Found! An Affordable Family-Oriented Lodge

Article Date: April 2003

I am fortunate in that I am able to take several fishing trips each year. But I am required to take my wife along on at least two trips - one to the Caribbean in the winter and one to the Rockies or Canada in the summertime. She does not fish but loves to tag along. Typically, she stays at the lodge, reading, visiting with other guests or enjoying available activities. That means accommodations and food must be as high up on the list of priorities as the fishing on these trips.

Last June, she and I experienced a place that met all our requirements and had the added benefit of being very economical. I believe fellow subscribers would enjoy this place, too. It's called Beachwood Resort, and it is located on Lower Buckhorn Lake in Ontario, about 150 miles north of Toronto in the Kawartha Lake district. The hosts, Dave and Karen, are wonderful and caring people. The food prepared by Chef Dennis is the best I have ever experienced on a fishing vacation and better than in most fine restaurants. The lodge is primarily designed for family vacations, so there are lots of things for kids and non-fishing spouses to do, including a pool, tennis courts and pedal boats.

Fishing here is for muskies, smallmouth bass and walleyes. While this may suggest a mediocre fishing experience to some, the opposite is actually the case. Most of the guests here fish for panfish and walleyes, but it is quite easy to get to places that have little fishing pressure. In fact, I rarely saw another serious angler while I was there.

The smallmouth action here is outstanding. I targeted these fish with lightweight spinning tackle and a six-weight fly rod with popping bugs and small surface lures. I caught 1........(continued)

CONTACT DETAILS FOR COMPANIES/INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN ARTICLE (if any)

Beachwood Resort. RR 1. Lakefield, Ontario, K0L 2H0, Canada. Tel. 705-657-3481, 888-313-1118. Web: www.beachwoodresort.com