https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LoRabVAC_MwBivhts8EJxfmXPpppPX_M/view The problem is the integrity of the watershed, not the integrity of c&r fly fisherman.

I get a real kick outta these type of articles. Rather than deal with the much larger issues, these articles go back to blaming the angler.When are Anglers going to get their head around the big items. - habitat loss - silt, dams, roads, cows etc. -invasive species like carp - disease - WD and the like. All of the above are the result of our actions. Mind you, none of them buy a license. Don

This article for Bozeman Outdoors Magazine, published in the Spring of 2016 is well worth a read. The article is well referenced and gives a good insight into current understandings of fishing pressures and the impact on fish survival in Montana. Considering what we are experiencing with the Bow River depleted trout populations, this articles has a similar message that is applicable to Alberta trout fisheries. OUTSIDEBOZEMAN.COM Like a Fish Out of Water | Outside Bozeman The unseen impacts of catch-and-release.

Stonefly practice

An ever-increasing number of anglers – Not sure this is true. I couldn’t find older data, but the total number of licenses sold in AB seem to be trending the same way as the resource economy in the province and have gone from 280425 in 2014, 318106 in 2015, 312064 in 2016, 309006 in 2017 to 281568 in 2018. I would agree that these numbers don’t necessarily give an accurate measure of how many anglers use the Bow. The AEP Bow River Fish Population Survey suggests that recruitment of trout stocks is adequate in the Bow River to sustain the population – Fair enough, but this doesn’t reflect the experience of myself and other anglers who have noticed a distinct lack of smaller fish in the river in recent years. It also ties in with the next point; Unknown fish population and reproduction dynamics – Don’t mean to nitpick, but if the fish population and reproduction dynamics are unknown then how can the AEP Bow River Fish Population Survey suggest that recruitment of trout stocks is adequate in the Bow River to sustain the population? Seems like a chicken/egg debate? What I would like to know is how closely does the decline of the Bow River’s trout populations resemble the decline of other well known trout rivers in the US that have been exposed to the parasite that causes whirling disease? I doubt the data exists to make a real comparison, but anecdotally it seems all too similar. My $0.02 Charge a conservation fee/stamp/license to fish the Bow, say $50 a year. Double that for alien/non-resident anglers just for giggles. Put the money directly back in to managing and enhancing the Bow River fishery so that the powers that be can obtain meaningful data and develop targeted solutions. Some rough data can be obtained just from the license sales, but with this stamp/fee/license include a link to a website (or a paper form, for the technologically challenged) that can be used to voluntarily report how many anglers are using the river, when, where and what the results were with idea of using this data in future management. As part of the management plan start stocking a strain of Rainbows in the Bow that are naturally resistant to the parasite that causes whirling disease (e.g. Hofer X Harrison strain rainbows) with the goal of augmenting natural recruitment until populations stabilize. The rainbow trout in the Bow were originally from a river in northern California, so maintaining the genetics of the existing stock are kind of a moot point, and the cutties aren’t likely to make a comeback below the Ghost anyway. Colorado hatcheries are raising these rainbows, so obtaining brood stock may be possible without having to reinvent the wheel.

We are not alone in needing change to regulations and the mentality of denial. https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/commission-sinks-madison-river-petitions-tells-fwp-to-put-options/article_8033b433-6905-53d7-948e-5bf641042440.html

Toolman: This has nothing to do with blame, but the reality that C&R practices are not the salvation to the survival of a threatened fishery such as the Bow River. Especially when fish are getting caught numerous times in a season. It is my understanding that the Bow River trout population recruitment is adequate to support a sustainable trout population, but the kill off of all classes of fish is high. Therefore restocking the river will be a waste of time unless ways are found to stop the kill-off of juvenile fish.

Playing with weaving (Stonefly’s)

Thanks Uberfly!

