Aspen Resort Blog

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T18:29:00.001-08:00

All of us at Aspen Resort would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S2 smartphone on AT&T

2011 Fishing Wall of Fame photos

2011-11-15T13:46:00.001-08:00

As the sun sets on the 2011 summer fishing season we posted photos of the fishermen and women that made our 2011 wall of fame. You can view all the photos by visiting our Aspen Resort Facebook page. You can find us by clicking the link on our website homepage. Have a great winter everyone and we hope to see you all again next summer.

Dock are in

2011-11-04T10:05:00.001-07:00

Moved the docks into shore for the winter. Ice should be starting to form on the lake within the next 1-2 weeks. The Minnesota deer firearm opener starts tomorrow!

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T08:48:00.001-07:00

Stop in at Aspen Resort while out trick or treating. It's a little out of the way but full size candy will be worth the trip! We hope to see all you ghosts and goblins tonight.

Fall Deer Hunting

2011-09-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

Aspen Resort is taking reservations for fall hunting. . All cabins are full log 3-4 bedroom cabins with satellite TV, WIFI, whirlpool tubs and full kitchens. Each of our cabins can accommodate up to 6-8 people. Visit our website to view our online availability calendar to check on available cabins or call us toll free at 1-888-802-7736.

20 1/4" Bass

2011-09-08T19:18:00.001-07:00

Brian Stone of Noblesville, IN caught this Largemouth Bass on 9/8/11 during a fall fishing trip to Pelican Lake.

10" Bluegill 8/26/11

2011-08-26T18:11:00.001-07:00

Jackie Gergovich from LaSalle, IL caught this 10" Bluegill that weighed in at 1lb. If you factor in the cleaning board it was over a 2 pounder! Nice job Jackie!!

14" Crappie 8/21/11

2011-08-21T13:06:00.001-07:00

Vince Walters of LaSalle, IL caught this 14 inch Crappie on the first day of his vacation. Great start Vince!

Black Bear Cub

2011-08-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of a Black Bear cub that wondered into the resort on Friday 8/12/11. Video was taken by one of our dock crew, Evan Gillette.

8/10/11 Crappie

2011-08-10T18:28:00.001-07:00

7 1/2 year old Justyna S. of Chicago IL caught this nice Crappie while out fishing with Dad, Mom and little sister.

Wall of fame twofer

2011-08-09T18:14:00.001-07:00

Dale Cwynar of Argyle WI made the wall of fame today by bring in a 10 1/2" Bluegill and a 13 1/2" Crappie. Nice work Dale!

8/8/11 Largemouth Bass

2011-08-08T17:13:00.001-07:00

Blake Cwynar of Argyle WI caught and released this Largemouth Bass with fishing with his family.

We have arrived!

2011-08-06T15:42:00.001-07:00

The Schmitz group from Waverly IA sure made a great first impression when checking in this afternoon. What do you all think?

Tuesday's Kid's activities

2011-08-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

The kids at the resort this week got to enjoy decorating fish shaped cookies with frosting and toppings down at the lodge. Then the best part was eating them!

36 inch Northern Pike

2011-08-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

Jason Bream of Oxford, IA caught and released this 36 inch Pike on 8/2/11.

25 inch Walleye

2011-08-02T14:34:00.000-07:00

Morris Swenka of North Liberty IA landed this 25 inch, 4 lb 4 oz Walleye on 8/2/11. Nice fish Morris!

20" Smallmouth Bass

2011-08-01T19:57:00.000-07:00

Luke Bell of Westville IN caught and released this 20" Smallmouth Bass on 8/1/11 the night before they left for home. Nice finish to a vacation I would say. Setting the bar pretty high for the rest of his family that will be coming up later this month.

Family Fun

2011-08-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

The lodge at Aspen Resort is a great place to hang out after a day on the lake or in the pool. Enjoy our game room, check your emails using our free WIFI access or just catch up on your visiting with family and friends.

