covered with plastic and sawdust to insulate. This ice is then chipped daily by the guests or guides and used to keep their refreshments cool during those hot summer days out on the lake while reeling in those Trophy Pike and Walleye. There’s nothing better than local lake ice for keeping things as natural as it can be!

Looking forward to seeing you all this summer! 🙂

Walleye Cooking: Tips, Tricks, & Favorite Recipes

Few things are more rewarding than cooking and eating your day’s catch. You worked hard all day to nab that perfect walleye, and there are a myriad of ways you can enjoy it.

Regardless of the way you like to cook, as long as you eat your catch as soon as possible. Walleye can be frozen, but they are at their peak when they are fresh, never frozen.

Walleye have a thick, firm meat that can lend itself well to many different cooking techniques. Due to their light clean taste walleye can also take seasoning without compromising the integrity of the fish.

Below are a couple simple ways to cook your perfect catch.

Broiled Walleye: Simple preparation

Walleye
Parmesan Cheese
Lemon Juice
Salt and Pepper
Melted Butter

Prepare the cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Clean off and pat dry the walleye gillets. Place fillets on cook sheet and season with salt and pepper lightly, it’s easier to add more than it is to remove. Sprinkle parmesan cheese and then give each filet a drizzle of lemon juice and butter. Place filets under broiler until filet is baked enough to flake away with a fork. Approx. 5 minutes

Baked Walleye: Crispy without Frying

2 eggs beaten with 1 Tablespoon water
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup instant mashed potatoes
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
Walleye Fillets

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Prepare baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Combine Bread crumbs, potato flakes, parmesan cheese, and salt. Dip fillets into egg mixture and then press into bread crumbs mixture. Place fillets on baking sheet and bake in oven approx 15 to 20 minutes, until filet flakes away with fork.

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Walleye Cooking: Tips, Tricks, & Favorite Recipes

Few things are more rewarding than cooking and eating your day’s catch. You worked hard all day to nab that perfect walleye, and there are a myriad of ways you can enjoy it.

Regardless of the way you like to cook, as long as you eat your catch as soon as possible. Walleye can be frozen, but they are at their peak when they are fresh, never frozen.

Below are a couple simple ways to cook your perfect catch.

Broiled Walleye: Simple preparation

Walleye
Parmesan Cheese
Lemon Juice
Salt and Pepper
Melted Butter

Baked Walleye: Crispy without Frying

2 eggs beaten with 1 Tablespoon water
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup instant mashed potatoes
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
Walleye Fillets

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Advice for Spring Walleye Fishing in Manitoba, Canada

Fishing for Walleye in Spring

Right now, in very early spring, is the best time to find and catch trophy size walleye in Manitoba, Canada. It is one of the most productive seasons because many walleye spawn and hunt for food in early spring.

Catching elusive fish like the walleye is easy enough if you have a few of our tricks up your sleeve. The key is to ensure that you do not underestimate the walleye, but you can underestimate the weather. Spring seasons also come with rain and deplorable weather that may deter some anglers, so the fish aren’t as sketchy as when the waters are busy. Furthermore, the fish will look for rocks during cold weather, so they could be easier to find.

Shallow or Deep Water?

Location is important. Water is clear in spring, and they’re quick, so finding and baiting them is key. Walleye often reside in predictable locations, usually in shallow water. Walleye love rocks and places to hide. Sunken islands and running creeks with big rocks are a walleye’s dream home.

Bright, Plastic Lures or Live Bait?

Since the water is clear and these fish can see well, avoid bright or ostentatious lures. Less is more with walleye, and live-minnows will do just fine. As fish are very hungry in early spring, extra minnows could mean a bigger fish!

Day or Night Fishing?

Walleye in shallow water notice hooks better during the day for a few reasons. The sun is shining, the water is clearer, and there are more anglers around. Therefore, walleye are under pressure to survive during the day, and harder to catch. Some anglers will head out at night to better their chances of catching a record Walleye.

Boat or Wade Fishing?

As walleye reside in shallow waters, fishing with a boat is just an accident waiting to happen. Consider a pair of waders for standing in the water. Wade fishing is subtle, and ideal for catching walleye.