Noname Lake Detailed Booking Information
Thank you for choosing Dogskin Lake Lodge & Outposts for your fishing destination. We consider it a privilege and will strive to make your trip to Canada the very best you will ever have. If along the way you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Our goal is to have all your questions fully answered well before you depart so that you can have a relaxing and stress-free trip with us. Be sure to look at the passport requirements and go online at https://www.dogskin.com/information-packets to fill in your group info and any special needs your group may have. Please submit only one info request form for each group.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
GREAT NEWS! AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2022, CANADA NO LONGER REQUIRES COVID VACCINATIONS, PRE-ARRIVAL COVID TESTS, ETC. ESSENTIALLY, ALL BORDER PROCEDURES ARE THE SAME AS PRE-COVID.
MANITOBA HAS CHANGED THE WAY FISHING LICENSES ARE ISSUED AND YOU’LL NEED TO PURCHASE THEM BEFORE YOUR TRIP! See below for more information.
ALSO NOTE THAT BOTH LIVE AND DEAD BAIT CAN NO LONGER BE BROUGHT ACROSS THE BORDER.
Contacting us during the season
The best way to contact us during the season is by email (fishing@dogskin.com). We will also be forwarding our phones to the lodge via satellite so we can be reached at (715) 955-4110.
COVID INFORMATION
As of October 1, 2022, Covid restrictions have been removed and the border is essentially operating with the pre-Covid rules that you’re experienced before. As with any government, they could change things, so we’ll keep the current COVID information and how it applies to our guests updated on the website here:
If you would like to look up any Canada Covid information, see this site:
https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid
Fishing Licenses
Manitoba has now gone to an online fishing license purchasing system. Guests will now need to purchase their license online and print it out before traveling to Canada. Licenses are only required for guests 16 and over. You will need to establish an account at the following website and use this account for future purchases as well. NOTE: As of 2023, Manitoba now has only one non-resident license type, so you will select the one presented for a non-resident. Licenses are purchased at the following website:
https://www.manitobaelicensing.ca
We’ve put together a video guide to cover purchasing a license as there are a couple of steps that might be confusing:
https://youtu.be/cFfhd2SmLDw
Passport and documentation requirements
All travelers crossing the border by air - children included - are required to have a passport (or the new passport card). For those driving into Canada, passports or passport cards are required for anyone age 16 and over. Children 15 and younger will only require a birth certificate. Please note that all minors must have a signed and notarized note from any parent or legal guardian who isn't with them to cross the border. So if you are bringing up a friend's child (or even a grandchild), you'll need a notarized note from both parents allowing you to bring them across the border. If any member of the group has had a DUI or certain other offenses, see the section titled "Temporary Residence Permit Info".
Where to stay the night before you fly into Dogskin
Whether driving or flying commercially into Winnipeg, groups should plan to arrive in the Silver Falls area the night prior to their scheduled departure to Dogskin Lake or one of the outpost lakes. Staying overnight locally makes getting to the float plane base the next morning for your flight much easier. Many guests prefer to stay at Papertown Inn which is the closest hotel. If eayou are taking a shuttle to the hotel from Winnipeg International Airport, Papertown has a shuttle to the float plane base the next morning for our guests. Other options are also located in Lac du Bonnet, which is 25 minutes away.
Powerview/Pine Falls
(Approx 10 minutes to the float plane base)
Papertown Motor Inn 1-204-367-2261
Highway 59
South Beach Casino 1-877-775-8259
(Approx 45 minutes to the float plane base)
Lac du Bonnet
(Approx 25 minutes to the float plane base)
Drifters Inn 1-204-345-2915
Lakeview Hotel 1-204-345-8661
Getting to the float plane base
Driving
If you are driving from the United States, you have several options to get to the float plane base in Silver Falls, Manitoba. The best option for most is to take I-29 North out of Fargo, ND and come into Canada at the Pembina Crossing. At Pembina, I-29 becomes Canadian Highway #75 and will take you into Winnipeg. Options exist to travel through International Falls/Fort Frances, but travel times are slightly longer and the driving is much more work due to the conditions of the roads.
