BBBrownie

Born, yes I have caught bull trout over 30" - I have even been fortunate enough to catch one in that size class swinging a bomber dryfly (targeting steelhead). While I wouldn't condone targeting bulls with rods lighter than a 6 weight, I would argue that an 8 weight would never be necessary to land a bull trout quickly. However, if you still get sport out of fishing them with a rod that heavy, that is your prerogative. For perspective, steelhead up to 20 lbs are commonly (maybe even typically in some systems) targeted with 7 weights. I always recommend an 8 weight if there is a chance of hooking fish over 20 lbs.

The only reason for heavy tackle with bull trout is to cast heavier tackle. I rarely target bull trout, but I've caught quite a few of them incidentally over the years and not one of them would have outmatched a 6 weight. Nearly all would be (or were) a quick landing on a 5 weight for that matter. Generally you get one decent run with a bull trout, then they roll over and its like walking the dog to the beach. Not taking anything away from bull trout, they are a beautiful and ecologically important native species, but stamina is not what I would consider one of their defining features. Pound-for-pound, they aren't even close to even match with rainbow or brown trout.

Mortality is high in infected fish, but it isnt necessarily fatal.

Or a trout infected with Saprolegniosis. Produces large white patches of fungus which looks like mottles. when fish are badly infected with sapro they often start jumping. Not sure if they are trying to throw the infection off, but it is common to see sapro infected salmon leaping out of the water when they are near death.

I've had my electronic license on my phone accepted in both AB and BC, no questions asked. I was told by the CO that while acceptible it is risky in case my phone dies.

I've had my electronic license on my phone accepted in both AB and BC, no quetions asked. I was told by the CO that it is acceptible although risky in case my phone dies.

Mountain Whitefish are currently considered "secure" provincially and are not listed on the federal species at risk act.

I've had big days in pangas out of San Jose for $290 plus tip. $1000cdn is definitely more than enough budget for a days fishing on the Baja... Check out Gordo Banks Pangas and ask to go out with Tony Miranda. Roosters, Dorado, Tuna, Yellowtail, Jack Crevelle, Sierras, Wahoo, and if you have a big stick- Striped Marlin. Most of these species can be caught in the same day and all on the fly (season dependent although most of these can be caught year round). Tony isn't a fly guide but he knows where/when to find fish that are accessible for fly anglers and he's a great dude.

I've got a rescue special (Lab/Shepherd cross) that is coming up on 13 years old in December. 10 years of Acana Prairie blend. He has never had any sort of illness, he is in great physical condition (particularly considering his age- he has always stayed slim), he has one solid crap a day, and he still has a shiny coat. If you are looking for intelligence, longevity and overall health, in my experience mutts are generally better off than purebreds. I've thought about the raw food diet, but have never had any reason to switch over based on my dogs health record.

Tiger trout are considered sterile, although I believe there have been extremely rare documentations of fertile tigers.

Terrible, we work hard for our toys, it really sucks to have some lazy coward take it like that. I hope this boat gets found in the condition it was taken! Sorry to hear Dutchie, i'm sure she means a lot to you!

Super easy. Squirt bottle and rubbing alcohol. Turn waders inside out, spray waders with rubbing alcohol. Leaks will show as dark spots. Mark each spot with a pen or marker. Coat with aquaseal. Allow to dry overnight. Works everytime. I occassionally find what seems like a hundred pinholes but extends the waders quite a ways and i rarely get wet.

Alberta has dabbled in that sort of split limit. Im not sure if there are currently any fisheries with a split size limit, but in the past Lesser Slave Lake was I think 2 under 43 cm and 1 over 43 per day. It looks like they went back to 1 over 43 cm since.

The management cost of a simple fairly generic reg is a lot lower than a specific or or unique regulation for each or a class of waterbody. If you want to initiate a major change in a popular fishery you had better have some science and data (fish sampling, creel survey, angler counts, etc) to back it up because there is always a strong contingent that supports status quo. You then have to commit to some level of followup monitoring to determine the effect of the management change - is it a positive for the fishery (stakeholder values- i.e. bigger fish, more fish, different fish, native fish/sport fish or whatever else the stakeholders may value for the particular fishery…). While we can obviously see some huge benefit to the fisheries that have this level of support and management, often it is in support of a recreational value where we also need dollars for conservation and protection of fish habitat, enforcement of the new regulations (changes to and increases in complexity of regulations likely lead to increases in noncompliance), enforcement on other water bodies - including more remote or less popular because they are important as well, administration, not even getting into all the management aspects relating to industry, development…Everything costs money, we need to decide how much money we want allocated to ESRD. I think we get what we pay for and I also think the politics of the unscrupulous and intransigent often infiltrate positive movement in Alberta.

