Request a new brochure and the latest issue of the Backlash for an update on Wheaton's. Our annual newsletter records last year's big fish, reports on news, tells a few stories (some true,) and is a fun read. Just email us at wheatons1@hotmail.com and we'll send it to you.

Last year, Field and Stream published its picks for the 25 top fishing lodges in North America. We were fortunate to make the list, tying for the number two spot. "The smallmouth bass fishing is exceptional, comfortable cabins, excellent home-cooked meals… these are the best bargains you'll find." We feel it is a tribute to Maine's fine sporting camp tradition.

You do not need a passport to stay at Wheaton's, or to fish here. After all, we are in the U.S. Nevertheless, beginning in June, 2008, it may be a handy thing to have.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will require passports of anyone entering or re-entering the U.S., including American citizens. Because we are on the border and fish international waters, having a passport might be useful to persons fly fishing the stream, those who wish to fish distant lakes with a guide, or families interested in an excursion into Canada. More details are in the Backlash, and the dates keep changing.

"What does it take to make a living as a Maine guide? Start with a boatload of respect for the outdoors, keep plenty of knowledge in your tackle box, and make sure you know how to spin a good yarn."

Katherine Cassidy's article, "The Guiding Life," in Bangor METRO, November, 2007, did a splendid job of capturing the essence of guiding Down East. She spent a day with Lance Wheaton on Baskahegan Lake, catching bass, guzzling guide coffee, and appreciating the surrounds.

Cassidy cited the Woodie Wheaton guide legacy in the Grand Lakes region, and grasped that the connection between guiding and wildland preservation is more than economic. "You get to see folks at their very best," John Gaskins explained. "And the lakes, woodlands, and wildlife are simply spectacular!"

If you intend to fish "wacky worms" for smallmouths (aka Senco, Wacko Worm, Yamamoto,) go to the hardware store and buy a package of #6 O-rings. Slide these over the worm and slide the hook beneath the O-ring, catching part of the worm. You cut off very few worms this way, saving you money and keeping the plastic out of the lakes. Also consider biodegradable worms such as Food Source brand.

A new lodge record was established last August, when Tom Doyle and Ken Moura smashed the old benchmark for most anchors lost in a single day. The new mark: three! It was a windy day on East Grand and the two did their best to move a couple of rock piles, but only created new bass structure. Despite all the accolades, we'd just as soon retire their record intact.

A $100 million wind farm has been approved for Stetson Mountain, west of Baskahegan Lake. UPC Wind Management will soon construct 38 1.5-megawatt wind turbines stretching six miles along a ridgeline clearly visible from the lake. The towers will be 389 feet tall, nearly as high as the ridge above ground level.

The wind farm required State rezoning of 4800 acres and will be the largest wind farm to date in New England, generating 57 megawatts of electricity.

We opposed site-selection for the project on the grounds that wind generating facilities should be constructed closer to population centers, and not in pristine places where they violate the natural landscape. The politicians did not want to listen.

Come visit us at the Worcester show. It's a good chance to see old friends and meet new ones. We will not be attending other shows in 2008.

Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Expo
February 7-10, 2008
DCU Center, Worcester, MA

Wheaton's Lodge continues its commitment to the preservation of wild and natural values in the lakes country of eastern Maine, and is a strong supporter of the Woodie Wheaton Land Trust (WWLT.) The land trust has successfully preserved 4,100 acres and more than a hundred miles of pristine shoreline on Spednic Lake, Mud Lake, the St. Croix River, and interconnecting streams for future generations to enjoy.

The Trust has approved construction of its first-ever organizational home. The WWLT Center will provide office space and meeting facilities for the trust, serve as a base for educational outreach, and will be available to other community groups. It is the foundation for continuing conservation work in the border lakes of eastern Maine.

Construction of the Center relies on private contributions, which are leveraged for foundation grants. The project is deserving of our support. Please request a brochure describing the project from info@woodiewheaton.org or by calling 207-319-7652.

Some 2008 dates worth considering:

• Free Fishing Days - May 31, June 1: Both residents and non-residents alike may fish without a license, a State of Maine gesture to promote fishing.
• Grand Lake Stream Folk Art Festival - July 26-27: A wonderful local craft and folk music celebration in the village where Grand Lake canoes were born. Less than an hour south. Visit www.thecclc.org/glsfaf
• Maine Salmon Festival - Sept. 6-7: Easport's annual festivities, and with plenty of locally-raised Atlantic salmon to munch on. Contact chamber@eastportme.net

Our 2008 daily adult rate went up $5.00 to $120.00, still very reasonable compared to lodges of similar caliber, and includes three meals. It has been a challenge to hold rates in the face of spiraling food and energy costs. Boat rentals and fishing license fees remained the same. Guide rates nudged up $5.00 to $190.00 per day. Maine guide fees continue to be the best value in the world for the professional services you receive.

The next time you are at camp, pick up a copy of Bert's Best for the cook in your family. Alberta Hayman published a fabulous collection of her home-style cooking recipes in 2006. It is varied, comprehensive, and attractively published. Available at $15.00, it also makes a wonderful gift. Alberta retired last summer at age 80, turning out many great meals since 1985.

You can now purchase your Maine fishing license on-line, by going to www.mefishwildlife.com. This can save time upon arrival if you are itchy to get fishing. Wheaton's continues to vend both Maine and New Brunswick fishing licenses.

An excellent map of the boundary lakes and St. Croix River published by the St. Croix International Waterway Commission is available at $6.95 US. It details the five Chiputneticook Lakes and the disposition of lands around them in both Maine and New Brunswick. We have them at camp, or you can order one directly from the Commission at www.stcroix.org.

You call them lake trout, we call them togue. May and early June continue to provided exciting togue fishing. Although most guests chase salmon or pre-spawn smallmouths in the early part of the season, the togue fishing can be hard to ignore them. The average laker runs 7 to 10 pounds, with serious upside potential. Together with the growing brook trout fishery in East Grand Lake, spring anglers have some terrific gamefish options. If the intended quarry is being finicky, you can shift gears in just minutes.