Once you get to the south side of Winnipeg you will need to travel around the East side of the city on the Perimeter Highway #100. Take #100 East for about 20 minutes and continue until you reach highway #59 North. Take Hwy #59 North. Be aware that there is an exit for #59 a few miles after you get on #100 - don't take this one or you'll get to drive through the City of Winnipeg and add some time to the drive.
If you are staying at the South Beach hotel, travel on Hwy #59 North until you reach the hotel, in the town of Scanterbury. To continue on to Bluewater aviation, follow the directions in the paragraph for getting to the Papertown Motor Inn below.
If you are staying in Lac do Bonnet for the night, travel on Hwy #59 North for approximately 40 minutes at which time you will turn right, East on Hwy #317. Once on #317 you will travel for 30 minutes until you reach Hwy #11. Drifters and Lakeview hotels are in Lac du Bonnet. To reach the float plane base, travel North on #11 out of Lac du Bonnet for about 25 minutes. You will see the Blue Water Aviation Float Base on the right (East) side of the Highway.
If you are staying at Papertown Motor Inn for the night, travel on Hwy #59 North for approximately 45 minutes at which time you will turn right, East on Hwy #304. Once on #304 you will travel East for 30 minutes until you reach Hwy #11. Papertown Inn will be located on the left just before your reach #11. To reach the float plane base, turn right on #11 and travel south about 10 minutes. You will see the Blue Water Aviation Float Base on the left (East) side of the Highway.
If you are going directly to the float plane base you can take Hwy #59 North for 30 minutes. Turn East on Hwy #317 towards Lac du Bonnet. Drive to Lac du Bonnet. (Note: If you need any services Lac du Bonnet is a good place to do any last minute shopping. Go straight at the stop sign to go into Lac du Bonnet) At the stop sign, turn left and drive North on Hwy #11 and travel 25 minutes. You will go by the small town of Great Falls. Blue Water Aviation is 10 minutes past Great Falls on the right side of the road.
For those with a GPS, the coordinates of the base are N50° 30' 00", W96° 05' 53".
How much alcohol can you bring into Canada?
Each adult (19 years old and over) may import, free of duty, only ONE of the following three alcoholic beverages:
One case (24 cans or bottles that are 12 fl. oz.) of beer
40 oz. (1.14 L) of hard spirits
53 oz. (1.5 litres) of wine
If you bring more than your allowed amount, you’ll be subject to duty & Canadian taxes, which you’ll need your original purchase receipts for.
Limitations on what food you can bring into Canada
Here is the latest information on what food products are allowed into Canada. Please check as these change based on the existence of any bird flu outbreaks, etc.
Flying Commercially
Air carriers to the Winnipeg International Airport are Delta, American, and Air Canada. Delta offers a much greater variety of arrivals and departure times. If you need assistance booking a flight, give us a call, or contact our booking agent, Continental Travel Group at (800) 665-2626. They have access to special “Hunt and Fish” fares with Delta which may be cheaper than available online. Please make us aware of your plans and provide us with the airline, flight numbers and flight arrival and departure times. A space is provided on the guest information sheet. To get to the float plane base, you will either need to rent a car or take a shuttle. If you are renting a vehicle at Winnipeg, the agents available are Hertz, Budget, and Avis. Maps are available at the desks with directions to get you to Hwy 59 North. Once on #59, follow the above driving directions. If you prefer to arrange a shuttle rather than renting a car give us a call and we can assist you in arranging transportation. The shuttle is an additional fee and depends on group size. Unless you have a large group rental cars are cheaper and the preferred way to get to our float plane base from the airport.