Minnow Races

2011-08-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite children's events is our weekly minnow races. Every participant wins a prize!

Teatherball

2011-08-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

The Bell boys have been beating up each other in teatherball since they were just old enough to walk!

Pelican Lake Sunset

2011-08-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

This is just one of our beautiful sunsets that make you forget all about work and any stress you may be feeling. Come on and make your reservation for a little stress relief.

14" Slab Crappie

2011-07-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

7/27/11 Jan Vandusen of Union Mills, IN landed this 14" Crappie that weighed in at 1lb 8oz. Way to go Jan!!

The Welcome Pelican

2011-07-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

Everyone of all ages has a hard time staying away from the Aspen Resort welcome Pelican.

Foggy day

2011-07-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

Calling for 93 and humid today. It's 11 am and boy it's humid. Pool will be a popular spot I'm guessing.

20 1/2" Smallmouth Bass

2011-07-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

7/15/11 Wade Newton of Ridgeway, IL caught and released this 20 1/2" Smallmouth on his last day of vacation at Aspen Resort. Nice fish Wade!

Pool Fun

2011-07-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

Guests enjoying the pool on a hot summers day!

36 inch Northern Pike

2011-06-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

Lyle Wacaser Sr. of Springfield, Illinois caught this 36" pike while fishing Pelican Lake on 6/29/11.

11" Pelican Lake Bluegill

2011-06-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

Ellen Casebeer of Friendship, WI landed this 11 inch Bluegill that weighed in at 1lb 4oz on 6/23/11. It is heading to the taxidermist to be mounted. Beautiful fish Ellen!

a Pair of 13" Crappies

2011-06-23T18:29:00.001-07:00

Ron Berg from Lowell, IN caught these two 13 inch Crappies while fishing Fathers Day Morning. Nice Fathers Day gift to yourself Ron!

22" Largemouth Bass

2011-06-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

Donna Dosch from Greeley, CO caught this 22" Largemouth Bass less then 5 hours after checking in on Saturday 6/18/11. Nice job Donna.

28" Pelican Lake Walleye

2011-06-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

6/14/11 Randy Moore of Rockford, Illinois caught this 28" Walleye that weighed 4 lbs 8 oz. Let the eating begin!

14" Crappie

2011-06-13T17:55:00.000-07:00

John (JB) Bennett of Franksville, WI caught this 14" crappie on 6/13/11. Ate it for dinner also on 6/13/11. Nice fish John!

1 pound Bluegill

2011-06-08T06:41:00.000-07:00

Dave Ernat of Oglesby, IL caught this 10 inch Bluegill on 6/6/11 that weighed in at just over a pound. Dave was using his favorite lure which he is holding in his other hand.

6/14/11 Walleye

2011-06-08T06:33:00.000-07:00

Austin from Tennessee landed this 24" Walleye that weighed in at 5lbs 4 oz. while fishing with family. Way to go Austin!

5/29/11 14 inch Crappie

2011-05-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

Nathan S. of Minnesota caught this 14 inch Crappie while fishing right off the dock at Aspen Resort! All the fishermen and women running all over the lake looking for the bigger crappies and Nathan picks one up without going anywhere! looks like the new hot spot is Aspen Resort!

Fishing Opener Bass

2011-05-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

Jim Graca of Illinois caought and released this 7 lb. 2 oz. Largemouth Bass and this 20" Small mouth Bass while fishing Pelican Lake opening weekend! Great looking fish Jim.

2011 Fishing Opener weekend

2011-05-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

Derek Skalsky of Minnesota caught and released this 7 lb prespawn Largemouth Bass while fishing opening weekend on Pelican Lake, Orr MN.

Fishing Opener May 14th, 2011

2011-04-26T16:33:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota fishing opener is right around the corner. It's Saturday may 14th 2011. Our new docks are now done and it looks like Pelican Lake will be ice free around April 30 - May 1st. Should be a great opener, water temps should be just right for the fish to start biting!

