Island Rental

Five O’Clock Island, Rainy Lake, Ontario

Five O’Clock Island is a full service island.  You are fully responsible for your own service. If you cannot handle some responsibility, we suggest staying at a commercial camp.  If you enjoy tranquility and independence, Five O’Clock Island is a great place for families and fishermen to “rough it” comfortably.

Five O’Clock Island is located in the middle of Rainy Lake, fifteen miles north of Fort Frances, Ontario and International Falls, Minnesota. Our “family camp” is designed to be used by families seeking relaxation and groups of up to seven fishermen.  Early camps like the President’s Camp David and the Great Adirondack camps of the Vanderbilts and Morgans feature separate sleeping cabins and a dining/socializing/dancing lodge. (We are located north of the posted “dance boundary” so no dancing). Our little camp follows the model but not the scale or cost.  The owners of Camp Casual on Five O’Clock Island are Mike Sprecher, Jim Hall, Greg Noble and Rick Crampton.

The Roost (original 16’ by 16’ cottage pictured below) is perfect for four kids or three adults.  There are two full sized beds and one twin bed bunked, twin bed and personal storage.  The kids are secluded but observable from the Deck Haus.

The north tent deck is a wonderful place to do some stargazing and hope the northern lights fire up. Bring your own tent and screws.

(14’ by 14’ tent platform with 8’ deck)

 
     The Dock is equipped with eight Adirondack chairs, map table and a large cooler. On the east shore there is a place to light a fire.  When the wind is right, grab a cocktail and a boat cushion then pick a rock. The oldest exposed bedrock on earth is beneath your feet.

A second cottage (Deck Haus) is basically finished.  The first floor of the Deck Haus has a shower room, freezer room, kitchen, eight person dining room and fireplace.  The second floor has two bedrooms with decks. The east bunkroom is furnished with a full sized bed and twin bunk beds. The west bedroom has a queen with room for a “camp bed”. The water system is fully operational so there is hot and cold running water to the shower and kitchen sink. There is always some work to be done but the camp works well and we enjoy it. (Below are construction photos of the new cottage: north face (2010), west face (2009) from lake and view from west bedroom). Current pricing and progress updates are at www.DesMoinesFun.com.

Rainy Lake is a big, clear water lake famous for its smallmouth bass fishing.  We also catch northern pike and walleye. Reportedly “slab” crappie are also in the area. Tackle, personal gear lists, maps and GPS are available for your use.

For us a typical day starts with coffee around 9:00.  We usually have a solid breakfast after 10:00 and plan the day over breakfast.  Some will want to pack a lunch and go fishing or sightseeing.  The Northshore is a beautiful place to read a book and take a nap.  Dinner is served when the fishermen return around dark (10:00). Walleye like to feed in low light an hour before and after sunset or sunrise.  Northern, smallmouth and deep dwelling walleye keep more reasonable hours. After dinner, depending on the weather and the bugs, we might head to the dock, build a fire or just hang-out and play cards. If the northern lights start dancing, everyone heads to the Northshore.  The last campers are in bed sometime after 2:00.

On Five O’Clock Island there is one clock with an alarm. The only time we wake anybody up is if the northern lights are dancing. People come and go as they please.  If you want to fish…fish. If you want to go kayaking go: (there are five on the island and two are fishing).  Want to read a book and take a nap…fine. If it is hot go swimming or ride Ski Bob (tow toy in the shed).  You are on vacation.

In July and August we have experienced highs in the 90s and lows in the 40s. Seventies and fifties are average. The water temperature will probably be in the 70s in midsummer. 

 Keep in mind Five O’Clock Island is in the Canadian bush. There are no flush toilets; we happily poop in the Moose (open air outhouse). The wives & kids have a “Hen Haus” with a port-a-potty for their needs. There is no electricity unless the generator is running.  There are plenty of propane and oil lamps to meet your lighting needs. There is limited phone service. If you need to make a call or check messages on your phone, take a 30-40 minute boat trip towards Fort Francis. We will have a Canadian cell phone available to bring up.

Rainy Lake will impress the whole crew.  There are big fish to be caught and tranquil vistas to enjoy.

