ThunderHook Fly-Ins

ThunderHook Fly-Ins
2014 Annual Newsletter & Photo Journal
From Your Hosts - The Dill Family & Debbie Alexander
www.ThunderHook.com
“The Crane Lake Connection”
All INCLUSIVE FISHING TRIP ON SMOOTHROCK LAKE IN WABAKIMI PARK
Depart: Crane Lake, MN 10AM| Arrive: Smoothrock Camp 12PM with Lunch Waiting!
Driving to
Crane Lake, MN
Approx.
Mileage (mi)
Approx.
Drive Time (hrs)
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
273
4.5
Des Moines, IA
514
8.5
610
9.5
792
13
Green Bay, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Chicago, IL
Kansas City, MO
Indianapolis, IN
Denver, CO
473
8
538
Smoothrock Camp
9
707
11
1185
Crane Lake
18
Sioux Falls
Mpls/St. Paul
Green Bay
Milwaukee
Des Moines
Chicago
Indianapolis
Denver
Kansas City
Note: Rental Cars and Shuttle Service may be arranged for transportation
to Crane Lake, MN. The closest airports with commercial air service are
Hibbing, MN (HIB) and Duluth, MN (DLH).
Thunderhook has an exciting new trip to the Smoothrock Camp
that we are offering to all of our anglers. Starting next summer
Thunderhook is adding an option to begin your fly-in fishing trip
from Crane Lake, MN.
The “Crane Lake Trip” is likely the closest departure point to
a great Ontario Fly-In Fishing Trip anywhere in the lower
48 states. Crane Lake, MN is a hidden gem nestled between
Minnesota’s famed Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Voyageurs
National Park. Crane Lake is only a 4 hour drive from the
Minneapolis/St. Paul Metropolitan area of Minnesota and a
9 to 10 Hour Drive from the Chicago, IL Metropolitan area.
Accessing Canada via Crane Lake is also nearly an hour shorter
than driving to International Falls, MN/Fort Frances, Ontario,
and there is no wait at the International Bridge Crossing.
Crane Lake, MN is only six miles from Sand Point Lake, Ontario
where there is a Canadian Port of Entry which is accessible only
via water. Guests choosing our “Crane Lake Trip” will leave Crane
Lake, MN on a privately chartered commercial boat and arrive
at the Canadian Border in less than 10 minutes. After clearing
customs fishermen can simply step on the airplane and head for
Smoothrock Camp. Anglers simply need to bring their clothes
and fishing rods. Note: We also have fishing equipment at the
lodge for those who do not have fishing equipment or would
prefer not to bring their own.
This is the perfect trip for fishermen on a tight schedule where
time constraints are a major consideration or for those looking to
shorten their travel time.
Sample Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Crane Lake, MN for overnight stay, dinner, and drinks. (Optional)
Day 2 - Depart for Canada Border Crossing at Sand Point Lake, Ontario, fly to Smoothrock Camp
for Shore Lunch and fishing. Flight is approx. 1.2 hours.
Days 3 & 4 - B
reakfast, Guided Fishing, Shore Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Depart Smoothrock Camp for Sand Point Lake, Ontario. Arrive back in Crane Lake, MN to
your vehicle by 11AM.
Rates:
4 days / 3 nights - $2495
5 days / 4 nights - $2750
* Minimum group of 6
** We provide all meals, lodging, snacks, beverages, bait,
and one guide per group while at Smoothrock Camp.
*** Liquor is available but not included
*** 80lbs maximum weight limit per person
For more info check out our webpage: www.thunderhook.com/crane-lake-mn-trip/
2014: Excellent Fishing, Great Friends and Good Times!
Another great year is in the books at Thunderhook Fly-Ins despite
many struggles do to another lingering winter. Of course we would
like to thank our wonderful guests for being patient as the ice melted
on many of our lakes delaying many trips at the start of the season.
Looking back at the start of the year we were delayed about two
weeks and our first fishermen and women and did not get in to some
locations until after June 1st! However, the year turned out to be
spectacular once again and we could not have done it without great
customers from the U.S.A., Canada, and around the world.
It was a rather cool summer in Northwestern Ontario, Canada as
compared to the last few. It didn’t slow down the fishing one bit. In
fact, it may have made the fishing even better. During the summer
of 2014 guests registered more Walleye over 30” than in any previous
summer. The Pike fishing remained fantastic throughout the year but
specifically in the first six weeks of the season as well as the first two
weeks of September. It will be interesting to see the big fish that are
caught during the 2015 season.
Overall we would like to thank you and your friends for making 2014
another great season at Thunderhook! We are grateful and thankful
that many of you return year after year in search of good service,
solitude and fantastic Canadian fishing!
levels that occur on Smoothrock Lake which is something the old
dock did not do.
In July we made a dramatic change to the Smoothrock Camp
communication system due to ongoing difficulties with the prior
system. We installed two satellite dishes which provide broadband
internet service as well as VOIP telephone service for calling. The new
phone works flawlessly and there is even voicemail at the resort now.
Overall, it was another fantastic year of fishing on Smoothrock Lake.
