A.K.A. “The Fish Whisperer”,
Brian has been guiding in the Temagami region for over 40 years and a member of our guide pool at MRL for many years. He is regarded as one of the most knowledgeable outdoorsmen in the area, having spent most of his life in Marten River, moving here with his parents when they owned and operated their own fishing camp.
A trapper by trade, entrepreneur and multi-talented tradesman, there’s not much Brian doesn’t do. His cool and calm demeanor and dry sense of humour makes spending time with him on the water a unique and entertaining experience. Not to mention his natural ability to get you on fish! You’d swear he speaks to them!
Brian has fished just about every lake in the area and has trained others in the art and science of guiding. Few have mastered his magic touch. “Old School” in his approach, he is a champion of the back-trolling technique that is the mainstay of fishing in our northern waters and a proven method for high-volume productivity.
Many people marvel at Brian’s simple, straight forward and unpretentious disposition. He is an honest, gentle man with real-life stories that exemplify the northern wilderness experience. With Brian, there’s no fuss, no muss…just a genuine, matter-of-fact, get-‘er-done attitude about fishing. And when the stringers are full, that says all he needs to say.
After a successful day’s fishing and guests return to camp, Brain enjoys a beer (or six) in the garage and sharing new and old stories that captivate and inspire. He has been a friend and mentor to Marten River Lodge for many years, an active member of our community and we are grateful for his association with us.
Here’s to another season Brian…and more great stories to come!
Dave Simpson
Davey has been associated with MRL through three different owners over the past 17 years and worked as a Guide for most of that time. In fact, he played a leading role in the development of MRL’s back lake fishing and bear hunt programs which remain key drivers of the business today. The protocols and service standards he helped establish remain firmly engrained in our operations.
A proficient hunter, angler, trapper, knife maker and outdoorsman, Davey cut his way through our vast wilderness to explore and open up remote lakes in the pursuit of quality fishing experiences for MRL guests. Similarly, he combed through 150 square kilometers of our Bear Management Area to locate and construct our stands and blinds and create optimal positions for MRL’s bear hunt program. His legacy of work remains core to guest experiences today and MRL’s ongoing success as a premier lodge.
In more recent years, Davey has been part of our mentorship team and a tremendous resource to us and to a new generation of guides who have benefited from his tutelage and who now carry on the tradition of providing our guests with the Ultimate Outdoor Adventure. Though Davey now runs his own Home Inspection business, he remains a valued ally to the MRL team and occasionally guides for us when his schedule permits.
Guests who have the opportunity to venture out into the bush and on the water with Davey are in for a special treat, some great stories and a memorable day’s experience.