Richard and Kaylene,

Thank you for a memorable fishing trip a few weeks ago! We have been fishing in Canada several times over the past 25 years and have never experienced the quality of fishing we did at Pine Cliff Lodge on Sandybeach Lake. Everything from the Lodging to the great fishing boats were as advertised and made our stay very enjoyable. What a joy it was to see my best friend, Bob, and his son and my Godchild, Mitch, catch fish after fish. We caught over 120 fish (mainly Northern Pike) in 5 days (maybe more we lost count a couple of days)…not to mention the numerous ones we could not land. The Northern Pike were everywhere you depicted on the lake map. We did not engage in a lot of Smallmouth fishing (that will change on my next visit) but out of the few we caught we landed 2 trophies. I would encourage the novice to occasional fisherman to take advantage of a wonderful fishing and outdoor experience at Pine Cliff. Again, thanks for a trip we will talk about for years to come, and yes we are planning a return trip!!!!

Bill Stepnick - 07/20/13
Jacksonville, FL

Kaylene and Richard,

Just wanted to drop you all a note to say just how much I enjoyed my first (but not last ) visit to Pine Cliff. Gary had been pumping me up for over a year about the trip.....and it went WAY beyond my expectations. That was my introduction to smallmouth fishing and I'm totally hooked!! The accommodations were perfect for a Canadian experience and the food was WONDERFUL!! I gained a few pounds... You are great hosts and I understand how much work it take it takes to keep a place like yours up and running. Thank you again for a great trip.

John Durham - 07/02/13
Cibolo, Texas

Hi Richard and Kaylene,

I"m sending this email to let you know how much we enjoyed our fishing trip a few weeks ago. My sons and I typically take a fishing trip each summer to Canada. In the 15 years we have been doing so, we have never experienced pike fishing to compare with our experience this year at Pine Cliff. We caught 20 trophy fish between 34 and 41 inches in 4 days, not to mention over 70 pike in one day! You were both very accommodating and friendly, the food was delicious, and the porterhouse a sight to behold! Thanks so much for a great trip. We want to return next year, and would appreciate knowing if it's too early to reserve a spot!

Thanks,
Mike, Jake, and Frank Espel - 06/07/13

Dear Kaylene and Richard:

Thank you so much for the fantastic job you did for our group last week. It was a family trip bringing us together from 5 states for a week of fishing, fun and camaraderie. Pine Cliff Lodge was the ultimate setting for accomplishing all of those.

The early spring Northern Pike fishing was outstanding! Even with a couple days slowed by inclement weather, I figure I caught nearly 200 Northerns. I'm not sure what was more impressive: The fact that 1 of every 10 I caught was a trophy; or the fact that I could probably count the number of "broom handles" on one hand. I would estimate that over half were 30 inches or better and other than the handful, the rest were in the upper 20's. Fantastic!! Most of my other Pike fishing experiences have been about opposite of that. I still have a sore forearm and elbow from cranking on so many heavy, high-quality fish!

Kaylene, the food was absolutely "TOP SHELF"! I've stayed at several fishing and hunting lodges over the years and here's how it works......there's "okay" food; .....there's "good" food; ........and then there's "Kaylene" food!! I thought I fished my tail off, but even with light breakfasts and lunches, I still gained weight. The steaks were even better than advertised (wonderful job at the grill, Richard). The ribs were falling off the bone and mouth-watering delicious. The Cornish game hens were excellent. The roast beef and all the other mains were tender, flavorful and delicious. The sides and desserts were equally delectable (I've already tried your cheesy vegetables, Kaylene). Bottom line, I can't believe there's a better lineup of dinners at any lodge.

Eagle cabin was well equipped, clean, comfortable and roomy. Again, I've stayed at several lodges and the accommodations have never been better at any others. The living area was roomy so that all of us could be together. The screened-in porch was very nice. The showers with plentiful hot water were much appreciated. A little touch that was so-much appreciated was your restaurant quality insect prevention system. I never saw a mosquito or fly or no-see-em inside the cabin the whole week!

The boats were roomy, well-equipped and in excellent condition. The big outboards allowed us to go end to end on the lake in 15-17 minutes. Trolling motors, depth finders, live wells, dip nets, anchors, storage compartments........all excellent. Again, I don't know what you could have done to make them any better.

All in all, I give Pine Cliff Lodge an A+. It's obvious that you have put a lot of time, money and love into your northern home. It shows and should be much appreciated by all of your guests.

Thanks again for making our week special!

Steve Barnes - 06/04/13
Westcliffe, Colorado

Hi Kaylene/Richard,

Just wanted to say thanks again for providing us with such a great trip. Fishing, accommodations, boats, wildlife, weather, and on and on and on were all GREAT! You probably can't take credit for the weather but we'll give it to you anyway. I'm sure managing a group of 14 wasn't easy but you and Richard did an excellent job. We all raved about the quality boats, best we've ever had in Canada.