Shuttle Service
If you are planning to utilize a shuttle, most groups will stay at the Papertown Motor Inn. This is the closest hotel (7 miles) to the floatplane base and has a shuttle service. We will arrange the shuttle to the Papertown, but you will arrange with the Papertown for the morning shuttle. When you call to get a reservation at the Papertown, be sure to tell them that you will need them to shuttle you to Bluewater Aviation in the morning. Plan to leave the Papertown one hour before your floatplane flight. Also remind them of your shuttle needs when you check in.
An alternative that’s useful if you have a bunch of people arriving on different planes is to stay in Winnipeg and have us schedule an early shuttle from that Winnipeg hotel to Bluewater aviation. That way if one group is delayed, it doesn’t create problems with the shuttle. You also have a variety of higher quality hotels to choose from. For groups that would like to do this, plan to have a pickup in Winnipeg at least 2 hours and 15 minutes before your scheduled floatplane flight.
Plan to arrive at the float plane base early!
Your entire group should be at the float plane base 45 minutes prior to scheduled departures. Late arrivals may be delayed until later in the day and charged an additional fee.
Fishing Regulations
You should become familiar with the Manitoba fishing regulations. Some important ones are:
You must have in your possession a valid fishing license.
You may only possess the legal limit, which is 4 four the conservation license
Barbless hooks are required. Barbed hooks may be used if the barb is pinched completely against the shaft.
Live minnows are not allowed in the Atikaki Park. Crawlers, leeches, frozen or preserved minnows and offal (fish cleaning remains) may be used.
Leeches must be purchased in the province of Manitoba.
NO LIVE OR DEAD BAIT IS ALLOWED TO BE BROUGHT ACROSS THE BORDER. This is a recent change to Canada regulations. There are many bait shops in Manitoba. Some guests will purchase bait in Winnipeg or Lac du Bonnet on the way up. However, most will purchase bait at Clark’s Corner, next to the Papertown Motor Inn. You can check on pricing and availability by calling them at (204) 367-2238.
Additional information can be found in the regulations guidebook, available online (click the “PUBLICATIONS” link) at:
https://www.manitobaelicensing.ca
Entry to Canada with Criminal Offenses
You may be ineligible to travel to Canada if you have been convicted of certain crimes, depending on the severity and length of time since the conviction.
DUI laws have changed to allow those with a single offence longer than 6 months prior to enter. If the offense was less than 6 months or if there are multiple offenses, it may be more difficult. Contact us for more information.
For free consultation on any offense or on eligibility to receive a Temporary Resident Permit you may contact:
Canada Border Crossing Services
Toll Free U.S.: 1-800-438-7020
Email: pardons@mts.net
Website: http://www.bordercrossing.ca
Outpost Information Request Form
Please go to https://www.dogskin.com/information-packets to fill in the following information for your group (one per group). This information is required for the Flight Manifest and emergency contact info
Planning and packing for your adventure
The best trips are always preceded by good planning and preparation. Bringing the right amount and type of food and gear is no accident. Don't be the group that has to pay extra to bring in all your food and gear only to load up 200 pounds of leftovers on the way out! Please take your reels off of the rods and put the rods in hard cases. Rods with tackle attached will not be allowed on the aircraft due to risk of personal injury. Transporting of alcohol is permitted, but consumption thereof is not allowed while in the Aircraft. Please do not bring glass bottles.
The size of individual pieces of luggage should not be too large. You will find it more convenient to pack three small bags as opposed to one large. If you are unable to handle your bags with ease it is certainly too large.
Bear Spray
Guests are expected to keep the outposts clean and tidy. This keeps the mice and other critters away, including bears. Our air service wanted us to inform all guests that if you feel a need to bring bear spray along, YOU MUST INFORM THE PILOT. The pilot will ensure that the spray is put in a float hatch safely away from the cabin. You can probably imagine what the effects of a leak or accidental release would be.
Weight limitations
Each individual is allowed 100 pounds of gear for trips to our outposts. If your group exceeds the allowable weight limits some gear may be held at the docks and brought in at a later time, with an overweight charge of $2.00/pound applied. We have kitchen sinks at the outposts - please don't bring yours!
