Claims were consolidated, and at one time during early 1933, some five companies were actively involved in trying to determine the value of their holdings.  On October 18, 1933, God's Lake Gold Mines commenced drilling their #1 shaft which ultimately reached a depth of 905 feet.  Subsequently, a second shaft was developed about a mile west of the original shaft, and finally reached a depth of 1865 feet which provided for a total of 12 levels of ore recovery.

     To support this effort, over 8200 tons of freight had to be hauled in during the winter over a new 130-mile road connected to mile 286 on the Hudson Bay Railroad.  One reference on cost indicated a charge of only 22 cents per ton mile, which apparently also included the cutting of the road.  Not only was the mine developed, a 1900HP power plant was constructed at Kanuchuan Rapids and 42 miles of the line strung so that electric power was available for the mine on August 20, 1935.

     Initial production commenced in 1935, peaked in 1939, and the mine was finally shut down in September 1943.  During this period it produced more than $60,000,000 in gold and silver ore based on prices at the beginning of 1988.  While in operation the mine supported a local population of approximately 400 people, and a town that included a clubhouse, ice rink, movie house and church.

     With the demise of the mining activity, a few forward looking men recognized the great potential God's Lake offered for spectacular fresh water sport fishing located in a tremendous wilderness setting.  God's Lake, with over 400 square miles of surface area (1/3 the size of Rhode Island), has large areas of water with depths in excess of 150 feet, with a known maximum depth over 400 feet, thus maintaining a surface temperature that normally does not exceed 60 degrees F.  The lake therefore contains a large population of Lake Trout, and the cold water allows catches of this species near the surface during the entire season.

     The lake also has large shallow areas like Bayly Bay, Little God's Lake, and the area south of God's Narrows where the average depth is only 25 feet and which supports large quantities of Northern and Walleye.

     And of course the outlet of this great lake is the fabled God's River which has some of the best Brook Trout fishing on the North American continent.  Over the past years God's Lake has produced the following local records: Lake Trout - 53lbs-4oz; Walleye - 14lbs-3oz; Northern Pike - 36lbx-2oz; Brook Trout - 9lbs-8oz; and year after year it produces trophies for many anglers.

     Elk Island Lodge, strategically located to pursue all four major species of fresh water fish, offers great accommodations  plus the unique opportunity to investigate the remains of this former thriving gold mining operation.