Although the water levels on the lake were well above average. Guests
continue to notice a consistent increase in size of both Walleye and
Pike on the lake. This year our anglers caught more walleye over 30”
than ever before. Last fall Thunderhook purchased a “Living Stream”
bait system that will be installed this spring in the Smoothrock
boathouse. This will dramatically increase the quality of our bait.
During the moose hunt a large supply of building materials was
flown into the Smoothrock Camp. We are building a large storage
garage with a new shower house, work area, and storage area. This will
include the removal of the current shower house, old motor shed and
workshop. We also began to take down cabins two and three last fall
and will continue to work on their removal as time permits.
Moose Hunts
Thunderhook Outposts
The summer at Thunderhook outpost camps was much like the previous
summer. Once the lakes were ice-free we immediately began working to
get the camps open and operational for the arriving guests. The fishing
throughout the summer was spectacular as usual at all of our fly-in lakes.
It is of particular note that the walleye fishing on Shabuskwia Lake is
getting better and better every summer. The size of the fish being caught
and released is absolutely astonishing.
Many projects that were postponed last fall are now scheduled for this
spring after it snowed a foot on September 22nd. More maintenance
and repairs will be the theme of 2015 including docks, cabin
improvements at some of the properties, and new motors.
Once again, hunters from around the world participated in the
Thunderhook moose hunt… which is one of the largest in North
America. Demand for these hunts continues to be extremely high
primarily due to the decline of the moose population in the USA
and the elimination of “once in a lifetime hunts” in Minnesota and
Wisconsin. Limited space is now available for the 2015 hunt. The
Thunderhook moose hunt is an exciting time to visit the Wabakimi
Provincial Park. An added bonus is the truly spectacular fall fishing.
If you are considering booking a moose hunt, please call us as soon
as possible to ensure availability for the dates/weeks you desire and
to receive all of the details of the hunt.
Please call us or email us for our 2015 Moose Hunt Rates.
Smoothrock Camp
After an interesting start to the season at Smoothrock things began to
quickly fall into place. Our crew immediately began construction of
the new dock which was a huge improvement over the last dock. Now
there is 1250 square feet of dock space at the resort for the planes,
guests, and boats. The dock accommodates the fluctuations in water
TV & Advertising
Throughout the year we will continue to run segments on Midwest Outdoors. Also, Drake makes
it a priority to keep our Facebook page up to date with the latest pictures and info. Be sure to
check out our latest list of sportshows.
If you have a picture or video that you would like to share with us, please post it on our Facebook page –
www.facebook.com/thunderhook or email them to us at [email protected]
New for 2015
an outboard motor that is more than three years old. We feel strongly
that our guests must have the most efficient and reliable motors as
part of their great Canadian fishing vacation. Don’t forget to prewire
your depthfinder with alligator clips to be directly connected to the
motor battery.
Aircraft – Prior to 2014 season, Thunderhook purchased a
DeHavilland Turbo Otter. We are extremely happy that the aircraft
was in great condition and working order and served our business
needs wonderfully. This fall, after the moose hunt, Drake flew the
Otter to Fort Frances, Ontario where it will spend the winter. We are
upgrading the aircraft with a new interior and some other features
this winter and will continue on with improvements such as paint,
instrument panel, and new floats over the next several seasons.
2015 Sport show Schedule
Cellular Telephone Service – We now have cellular telephone
service at our seaplane base in Armstrong Station, Ontario. This was
a huge step for the community, our customers, and our business.
Unfortunately, we are unable to get cellular telephone service at any of
our fly-out camps.
New Yamaha 4-Stroke Motors – Again, we will be replacing many
of our outboard motors at many of our fly-in destinations. We are
proud to offer Yamaha 4-Stroke 15 and 20HP electric start motors at
our fly-in destinations. Also, no guest in our operation will arrive to
Throughout this fall and winter Debbie, David, Al and Drake are
attending a variety of sport shows throughout the United States. It’s a
great way to see our guests as well as new customers! The “All Canada
Show” has added a second show in Green Bay, WI for 2015 and we
will be doing a show in Phoenix this winter as well. Stop out and see
us at one of these great shows!
Free Tickets!
If you are planning on attending, please email info@thunderhook.
com and we will arrange for you to receive free passes to the show(s)
of your choice. You may view the schedule at www.thunderhook.com/
sportshow-schedule as we have added several shows. Come see us and
talk about a 2015 fishing trip with Thunderhook!
