Fifty-seven years. That’s how long I’ve been making this pilgrimage to Bear’s Den Lodge on the French River, accompanied by a ragtag group of fishing enthusiasts who somehow still manage to surprise me. Every year, six to eight of us embark on this adventure, armed with fishing gear, tall tales, and an unwavering love for […]
The Sledge Year at Bear’s Den Lodge Read More »
Hi Brenda and Bears Den Team, Just wanted to extend a sincere thanks for an incredible and memorable trip to the French River. The highlight of course was the tale of the legend that got away (for now). While reeling in a hammer handle sized pike a giant musky shot up from the depths and
French River Muskie Legend That Got Away (For Now) Read More »
We just wanted to say ‘Thank You’ again for the wonderful hospitality! Had a great week at Bear’s Den Lodge. We love it there….. It’s so peaceful and beautiful and you are all wonderful to be around. You make it like a home away from home. We already miss it…we keep saying where
Hooked on the French River Read More »
We did not have too many highlights this year, but here are a few photos from our 37th year. The first 2 photos are of the biggest pickerel caught (and released), a 23″, by my boat partner, Terry. The next 2 are of Eric and his battle in heavy current to hook & land a
Photos from the Fishest Group Read More »
Dear Brenda, Art, Joe and Mike: We just finished the long drive home to Western Massachusetts and, thanks to you, our canoe camping trip to the French River ended on a positive note. I wish there was a better way to convey our gratitude for your kindness, concern and in the end, rescue! Most
On his first trip to Bear’s Den Lodge, 10 year old Tommy L. caught this 24 pound, 47” musky on a white spinnerbait. In addition, a total of 131 pike were boated by the group in 3 days of fishing with his father and grandfather on the French River. A trip that Tommy will never
A Trip He Will Never Forget! Read More »
“Some People come to fish for a fish, I fish for fish. It’s not a contest, big small and in between. I just fish for fish. It didn’t count my muskie I caught on a spinnerbait, it was just another fish.” – Jim Johnson 53 years fishing the French River at Bear’s Den Lodge.
Bear’s Den Lodge has been operating for past 32 years under the ownership of Art & Brenda Barefoot. We owe much of our success to fantastic groups that have wanted to return on a yearly basis. Montie Pattillo and his family are one such group we wanted to thank with this short post for the
31st Year – Pattillo Family & Friends Read More »
I must say that Alicia Moir-Raytrowsky and I have really enjoyed our time at #BearsDenLodge on the French River. Today I managed to catch my first musky! After searching all over for one… I finally caught one right off the dock. He came out from under the dock and t boned my swim bait. He
Not So Far from Home – French River Musky Fishing Read More »
Our party of four from various parts of Pennsylvania (PA) traveled north for a week of fishing on the French River Delta near Hartley Bay, Ontario. Our destination was Bear’s Den Lodge which we had been introduced to over fifteen years ago by members of the Johnson Family, who have been coming to Bear’s Den
Fish of a Lifetime Read More »