The fishing is outstanding at Sandybeach Lake. Almost everyone in the group caught a trophy fish. Tom Gray had one Pike top out at 40 1/4 inches. We also lost a few of the same size or bigger. The lake is filled with thousands of big Pike and Smallmouth, your catch and release program is definitely working.

We all loved the experience and hope to return soon. By the way, should have photos compiled, tagged and sent to you this weekend.

All my best,

Bill Gray - 06/23/11

We had a great time! The fact that everyone in our group of 10 wants to come back is a testimonial to the quality of fishing, Kaylene's culinary talents, and Richard's patience with anglers unfamiliar with Canadian waters. You folks worked extremely hard and we appreciated it.

Bruce Lyon - 10/05/10

Richard and Kaylene,

Thanks for the great time at your lodge. Your hospitality, meals, accommodations, and fishing were fantastic! We would like to make this an annual event if possible. It was such a great time for Chris, Ben and me!

Thanks so much,
David Lanari - 09/10/10

We had a great time at your lodge, and our plan is to come back in a year or two. Everything there was amazing. Attached are pictures of the trophy fish and master angler fish we caught while we were up there.

Sincerely,
The Highfills - 09/02/10

Richard and Kaylene,

Thanks for another great experience. Our group of 4 caught 288 fish in 3 1/2 days with the largest northern at 42" and largest smallie at 19". 28 trophies (26 by Alex and Monty). First time we really had a good shot at smallies. They were great fun. Amazing how thick they were. What a fight!

Everything was good including the cabin and boat and of course, the food was excellent. The dinner table company and conversation was quite enjoyable as well. Hope to see you both again next year.

Andy Moore - 08/12/10

Kaylene,

I wanted to tell you guys how much we appreciate everything you did for us. We all just feel like it was a dream come true. The whole trip was just perfect from start to finish. We will be back, I just hope you and Richard are still there. The cabin, food, fishing - 5 Stars.

Thanks again,
Aaron Stanphill - 07/19/10

Richard & Kaylene,

We really enjoyed the lodge, the lake, the fishing & the food. Thank you for a great week and for your hospitality. Hope to see you again.

Gary & Carol Pearson - 07/01/10

Dear Kaylene & Richard,

Hard as it is, we're settling back into reality after a wonderful trip to Pine Cliff Lodge. You guys are the ultimate host/hostess and I'm still not sure how you 2 guys do the work of 20 people. Exceptional food, lodgings, boats, fishing, everything... We're already talking about next year and returning to Pine Cliff.

We enjoyed the pike but really got caught up with the smallmouth bass. Pine Cliff fishing is the kind you read about in magazines. I'm guessing Mike and I caught and released over 80 bass during the time we were at Pine Cliff.

Thanks again for your hospitality. We made some great friends during our short stay and will cherish the memories of a father/son fishing trip for years to come.

Hope to see you guys next year.

Sincerely,
Tom Lynn - 06/29/10

Dear Kaylene and Richard,

Home safely and still in awe of the wonderful time we had with you both during our week at Pine Cliff. Words fail to express the quality and warmth you shared with us during our first stay at your lodge. We all look forward to seeing you again in 2011 and enjoying the marvelous food, the great fishing and, of course, Richard's amazing stores.

Your friend, Fred Shadrick - 06/19/10

Richard/Kaylene

Had an absolute blast during my week's stay at your lodge! Thanks once again for your hospitality. Attached is the photo of my 40 inch northern (awesome background).

See you again soon!

Wade LeDuc - 06/17/10

We really enjoyed the stay, especially the hospitality. A genuine thanks for the energy you put into making the lodge a great fishing destination. We will start planning another trip in the near future.

Best Regards
Jason Ellis - 06/16/10

Richard and Kaylene, I just wanted to thank you for the hospitality, friendly atmosphere, and great fishing that I encountered while staying at your lodge. I couldn't have been any happier and stayed at any better place than Pine Cliff lodge for my first fishing visit to Canada. Again, thank you and I hope to see you in a couple years. I have submitted some pictures for your website. Don't change anything on your meal plan I will be better prepared the next time. Like starving myself for two weeks before the trip. LOL. The meals were unbelievable.

Sincerely,
David Shaffer - 06/06/10

Just wanted to let you know we returned home safe and sound. What a time we had. Both Ann and I really enjoyed our stay. The fishing was really wonderful. Figuring out the puzzles was just plain fun. Ernie was a big help and we enjoyed both he and his wife. Thanks for putting us on to them. The food was outstanding Kaylene (too much but outstanding). Can we trouble you for a recipe The rice and cheese casserole was something we would love to duplicate. Also could you tell us the name of the Barbeque sauce and where it was from? It was really special.

Hope to see you in the first week next year and for many to come. The ability to work in tight with a fly rod is what makes it so much fun. Please let us know how Ernie does in Fall if he comes up. That sounds interesting as well.

We put some pictures in here for you to use if you want. The pike are Ann's (she would not touch them). I guess I have to buy a Boga Grip so she can hold her own pike.

Thanks again for making our week so much fun. Look forward to seeing you next year.

Warren and Ann Phillips - 05/31/10