Summer Lake Life: A Symphony of Fishing, Sunsets and Adventures
‘The combination of feeling the thrill of a catch, and the deep relaxation and serenity in nature, makes “lake life” more than just a hobby, but a way of life that keeps you coming back weekend after weekend, season after season, and year after year. ‘
There is something timeless and soul-soothing about summers at the lake. It’s where the days stretch long and golden, laughter bounces off the water’s surface and each evening ends with a painted sky. Whether it’s the sound of the water rolling on to the shore, or the feel of the tug of a fish on your line, lake life in summer is a blend of calm, relaxing moments and thrills that give us memories to last a lifetime.
Every summer is precious in Manitoba, as they always seem to fly by. Most of my summer weekends consist of fishing and if you’re like me, then the days leading up to a lake adventure involves some fun prep work. You are constantly checking the weather and wind forecasts, making plans to work with what you are given, picking target species and appropriate lures, and trying to figure out what areas would be best to locate the chosen targets.
EARLY MORNING BEAUTY
The day begins with the stillness of dawn, when the lake is calm and mirrors the pastel-coloured sky. Songbirds are just starting to sing, a small breeze may start to rise, and then the purr of a motor sounds as you make your way across the lake to your spot of choice. As you bask in the wilderness beauty while you make your way … you secretly hope nobody else is in your spot! Growing up in the Whiteshell offers an abundance of different opportunities for a great variety of species. My favourite is the black crappie, and more often than not – I am on the hunt for them, or will settle for some nice walleye. I like to bring those home to fry up for either breakfast or, sometimes for an evening serving of fish tacos that I can serve to the whole family. Early morning is key, when the waters are cool. As the days grow warm quickly, the power of the summer sun makes the bite window short and often missed if you decide to sleep in!
After returning from the morning fish, now its time to relax! Sharing a family cottage, there are often multiple people out and always something to do. The lake becomes alive with boat activity and friends and family come together to enjoy it all. Growing up, the afternoons were all about watersports: wakeboarding, skiing and tubing nonstop. Most memories consist of my sisters and I tubing, with my father driving the boat and my mom spotting (watching us tubers).
Dear old dad always thought it was his duty to make sure we all fell off at some point! He’d have us screaming and laughing, then begging for more! Or, on calm afternoons, crafting the perfect spray from the slalom ski would be the ultimate goal. These days we love teaching and watching the next generation try those same water hobbies, and we get to relive those incredible moments through their youthful eyes. Or perhaps it’s sending that group text out to friends from surrounding lakes to gather for an afternoon of yard games, floating around and socializing, as summer is the time most people head to the lake to relax and make memories.
THE END OF A PERFECT DAY
When the day starts to cool, it signals time to return home, whether from a friend’s place, or from being down at the dock. As you head back you know that a nice family dinner awaits, usually consisting of something easily barbequed, with summer staples like corn on the cob, garden veggies and fresh juicy watermelon for dessert. As the sun makes its lazy descent, the lake slows down with it. Activity boaters return to their docks as the sky blazes soft golden, and round two of the fishing adventure commences. The cooling temperatures trigger an evening bite, and once again you find yourself gliding over the waters to one of your preferred spots. Watching the sunsets turn the skies from blue to gold, then shifting to orange and rose beautifully before gently dimming into twilight, igniting an amazing sense of peace. You hope you feel that tug of a fish as you sit there and jig, but sometimes just watching the sunsets and listening to the distant call of a loon, is all you need to end the day.
As you tie up the boat and put the fishing gear away for the night, the scent of roasted marshmallows, pulls you close to the campfire. The sound of kids’ laughter and the familiar tail wags and nuzzles from your dog usually greet you. Some of the kids are making smores, and others are running around playing with friends. Neighbours soon gather around the fire, stories are shared, and bonds are made. Summer offers the ideal backdrop for one of life’s simplest pleasures… camping and fishing. Whether camping under the stars, or staying in a cabin, going for a hike or casting a line, memories that last a lifetime are made in these little moments. These timeless traditions have created a lifestyle that I’m grateful were passed on to me, and I intend to carry them forward.
HEADING TO THE BACK COUNTRY
At the end of the night, sleep comes easy after the day’s adventures and fresh air, and my mind is already planning the next day’s activities. Where should I go? Hike into back country for something different. What should I target? Walleye? Bass? Trout? Options and opportunities are endless, and new quests are just a sleep away. Back country lakes have quickly become a favourite of mine to explore. Calling a friend and hand carrying kayaks over portages or hauling a mini trolling motor over your shoulder to a small boat stashed on shore, or even just jumping on a hiking trail with just a rod and some tackle to shore fish has been my go-to ways to experience these lakes. Getting away from the busier boat traffic lakes, targeting unpressured fish, looking at the backdrop of the beautiful Canadian shield, and being surrounded by wilderness, I often find myself preferring those secluded areas as compared with the easily accessed common spots. There’s always an opportunity to catch a glimpse of wildlife as you round each new bay. To me, it seems to make the catches feel more earned, and one can feel proud for putting in all that effort. Each adventure only triggers bigger and better ideas for next time, and keeps you returning, always giving inspiration for lifelong learning.
The combination of feeling the thrill of a catch, and the deep relaxation and serenity in nature, makes “lake life” more than just a hobby, but a way of life that keeps you coming back weekend after weekend, season after season, and year after year.
