RandyS

Ha Ha. Too late. I don't feel too good this morn. May have to phone in sick My luck I'd get found out.

It's starting to look that way Environment Canada is forecasting +23 today for the Cypress Hills. That ought to melt some ice.

I just saw some pictures taken today of BH. I won't be going there tomorrow. No ice off yet. Next week-end for sure.

Gee, do ya think the ice will be off by then?

I'm going out tomorrow aft. and taking a rod along just in case. With the +20 and some wind today, PLEEEEESE LET THERE BE SOME OPEN WATER SOMEWHERE.

I drove by today again. I don't think there will too much open water if any by the week-end. There was three people ice fishing on it although the shore line is open for about 2 ft. It shouldn't be too long now especially with the warm temps. My truck thermometer said +9 and was a nice sunny day. No wind either.

Hopefully, maybe some open water by the week-end. I can't take this anymore. I can picture it now. 100 people on 50 feet of open shore line

Now that has got to be the biggest, ugliest, scariest pike I have ever seen

I agree. I built a 2 wt and am very happy with it. Not a difficult project with a bit of research ahead of time. I may never buy a fly rod again.

Not much we can do about it except hope the regs and proper fish handling procedures are followed. Hopefully the ice will be off soon.

I tend to agree somewhat but if that's case, what is the real reason that it's closed during the winter months if there is the same harm done either by open water or ice fishing? I'm assuming then that by closing it there is bonking going on only half the year and doesn't get cleaned out as fast???? Or do studies show that mortality rates do increase with ice fishing??? I'm not sure.

Probably wouldn't be as long as the regs are followed. Although what I can see happening is that they are pulled out of the hole and left flopping around on the ice until they get their tape measure out finally decide to release it after it's gills are frozen. Mind you, that's probably no worse than letting them flop around in the dirt on shore for 5 minutes like I have seen in some cases.

Also keep in mind that it's generally always a few degrees cooler at BH. I little higher elevation. There can still be snow in places out there and there won't be any around Med Hat. And Clive does mean global cooling. That theory exits also. I have heard or read somewhere that ocean water temps are cooling.

I would be surprised if there is any open water. Maybe Golden Pond will open up first but I wouldn't count on it. I drove past there yesterday and there is still a lot of snow in them thar hills. I couldn't get right close to the lake but all the other small water bodies I saw in the area were still frozen solid. I couldn't get to the lake because the road going in was barricaded and locked. Not sure when or how long it has been barricaded because I know Beedhead has been there suspecting poaching from what he saw. We need some warm temps and ( I hate the word) wind to get the ice off. Hopefully soon.

I can't wait

I agree. Fishing was great, wasn't it. Not that I'm complaining now. It's still is pretty good.

Awesome. Change is in the wind.

That's great news. You fellas needed a lake like that in that neck of the woods. May have to make my way down there in the future. Maybe times and attitudes are finally, maybe slowly starting to change. Two special regs lakes in each fish zone? Too good to be true but here's hoping. There is going to be some nice fish in BH this season. I'll have to get out early opening day to get a parking spot and catch a few big ones before they disappear.

That's where it all started. Gotta respect these old blues players.

To me, Andy Mckee is #1. He plays effortlessly and with meaning. Comes from deep down inside. If wish I could do 1/8 of what he does. Check out some of Tommy Emmanuel on Youtube. Different style but none the less, a great player.

Is there any way you could provide a 360 deg. to that photo??

Griffin Patriot Cam Vise just like this one. http://flyfishtools.safeshopper.com/44/440.htm?741

I haven't been out for a long time. Early July. I hope to get out on Sunday. I think Bloom has been out and will hopefully give a report. I'd like to know myself.

Once you do get rid of the buggers, hang a fake nest nearby. Wasps are territorial and won't stay around when they see it. You can buy them at Peavey Mart or maybe Wal Mart or someplace similar. Even a paper bag tied at the top and hung works. For a number of years I always had wasps around my deck. I couldn't find their nest but with the fake one hung, I think I counted 3 wasps in total so far this summer. It does work.