The Elsesser Families Testimonial 3/31/11

2011-04-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

The Week of Our Aspen Vacation

‘Twas the night before leaving on our Aspen Vacation.
Our family was bursting with Anticipation!
Mom made a checklist and checked off as she goes –
the groceries, the sunscreen, the boat and the clothes.

The sun was brightly shining, “Wake up, rise and shine!
The boat is hitched to the truck, so let’s leave here on time!”
On our four hour drive, the scenery is so pretty!
It is finally great to get away, from the hustle of the city.

“Welcome back!” was our greeting from Vanessa and Ray!
“Our dock boys will help you unpack, so your kids can go play!”
The boats in the water, now it’s time for a little dinner
Now to catch a fish, who is a wall of fame winner!

That night by the bonfire, reviewing vacations past,
We knew our fun times at Aspen, would be in memories that last!
So many great stories and times of great fun,
from many years at Aspen, let us tell you a little from each one.

When our son Charlie turned 5, the present he wished for the most,
To go fishing with his dad, caught a 3 lb bass – Oh how he boasts!
Pelican Lake is amazing, so many islands and trees.
Just use your GPS, and you’ll find your way around with ease.

There have been many a trips, where fishing contests occur.
The men have claimed to have won, but for the women it is a blur.
Fishing in a Lake this great, there are way too many fish to name,
Our son sure gives it his best shot, listen to him exclaim!

The Walleyes! The Crappies! The Sunfish and Bass!
The Perch & The Pike, catching those will make you head of the class!
In your own boat or in a rental from Ray,
A fishing experience done here is better than any work day!

Playing games in the pool, is great on any day,
Whether it is cannonball splash or a game of keep away!
The weather wasn’t cooperating on one of those years,
The hot tub our savior! Can someone pass me a beer?

Looking for the place that makes memories that last?
Make sure to book your vacation so very fast!
Amazing accommodations, with great people we know!
Aspen Resort is the place GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Elsesser Families

Lapp Family Testimonial 3/30/11

2011-04-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

By Ashley Lapp, 10 years old

We visited Aspen Resort in August 2010 and had an incredible time! We made many memories. We enjoyed every second of that vacation. When we arrived we were welcomed by the owner Ray, smiling and shaking our hands. We started to unpack our things and toured our cabin. It was pristine and beautiful. We had three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living room. To make it even better, it also had a porch with a grill! The next day we swam in the pool and hot tub. We also fished. There also was an amazing playground! The resort provided activites like smores at night and decorating these really cool fish sugar cookies! The people there were very helpful and friendly. Aspen Resort is unbelievable! I think everyone should visit, there is something for everyone!!!

Picture attached: the Lapp family picture including- Steve and Anne, Ashley, Hunter, Kelsey, and Emily.

SUMMER VACATION 2010: ASPEN RESORT - ORR, MINNESOTA

2011-02-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

via email-

I grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota and always knew “Minnesota Friendly” but my Husband, Ed, who grew up in Illinois had no clue what it really stood for. My parents were great lovers of the outdoors and fishing in particular. Dad always boasted about Pelican Lake in Orr, Minnesota and introduced me to fishing “the big ones” at an early age. We would rent a cabin on the lake and spend many vacation hours catching, cleaning and eating the best fish in the world. I was tending the net the day my Dad caught a Blue Gill that weighted 1 pound and 14 ounces. He had it mounted. When Dad retired he bought a home on Pelican and I did the drive, 236 miles one way, every Friday afternoon and home again on Sunday but it was all worth it. When Dad sold the home on the lake I was devastated but didn’t have the means to keep it in the family. “BIG MISTAKE!”