1. All Canada Fishing & Vacation Show – Jan 8-11, 2015
Pheasant Run Resort | St. Charles, IL
8. Duluth Boat, Sport and Travel Show – Feb 18-22, 2015
The DECC | Duluth, MN
3. All Canada Fishing & Vacation Show – January 15-18, 2015 Radisson Conference Center (Oneida Casino) | Green Bay, WI
10. Madison Fishing Expo – Feb 27-Mar 1, 2015
Alliant Energy Center | Madison, WI
2. Minnesota Sportsmen’s Show – Jan 8-11, 2015
St. Paul Rivercentre | St. Paul, MN
4. Kansas City Boat & Sport Show – Jan 22-25, 2015
Bartle Hall | Kansas City, MO
5. Chicagoland Fishing & Outdoor Expo – Jan 29 – Feb 1, 2015 Schaumburg Convention Center | Schaumburg, IL
6. LaCrosse Boat, Sports, Travel, RV & Hunting Show
Feb 12-15, 2015 | LaCrosse Auditorium | LaCrosse, WI
7. Omaha Boat, Sports and Travel Show – Feb 19-22, 2015
Century Link Center | Omaha, NE
9. International Sportsmens Expo – Feb 19-22, 2015
University of Phoenix Stadium | Glendale, AZ
11. St. Paul Bird, Buck, Bait & Boat Expo – Feb 27-Mar 1, 2015
Warner Coliseum – State Fairgrounds | Minneapolis, MN
12. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sport Show – March 4-8, 2015
Wisconsin State Fair Park | West Allis, WI
13. Minnesota SCI’s 40th Annual World Hunting Expo
March 6-7, 2015 | Bloomington Doubletree Hotel | Bloomington, MN
14. Northwest Sport Show – March 25-29, 2015
Minneapolis Convention Center | Minneapolis, MN
Hospitality - Meet & Greet Events
Last season we again hosted a “meet and greet” event in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, at Michele’s Restaurant. The event was hosted by Thad
Klasinski, who is the proprietor at Michele’s, and Tom Dailing, both longtime Thunderhook guests. Again, over 100 guests attended this fun
event as we awarded drink coupons, door prizes, and a fishing seminar. A hearty “thank you” to our friends Thad and Tom for hosting another
get-together! We are planning on repeating this event in Stevens Point, an possibly in other cities as well. If you would like to host a “meet and
greet” event in your community, please contact us to work out the details
2015 Fishing Rates
Smoothrock Camp Resort
Thunderhook Outposts
Cabins 4 and 5 (fully modern)
6-8 person capacity / 4 minimum
4 days / 3 nights - $1250 each
8 days / 7 nights - $1395 each
Shab Island Cabins (fully modern)
6 person capacity / 4 minimum
4 days / 3 nights - $1250 each
8 days / 7 nights - $1395 each
Cabin 6 | 10 person capacity
4 days / 3 nights - $1250 each
8 days / 7 nights - $1395 each
Shabuskwia South (fully modern)
10 person capacity / 6 minimum
4 days / 3 nights - $1250 each
8 days / 7 nights - $1395 each
Cabin 7 | 8 person capacity
4 days / 3 nights - $1250 each
8 days / 7 nights - $1395 each
Almos Bay
10 person capacity / 6 minimum
4 days / 3 nights - $1250 each
8 days / 7 nights - $1345 each
Cabins 9 and 10 | 8 person capacity
4 days / 3 nights - $1250 each
8 days / 7 nights - $1395 each
Funger Lake
10 person capacity / 6 minimum
4 days / 3 nights - $1225 each
8 days / 7 nights - $1345 each
Cabin 11 | 12 person capacity
4 days / 3 nights - $1250 each
8 days / 7 nights - $1395 each
Moonshine Lake
10 person capacity / 4 minimum
4 days / 3 nights - $1050 each
8 days / 7 nights - $1195 each
SMOOTHROCK CAMP AMENITIES
We provide full time staff catering to your needs: clean, modern,
shorefront cabins with electric appliances, fully - equipped
kitchens, propane grills, screened in fish cleaning house. Most
have screened in porches, sand beaches, new 16 ft Lund boats,
20HP Yamaha 4-Stroke motors, and swivel boat seats. All beds
have fresh linens ready for your arrival.
2015 Fly-In Fishing Specials
THUNDERHOOK OUTPOST AMENITIES
Thunderhook fully equipped outposts feature 14 and 16 ft Lund
boats and 15hp 4-stroke motors, swivel boat seats, boat cushions,
life jackets and landing nets. Fully equipped kitchens, screened
house or porch, propane grill and fish cookers, hot and cold running
water and showers. Guests provide sleeping bags and towels.
(From Armstrong, Ontario)
$995 Fall Special
Any available date after September 1st – Smoothrock Camp,
Almos Bay, Moonshine, and Funger Outposts (8 days/7 nights)
Direct Referral Program
Directly refer a new party; and pay only $995 for your
personal fishing trip.
A Kind Reminder
If you are considering a trip to
Thunderhook, we highly recommend
that you make your plans without delay.
Dates throughout the season fill quickly
as the sport show season gets underway.
2nd Trip Special
Come on a 2nd trip in the same year and pay just $995 per person!
Thank You!
We want to take this opportunity to thank you for visiting us in beautiful Northwestern Ontario,
Canada. We consider it an honor and privilege to serve you. We liken it to the sign in our office
which says, “Come as guests… leave as friends!”
WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!
www.ThunderHook.com
David, Drake, Debbie, Mike, Al and the rest of the Thunderhook Team!
2014 Photo Journal
2014 Photo Journal
GREA
angl
IN T
WOR
ATEST
lers
THE
RLD
Summer
527 Highway
Armstrong Station, ON
Canada, P0T 1A0
Winter
P.O. Box 321
Orr, MN 55771
807.583.2106
[email protected]
www.ThunderHook.com