reevesr1

Minus 7, High winds, 80% chance of snow. Good luck with that boys!

I know that in at least Chaparral and Mackenzie (and I am sure Midnapore, Sundance, etc.) you have to pay your lake fees. It is mandatory whether you use the lake or not. There is no way that wouldn't be the case for any new development. I think all these lakes were filled from the Bow, correct? However, I am certainly not qualified to guess what the environmental impact of this type of lake would be. From a selfish standpoint, I certainly do not like the idea of a development at Policeman's any more than I like the new Chaparral Valley. Thats the fisherman in me talking. The homeowner/taxpayer in me thinks it is amazingly short sighted to build in a flood plain. Like building houses on barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico, it is guaranteed that these houses will flood at some point. And when that happens, the province will be asked to help with this "unforeseen disaster." And it probably will.

Got a chance to use it a bit again today. It would be difficult as it is now to do it by yourself. And if the fish is snagged, it's not as easy as a net. But, with a friend it works great and once they are in it, they just totally stop struggling. I really like it and may get one and try to figure out how to use it solo.....

When I fished with BobLoblaw Tuesday morning, he had a fish cradle. I must say I was a bit skeptical, but they sure seemed easy on the fish. Maybe a bit harder to land, but once they are in, they seem to stop all struggling. Very easy to remove the hook and release. I'm not asking to start a net debate (truly I'm not) but has anyone else tried these? They seem an excellent catch and release device to me. Very little handling of the fish necessary.

Here he is 8 days later. I call him Massive Headwound Harry. Rev. Bob sent me the pic! He caught him after I left Tuesday morning.

Hey Rev, Now we know where Brad is fishing!! I owe you a picture from yesterday. I'll send it this evening.

Next weekend good for me too. During the week is possible, but I thought Tim worked during the week?

Very true. People really just want to see the argument, which I certainly contributed to (because I like to argue, it's fun). The issue doesn't matter so much. And I'm as much of the problem as anyone. I've been on this thread many times. The Policeman's thread once. That sucks when you think about it. Also, the real issues can be much, much harder to see and change(as your running joke points out), whereas blaming a visible group, particularly one you are not a part of, is much easier. Fisher26, I liked your viewpoint as well. What we need to do is state our opinions without questioning the motives of others. That is debate. What this subject tends to turn into is a shouting match and a contest of wit. Again, I'm as much, or more, to blame than many. I hope I can remember that.

Can't wait for my trip there!

Monger's goin' Turkey wrasslin'! Nice photos!

Glad you're having fun Ed. Hope you get a chance to hook something in the Salt!

Heck of a lot faster than driving around. If you park on top of the hill, it's only 5 min to Hullswood. Sure was nice when the gates were open all last year though!

And for another plug: That big brown I caught this week was on one of Icky's #16 Flashback Hare's Ear. I was also impressed with the fast service.

What's funny is if you do a google driving directions from my house in Chaparral to say Bow Bottom trail, it has you drive through FC Park! Don't I wish it were so!

If the gates at Bow Bottom are open, the gates from Sikome will be locked. This is to prevent using FC as a short cut (at least that is my bet as to why).

Nice quote. My problem is though I don't really care for myself if others condone it, for some reason it gets my hackles up when people decide they don't want to fish any style, then play the ethical card when others do it. (and I'm not saying that's what you did) Anyway, no offense taken PlayDoh. At least no long term offense!

YAAAAHHHHHH BABYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!

4-3. Bandwagon may need new shocks!

I think Brian is on the Fishing is OK side, but I may be reading him incorrectly Max agrees with him, I think Harps won't say. Chicken. Brent is against it, so is PKK and Playdoh. As are some guys from page 1, but I'm too lazy to go back and look. I've decided all fishing is unethical. You should all quit and give me your stuff.

3-2, Game on.

It doesn't happen often, but this debate caused me to have a revelation. An epiphany, if you will. It is completely unethical to fish the mouth of the Highwood, at any time of year. Particularly on the east side of the river. Particularly in the morning, though it is sorta unethical in the afternoon too. I'm comprising a list of 15 other places I know of where fish congregate (like deep chop, riffles, runs, etc.) that it is unethical as well. Also, I've decided casting to a rising fish (cuz you know he's there, is eating and therefore vulnerable) is skirting the line of ethicism as well. Hell, let's just extend that to any visible fish. All you guys after the challenge should always fish long flat sections of river with no depth changes or contrasts with no visible rises or cruising fish. Dry flies only. Have fun!! Let us heathens know how you do.

Thanks Harps. My ignorance of the Crow showed on my rant.

Not sure about that Hawg! Maybe my interpretation skills aren't as good...

So I'm only going to state my opinion on this and not debate anyone. My favorite saltwater fish spawns all summer long. Every full moon. If I didn't fish them when they spawn I wouldn't fish all summer. The Crowsnest has no spawning tribs. How many people fish there right now? Every steelhead and salmon go into rivers to spawn. Seems to me they get fished a bit. There are river's in BC that if you say the name, everyone gets mad. It is covered up in the late summer fishing for Bulls that are staging to spawn. Rainbows are now moving towards their spawning rivers. Some have probably gone up, most have not. Everyone knows where. Studies have shown very little to no impact of fishing for these when they are still in the Bow. If you don't like to see people fishing the confluence, where is the line? 1 mile from the HW? 2 miles? The entire Bow? I fished there this week. I'll go again. I see absolutely no issue with it. If you do, then don't fish there. If you think the laws should be changed, come up with a valid reason to change it and I'll stop fishing there. But anyone who calls me a fishing novice (*hit, maybe I am. Only been fishing for 45 yrs) or someone who doesn't care can frankly stick it. And I didn't vote in the poll, because frankly, that I don't care about. Edit: Brian, I should have read your replies first. I could have just said "ditto". Wanna go fishing this week? I know a place.. Oh, and want to know why I fish there? BECAUSE ITS FUN!!!!

Writing the report now. Didn't think the pics belonged in the story.