All of the stories and pictures Dad and I shared with my Husband finally paid off last summer when we vacationed at Aspen Resort. It was an uncomfortably wet and chilly week but that didn’t stop the fun. Our camping spot overlooked the beautiful woods and the wildlife did not disappoint. Deer are always a welcome site but the bear seem to bring out the rugged appeal of the Resort which was warmed by the nightly bonfires enjoyed by all.

Having never caught a good size Blue Gill or any Northern at all, Ed was ready to tackle the elements and put the rain gear to use. The Dock Boys were great help in outfitting us with night crawlers and fuel and were really appreciated by me helping us launch and land the boat without any disasters. I am a tried and true worm, leach or red and white Dare Devil gal so all of the extra tackle and changing of equipment has no place in my fishing enjoyment. I dropped my line into the bay and we were off. It sure didn’t take long for the first Northern hit and I was a happy fisher gal. Ed kept changing from one artificial bait to another and I kept saying, “hook on one of those Dare Devils and you are sure to catch a fish.” Well it took a bit of time and effort but he finally used the right bait and there it was, the biggest Northern of the day. Well ya gotta know he’s a believer. Personally, I think it kind of scared the baajeeburrs out of him when he looked into the huge mouth of that big fellow and saw that double row of razor sharp teeth and he realized he had to get all those hooks out of its mouth. I just smiled and enjoyed the show.

The next day we had a little reprieve from the rain and we headed out to the big water and up around the north end of the lake checking out the beautiful scenery and the hot spots. We finally found my old fishing hole on the back side of my Favorite Little Island right by the lily pads and tried our luck at catching some Blue Gill. There were a few bites and we landed some nice pan fish but all of a sudden the bites stopped. I loaded my tiny hook with a big bunch of night crawler and tossed it out over my shoulder into deeper water. I told Ed that my Dad always said “if the Sunnies stop biting there must be a Northern right close.” No more than my bait hit the water and started to sink when a big old Northern snatched it up. With the help of a net I landed that fish on that tiny little hook. Ed’s lower jaw must have bounced off the floor of the boat 10 times as he kept shaking his head in disbelief proclaiming himself a true believer. I think it was just one of those lucky things that accidentally happens at the right time.

Of course the next adventure was cleaning the fish. The fact that I had cleaned more than my share of fish in the past put me in the drivers seat. I like all of my fish without bones, including the “Northern Y Bones” so the job began and we were really thankful for the beautiful fish cleaning house. We sure couldn’t ask for a nicer place to do the job and everyone using the cleaning house was friendly, helpful and courteous. Fresh caught Northern fillets were on the dinner menu that night, deep fried with beer batter, just doesn’t get any better than that. And not a bone to be found.

Even with the inclement weather we were able to enjoy the beauty of Aspen Resort and Northern Minnesota and we also had the opportunity to spend time in the quaint town of Orr. Bar none, Patton Restaurant makes the best homemade rolls ever --- the peanut butter twists are to die for. It is a must to enjoy up north living at ASPEN RESORT and experience its Minnesota Friendly hospitality. This year we are already booked for a 2 week stay. Like my Grandpa always said, “Every moment spent fishing is a moment added to your life.” Grandpa was really wise that way.

The Kedzierzawski's

Bonnie & Allen Olson Testimonial 2/13/11

2011-02-13T13:45:00.000-08:00

Sent via email-

Vacation at Aspen Resort – June, 2010

Let me start off by saying it rained almost every day we were there last year!! Didn’t stop us, however – we still fished and fished and fished and fished!!! We took a try at a puzzle that was a 2 sided gem and it was terrible – did’t get it done (no where near done). In fact, we exchanged it for a different one that we did complete before we left.

