25 Years at Nueltin!

A lot has happened in the past 25-Years and we’d like to share the story of Nueltin’s continuing development with you.

1978 – Catch and Release is born.

It was and is a controversial policy that continues to this day. Previous owner Bill Bennett decreed that no coolers full of fish would make their way south from Nueltin Lake– and a new conservation movement was born. Garry Gurke would see the wisdom and continue to move conservation issues forward.

1982-1987 – The Search for Nueltin.

It took Garry Gurke 5 years to choose a site for his dream: a world-class fishing lodge. Something drew him to this place. Years later he would find a link to his own family history and the birth of a nation!

1991 – First Barbless Hook Only.

Experience out on the lake lead Garry and his team begin enforcing a barbless hook policy. Clients are asked to use only one hook per lure and crush down the barbs on every hook. Guests soon realize that a barb is really only good for holding on bait. Mortality rates – especially on Big Fish - decrease dramatically!

1993 – First Single Hook Only.

After Manitoba begins enforcing barbless hooks only province wide we take it one step further! Offering free single hooks clients brings the mortality rate of Big Fish to near 0. The Province then backs up Nueltin’s decision by adding legislation that makes Nueltin “officially” a single barbless lake. Bandaid sales to Nueltin Guides decrease and clients catch more fish because it takes less time to release ‘em!

Equipment Walked In Overland!

In a bold move that earns Garry the title “Crazy White Man” he leads a small party of hardcore staff off the beaten trail to Nueltin overland a couple hundred miles in the dead of winter. The equipment brought in allows expansion of the airstrip and results in direct flights from Winnipeg. The feat is repeated 3 times – the last of which has producers of the hit TV show “Ice Road Truckers” also calling us crazy.

New Lodge at Treeline Completed.

Treeline Lodge was originally a small bunker like building that had seen many additions over the years and by the time the Gurke family arrived it was time for a new building. The new lodge features vaulted ceilings, a full commercial kitchen and offers guests a home away from home. Welcome to our living room!

Bed Limits Self-Imposed.

Nueltin was becoming a mecca for Anglers worldwide. It was therefore decided that this special place should not be overcrowded. Self-imposed bed limits have kept Nueltin’s waters pristine. An area this vast with so little pressure makes for an amazing experience! You can fish for days without seeing another boat!

Hunting Season Introduced.

We had gained a reputation as leaders of sustainable development through catch and release fishing. How would people perceive a hunting season at Nueltin? As a family that had been at the forefront of conservation AND harvested game as part of our tradition for years it would be OK. It is sustainable - and awesome!

2009 - All Native Guides.

Sustainable is more than looking after fish stocks, managing harvest of game and using eco-friendly construction methods. For a company like Nueltin to be truly sustainable we understand that we need to engage local workforces (even though there are no settlements within 100 miles). The practiced and proven competence of our guiding team is proof this was the right decision. Our clients unanimously agree!

2010 – Sustainable Tourism Award!

Travel Manitoba awards Nueltin the Sustainable Tourism Award. Since the Province had honored us in the past by adopting policy that was first put into place by the management at Nueltin we thought that was a great idea! We are proud of our heritage and our home. A working relationship between business and Government is a rare and beautiful thing!

2010 – Nueltin Gains Park Status!

Twenty years ago work began on the dream of protected status for this corner of the Province. The cultural and ecological significance of Nueltin was not lost on those would see it become a park – it just took some time. The announcement was finally made! Huge victory for anyone who loves Wild Places!

2012 – Conservation Continues.

Having the Manitoba side the Nueltin Area protected is a wonderful thing. The water in this part of the world flows north – so the logical thing would be to protect the Nunavut side as well. Nueltin Management continues to pursue Protect Area status for North Nueltin as well. We continue to endeavor to make our company more sustainable in the most important ways: Environmentally, culturally and economically.