danhut: An ever-increasing number of anglers – Not sure this is true. I couldn’t find older data, but the total number of licenses sold in AB seem to be trending the same way as the resource economy in the province and have gone from 280425 in 2014, 318106 in 2015, 312064 in 2016, 309006 in 2017 to 281568 in 2018. I would agree that these numbers don’t necessarily give an accurate measure of how many anglers use the Bow. I have been waiting for AEP to report the most recent component of the federal Stats Canada Recreational Fishing Survey and compare it to what had been generated previously. The 2018 AEP creel survey is about to be released that should shed light on angling pressure. But a good anecdotal piece of evidence are the numbers of drift and jet boats on the river. From probably less that 40 boats 15 yeas ago there are upwards of 200 using the Bow river on a regular basis now. In addition when floating the Bow River I an surprised just where we see bank anglers downstream of the city limits. Nevertheless, some firm numbers are needed. The AEP Bow River Fish Population Survey suggests that recruitment of trout stocks is adequate in the Bow River to sustain the population – Fair enough, but this doesn’t reflect the experience of myself and other anglers who have noticed a distinct lack of smaller fish in the river in recent years. It also ties in with the next point; Unknown fish population and reproduction dynamics – Don’t mean to nitpick, but if the fish population and reproduction dynamics are unknown then how can the AEP Bow River Fish Population Survey suggest that recruitment of trout stocks is adequate in the Bow River to sustain the population? Seems like a chicken/egg debate? I will comment on both these items together. AEP biologist have indicated that the fish population survey information supports adequate numbers of juvenile trout to support recruitment and survival of the fishery. What is unclear is what is causing mortality in 1+, 2+ age class. Lots of speculations here. Whirling Disease is one, hook damage is another. But no one seems to know. The 2018 AEP Whirling Disease Report link adds some useful information. Although there were no clear clinical signs of Whirling Disease in the Bow River, there are in the lower Crowsnest River: https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/9f9268b6-377d-4f91-a99e-ee944f143752/resource/b10b0d33-d531-40e4-9f5f-cc7fc177320e/download/aep-whirling-disease-2018-annual-report-2019-10.pdf Restocking the Bow River appears to be a no go! Bow River fishing stamp together with enhanced protection for the fishery is possible.

Before we start advocating for hatcheries, feel free to watch this... hatcheries are a sure way for one thing: to keep using hatcheries.

EagleFlyFisher - good question. The following is a list of options put together two years ago when it became evident changes in the Bow River fishery management was needed. I've added my comments from what I have discussed with many of the stakeholders in the fishery. Bow River Trout Population Decline • An ever-increasing number of anglers - FT - this is a reality and can be changed by revised fishing regulations • Limited regulation enforcement. FT - This will not change to any great extent. • Little to no commitment to river access additions and improvements. FT - new river access sites will spread out the fishing pressure • Where do trout spawn – has this changed over the past 20 years. FT - ongoing Brown Trout spawning monitoring, but little done on rainbow trout. The AEP Bow River Fish Population Survey suggests that recruitment of trout stocks is adequate in the Bow River to sustain the population • Unknown fish population and reproduction dynamics - FT expensive! • Fish population survey locations do not represent the Bow River stretch from Calgary to Carsland. FT - This changed in the 2018/19 surveys. AEP has a better understanding of the population variations across the entire river • Improvement in water quality and the impact on trout feed supply. FT - Although we would like to see an improvement, it is very unlikely since the basis of invertebrate populations is based on the Calgary Waste Water Treatment Plant discharge into the river that has seen improvements in quality in recent years. • Enhancement of fish habitat. FT - All very achievable on a limited basis. For example, Calgary's fish habitat enhancement projects at Quarry Park, Bowmount Park and the Elbow River downstream of the Glenmore Dam. But in the bigger picture, expensive and little impact with the size of the Bow River. • Impact of climate change FT Unknown and probably unmanageable! • Bow River Water Supply Management Plan – flood and drought control models. Up stream dams. FT - This subject has been debated for years. And until the threat of flooding to the City of Calgary is reduced significantly we will see little change in the water management policy. Some improvements have been achieved in 2018/19. But there are positives with the increase flows during the spring runoff - the gravel bars will be flushed off. • AEP commitment to management of a recreational sports fishery. FT - an ongoing problem, but improving! • Logging influence on the fishery – Highwood River Basin and others. FT - Environmental assessments and advocacy is key here. But unfortunately fishing interests were late to the table. • Changing hydrology of the river – floods, flood mitigation FT - AEP has proposals for new dams on the river in 10 -15 years. Debate will continue as to the viability of new infrastructures. Hydro peaking at Ghost will become a focal point in discussions. • Seasonal closures – short-term pain for long term gain. FT - One of the few options available to fishery managers and in my opinion very likely. • Fishing regulation change – triple hooks FT - One of the few options available to fishery managers and in my opinion unlikely without the support of all angler groups.. • Management of all water craft use. FT - Unlikely So what realistic options are available in the SHORT-TERM to stop the decline. Regulation Changes! With a 50% drop in trout population from 2003 to 2013 and AEP indicating that declines in fish populations continue, probably down to 30% from historical levels, its time to use all possible measures to make a change. SHORT-TERM PAIN FOR LONG-TERM GAIN.

Okay so what's it going to take ? You may have a smaller stream that has less urban impact. Easier to identify and try to regulate the obvious destructive forces ?Could be logging, gravel pits, ag. Smaller streams already have fishing seasons ( closures) for a reason. They have a small group of very concerned anglers fighting for the health of the systems. Looking at the Bow specifically, huge city, constant construction, river re tooled to suite our needs. What is it going to take ? When we have excavation to build bridges, construction. Rip rap walls to keep banks together. Fluctuating water levels Unchecked pollution entering water system, sewers, chemicals,road salt etc.. What habitat enhancement would be the most beneficial to help fish be happy, spawn, grow, thrive ??

