The creation of an all-woman week was brought to life by Grassy Narrows Lodge Manager Maria Vanderbrand. Throughout a 10-year career with Ontario's GNL Maria has been aware there's no shortage of women interested in angling, just perhaps not enough avenues to welcome them.
Call it misrepresentation or just a missed opportunity– as women are the fastest growing demographic in the outdoors industry– but Maria would like to counter it with welcoming and hopefully annual events such as this Women’s Week at Grassy Narrows Lodge.
“I can think of no better way for women to become better anglers and to start catching more fish than by attending the Grassy Narrows Lodge Women’s Week," says Kay Hawley, a professional angler and guide. "You will learn skills and tactics in a few days that might otherwise take you a lifetime.”
By nature, Grassy Narrows Lodge is the perfect place to blend avid, intermediate and beginner anglers together. The lodge offers a welcoming home base nestled in some of the “fishiest,” low-traffic areas of Lake of the Woods. Species include muskie, pike, bass, walleye, crappie, and more.
It doesn’t hurt that this boat-in lodge is nothing short of paradise, where the sounds of the season carry your stress away from the docks or your cabin’s porch. Share stories and plans for the day over meals with friends, and then explore endless water throughout your stay.
Large groups do not deter GNL, and Maria hopes to fill the camp with female anglers of all skill levels, ages, and walks of life from July 27 to August 1.
For enquiries or to book your place at the workshop contact Maria Vandenbrand at mvandenbrand@grassynarrowslodge.com or 1-800-589-2214.
Sparing no expense of her time, resources and energy, Maria has organized a truly spectacular event catering specifically to the outdoorswoman. Everything has been thoughtfully pieced together, including meal plans, accommodations, and orientations to help the guests feel more at home. Most interestingly, with the help of female industry leaders, Maria has curated an itinerary of in-depth workshops to truly jump-start beginners' knowledge and hone skills for the most advanced anglers.
“Through various workshops, guest speakers and interactive sessions, participants can learn new skills, gain confidence, and be inspired by the achievements of fellow women in the outdoors.” Kay Hawley Professional Angler and Guide
All guesswork, decision-making, and expectations have been erased for you during Women’s Week. All you have to do is show up, absorb what interests you, eat great food, and, most importantly– fish your heart out.
“You will learn strategies and techniques for locating and catching more fish, how to use your electronics, launch your boat, and personal success stories from instructors and participants. Women’s Week at Grassy Narrows Lodge is a transformative experience that empowers women to embrace their love for the outdoors and achieve their full potential.” – Kay Hawley
The usual workshops, such as species targeting and lure and bait tactics, are all included. But Maria went the extra mile to include a more technical map, graph reading and fish cleaning.
Grassy Narrows Lodge offers a lot of their own equipment, including the boats in the week for women. Knowing this may be overwhelming to some beginner anglers, let alone beginner boaters, some of the workshops include boat and lake safety and solo boat launching/loading and operation to make you comfortable in no time.
This boat-in fishing resort has a free shuttle from the docks in Morson to bring you to the lodge. Eight fully modern cabins, Wi-Fi, and running and potable water hardly make this a “roughing it” location. (We won’t tell those responsibilities you’re leaving for the week that you’ll also have cell service.)
The main lodge has a guest lounge area, a full dining room, and a commercial kitchen that supplies all three meals daily. Breakfast is made to order, and guests can choose between a shore or a packed lunch each day.
All linen and towels are provided. All you need to bring is:
If you have questions about the event, how to join or costs for Canadians, contact Maria Vandenbrand through email at mvandenbrand@grassynarrowslodge.com or by phone at 1-800-589-2214