Anyway, our story is – We have been coming to Aspen for a couple of years now. It is me, my husband, my in-laws, my son and his friend. We stayed in the Blue Herron last year and it was a delightful cabin. One evening - it was about 11:30 – my in-laws had gone to bed earlier and my husband had just turned in for the night. I was working on a puzzle at the kitchen table and my son and his friend were in the living room area watching a movie. I heard a noise out on the deck of the cabin and wondered if there was someone on the deck. I didn’t give it too much attention until I heard the noise again and this time my son and his friend jumped up to look out the window on the door. My son quickly shouted out “It’s a bear”!! My husband got out of bed and came out to look and I jumped up from the puzzle to look and we saw the back side of the bear as he went down the stairs of the deck after trying to get into our garbage can. He proceeded to the side of the deck and put his paw (quite large!) through the rails of the deck railing trying again to get to the garbage. After no success in getting the can to the desired position to get it open, he started to leave and that is when my husband went outside. I was a little nervous about going out there when there was a bear around, but by the time we went out onto the deck, he was at the back of the cabin. He just turned around and looked at us and then went on his merry way. We tried to get a picture, but it was dark and he was black – needless to say, the picture didn’t turn out!!!

We called to make our reservation for this year and asked about the bear. Ray said that they haven’t seen it any more since his visit to the Blue Herron that night. It was definitely something that I will never forget.

Bonnie Olson

Kyle Fiebelkorn Testimonial 2/12/11

2011-02-13T13:38:00.000-08:00

Sent via email-

I have been going to Aspen for 8 years now. I have stayed in 5 different cabins as my family grew larger. Each year it gets harder and harder to leave once we are there. I have met many people at Aspen over the years and I can honestly say that I have never run into an unhappy man, woman, or child yet. The atmosphere is truly set up for it to be whatever you choose. It can be totally relaxing and a complete download of the rat race you left behind, even if it is only for a short while. It is a wilderness wonderland for those that like to walk or enjoy the lake, fishing is phenominal, and the sights are second to none. There are many things for children and parents to do together, on your own and with Ray and Vanessa's planned activities for the kids. The cabins are 1st rate and come with everything you need. When all is said and done and the smoke clears, the dust settles, the most amazing thing about Aspen is you feel like family by time the vacation is over. My children never forget Ray, Vanessa, their 3 daughters, or the dock people that make the trip worth every minute. I could go on and on about Aspen, but I can tell you that I cannot truly describe in words how amazing Aspen is, so come on up and we'll see you there!

Kyle Fiebelkorn

Jacob & Heidi Olsen Testimonial 2/11/11

2011-02-13T13:10:00.000-08:00

Sent Via email-

We arrive at Aspen Resort every in June with our girls and grandma and grandpa for our family vacation. On our annual trip in 2010 we found a “real” treasure map in our cabin! (A plan cunningly planned by grandma and mom, but Mr. Ray and Ms. Vanessa soon became our accomplices., commenting on rumors of maps and such on the grounds. Our girls ages 7 and 4 at the time were, and still are, completely convinced that the entire thing was real.)

When the map was found behind a picture in our cabin our girls had to go directly to the lodge. After excitedly informing Mr. Ray and Ms. Vanessa of our discovery, we immediately went on our quest. Ms. Vanessa and her girls accompanied us and our girls as we followed the inked clues on the old fragile map that still smelled of incense and was marred with burns in some places. It was wonderfully thrilling…..It lead us all around the grounds of the resort.

Clue after clue we trekked around until the final clue left us searching around our cabin (Bald Eagle). My oldest daughter noted a suspicious bunch of shrubbery under the deck of the cabin and upon investigation it revealed…..a treasure chest!!

We rushed back to the lodge to unveil our bounty. Of course at this time Mr. Ray suddenly became more helpful (tee hee). We all searched through the rings, necklaces, “jewels” and real coins. The excitement was palpable and the hilarity continued when Mr. Ray donned himself with all the jewels! I hope you enjoy the pictures. It was a journey our kids will never forget. Thanks Aspen for helping us with this amazing experience…you guys are always up for anything!!!!

Jacob & Heidi Olsen (Taia and Avynn and new this year…Evie ) and Mary & Mel Olsen

Snow, Snow and more Snow!