  (Civilization is behind us, dock is ahead)                     (Upper cascades into Rainy Lake)

Five O’Clock Island is designed to be enjoyed by families that want to read a book and enjoy the beauty of the north woods as well as fishermen. We encourage you to nap, fish, explore, kayak, swim, relax and enjoy the company of those that are with you.  Please take time to toast the sunset on the upper deck. Prepare a favorite dinner with fine wine and grill hot dogs. As they say in Canada, you are on “holiday”. Enjoy the experience.

Five O’Clock Island is served by Rainy Lake Boat Taxi or BYOB: Bring Your Own Boat (and a good bottle). There are two fishing boats on the island.

          Thankfully your cell phone will probably not work on the island and there is no internet.

          Relax, and enjoy the peace of the north-country. Life is good on Rainey Lake.

(Conversation and a cocktail on the upper deck)

Our wonderful neighbors go their islands for tranquility so we limit rentals to five weeks per year. Please be respectful, friendly and enjoy magnificent Rainy Lake!

Things you will want:  Full rain suit (not nylon) and breathable bag to pack it in.

• Duffle bag: $15 army surplus bags work great. Pack your things in kitchen garbage bags and stuff them in the duffle.  Unpack and use duffle for your dirty laundry. You will be taking an open boat in. The ride in takes about 45 minutes.  If it is raining or the lake is rough you and your stuff will get wet.
• 200 weight Polartec fleece jacket or pull over. Fleece jacket and rain suit should always be in your boat bag.
• Water resistant windbreaker or breathable waterproof jacket for boating in spray or light rain.  It should fit over your fleece jacket or sweatshirt. 
• Boat bag: you may want a waterproof boat bag for your rain suit, jacket and snacks.  A 10” diameter bag can hold two people’s stuff.  A tall kitchen garbage bag works well and is a Five O’Clock Island stock item.
• In your tackle box: needle noose pliers and 10” jaw spreader with cord to tie to the boat.
• Over-packing is often a problem. It is okay to wear items more than once. You are in the Canadian Bush; nobody cares about your wardrobe.
• Hot Spot map of Rainy Lake North (South is optional). Order your own online. 1) You will be able to scope out the area before you arrive. 2) There might be one in the boat but they tend to get put in someone’s boat bag or tackle box and disappear.

Group Packing List

Prices

Cottages

Deck Haus:                              $250.00 per day             $1250.00 per week

Roost:                             $100.00 per day               $500.00 per week

Boat rental

Laker:                             $100 per day                  $500.00 per week

16’ w/25hp 2-stroke

Alumarine:                     $100 per day                  $500.00 per week

16’ w/15hp 4-stroke

One week trip for four:

Deck Haus                     $1,250.00

To Taxi service*                   485.00

Laker                                   500.00

Alumarine                           500.00

Total                     $2,725.00   per person: $681.25 + 13% GST tax (part refundable)

One week trip for six:

Deck Haus                     $1,250.00

Roost                                   500.00

Taxi service*                        485.00

Laker                                   500.00

Alumarine                           500.00

Canadian cell phone             50.00

          Total                     $3,225.00   per person: $537.50+ 13% GST tax (part refundable)

*paid to Rainy Lake Taxi Service: $470.00 USD covers transportation, island start up, gas, propane, and trash.

Comparison pricing and services

Camp Narrows (boat in) is $900.00 per person plus 13% tax

• cabin: $550.00 per person
• boat: $350.00 per person($700.00 boat/2). They are nicer boats but ours get the job done.
• Onsite operator
• Lots of people around

Labella’s Birch Point (drive to)

• cabin: $550.00 per person
• boat: $350.00 per person($700.00 boat/2). They are nicer boats, but again ours get the job done.
• Onsite operator that is very helpful
• Lots of people in duplex cottages and campers
• Swimming beach

Our Setup

There are two ways to get to Five O’Clock Island. You can bring you own boat or take the boat taxi service. If you bring your own boat you should park and launch from the former government dock (now private) at the tip of Northwest Bay. If you take the boat taxi you will leave from Five Mile Dock east of Fort Frances. Either way you do not want to go in or out on a Saturday. There are signs on the road to customs marked in hours for Saturday people. Don’t be those people.