Aside from warranty issues, Loops aren't bad rods at all. I don't think you would be that hard pressed to find people who truly enjoy casting their rods. I have a Loop 5 weight multi in my stash, in addition to a number of other trout rods. It isn't my all time favorite (I am still a sucker for the old XP's particularly the 690 but I'm sidetracking), but has no problem getting the job done. For a $350 rod it has been a great addition to my stable. Having said that, I wouldn't recommend the last generation of Cross S1 and Opti they had out with that terrible rigid cork.

Great photos, sounds like a fun trip

There are a few treaties in northern BC, including Nisga'a and Treaty 8. No treaties on the Skeena yet, but I believe Tsimshian, Wet'suwet'en and Gitxsan have been working towards treaty negotiation.

This isn't Tsilhqot'in it is Gitxsan. Totally different area and First Nation…Gitxsan are mostly in the Hazelton/Kispiox/Kitwanga area,although they are attempting to claim all the way to the Kalum as their traditional territory, overlapping territory claims with the Kitselas and Kitsumkalum bands (Tsimshian First Nation). A major issue with settling this is that the Gitxsan are divided, they are ruled by a large number (60 some?) of hereditary chiefs.

Based on your species list I wouldn't suggest Fort McMurray as a destination for a number of reasons, including the fact that there are no bull trout anywhere near Fort McMurray. There is decent pike and grayling fishing, however the development and traffic up there would completely nullify any positive aspects of the fisheries, unless you plan on a fly-in trip in the area. Walk and wade- nope. Also, hotels are astronomically expensive and often difficult to find a room. Grande Prairie is near some excellent grayling/bull trout/pike waters. There are a large number of great fisheries out that way, my experience primarily involves the Kakwa and Smoky Rivers, I would recommend either. There is also great fishing in the little smoky, simonette and a number of others. Much more walk and wade friendly.

The Government of Alberta entered an agreement with Transalta to keep the level of Ghost Reservoir low during the runoff season in order to provide some buffering capacity in case of flooding. It doesn't say there will be downstream impacts on the Bow, it says there may be impacts on flood mitigation. The impacts it is referring to is slightly higher water levels on the Bow while construction on flood mitigation measures is occurring - ie. water level to high to have equipment working in stream. Once the risk of flood has passed, it will be back to the power generation business.

I would agree with Vagabond, the Scandi only comes in 9/10 weight and would leave you over gunned for anything aside from big chinooks. Drop down a weight class for steelhead and most salmon fishing. The scandi would be a really fast rod, the universal would be a little more versatile for skagit-style casting.

Personally I would go Stinger or NRX as I like a light in hand rod with medium-fast action, but depends what you are looking for. This will be a slower, full flexing rod. If you are looking to get into something that is compatible for both steelhead and salmon you will want a rod in the 13' range that loads with a grain window between 500-625, so probably closer to an 8 or 8/9 weight. I find that rods for steelhead/salmon are typically a little heavy for even large rainbows, 8 weights don't have the sensitivity to detect light takes or preserve light tippets that 'bows often require, ie I find my self considerably overgunned on the Bow if I swing my 7120 2 hand rod (although it occasionally happens on windy days). Alternatively, I would not show up to toss T-14 and big bugs to Chinooks with my 7120 because I can guarantee that a) I will be working hard to get the big bug out to the thalweg with clunky overloaded casting, and I would likely have my ass handed to me because they tug- you want to be geared to put the pressure on that Chinooks often require to have any degree of success.

Rainy ridge is fairly easy to get into, lots of small fish in my experience (I've only spent one night there). Found better size at Coral, but a hell of a long hike in. Coral is probably more practical from a helicopter if you aren't into a marathon hike in (long, 10-12 creek crossings)

G Loomis is a Shimano brand

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