2011-02-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

As of the first of Feb. 2011 we are sitting at 71 inches of snow above our normal amount for this time of year. Thats not 71 inches to date for the winter, that is 71 inches above normal for this time frame. All this snow will be great for lake levels come May but i'm guessing it might be a little wet and soggy while it's melting. Here are some photos of a few of our cabins after the snow was shoveled off the roofs. Reservations are coming in nicely for the 2011 Spring, Summer and Fall seasons. When we are not taking reservations, you guessed it, we are out moving snow. Happy ground hogs day everyone!

Aspen Resort "YouTube" videos

2011-01-13T21:15:00.000-08:00

Thank you for visiting our blog. We now have a YouTube link on our website homepage that will show you videos of Aspen Resort and some of the Orr area. If you know of any additional videos of Aspen we would love to post them on our website, just let us know.

Thanksgiving Snow

2010-12-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

Finally getting around to post the photo we took of the Loon cabin after our Thanksgiving snow. We received about 2 feet of snow the week of Thanksgiving. Made for a beautiful photo.

Rheanna Haeg Testimonial 12/4/10

2010-12-06T09:54:00.000-08:00

sent via email-

My first year up at Aspen Resort was in 2007. After driving on the tarroad for quite some time, we turned off onto the gravel road. Windingand riding down the long road and as we drove up the small first hill,we came upon wooden log cabins off to the right hand side with thewelcoming of the Aspen Resort sign. It was definitely just more thanpicture perfect, it was BEAUTIFUL!! After checking in, we got to ourcabin, unpacked and went adventuring!! Traveling with kids there wasdefinitely plenty of things for them to do as well as adults. Thepool, playground, badminton and volleyball, basketball, paddleboats,kayaks, THE LODGE!! The lodge was where the kids could go to playgames, read books, get a bite to eat (including the dessert cooler) ,have a cold beverage (both for kids and adults), buy merchandise andof course talk to staff. What made Aspen unique is the scheduledactivities that they hosted each day and the nightly campfires. Wetook advantage of this when we could if we weren't out fishing and wegot to know some of the other guests. The fishing was awesome and theboats were in great shape and the staff goes out the extra mile toinsure a memorable stay. This definitely has become our yearlyvacation spot that hopefully our children can pass down to theirfamily someday!

Fall In Minnesota

2010-09-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hello All, The feeling of fall is in the air. Rainy and a high of 47 today. Calling for mild temps in the mid 60's for the weekend, I hope they are correct. The 2010 season is a good one at Aspen Resort. Thanks to all our new and repeat guests for making it that way. Over the last week or so we have been winterizing cabins, winterizing our rental boats and putting them in storage and enjoying the company of the end of season guests. We hope to see you all back again in 2011. Please visit our website, blog and facebook pages often. Our website will be updated with new photos and 2011 rates later this fall and we will keep posting on our blog throughout the fall and winter. If you have any great vacation photos that you took while staying at Aspen Resort feel free to post them on our facebook page. Look out for a upcoming email from us this winter asking you to submit your Aspen Resort vacation photos and captions on our facebook page for our winter photo contest for a chance to win "Aspen" cash for your 2011 stay. Well that's it for now, have a good weekend!

9/14/10 11" Bluegill "Released"

2010-09-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry everyone that it has been about a month since our last blog post. August was a busy month at the resort, and then we lost all our help as they headed back to college. Here is our most recent photo. Leonard Ashline of Indiana caught and released this 11" Bluegill on Tuesday September 14th 2010.

8/3/10 Largemouth Bass "Released"

2010-08-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

Ashlen (6), Austin (8) Ethan (10) caught and released this 20 inch Largemouth Bass while out fishing with Grandpa "Papa" Czechowski.

