Paddling in Paradise

Posted on August 27, 2009

I had the distinct pleasure to take my family up to the beautiful and remote Fairmont Kenauk, and Fairmont Montebello this past weekend. This fisherman's paradise has been on my wish list for as long as I can remember, and to say it was worth the wait would be an understatement.

We stayed at the 3-Points Chalet located 28 miles from the main gate. Our winding dirt road drive was filled with wildlife: deer, moose and many small mammals crossing our path on the way to and away from our temporary home. And what a home it was. The cabin was well-equipped for any angler's (or family's) stay. Kenauk provided us with everything we required from kitchen appliances, fresh towels, (even oil to help prepare an after fishing meal) to an abundance of canoes, kayaks and two rowboats to use at our leisure. Everything was provided expect for fishing tackle (However, to this end, anything you did forget was available at the main gate check-in/store).

Upon our immediate arrival, we jumped into one of the row boats and took a quick tour of our private lake. I threw a Williams Wabler behind the boat attached to an 18-inch fluorocarbon leader. At the business end was a fly tied by Jr. Canadian Fly fishing team member, Mike Lennox. It took roughly three minutes for my rod to bend and the 16-inch rainbow to break water in an attempt to shake the hook - but it was me who would win the battle.

This first impression certainly set the stage for our weekend of fish action.

Eleven rainbow trout came to the net during our stay; one caught by my five-year old daughter Isabella, and also my first ever trout caught on a fly. I have spent much time chasing pike, bass and carp on the fly and a trout was a worthy and a well-awaited opponent. The fish were scattered throughout the lake, with action all around many of the rocky points and even in the open water as the sun came down and the temperatures dropped.

We also had the opportunity to try our luck in Whitefish Lake, located beside the fish hatchery in Kenauk. It is a catch and release lake filled with bass and northern pike. Our Northam spinnerbaits and Storm Chug Bugs provided much action from the lakes many northerns including this beauty.

To break up our stay, we headed down to the main lodge at the Fairmont Montebello where we enjoyed lunch and a cold drink on the patio and a dip in the pool. It was the season's warmest day of the year; so it was nice to be the ones in the water.

Everything I had previously heard was true, and for those who aren't talking, it's merely a strategy to keep this slice of heaven to themselves. What I do know is that I won't be waiting long to go back for another vacation and a fish in this paddlers' paradise.

For more information check out www.fairmont.com/kenauk
If you would like a guided trip with a fantastic fly fishing instructor / guide please contact John Huff - www.johnhuffadventures.com

Jamie Pistilli
Team Ocean Kayak
www.thefishingconsultant.com

Latest Posts