Floatplane considerations
Your very experienced bush pilots fly well maintained equipment in visual flight rules only. This means that weather has the potential to cause delays bringing you in or picking you up. Keep in mind that the weather might be perfectly fine where you are, but could be poor at the other end, up to 100 miles away. Should the aircraft not arrive to pick you up when scheduled, its safe to assume that the pilot is on a weather hold and will pick you up as soon as possible.
What we provide at our outposts
Our modern outposts are equipped with the following items:
refrigerator and freezer
4-burner propane stove with oven
BBQ grill
2 burner fish cooker (outside)
assorted pots, pans, knives, utensils, glasses, plates, bowls
garbage bags
cleaning supplies
toilet paper
beds with mattresses (bring your own pillow and sleeping bag or sheets)
sink with hot and cold running water
shower
floatation cushions
landing nets
gas
propane
satellite 2-way messaging device
Standard 110v electrical outlets
Food
You can either bring in your own food or have us prepare a complete custom food package. If you would like us to prepare a food package for you, select this option on the online form or on the printed out version. Then go over the recommended food list and make any changes that you require. Dogskin custom food packages have been averaging $25+ per day per guest. This does not include beverages. Please specify your desired beverages on the food list. The list is based on a seven day trip and will be appropriately adjusted for other lengths of stay. Food packages should be returned as early as possible to assist our planning. If you are going to bring your own food, use our food package list as a good guide. Spend some time planning your meals so you can stay under the weight limits.
Fishing
All of the lakes contain great walleye and northern pike fishing. You will find both quantity and quality fish. All fish except for walleyes 14”-17” used for shore lunch are to be released. If you want to mount a trophy, simply take a photograph, measure the length and girth, and we can arrange to have a high quality, long lasting reproduction made. We ask that you register each Master Angler fish that you catch with the official entry forms that are provided. Please practice CPR (Catch, Photograph, and Release) on Dogskin fish so that future groups can enjoy the same high quality fishing that you enjoy! If you take some great pictures, feel free to post them on our messageboard or email them to us. You may end up in our brochure!
Fishing Dogskin’s lakes involves jigging, trolling, and casting. We recommend medium-light to medium-heavy equipment, depending upon the species you are fishing for. Please note that Manitoba requires all fisherman to use barbless hooks. You do not need to pinch the barb on everything in your tackle box, but make sure the lure on your line is pinched tightly. Most guests will pinch a bunch of jigs down before they come so they can spend more time in the water.
For walleyes we recommend 6-8 lb. test line on a 5’10” - 6’6” medium-light rod. This can be equipped with either an open-faced spinning reel or a casting reel. You can purchase salted minnows, leeches and night crawlers from most bait shops in Canada. ¼ - ½ oz. jigs are the most popular baits. The key is to feel the bottom. Florescent colors work well. In the spring and fall, crank baits such as Rapalas and Storm Thundersticks are great!
We recommend a 6’ - 7’ medium-heavy rod with 17 lb. test line for northern pike fishing. ½ - ¾ oz. spoons are common baits (Dare Devils, Little Cleos, Silver Minnows, Doctor Spoons). Bring a variety of baits, shiny types to put off a flash on sunny days (gold, copper, silver) and bright types for the darker days (5 of diamonds, red & white, chartreuse, florescent colors). Mepps spinners, Bucktails, Rapalas and Storm Thundersticks are also recommended. When the pike are aggressive, bigger baits are sometimes better! Early spring and fall bring shallow running baits while, during the summer, resort to suspending and deeper diving lures. Use a quality steel leader (9”-12”) to prevent cut offs.
The following is a general equipment checklist:
rods
reels
tackle box
extra line
portable depth finder
needle-nose pliers
mouth spreaders
flashlight
insect repellent
life jacket (floatation cushions provided)
Clothing to bring
The weather in Eastern Manitoba is similar to that in much of the Midwest United States. The best suggestion is to dress in layers as the weather can change throughout the day. Quality rain gear is a must because you don't want to sit out a day of great fishing because you get a little wet.
