In our last issue of the KaBeeLo Newsletter we noted the Ontario government harmonized the provincial sales tax (PST) and goods and services tax (GST) on July 1, 2010. This policy change had the biggest impact on deposit requirements. Namely, deposits are required before a rebate can be given. [NOTE:  Rebates are available to non-residents of Canada for the purchase of some goods and services available during their short-term stay].

Did you get you "little green card" in the mail from the Province of Ontario? If you received one – DON'T THROW IT AWAY! Bring it with you the next time you fish in Ontario because it will save you money (re-issuance of a card will cost $10), will facilitate getting a fishing license and it reduce the burden of paperwork. Moral of the story – bring the card. Remember you can call the Ontario Outdoor Card Center (1-800-387-7011) if the card has not been received.

Sometimes we overlook the obvious in the day-to-day bustle of life, but, we try and make up for it. So we would like to give credit where credit is due. As our customers know, each and every year, we award a "free trip" to the photo which graces our brochure cover. In fact, ALL of the photos in the brochure are a result of current or past submissions by guests that have taken time to share their "gems" with us. In the 2011 brochure the following individuals were gracious enough to allow use of their photos: Casey Hatch (Brochure cover), Minnesota; Bill Barnes, Indiana; Melissa Maas (caribou), Minnesota; Lee Hemmer, Georgia; Ron Nickelson, Kentucky; Ken Hagler, Florida; John Sell (moose), Texas. To each of you we say THANKS!

For the 2011 season, we are offering two new adventures – 4 Wheelin' and Game Bird Hunting. Each new adventure is designed to take advantage of the great possibilities that exist at and around KaBeeLo Lodge. Specifically, Game Bird Hunting will begin September 15, 2011 and operate until the lodge closes on October 8, 2011. The bird populations will include ruffed grouse and spruce grouse with combined daily limits of five (5) birds of either sex and possession limit of fifteen (15). The second new activity we would like to explore is 4 Wheelin'. Hitch up the trailer, throw on a 4 wheeler or two and come to KaBeeLo. There are literally hundreds of roads to roam, miles to cover, attractions to see, rivers to cross, dirt roads to mess up. This is the area and the terrain that your 4 wheeler was made for – rough, rugged, rutted and ready. Bring your equipment and get ready to put it through its tests. After your trip is over you will have been tested as well.

In our 28 years at KaBeeLo Lodge we have never arrived at the main base for the lodge opening without seeing ice or snow, or both.  NEVER!  Well, 2010 was the very first; in fact, no one in the Ear Falls area (including old-timers) remembers the ice & snow going out so early.  Of course, these conditions were perfect for getting things going at the main base, getting the aircraft in the water and getting all the outpost camps opened. As the first groups arrived they, too, were surprised by the lack of ice and snow given they had been “frozen” out for the past four years.  They were elated with the absence of winter but somewhat leery about fishing given the “early spawn.” The fishing, however, allayed any fears they had about “early spawn – fish gone” nonsense.  From the very first group of fishermen until the very last group of fishermen, and every group in between, KaBeeLo Lodge experienced one of its best fishing seasons ever.  More specifically, once the fishing season opened for walleye on May 15th and reports started coming in we heard nothing but praises for “fly-out” fishing, Canadian walleye fishing, fishing at KaBeeLo and just having fun.  After the spawn the walleye generally stay in the shallows for an extended period of time & then gradually move towards deeper water as food and climate force changes. June and July anglers found fish the fishing to be outstanding.  We had reports of walleye, walleye & a few more walleye with lots of northerns thrown in – just for fun.  The reports for August and September fishing did not vary much from what was reported in the proceeding months – lots and lots and lots of fish. All in all the 2010 season was a fisherman's dream –  catch fish when you want, where you want and (almost) how many you want. Additional bonuses included very, very nice weather and no bugs. It was a dream season for both the angler and the outfitter.

The economy in 2010 was every bit as tough as 2009 and it was tough on all of us. Even though there appears to be a glimmer of hope in the employment sector of the USA economy at KaBeeLo Lodge are doing our part in helping you to save a buck or two – there will be NO PRICE INCREASE in the #1 Fly-Out Special (3 day/3 night fly-out) during the 2011 season!

We often hear the question – "any new lakes for the coming season?" We generally respond the same as we have for the past 20+ years – no, not this season. We view a potential "purchase" of another outpost lake as falling outside of our current operating plans. We now operate on 13 lakes, each of which offers exceptional fishing and hunting opportunities for anyone and everyone. However, reflecting on the preceding seasons we noted our guest profile was changing from those that said "let's go fishing" to those that said "let's go fishing, but on a lake with fishing and a nice cabin." That view has been sharpened by increases in the numbers of women & girls that want to become part of the angling crowd but also require excellent accommodations. Accordingly, instead of "new lakes" we have directed our business efforts and finances towards new construction & modernization of existing outpost cabins. As of today nine of the 13 outpost cabins have been totally rebuilt or completely renovated in the past 5-6 seasons; two outpost cabins have had minor renovations; and, two require major renovations or rebuilds. In short, we are trying to make what we have just that much better. Best lakes with best cabins with best fishing means everyone can be happy. And by the way, most of lakes we fly to have only one cabin!

As this newsletter goes to print we can report that virtually no wood harvesting is going on in the Trout Forest which is where most of KaBeeLo Lodge and its operations are located. The major players on the landscape (i.e., logging operations) have been scaled back due to mill closure and change of ownership. However, the day will come when harvesting will begin anew and forestry activities will commence; we just don't know when. The positives that derive from the absence of harvesting activities include: no noise pollution, no road dust, no road accidents or near misses, no cracked windshields, no road development or extensions, no harvesting "mishaps" and no possible lake access. For those of us that enjoy the remoteness of this part of North West Ontario wilderness - what is there not to like about the absence of forestry activity? Can't think of a thing. Our outpost lakes continue to remain remote and inaccessible by road and our efforts are directed to insure they remain this way. No way, no roads, no access!

Go to our website (www.kabeelo.com) and "click" thru any and all topics of interest to you. On the "contact" page please note that we have a blog where you can offer your input through comments, observations and/or criticism. Become part of what we are all about – making fishing in Ontario Canada and at KaBeeLo Lodge the most desirable destination in NW Ontario.

• Kansas City, KS:  January 13-16, 2011
J. Bartle Hall
• Omaha, NE:  February 24 – 27, 2011
Qwest Center (tentative)
• Minneapolis, MN:  March 24-28, 2011
Minneapolis Convention Center

• NOT ALLOWED into Ontario:  handguns, live minnows, leeches, dog food, potatoes, radar detectors.
• When sending photos for brochure consideration send up to your five (5) best.
• Did you know the KaBeeLo kitchen is collecting recipes? If you have a favorite please send it along, especially fish recipes.
• REMEMBER – passports are required.
• Bringing a child along? Get a &"letter of permission" from the other parent which acknowledges travel destination.

The Complete Angler, James Prosek. "You are never to old to start fishing. It is a sport you can do at home or abroad, alone or with friends, anywhere there is water – and you'll discover so much more than what is at the end of your line."

Web address:  www.kabeelo.com
E-mail:  kabeelo@integra.net
Toll-free:     1-800-233-2952 (year-around)
Winter #:     952-447-2952
Summer #:  807-222-3246