Matachewan 1998

 

What to bring

 

Parka or other warm outer wear, rain gear and an extra set of  clothing.

Key to start boat motor.

Fishing license.

Life jackets.

Camping stuff - eating utensils, etc.

Frangelico or other favorite shooter-style aperitif.

 

What not to bring

 

Music.

Bottled beer - cans or plastic only please.

 

Where to go

 

Matachewan, Ontario  -      North on Hwy 11 from North Bay to New Liskeard

                                                West on Hwy 65 via Elk Lake to Hwy 66

                                                                (be sure to observe speed limits thru Elk Lake)

                                                West on Hwy 66 to Matachewan

 

 

 

What to expect on your way

 

Moose on the road.

Road from New Liskeard to Elk Lake is very windy and potholes - don’t fly especially w/trailer.

Ice and gas is available in Matachewan on your way through town at the Esso station.

Liquor/beer store in Elk Lake which is CLOSED on THURSDAY’s.

 

Who will be there

 

Woodsy - stops eating and shitting after day 1 - DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FEED THE WOODSY!

Vic - in charge

Alvin - pass the scotch!

Larry from Barrie - nude bather sponsored by Glayva

Ray - nude fish cleaner

Roy - Vic’s dad - talks in his sleep

Danny - Vic’s godfather - avoid during a full moon

Mykolas - voyageur - can I drive your new boat and motor?

Willie - new boat and motor

Linas - old boat and motor

Fergie - wishes he’s Lithuanian

Evil - RCMP - he’s on our side

 

What to expect when you arrive in Matachewan

 

Boat launch is accessed by crossing the bridge at the Western edge of town and making an immediate RIGHT turn (across from the Restaurant).  Park in the vacant lot at the launch with the other cars.

Check your boat for holes before launching just in case.

Drink and be merry.

 

What to expect on your journey up river (see river map)

 

Deadheads (semi-submerged floating logs) are everywhere.

100m. portage at Old Woman’s Rapids should have a trailer - back it in - load your boat and haul the whole lot over land.  Two guys are usually able to pull the loaded trailer up the hill.

The next rapids are found one kilometer after the portage.

The next rapids are navigable if the water is high enough by staying to the right of center - but not too close to shore.  Boulders on the left and many rocks on the right.  Usually 3 to 5 feet deep.

The narrows at Red Pine may be log jammed and shallow - use caution.

The final narrows after Camp site 1 may also be shallow.

 

Some things to do once you get there

 

Ask someone what else you can do.

Check minnow traps.

Buy a cool hat - only $15!

Drink and be merry.

 

What is expected of you

 

A nominal fee ($25 to $35) will be collected for prizes and incidentals.

If you are first one there - set up a dry area with tarps.

Catch fish but don’t keep walleye over 6 pounds - they’re probably older than you are.

Do not exceed your boat total catch limit - the woods have eyes and helicopters.

Clean up after yourself.

Use the designated toilet facilities.

Store your food wisely.

Discard dish water well inland - not into the river.

Respect the locals.

Bring your own or catch your own bait.

Collect firewood.

Drink and be merry.

 

 

Derby rules

 

Prize for big fish over 3 pounds - keep fish alive and weigh in at one of the campsites (at least 2 witnesses required) and release walleye over 6 pounds.

Prize for most of each fish family - [Perch, Walleye, Sauger and Pike], [Trout], [Bass], [Other (Whitefish, Ling, etc..)]

 

Lottery

 

A new Extreme Bass Pro Shops 7 foot 54 million modulus graphite spinning rod (worth $80) is the main prize to be won in our first annual lottery.

Second prize is 10 6/49 tickets.

Third prize is a 100yd. Spool of Spiderwire.

 

Some things to do before you leave

 

Clean up.

Ask someone what else you can do.