I’ve fished Whiteswan a number of times. Nearly every day near noon the wind comes up from the west which translates to 2’+ waves in the east end severely limiting where you can fish. The west end is not nearly as effected. For that reason I camp at Packrat. While there is road traffic by, it drops off in the evening. and overnight.. The flats at Packrat can readily accommodate a lot of boats with water depths from 2>20’. Chironomids, small leeches and pheasant tail nymphs all have been successful in the past. Don

Perhaps a season closure from November to June with additional sectional closures in the spring and fall to protect the spawners ie.... upstream of Police for the Browns around the Highwood mouth in the spring, barb-less single hooks and maybe a little less of the grip and grin facebook mentality........ oh I was just daydreaming again

The declining fish population is an action that already is past. We haven't stopped WD and recruitment is shabby, we are losing bugs all over as evidenced by a 50% reduction in aviary insect feeders. we haven’t done anything but increase destruction of the landscape. And your trying to convince me C&R is the issue. really? Don

I'll mention again all the road salt that the city of Calgary started liberally laying down on icey roads all over the city for the last 5 winter's, for year's it was pea gravel but now it's a mix called pickile, road salt/pea gravel, when the snow and ice melt, the melt water with all of the salt goes into storm drains that run directly untreated into the river, the cities storm drains smell like the ocean in the spring. The asphalt roads in this city are burnt by the salt, they use to be black, now they are white and grey from all the salt. If the roads are burnt imagine all of the creatures that used to live in the water...it seems obvious, fresh water fish don't do well in salt water...I imagine the same is true for fresh water invertebrates.

Toolman: With the exception of the large trout the Bow River is on the verge of a total collapse now. It is probably true for all east slopes zones as well. The Bow River under current management policies is unable to support a larger fish population. But changes in fishery management can stop what you have suggested is a complete collapse of the Bow River fishery. Its taken 15 years for the trout population to drop by probably more than 60 -70% and with agreement by all stakeholders and government agencies it will at least be maintained at the current fish population levels and hopefully increase to some degree.

In a few years the larger trout will be gone and with dramatically reduced numbers of 1-3 year old fish currently in the river, there is a high risk of a complete collapse of fish stocks. It could take decades for the system to recover naturally, if ever. There are countless examples, historically, where this has occurred. Restocking has no ecological downside in my opinion and there have been many successful restocking programs. The Bow has been one of those success stories.

I would think that the powers that be should be seriously considering enhancing/stocking the Bow. Why not have a hatchery built right in/on the river itself? this could be funded through conservation stamps, guide licensing/fees. The Bow isn't being fished to death and the c&r anglers are not the problem.

Don: There is no one answer to the declining trout populations. Sure habitat enhancement, water management, prevention of invasive species and advancement in control of whirling disease are all needed. Although I question just how much benefit can be derived from these initiatives in the short-term. But without a reduction of fishing pressure to maintain a sustainable fish population the Alberta trout population and our cherished sports fishery will be a thing of the past. And most importantly, with selective fishing regulation change an immediate positive impact on fish survival is possible. I have added a link to the two documents reviews I posted earlier

Whiteswan Lake is an awesome fishery. I know of the rivers surrounding them so i would make sure to check the regs on what might be open at that time of year and whether or not it might be classified such as the White River. There are a couple of campgrounds surrounding the lake such as Pak Rat, and Home Basin. There are many more up poast whiteswan that are great for river fishing, when allowed. Also recommend that you check to see if the water is still in run off, if going to fish it. I like Home Basin and area to camp. PM if you would like some more detail. Cheers

Don Anderson: One of the references in the article is well worth a read: Arlinghaus et al,. Understanding the complexity of catch and release in recreational fishing. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DOGMb7a5XFcWqO1RYY3LnfSOYFqD3XZ9/view?usp=sharing It is the most exhaustive and detailed article I have ever read on C&R. Unfortunately AEP fishery biologists have little impact on the remediation of habitat loss as a bigger picture initiative. Invasive species, carp, brook trout (?), rainbow trout (?), brown trout (?) where does it stop. If the goal is protect only endangered native fish species, our recreational trout fishery is doomed! Whirling Disease is here to stay and time will tell just what long term impact it will have on the Alberta fishery. So what is left? The following link document review by University of Calgary researcher, John Post for 2002 give a depressing account of the Alberta fishery at that time. The analysis is still true today. We need to accept the reality that the Alberta sports fishery is unsustainable without further angling restrictions. At least this is my take. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SI06BuozDPMsC-RpFWkYk4dKtYJW6bb2/view?usp=s