8/1/10 Largemouth Bass

2010-08-01T17:41:00.000-07:00

Ethan Rapier (age 10) of Illinois caught and released this 21 inch Largemouth Bass while fishing with his Grandpa "papa" Czechowski. Ethan wanted to make sure that we did not post his papa's age.

7/16/10 SMALLMOUTH BASS

2010-07-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

Wade Newton of Ridgeway Illinois caught and released this 21" Smallmouth Bass on 7/16/10

7/5/10 LARGEMOUTH BASS

2010-07-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

Chris Anderson of Elk River Minnesota caught and released this 20 1/2 inch Largemouth Bass over the July 4th weekend. Nice fish Chris, I can see you really like Bass.

The Fish Inspector

2010-06-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

Xavier the 2 year old fish inspector from Indiana is checking out grandpa's catch of the day.

ORR July 3rd activities

2010-06-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

ASPEN RESORT weekly summer activities list

2010-06-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

Father Day Jumbo Perch

2010-06-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

Taia O (age 7) of Minnesota caught this 13 inch, 1 pound Jumbo Perch while fishing with Dad on Fathers Day. What a great vacation memory. Way to go Taia!

Moose cabin remodel 2010

2010-06-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos of our Moose cabin remodel we just completed. All the photos will be on our website in the next few days when you click on the Moose cabin information

6/10/10 SMALLMOUTH BASS

2010-06-10T18:06:00.001-07:00

Nate Ernat of Oglesby Illinois caught and released this 20 inch smallmouth bass on 6/10/10. Nice Pelican lake Smallmouth Nate. Thanks for releasing it to be caught another day.

6/4/10 BLACK BEAR VISIT

2010-06-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

Rick G. from Wisconsin took this photo out of the Moose cabin window on 6/4/10 while waiting for the rain to stop so he could head out fishing. Not very often you get to see a bear roaming around the resort. Makes for some great stories.

6/3/10 NORTHERN PIKE

2010-06-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

Bob C. from Illinois caught and released this 34 inch, 7 1/2 pound Northern Pike that was in the Pelican Lake protected slot. The protected slot for Northern Pike on Pelican Lake is all Pike 24" to 36" must be released. This makes for some fun fishing!

5/31/10 WALLEYE

2010-06-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

Bob D. from Illinois landed and released this 26 inch 6 pound Walleye during his stay at the resort. A nice fish for his first trip to Pelican.

5/29/10 WALLEYE

2010-06-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

Jason B. from Minnesota caught this 27 inch, 7 pound Pelican lake Walleye over Memorial weekend.

5/28/10 BLUEGILL

2010-06-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

N.B. from Minnesota caught this 10 1/2 inch bluegill on May 28th 2010 while fishing with mom and dad while staying at Aspen Resort.

2010 Apsen Resort Fishing Wall of Fame Photo

2010-05-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

First Fish on the Aspen Resort Wall of Fame for the 2010 season. Congratulations Bill L. from Minnesota on your 30 1/2 inch 9 lb. 8 oz Walleye. "Released"

Minnesota Fishing Opener

2010-05-06T20:54:00.000-07:00

We are 8 days from the Minnesota fishing opener and are burning the midnight oil to get the Moose cabin remodel completed. I just noticed it has been awhile since our last blog post. Sorry about that. I heard there is a chance of snow from Friday May 7th into Saturday May 8th. Would not be a normal lead into opener without a little snow now would it. Starting to turn on the water to the campground and cabins tomorrow, then finish getting the cabins set up and we open on Friday May 14th. Hope to see you here! We will post photos of the Moose cabin remodleing project when time permits.

Happy Fishing, Ray & Vanessa

Butch Furtman TV show

2010-04-07T18:14:00.000-07:00

Butch Furtman (Sportsmans Journal) & Mark Fisher of Rapala shot a show on Pelican Lake last fall and it will be airing this Sunday (April 11th) at 9:30am on the Fox Sports North station. As always it should be a great one. How can Pelican Lake fishing ever be bad.

