Cliff & Roma's Wilderness Camp

I have been planning and really looking forward to my annual spring fishing trip to Cliff & Roma's Wilderness Camp or Cat Track Lodge for over 40 years now. Usually with a group of four guys. However, last year there were six of us. I was fortunate to take my grandson along as a token for his graduation from Iowa State University. He was so appreciative and not one bit disappointed! The fishing was excellent and our shorelunches of deep-fried walleyes, potatos, and vidalia onions and Bush's baked beans can't be beat. But just as important, is the hospitality at camp. I've been hosted by for four generations now of great accomodating service. When we head to the dock ready for a day of fishing, our minnow buckets are filled and when coming back into camp for the day, someone is always there to take any fish we need filleted. Unfortunately, seven days of fishing and the beautiful scenery flies by all too fast. So many great memories!!! A last minute note: You might ask the camp owners Trevor or Lesley about a treasure hidden somewhere on the lake! Chuck Erb

I have stayed at Cliff and Roma's five times over the past decade (six, after I go this June). Each trip has been a terrific experience. The accommodations are simple, as you would expect for a fly-in at that latitude, but always clean and everything is always is perfect working order.

One of the Sawyer clan is always there to meet you at the docks when your float planes arrives. Literally within 15 minutes all your gear has been transferred to your cabin, and you can be in a boat on your way to catching walleye after walleye.

I remember the owner telling me a few years ago, "all the camps up here have good fishing. The only way we can set ourselves apart is with our service, and that's what we aim to do."

And they certainly succeed on that count. No matter how early you rise, you can get your minnows topped off. I can't imagine struggling to find fish on a lake as chock-full as Savant, but if you do, the hosts will help put you on fish. Fish cleaning, good conversation, and just plain friendly service are always present.

The fishing. OH the fishing. If you know nothing about fishing, you can still catch fish on Savant Lake. If you are a good stick, 100-walleye days are a regular occurrence, and 200-fish days are possible (217 is my personal best). It's not a destination for 30"+ trophy walleyes, though there are some in there, but you will wear yourself out catching 16-26" walleyes all day. If you tire of catching walleyes, there are trophy pike that can be over 50" and monster lake trout to chase as well. It is a fisherman's dream.

I am going to go back as often as I can until I die. It's that good.