Flying Fish

Picture Dad, flying 400 miles north into Manitoba's wilderness aboard a 40-passenger turboprop. His destination? Knee Lake Resort, home to 8,700 square feet of knotty pine lodge repose and the monster fish of his dreams. We're talking walleye and pike big enough to scare a lot of guys.

Professional guides lead visitors to the adrenaline rush of a massive tug on the line -- in addition to well-prepared shore lunches and the chance at major prizes for tagged walleye. At night, Dad will settle in to a spacious cabin after a top-notch meal and practice the fish stories he will bore you with for years to come.

What it is: Three-, four- or seven-day luxury fishing packages on Manitoba's 50 mile-long Knee Lake ($2,675, $2,850 and $4,350, respectively, based on double occupancy; add $300 per day for single occupancy). Includes airfare between Winnipeg and Knee Lake Resort. Add flights to nearby private lakes for $290.

Know before you go: Additional charges include hotel in Winnipeg the night before departure to Knee Lake (prices range from $115 to $210 Canadian), liquor purchases at the lodge, and tips (about $50 per day). Bring a passport and other photo identification for border crossing, as well as a rod, reel and tackle with a weight limit of 75 pounds per person (the lodge sells tackle, too).

His new best friend: A personal fishing guide comes into the cabin at 5:30 a.m. to brew the coffee and start the fire.

Other packages? Fly-in fishing packages come with many price tags. Midwest Fly Fishing magazine writer Tim Holschlag hosts two yearly fly-in trips to Ontario for $1,100 out of Minneapolis. Check www.smallmouthangler.com or surf online for other great deals.

Find out more: North Star Resort, 800/563-7151.

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