Bring your own boat.

• Have good electronics and a GPS. Mapping GPS with chip is best.
• Use compass and map of Rainy Lake north to confirm your position
  • There are 1600 islands on the lake. It is easy get bewildered if you do not pay attention. The navigation buoys (green) are numbered and should be marked on your map. Red buoys are hazards. Use your map to figure out the safe side. Have a navigator and take your time. Be careful as there are rocks and shallow points in odd places. They been referred to as the lake’s “fingers of death”.

Rainy Lake Boat Taxi

• Trip to and from island
• Quick orientation: generator, water system and electric wench for boats.

• Refill gas and propane. Estimated usage is 20 gallons of gas and 20lbs of propane per trip. If group needs to run generator all night, add five gallons of gas and $25.00. Group brings out four empty gas cans and one propane tank. If more was used let Mike know! There is no extra charge but we need to know what is on the island for the next group.
• Boat taxi (Al Boivin) Primary Contact: (807) 271-2449, Secondary Contact (807) 274-6381.

Cleaning

• You are not paying for a cleaning service so leave the island like you would like to find it. There is a $200.00 cleaning deposit with refund determined by next group or Krazy. Check the list. We hire a deep cleaning service once or twice a year? They should dust, wash the windows and sweep the spider webs.

Cell phone

• Your cell phone will probably not work on the island. Travel 45 minutes south and you will probably get a bar or two.
• There will be a tbaytel phone that you can use to text (best) or call US (maybe) but do not use data. Data is very expensive and we will bill you. Please keep conversations limited and short. Deposits are held until we receive cell bill and your level of housekeeping is inspected.

Guides available on Rainy Lake

Kevin Erickson

• Fishes both sides of border
• International Falls native
• 4^th grade teacher with six kids
• $220 for half day plus $75.00 per follow boat = $295.00

Full Throttle Guiding

• Full day on the water: $450.00

Island Manual

Cottage

Generator

• Check oil, gas and vent cap
• Choke and start
• Run for a minimum of two hours per day to charge batteries and run freezer. First day: run overnight if electric freezer is fully stocked with warm beverages.

Freezer Room

• Stock electric freezer with beverages and turn on. Do not set too low or beverages will freeze.
  • Use as a cooler with refrigeration. When beverages are to desired temperature, turn freezer off. Prop lid open at close.
  • Items that need to remain frozen go in propane refrigerator’s freezer compartment. Think cocktail ice.
• Connect water pump’s black wire (marked) to battery. Leave charger hooked up.
• Inverter in the freezer room runs the lights on the second floor. I usually turn it off because I find the hum somewhat irritating. Keep charger on battery.

Propane refrigerator – a bit tricky to start but works great

• Check and open propane tank
• Turn control valve on refrigerator to gas
• Turn gas knob to pilot and push. It will take several minutes to fill gas line. Push igniter. Igniter will click and there will be a bark. Repeat until you see a blue reflection in the peep mirror. When you turn the gas knob to ON you should hear the burner start.
• Fill ice cube trays. They should be frozen by morning.

Water tank

• Check water level and be sure valve is open
  • If low there is a gas pump under cottage by pressure tank. Add a little bleach.

Water pump (12 volt)

• Black wire’s ring should be unhooked. Hook both leads to battery in Freezer Room to activate pump.

Water heater (battery operated)

• Once water flow is established activate water heater
• Open valve on propane tank (under stairs)
• Turn control valve to ON
• Heater is “on demand” so it will heat when hot water is desired
• Heater may cycle for a while until the gas line is filled

Boats

Boats are pulled out of the water on roller ramps. Seats are stored in the hoop building. Use the wench to pull them back out at the end of your trip. Motor, fuel tank, net, paddle and fish finder all stay in the boat. There are spare props in hoop building. If a prop is damaged let Mike know. There is no charge, they are repairable.