Documents, Clothing and Miscellaneous Checklist
Manitoba fishing license (16 & over)
passport for everyone 16 & over and all ages travelling by airline; children 15 & under crossing in an automobile can use a birth certificate
signed note for minors from each non-accompanying parent
proof of vehicle insurance
road maps
itinerary – leave a copy at home
Dogskin contact information
medicines
camera
rain suit (good place to spend some extra $$)
fishing hat
warm hat (spring and fall)
flannel shirt
long-sleeve cotton shirts
pants
underwear
long underwear (spring and fall)
socks & waterproof footwear
swim suit or shorts
sweatshirt
towel
gloves (spring and fall)
toiletries
sunglasses
sun screen
sleeping bag
fitted twin sheet or mattress cover (optional)
pillow
first aid kit
backup glasses or contacts
Camp Cleanliness
We pride ourselves in giving you the best vacation that we possibly can. To do this we need your help in keeping our outpost cabins, boats and shore lunch stations cleaner they were when you arrived. Each group is responsible for keeping their cabin clean, including washing dishes and camp equipment before you leave. Please double bag your garbage and bring it with you on the flight out. It will be disposed of properly at the float plane base. The cabin should be completely cleaned before the flight arrives - if not, you'll be required to clean it while the pilot waits. Pilots hate to wait and you don't want a grumpy pilot. Cleaning supplies are provided along with brooms and mops. Please dispose of your fish remains, grease and food across the lake or far away from the cabins to deter bear from sleeping with you. Dogskin staff will inspect the condition of the camp to make sure everything is satisfactory.
Power and Propane
Your modern outpost generates electrical power from solar panels, batteries and an inverter. The solar systems at our outposts have proven very reliable over the years. However, please remember that you are at a remote wilderness camp and that power may fail at anytime due to equipment failures, weather, etc. Don't rely on electrically powered medical devices. There is basic troubleshooting instructions for each camp in the walleye shack.
The stove, water heater and refrigerators utilize propane as a power source. Dogskin staff will ensure that you have sufficient quantity for your stay. If the propane bottles currently hooked up become empty, you can simply turn off the isolation and cylinder valves and exchange bottles. At Noname and Mannifrank lakes, you may be able to simply swap over to the alternate propane bank by opening and closing the appropriate valves. Pilot lights will need to be relit. We will show you how everything works when we check you in.
Do not hesitate to send us a message if you have any problems with any equipment during your stay. Contact information and usage instructions are located near the satellite messaging device. Send detailed information so we know what tools and equipment to bring.
Outboard Motors
We utilize Yamaha 15 Hp 4-stroke motors at our lodge and outposts. These motors have proven very reliable and fuel efficient over the years. Since these are 4-stroke, you do not need to mix the gas. Simply take the gas out of the 300 gallon storage tank when needed. You should be able to go all day on one tank of gas. Any portage boats have 4-stroke motors, so just bring a full tank of gas with you when you utilize those boats.
We usually see two issues related to the operation of our motors. First, do not go fast near shorelines until you have familiarized yourself with the local area. We don't have many treacherous areas on our lakes, but there is an occasional shallow area - particularly in low water years. You are responsible for any damage done to the motor. If you take a chunk out of a prop or bend a blade, let us know. The imbalance can cause issues with the seals, leading to premature failure of the lower unit.
Another issue we have with these motors is when guests allow fishing line to get wrapped up in the props. Fishing line can create a significant amount of friction and causes the prop-to-hub seal to break away. You'll know when this happens because the boat will not be able to reach full speed due to the prop spinning on the hub. Some guests mistake it for a high speed miss, which doesn't happen with these motors. The only fix is to install a new prop. However, this is very preventable and simply requires you to remove all line from the props if you get tangled. Make sure to turn off the motor and keep safety first!
