I’m Bob Bentley, 61, of Centennial. In June I took a fishing trip to Manitoba with my son Chris Bentley, 33, of Tempe, Ariz., who is a critical care charge nurse. The trip lasted 14 days, including travel to and from Denver to Bakers Narrows, with 10 days in “the bush,” as they say up there.
Denver to Regina, Saskatchewan, was a one-day drive of 850 miles. Regina to Bakers Narrows was another 518 miles through Flin Flon, Manitoba, so it was two days driving there and two days back.
As far as good fishing days go, the best day we landed nearly 100 walleye. But what was most impressive wasn’t the number, but the size all 2 to 4 pounds (could not catch a 1-pounder!). And we have this on film, three “doubles” in nine minutes. Put the “Jimmy Houston OutDoors” show to shame.
The hundreds of fish we caught all were released back to their native waters – except for the eight per person we could leave Manitoba with and what we consumed while there.
Besides the fishing tales, there were plenty of other stories to tell, including an unfortunate treble hook-in-the-scalp incident. Thanks to having the appropriate first aid kit along, things were remedied quickly, and the next day Chris was good as new. I’d highly recommend having a fully stocked kit for a trip like this.
Several tips could be offered for such an excursion, and what tops the list is choosing a great outfitter. Chris remarked that he did not know what was better – the fishing (actually, more like catching than fishing) or the hospitality and expertise of the Baynton family-run Bakers Narrows Lodge ().
The lodge is run by two energetic sons: Brett, the chief pilot, and his brother Brock, the head guide. The staff they selected is just as professional and caring to detail.
Having seen several outfitters over the years, none was like this group. Their wives also are involved in the administration of their operation.
Cost was $1,050 for 10 nights, or $105 per night per person. However, you must bring your own gear, food, supplies, etc. This provided an extremely low-cost trip for what you get but you must be able to take care of yourself.
