Wesley’s Fly-In Outposts
Trip details and aircraft allowances should be confirmed for your particular group and season.
The floatplane ride is part of the hunt, but the day works best when your party arrives in Pickle Lake early, stays reachable and lets the aircraft crew set the safe departure time.
Arrive the day before
Plan to reach Pickle Lake the day before your flight. That gives the group time to settle in, organize gear and check in with Pickle Lake Airways in the afternoon if you arrive early enough. Exchange a direct phone or text contact with the person coordinating the flight, often Christine. Confirm the meeting place and the next morning’s instructions. See the base location and arrival details.
Be ready for morning check-in
Unless the operator gives you a different time, be at Pickle Lake Airways with the whole group and packed gear at 8:00 a.m. Keep phones available. Fog or other weather can hold the flight; check its status that morning and stay close enough to leave when a safe window opens. Avoid making a tight onward appointment on either travel day.
Weigh and organize the load
Finish shopping and packing before weighing everything. Count personal bags, food, coolers, shared gear and any motors you are bringing. Confirm the actual group allowance and what counts toward it with Wesley’s and the air operator; aircraft, fuel, conditions and the party’s load can change the plan. Label bags with your party name and remove exposed hooks from fishing rods so they cannot injure the crew during loading. The pilot and ground crew decide how to distribute the load.
Enjoy the flight, follow the crew
Wesley’s fly-ins use floatplanes such as Beaver and Otter aircraft. The flight into the bush is roughly 45 minutes when conditions and destination allow, but timing varies. Dress in layers rather than overheating in the cabin; earbuds can help you relax. If turbulence makes you uncomfortable, move your head gently and keep your eyes on a stable reference. Follow all crew directions for boarding, seat belts and unloading.
Make the camp handoff count
Another party may be leaving on the same plane. Keep incoming and outgoing bags separate, identify every item and locate the camp Garmin inReach before the aircraft departs. Learn the stove, generator, boats, fuel and water setup before anyone heads off hunting. Wesley’s supplies straight gas; hunters bringing their own two-stroke motors need the correct mixing oil and must verify the fuel before filling a tank. Use the first-hour camp checklist.
Keep the return flexible
Weather can affect extraction too. Coordinate pickup through the provided communication device and have a plan for meat, your vehicle and a possible night in Pickle Lake if the return flight lands late.
Be ready on time. Let the weather and the flight crew set the departure.