Good article. here is the link if you dont want to go thru facebook http://www.outsidebozeman.com/magazine/archives/spring-2016/fish-out-water

Thanks for posting..It does present an issue.That i have had ,for years.That being ice fishing,at a C&R lake.The fish,generally is caught.Dragged up onto the ice.Pictures taken[guessing].Then kicked down the hole.The article speaks to handling & the loss of the protective slime.Well i am only surmising that the cold exposure,would definitely effect that slime.Being that it might very well be frozen.Gone is the gentle release,allowing for the fish to recoup.Just dropped into the hole. Shame to see this happening & not just on our trout lakes.What about Walleye,Pike etc.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mhdk6iuotzvifhw/AADmDNsCZNq9ly9s5WlI6n18a?dl=0 · TABLES · Updated table of fishing regulations for Northern Alberta trout lakes. · Updated table of camping details etc. for Northern Alberta trout lakes. · Updated table of all stockings in Northern Alberta trout lakes. (My thanks to Craig Copeland for the 2019 data) · New table of last 3 years of Brown Trout stockings in Alberta · New table of last 3 years of Brook Trout stockings in Alberta · New table of last 3 years of Cutthroat Trout stockings in Alberta · New table of last 3 years of Tiger Trout stockings in Alberta · New Brookie Lake – Shuster · You can print or copy, any individual file, to a phone or tablet. Take the map with you to the lake. Don’t lose your phone overboard. · Please feel free to pass this link along. Save the link (I don’t intend to discontinue it). · Please comment and send corrections or photos to neilstuartsutherland@gmail.com

Saw them this spring in the Blindman river halfway to Rimbey. They were jumping like little salmon over the weir by the pumping station. They will be up the Blindman as far as they can swim by now.

If you think they're going to be pushing QSF and C&R opportunities, might want to check Nixon's history with wildlife management

Ty's Flies?

Just seeing if anyone could do me a favor and pickup a box of fishing magazines for me tomorrow. Calgary location, Marda Loop. It's a business, so anytime between 8am and as late as 4pm would work. I'm located in Edmonton, I could come get them at a later date. If you can do this, I'd really be grateful! Let me know via text, 780-970-7886 Mike (Smitty)

Fished lake newal today. On my second cast using a modified clouser minnow, I hooked up with a 30” pike.tough fight on my 6 weight but I got him.i don’t usualy net any fish I catch, preferring to never take from the water durring release. But I found a 5 of diamonds lure stuck in him up near his dorsal fin.i removed it and released him, wound wasn’t to bad so he should survive, it looked like it was a fresh wound. What I did find was rusted out hooks and connections rings.the ring to the leader had broken.pls anyone fishing junk or fly check all gear for rust ect. Before fishing. If I hadn’t removed that hook I’m sure he would have died as the hooks hadn’t been debarred and newal is a catch and release trophy fishery.

I’ve had the fishing bug for years. I’ve just fallen in love with the more refined art of fly fishing. I’m a trader to the junk checker comunity Lol.

No need that i can see for barbs not pinched on trebles, especially on a C&R lake. Is it me or do so few seem to care. I see youve caught the flyfishing bug. Nice to see you over here Wayne.

We loose people o this lake every year. Please use all required safety gear and fish with a buddy. It’s a large lake and weather can change I just a few moments. Be aware and be safe everyone.

A little crayfish

I snagged a beaver once. We’ve been married for 35 years...

Another emerger version I want to try out.

Running off some Midges for a buddy.

That about sums up my thoughts..

Folks, Contrary to what Border Paving executive told us at the first public meeting, they wish to expand their gravel extraction below the water table according to ACA mouthpiece, Let’s Go Outdoors. A public meeting hosted by Border Paving will make a presentation at the Butte Community Hall November 28/19 5>8 pm. Below is what arrived via the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers From Let's Go Outdoors: Breaking story: Millions of conservation dollars and countless hours of work to improve stream bank and fish habitat along the North Raven River could go out the window. Border Paving Ltd is proposing changes to their operation permit seeking to mine gravel below the water line. Why is this significant? The North Raven River is a spring fed river, it's soul source of water is provided by underground aquifers. The request by Border Paving to mine below the water line could have a significant impact on the under-ground water way, potentially cutting off the water source that provides the water to the river. Open House Border Paving will be hosting an open house Thursday November 28 at the Butte Hall from 5 to 8pm. If you are concerned about this proposal and the threat it poses to one of the top Brown Trout rivers in Alberta, I would encourage you to attend.

Good points in that read. Angler education will be a benefit in helping to restore rivers. A little over stated but fished to death comes to mind for our Bow.