Lund Laker with 25hp Johnson

• Release tilt lever (under motor on left side) so outboard will pop up if you hit a rock. This feature helps protect you and the outboard. If you are back trolling in heavy water you may need to have the motor locked down. When the tilted all the way up and dropped back down, the tilt locks. Reach down and release the tilt when traveling.
• Put shift lever in neutral.
• Check gas line and squeeze bulb a few times to fill line. Be sure clip for “dead man’s switch” was left in the kill button.
• Choke is a combination choke/primer. Pump five times to prime then pull all the way out to choke (it will catch). Pull to start.
• To engage propeller or change directions: Move throttle to idle and move shift lever.
• There is steering tension screw (standard) on the right side motor about where motor meets the lower unit. Turn in to tighten.
• Johnson is a 2-cycle so it uses mixed gas at a ratio of 50 to 1. Oil should be in boat.
• Red boat seats go in the red boat. Each boat needs life jackets, paddle, boat safety kit (yellow or orange plastic container or bale with whistle, floating rope and flashlight), net, jaw spreaders and needle noose pliers. Map and compass or GPS. Preferably both.

Alumarine with 15hp Mercury

• Release tilt lever (under motor on left side) so outboard will pop up if you hit a rock. This feature helps protect you and the outboard. If you are back trolling in heavy water you may need to have the motor locked down. When the tilted all the way up and dropped back down, the tilt locks. Reach down and release the tilt when traveling.
• Put shift lever in neutral. Be sure on/off switch was left in on position. Kill button is on end of tiller.
• Check gas line and squeeze bulb a few times to fill line.
• Pull choke. Hit electric start button on bottom of tiller.
• To engage propeller or change directions: Move throttle to idle and move shift lever.
• There is steering tension lever on the motor just above the boat’s transom. Slide right to tighten.
• Mercury is a 4-cycle so it uses straight gas.
• Blue boat seats go in the Alumarine. Each boat needs life jackets, paddle, boat safety kit (yellow or orange plastic container or bale with whistle, floating rope and flashlight), net, stringer, jaw spreaders and needle noose pliers. Map and compass or GPS. Preferably both.
• Alumarine has oar locks. There are oars on the wall in the hoop shed. If rowing and fishing grab a rod holder.

Miscellaneous

• Outhouse - The “moose” (short for voyager’s moose trap) is up the hill on the left. We leave TP in a plastic bag and flying insect spray up there. There is a port-a-potty in the Hen Haus for the kids and wives’ night time use. Double plastic bag and bring out used toilet bags.
• Garbage – Sort burnable and non-burnable garbage. Burn the burnable on the east shore if safe. Take the non-burnable out with you. There is a can crusher on the walkway between the dining room and hoop shed. Be careful with food scraps, you don’t want any unwelcome visitors. Bears love bacon.
• Smoking is allowed in the cottages and boats. Always use an ashtray. The duff (soil) on the island will burn so do not put your smoke out in the dirt.
• Lanterns – there are two oil and several Coleman lanterns. Use regular gasoline in silver dual fuel Colemans. There are extra mantels in the kitchen closet by the lanterns and in top drawer of cabinet in the hoop building.
• Mr. Heaters – there are Mr. Heaters in each cottage if you need them.

Before you leave home

• Fishing license (licence in Canada) and outdoor card should be purchased online at www.ontario.ca/page/fishing-licence-non-residents-canada. We always buy conservation licenses. You can buy and print. It is easy and fast. Once you purchase an outdoor card you will always be in their system.
• When you cross the border you must declare any goods to be left in Canada, tobacco and alcoholic beverages. You can bring a liter of liquor or a case of beer across duty free. Beer is expensive in Canada. Firearms, pepper spray and live bait are not allowed. Buy your bait at Can-Op & Rainy Lake Sports in Fort Frances (715 Colonization Road East). You will drive past it on King’s Highway 11 on the way to Five Mile Dock. The Harbourage Restaurant next door is good.
• Money – almost everyone in Fort Frances will take US cash but you will get Canadian change. If you plan to use a credit card, let the issuer know.
• Gas is very expensive in Canada and priced in liters.
• Print this list

CHECK LIST – please fill out and return

Name:                                              Date:                Phone number:

To: Mike Sprecher, 3424 Giles, West Des Moines, IA 50265  (        )

Thanks for renting from us! We value your input.