Equipment Responsibility
We can deal with normal wear and tear of equipment, but we cannot deal with negligence. You are responsible for damage beyond normal wear and tear.
A few thoughts on Noname Lake
WITH CREDITS TO GUEST LES HERMAN
Fish the rocky points for walleye and in front of the beaver dams for northern. #5 Mepps are very productive for northern. Bring a lot of jigs because you will lose a bunch due to snags. We suggest that you fish with jigs and frozen salted minnows or worms for best results. Orange or chartreuse spinners are also very productive tipped with a leach. This is a dynamite combination in the early morning or late evening hours. Always fish the shore that the wind is blowing into, especially if the wind has been blowing for a day. You will catch fish anywhere from a depth of 8 to 25 feet, depending on season and water temperature.
There are four basic places to start fishing on the lake. Number 1 is the narrows on the north side of the lake. Start there – you will always catch a lot of walleyes there. There is a beaver dam in the neck of the narrows that holds a lot of northern. Number 2 is a bay with three boulders that we call Larry, Curly and Moe. Fish in front of the boulders and across the bay at the rocky point. These are excellent spots. Number 3 you will need to take the portage over to Upper Noname. Fish right in front of the falls. There are always tons of fish there. Number 4 is a rocky reef in the middle of the bay. The spot holds northern and walleye. It is a very ragged structure with depths ranging from 2’-20’. Other than these points, fish Upper Noname a lot and check the wind for the proper shoreline to fish. There are many great spots to fish. Go hunting and find them. You will not be disappointed.
May through Mid-June most walleyes are found in 6’-10’ of water. As the water warms up they go down to 16’-18’ or possibly deeper. Try lots of different locations until you find them. Northern can be found just about anywhere, but many are right up against the shoreline in a few feet of water, especially during early spring and late fall. Depth Finders work well in getting to the right depths and finding the fish. Then it’s up to you. Jaw spreaders and long nose pliers should be brought to save time and the fish.
Our group has fished this lake for a number of years now. We always come back because we know that we will catch 75-100 fish/day. There have been many days when we have caught more than 100 fish apiece. Once you find the spots your fishing trip will be very rewarding. Every year we look to try other lakes but we always come back to Noname Lake.
Walleye Baits suggested: Jig heads (barbed collar) ¼, 3/8 and ½ oz. Tie directly to 6# or 8# monofilament line. Colors: dark red, pink, chartreuse, black and yellow. Bring 35-40 jig heads per fisherman. Twister tails 3”, 4” and 6” (depends on the bite that day and time of year). Bring at least 100 combined colors and sizes per fisherman. Colors: dark blue, motor oil, chartreuse, pumpkinseed, yellow. Plugs: Bill Lewis Rat’l Trap ½ oz in blue and chrome, gold and brown, dark red and gold and tequila sunrise. Wally Divers, Thundersticks, blue and chrome spoons also work well.
Northern Pike Baits suggested: Use a good 25# steel leader at least 12” long. It must be a ball bearing swivel, such as a Sampo. Don’t buy cheap leaders, they will lose the big one. Bring at least 6 per fisherman. Line: At least 17# monofilament or superline. Check your line for nicks after each Pike is caught or each hit. Don’t lose the trophy because of broken line! Baits: Johnson Silver Minnow 1 1/8 oz. chrome with a 2” teaser tail (yellow or white). Bill Lewis Rat’l Traps (same as Walleyes). 9” Suicks in black with white belly and red head, blue and orange with red dots. These are excellent on clam days worked over cabbage weed with a twitching motion. Buck Tails in black with red (large size). Daredevles (red & white) and Five of Diamonds in 1 oz. Plus any other ugly looking large lures you ant to throw at them!
You will not need to bring a lot of clothing. Only bring what you need. A good set of rain gear is a must. This is not an area to go cheap on. Bring several pairs of socks and underwear, a good comfortable set of boots, a few pairs of pants and shirts, warm and cool hats and sun glasses. Do a little planning for the week to make sure you bring what you need.
