Fished at a lodge just outside of Ignace.  We fished Wintering, Kokukis (Elephant), Arathusa, and Big Indian.  Took a side trip to the English River several times.  All produced fish.  None of us (9 to 12 people depending on which year) got any big fish from Wintering.   Lots of nice sized walleyes up to mid 20s.  Some mid sized Pike also.  

Caught big Pike on Arathusa.  Not a lot , but big.  

Lots of good memories.

Well jnthal, 

I don’t fish Watcomb regularly although I have fished it many times over the years. It does have some very nice fish in it. My best fish out of there or the one I remember most was an odd catch it happened to be a 27 inch 9 1/2 pound white fish. I caught it from that very same Rapids you’re talking about. I had a large fish on there in the fall a few years ago and it’s still haunts me... I don’t know what in the heck it was. Had it on for about five minutes just as I was starting to get it to the surface where I could see some color it spit my jig. I haven’t had a fish on that size since then. We have been going up to that area since 1999 so over the years we have lots of stories. I’ve been thinking back to many of our old fishing trips this past year and it’s making me very anxious and hopeful of getting there this May for the opener.????

Fish Watcom and Young a lot.  Have been on Sowden and Sturgeon, but not a whole lot.  Elypse(?) and Pike often. Lake of Bays many times.  Would like to learn Sturgeon for trout.  Stay at Silver Doller. 8 years.  Usually first week in June.  First few years alays the opening week in May.  Fantastic fishing but weather could be brutal.  My fishing partner who introduced me to this area (may he rest in peace)  had a 50in northern right up to the boat on Watcom back by the falls.  8lb test line fishing for Wallys. Just as I was about to net it, it dove under the boat and snapped his $300 St Croix rod six inches above the reel!  St Croix replaced rod. I know 50in.  46in on my wall. Sure missed last spring.  Prey we get there this spring.  Also lost out on Moose hunt in Brit Col because of '19'.

NP Arod!

If we get to go in 2021, you really should stop in at Harris Bay and have a coffee with Bill.

If he is still up and kickin, (In his 80's) he is so interesting to chat with. He has a house just past the resort on the point.

You will love it!

Love this guy!

I have always wanted to investigate the old Prisoner of war camps that are over by flying loon from World War II i’ve been told there is really nothing to see anymore that it’s all in ruins or taken down but that kind of stuff I find interesting.

Thanks Res and Canada, I find the history of Sturgeon to be quite interesting. The owners of the resort we stay at are second generation owners and have shared some info on the lake that has peaked my interest. They have told me about a book and actually have said they have a copy but unfortunately unable to locate it. Any info you are willing to share is welcomed. Sure hope we are able to travel in this summer as I truly miss my time on Sturgeon.

If anyone wants an accurate (and very interesting) history lesson, hire Guide Bill Groves over at Harris Bay Resort. (If he still guides, if not, he is an incredible storyteller) If he is, you will have more fun just touring Lake and listening. And he sure knows the fish! He is easily one of my favorite people I've met in my life.

Bill is in his 80's I believe and he was born and raised on Sturgeon Lake. His family started both the Sturgeon Lake Lodge and the orignal Gold Mine. They also were the 1st commercial fishermen to work the lake. Bill is actually quite a local hero, saving a number of wildland firefighters from burning up by plowing a dozer loaded with fire pumps hoses and gasoline cans right through the blaze.....I heard the paint was burned right off and he was singed a little but never stopped. The other dozer bailed out. This was true hero stuff. If I remember correctly, he even rode the train to work at some point too!

Awesome guy

Arod,

In regards to the history of Sturgeon lake. I have a three ring binder up at my cabin with all kinds of information on it. there was a college professor that wrote lots about the sturgeon lake area when he used to come up to that part of Canada in the 40s and 50s. He used to stay at the loging camps and rent a cot from them on those early fishing trips. I also heard stories that there’s some gold bars lying on the bottom the Sturgeon Lake because there was some shipwreck gold back in the day. I’m not much for reading but I stayed up to three in the morning reading that binder when I first got my hands on it, it’s very interesting. Whenever I am allowed back up to my cabin I can share more information with you. Otherwise you can message me and I can tell you what I can remember. The information about the brothel I never heard before but I wouldn’t doubt it.

We saw the tugboat last fall while we were out fishing. Not sure what they use it for but it's still in operation. 

Been fishing Sturgeon Lake for 25 years and have been told by a second generation local that it has a very interesting history. I understand that years ago it was a very busy lake with a gold mine, a hotel, tug boat service and even a brothel. I've been told that there has been a book written about it's history but unfortunately I haven't been able to find. Even talked with the librarian in Ignace. So just wondering if anyone has any information about Sturgeon or any knowledge of the book. Just curious.