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Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Fly Fishing Trip in Canada | Orvis Endorsed Expeditions: Fortress Lake Retreat
Average Customer Rating:
Rating Snapshot (23 reviews)
5 stars
22
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
23 of 23(100%)customers would recommend this to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Review 1 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
First Time For Reel,
October 23, 2012
By: TheLaws
from Alberta, Canada
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Additional Thoughts:Very patient and informative to beginners.
"Fortress Lake lived up to all and more of our expectations. The setting is The Rocky Mountains at their finest. Dave, Amelia and Andrew were awesome hosts and guides. Made for my first trout on a fly a great first time. The conversation with the other guests was very interesting and enjoyable."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 2 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
True Wilderness,
October 15, 2012
By: mask1
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
"We hiked into this incredibly beautiful retreat. Food was fabulous, conversation stimulating and the stay was very relaxing. It is one of the most beautiful places that I have been."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 3 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
Central Alberta,
October 12, 2012
By: BWWW
from Central Alberta-Creeks and Rivers
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
"There is exceptional fly fishing to be experienced in this region. The Jensen's
knowledge, passion and
devotion to this area is without compare!
They are amazing fly fishing guides!!
Highly recommend"
knowledge, passion and
devotion to this area is without compare!
They are amazing fly fishing guides!!
Highly recommend"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 4 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
trophy brook trout bucket list,
October 12, 2012
By: jcanada
from NC
Billing / Reservation:
4
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
"This fly-in adventure to a remote mostly untouched wilderness to catch world class brook trout with a fly rod accompanied with my brother was one of my greatest experiences in my lifetime. Amelia and her guides are pleasant,friendly, knowledgeable, skilled, informative and very patient. Most of all Amelia and Dave possess an abiding respect for the pristine Fortress lake environment. This all leads to spending your day battling trophy brook trout that attack streamers with a vengence where they are so strong at 2-6 lbs that you never know if you will win and land those fish.
If your bucket list is to catch trophy world class brook trout Fortress Lake
is your answer to a very professional and well run trophy brook trout operation."
If your bucket list is to catch trophy world class brook trout Fortress Lake
is your answer to a very professional and well run trophy brook trout operation."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 5 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
Wildly Beautiful and Incredible,
October 10, 2012
By: AlbertaFishingGuy
from Calgary, AB, Canada
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
"Surreal natural beauty, absolutely wonderful food, superlative guiding, rustic and comfortable accommodations. You cannot ask for more - oh wait, there are also 9 lb brookies devouring your flies and lures."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 6 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
Thumbs Up,
October 9, 2012
By: Anonymous
from Calgary, AB, Canada
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Reviewer Images
(click to see full-size image)
"I spent 4 days at Fortress several years ago. It was my first "paid" fishing expedition, so I didn't have much to base my experience on. Since then I have done several other lodges/retreats and Fortress always was the bar that I based them all on. I was able to head back again this past season, and was not disappointed. The fishing was as good as remembered, the surroundings even better, and the overall atmosphere even more astounding. I will continue to rate every place I visit based on Fortress, and if they can come close to what Fortress offers, it would be money well spent. Thanks Dave, Amelia and the staff for a wonderful trip!"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 7 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
Fantastic Trip,
October 9, 2012
By: LGPSport
from Lake in the Hills, IL, USA
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
"Fortress Lake is one of those special places in the world,beautiful scenery, great fishing, and peace and quite. Since we went in June we were entertained by watching several avalances a day thunder down the mountainsides! The fishing was fantastic and Dave Jensen and his guides will put you on fish. Amelia and Dave are great host and stewards of the enviornment.I can't wait to get back again."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 8 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
5 days in paradise,
October 6, 2012
By: ffconvert
from Calgary, Alberta
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
"Imagine having a wilderness lake pretty much to yourselves.
Add amazing health conscious food.
Then add very special living quarters.
Throw in world class advice from guides and presenters you recognize from the World Fishing Network TV shows, and other places.
A very special."
Add amazing health conscious food.
Then add very special living quarters.
Throw in world class advice from guides and presenters you recognize from the World Fishing Network TV shows, and other places.
A very special."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 9 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
Good times,
October 3, 2012
By: Sraak
from Calgary, AB, Canada
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
"Great staff and even better fishing. The accommodations were wonderful too, it's hard not to feel at home right away. My girlfriend and I both had a wonderful time. I can't think of a single negative about the experience at Fortress.
