Weather changes
Fog, wind and conditions at individual lakes can delay or reorder flights.
The next step
FLY IN
ON FLOATS.
Morning check-in, weight verification, a flexible departure—and roughly 45 beautiful minutes into the wilderness.
Before the flight: check in with Pickle Lake Airways.
Report to the Beach Road office, confirm the schedule and keep in direct contact with the flight coordinator. Be there with your group and packed gear at 8:00 a.m. unless they give you another time.
See the address and blue-sign arrival photoStep 01
HURRY UP.
THEN WAIT.
Report as directed and have the whole group packed and ready by 8:00 a.m. Pickle Lake time unless Pickle Lake Airways gives you another time. Stay together and reachable so the crew can move quickly when a safe flying window opens.
This is remote floatplane transportation—not a scheduled commercial airline. An exact departure time cannot be guaranteed.
Earlier delays
Flights carried over from the previous day generally need to be completed first.
Priorities change
An emergency or mechanical issue can reshape the day's schedule without warning.
Groups may move
If your destination is weathered in but another lake is open, the Airways may send another group first to keep aircraft moving safely.
A less common audible
THE DEPARTURE LAKE MAY CHANGE.
After prolonged poor weather, Pickle Lake Airways may need to move many groups quickly. They can arrange to bring groups farther north on the gravel road and use an alternate roadside lake as the floatplane departure point. Starting farther north can put the aircraft closer to the final camps and help the Airways move groups in and out efficiently when suitable weather windows open.
This option is entirely coordinated by Pickle Lake Airways and Wesley's Outposts. Do not drive north looking for an alternate lake or change the meeting point unless the Airways gives your party specific instructions.
Step 02
WEIGH.
STAGE. LOAD.
When the crew calls your party, follow their directions at the scale and dock. Aircraft loading and weight-and-balance decisions belong to the pilot and Airways staff.
People and belongings
Be prepared for passengers and every item travelling with the party to be weighed or verified. Nothing should be added after the group's final weigh-in.
Stage together
Place the group's belongings where directed near the scale. Keep medication, documents and the water you need for the flight identifiable and accessible.
Let the crew pack
The crew determines where equipment and passengers go. Do not move loaded items or board until invited.
Step 03 · In the air
SIT BACK.
TAKE IT IN.
The flight to camp is usually about 45 minutes. Some days are glass-smooth; other days are bumpy. A few simple choices can make the ride more comfortable.
- Dress in removable layers and avoid overdressing. A warm, crowded aircraft can make nausea feel worse.
- Keep a water bottle accessible and take small sips.
- Avoid a large, heavy meal immediately before flying; a light meal or snack is generally easier.
- Use earbuds or headphones and calming audio if that helps you relax—but remain able to hear the pilot's instructions.
- If motion sickness starts, looking toward the horizon or closing your eyes, breathing slowly and keeping your head relatively stable are the standard recommendations. Some people find that small, deliberate head adjustments coordinated with predictable motion help them reorient, but random or vigorous head movement may make symptoms worse—especially in irregular turbulence. Use what feels stabilizing for you and stop any movement that increases nausea or dizziness.
- Tell the pilot promptly if you feel unwell or need assistance.
Step 04
LAND.
TURN OVER CAMP.
The pilot needs room to dock and manage the aircraft. Wait for instructions before moving people or equipment.
Give the pilot space
Stay seated until instructed, then remain clear while the pilot secures the aircraft. Hold a rope or the aircraft only when specifically asked.
Separate the loads
A departing party may be boarding the aircraft that brought you in. Keep arriving and departing gear separate and confirm every item before the aircraft leaves.
Confirm the communicator
Locate the camp's Garmin inReach and confirm it stays at camp. Once the turnover is complete, help the crew finish efficiently and follow all departure instructions.
The fly-in
BEYOND
THE ROADS.
Your hunt begins at the floatplane base in Pickle Lake. Gear, hunters and supplies travel by air to the remote camp.
THE PLANE LEAVES.
THE HUNT BEGINS.
Once the floatplane departs, move into the camp-arrival checklist and learn the equipment before anyone heads out.
Continue to camp arrival