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I have spent a considerable amount of my time recently on the subject of the Bow River Water Management Policy and the impact on the Fishery. And along with others within the fishing and paddle community have managed to get the ear of senior AEP water and fishery staff as to ways to make improvements to water management operations for the Bow River. You may ask what this has to do with the subject of Bow River guides? A lot, because the water management debate has opened up the Cumulative Effects Computer Modeling needs for the survival of the Bow River trout fishery. The recent 2018 creel survey and the fish population surveys for the past three years all point to a need for ways to reduce the impact of one of the highest angling efforts in Alberta on a depleted fish population such as the Bow River. This combined with variable flows, lower invertebrate populations, and hydrological changes to the river, all point to a need to reduce the impact of angling on the Bow River fishery if its status as a world-class trout fishery is to be preserved. Although some say more research is needed to support fishery and water management change, there is a wealth of published information that supports immediate change to the Bow River fishery management policy to stem the tide of trout population declines. Although guide licensing is a hotly debated subject, when combined with special licensing to fish a fishery at risk such as the Bow River and possibly the Oldman River drainage, the angling effort will be reduced. Add to this a ban on triple-hooks, the use of barbless hooks, and possibly other gear restrictions one can see how the attraction to fish the Bow River where the recreational experience and fish populations would improve. LInk to CRUA website - The Bow River Water Management Policy andthe Impact on the Fishery

I find this post interesting as no one has addressed the major problem on the Bow River of lack of fish to chase by a growing number of guides who lack the experience to find the fish that are available. Certainly, many of the names listed as "good guides" are there because for their time on the water over the past 20 years. They have the knowledge to switch up to techniques to match an angler’s skill and preferred angling technique. But unfortunately, very few guides and anglers have the desire to improve their skills beyond just putting fish in the boat. There are government plans to license fishing guides in the next couple of years. I just hope that there is some restriction on who is classified as a guide. Maybe an apprenticeship program is needed. Spending a few days on the river in a guide school does not make a guide. And dragging a boat owner off the river to row for a corporate float trip does nothing for the credibility of the Bow River guiding profession. Clearly, this discussion has illustrated the importance to be careful what you are asking for in a guide. Fish numbers are not always the most important goal!

Got my rod and reel back Thanks to RedBeard and the forum.

Wish they woud do stocking in some of our small streams, they are suffering.

Vancouver Island would be great with beach fly fishing and small streams.

Those of you who like me are concerned about potential coal mines on the Eastern Slopes might want to have a look at this video and share it widely. Understand too that it’s not just the Grassy Mountain mine. There are several other mines being planned including one on Cabin Ridge, which is right smack between the Upper Oldman and the Livingstone Rivers. All this destruction in order to send coal to China and dollars to Australia.

Is there any doubt left in anyone's mind that China has bought off and blackmailed many western politicians.