I should note that we rode our bikes in from sunwapta falls. The first two thirds or the ride is nice double track and the last third (after the Athabasca) is somewhat overgrown single track which is rideable for the most part but you need to know what you're doing... Some sections are steep, loose and exposed and some sections you will need to push your bike through. That being said, that is the type of riding I do for fun but it won't be everyone's cup of tea. Dave and Amelia hike this trail on a regular basis and do in about 3 hours at a good pace. The third owner apparently rides in all the time too.
The river crossing is not bad as long as you know what you're doing. It is glacier fed and therefore cold and growing deeper/faster as the sun heats the glaciers. Dave and Amelia will let know where the best spot to cross is.
I am planning a trip back to Fortress next year and I'm already excited about it."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 10 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
Fishing out of this world,
October 3, 2012
By: lilleman
from Fortress Lake Retreat
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Additional Thoughts:Replacement cook was inadequate.
"We had 5 days at the lake with 2 other people. The weather was exceptionally good...clear skies, low winds and warm (early August). Fishing was very good and we both caught fish each day on different parts of the lake. Accommodations were excellent and overall the trip was marvellous."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 11 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
Central AB Brown Trout Streams...,
October 3, 2012
By: AlbertaLocal
from Alberta, Canada
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Additional Thoughts:N/A
"Dave took us out for an excellent day this fall. Although we had tempered expectations for the day due to the weather, Dave was able to get us on some impressive fish. He knows the area exceptionally well and is a pleasure to fish with. There isn't a more knowledgeable guide around. That being said I haven't fished with Amelia whom I presume is the only person in the world that may beat Dave as top guide - maybe I'll fish with her next year!"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 12 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
Fortress Lake,
October 3, 2012
By: jt55
from Edson, AB, Canada
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
"Great fishing
Great scenery
Great staff and excelent organizing."
Great scenery
Great staff and excelent organizing."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 13 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
Wonderful Experience,
October 3, 2012
By: KatchKanGang
from Fortress Lake, Canada
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
"What a place to show off our area to guests from afar. Scenery, fishing, accomodation, food and hosts far surpassed expectations. Stunning views. We look forward to a redo..."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 14 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
Fabulous Place,
October 3, 2012
By: BruceH
from Lansing, Mchigan
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
4
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Additional Thoughts:It is remote, very remote.....but perfect! Very pleasant
"One of the most beautiful lake settings in the world. Surrounded by mountains you look down the lake at this huge glacier at the north end of the lake! When the fish turned on the fishing was awesome....the smallest brook trout I caught was considerable bigger than my largest ever before. Four and five pounders not at all unusual. Your hosts, Amelia and Dave are the BEST!!!"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 15 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
Amazing experience,
October 3, 2012
By: Ringo1989
from Hinton, AB, Canada
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
"This place was amazing and such a great experience. The food, accommodations, hospitality, was great. We will definitely be back"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 16 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
Fantastic Vacation,
September 14, 2012
By: thewills
from Grande Prairie, AB, Canada
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
"The trip to Fortress Lake Retreat exceeded our expectations on every level. Great fishing, great hosts, great atomsphere and awesome food. This place is paradise lost. Absolutely awesome!"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 17 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
Great place Great time,
September 12, 2012
By: Hardcor
from Drayton Valley, AB, Canada
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
"Fortress is one place on earth that truly is one of a kind. Great fishing great, great scenery, loads of fun with good people."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 18 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
Great - Will do it again...,
August 5, 2012
By: TheSkipper
from Edmonton, Alberta
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
"Have been there twice now and will do it again. Great fishing. Food, flight in, lodging (though rustic), service and guides are all first rate. Scenery is stunning. A happy time - lots of laughter. Everyone had a very good time."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 19 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
Incredible,
July 20, 2012
By: Councillor
from Seguin ON
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
4
/
5
"An absolutely incredible trip; flight in and out, accommodations, food, scenery along with amazing fishing!"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 20 for Fish Expedition - FOCA - Fortress Lake Retreat
Overall Rating:
Outstanding Lifetime experience,
July 10, 2012
By: Balast
from Grimsby, ON, Canada
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Overall appearance/quality of camp:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
"Breathtaking scenery outstanding brook trout fishing (2.5 pounds and larger) great food and accommodations thanks to hosts Dave and Amelia. I would gladly recommend to anyone looking for a great wilderness experience."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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