Pelican Lake Ice Out

2010-04-02T14:01:00.001-07:00

The ice out date on Pelican Lake is usually around the 20th-27th of April. But as you can see with the warm March temps Pelican should be ice free by Saturday April 3rd. I am thinking this might be a record for the earliest ice out. If I am wrong I am hoping someone could let me know. The 3 photos are from March 29th (ice in the bay in front of Aspen Resort. April 1st, (putting in boat to go rescue docks that are floating away). April 2nd (you can see the ice piling up on the left hand side of the island as the wind is pushing the ice). The temp outside today was 73 degrees at 2:15pm. Hopefully these warm temps carry over making for a very nice summer. Happy Easter everyone!

Pelican Lake Fishing Television Show

2010-03-04T20:37:00.000-08:00

The Butch Furtman "Sportsman's Journal" Televison fishing show that was filmed on Pelican Lake last fall will be aired on the Fox Sports North channel Sunday March 14th at 9:30am. Try to catch it, some great fishing footage as always.

Hurt Osprey

2010-02-25T11:27:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to keep our blog interesting to read and since it's the middle of winter and not much is going on and the spring projects have yet to start we are using some stories that that have happened here at Aspen Resort over the years. A few years ago we found this Osprey (pictured) struggling out in the lake. the weird thing was that it's mate kept swooping down and it looked like it was trying to grab it and help it out of the water. At first we thought it might have been tangled in some fishing line but when we got one of our boats close enough to it we realized that it had broken it's wing. Probably on impact while fishing. It took several attemps to get him out of the lake and into the boat. We used the oar from the boat and put it underneath him and he would climb on the oar, but he kept jumping off when we would get him close to the boat. I guess he finally realized he was going to drown if he didn't get in the boat. Once we got him into the boat we realized what a massive bird he was and how small the boat seemed once we got a look at his beak and talons. Once we got him to shore we got him caged and calmed down and contacted someone that was experienced in injured birds. She got him a free ride on an Northwest Airlines flight down to the Raptor Center in Minneapolis where it had surgery to repair it's broken radius and ulna in it's wing. After it's recovery we were told it was released back to the wild.

Ice Fishing Contest

2010-02-12T09:25:00.000-08:00

The Presidents weekend ice fishing contest in Saturday Feb. 13th, 2010 on Pelican Lake. Everyone is welcome to come out a buy a hole to enter the contest. Here is a link to the Orr Chamber page with the contest rules. http://www.orrchamber.com/fishing.html The weather looks like it will be favorible for fishing at 24 above with cloudy skies and light flurries. Come out a have a good time with the family. What a way to start Valentines weekend. Enjoy!

Pack of Wolves

2010-02-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

Watched a pack (of 4) Timberwolf's hunting along the far shore of the bay in front of the resort (Aspen Resort)on Superbowl Sunday. Did not see any deer but with the crusty snow conditions, making it easy for the wolves to run on top of the snow,while the deer fall through the crust on the top, it is going to be tough going for the deer until spring.

Eagle Out Fishing

2010-01-30T06:26:00.000-08:00

These photos were also taken by Mitch Huyck from Colorado when he was staying at Aspen Resort. The Bald Eagle's are seen daily on Pelican Lake either fishing or sitting in the tree tops watching you fish.

Thinking of Summer

2010-01-28T12:17:00.000-08:00

Another photo taken by Mitch Huyck from Colorado while staying at Aspen Resort.

Thinking of Summer

2010-01-28T11:55:00.000-08:00

Since it was 40 below wind chill this morning I thought I would post some summer wildlife photos for the next few days that some of our guests have taken while vacationing with us. Photo by Mitch Huyck from Colorado

WELCOME

2010-01-26T15:15:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new Aspen Resort blog. We hope that you will follow our blog posts and comment back from time to time. The photo was taken on 1/25/10 after our last 9.5 inch snowfall.