Smitty

And...another missed point. You guys are in kahoots right? lol Never once said the public would lose their *hit: - re-read the post. I am saying the public doesn't care. There's a difference. And, btw, I'd be happy to be proven wrong on that account.

You missed my point entirely. And how many of those were funded through the internet via Go Fund me or similar? Yes, municipalities have dealt with invasives, none to my knowledge were done with internet fund raising. It's all tax dollars. And they're done on a cases by case, very limited basis. And you know this obviously - you've been mentioning the perch issue for years, and very very little has been done. You disagree?

No one (Ok very few) is going to donate to a campaign that proposes to poison a lake. People aren't dialed into an issue like that, and really most people wouldn't care. And, for the exact reasons Albertatrout outlined, I wouldn't donate to it either. I get the sentiment, but these invasives aren't going anywhere soon.

I am not sure that this will completely answer your question sparkplug, but yes, it is generally the older, bigger trout that generally transition their diets to be primarily piscivorous. Someone with more knowledge can chime in here, but I believe bull trout and lake trout are the "first" to transition to fish eating; happens relatively young (yes?). Adult browns, rainbows of course will also eat minnows. And everyone by now knows about the "mouse" hatch. Of course, other variables are the strain of fish and the availability of prey - fish to eat. As for invasives, my understanding is that one advantage of tiger trout is that they will eat "invasive" perch, in instances where perch have been re-introduced pothole fisheries that were previously intended as stocked rainbow trout type fisheries. Something about the jaw structure of tigers that can crush a perch (or something, this is grapevine stuff I am repeating). Supposedly - I have never fished there, despite being an Edmontonian - that Obed browns predate on the numerous perch in the lake. Hope someone can chime in and confirm this. So one "workaround" regarding the widespread issue of perch "infestation" in our rainbow trout stocked fisheries, is to also stock them with browns and tigers and...hope for the best? Regarding Blood Indian, I'm not sure if there are invasives in the reservoir - I have never fished it. Are we talking perch? 3 spine stickleback? Carp? Personally, I would love to see 75cm tigers stocked into Cow lake...

Recount?? Why a recount?

Always wondered about Blood Indian; I have never fished it. I'm never down that way. Looks like AEP is going all in with Blood Indian, which I think is cool. Can't remember the last time 4 species of trout were stocked into one waterbody (someone can correct me here, undoubtedly). So I hope it isn't a waste; does the reservoir ever winterkill? Maybe I'll come fish the reservoir sometime. Personally, I am fine with more brook, brown, and tiger trout being stocked. Choice is good in closed stillwater systems that have no chance of impacting native fisheries. Makes it a little more exciting. Anyways, that's quite the buffet on the trout menu. Not to mention, that handful of Tiger brood stock! Anyone up for catching an 10 pounder???

Want to take pictures of students learning to fly-fish? I am based in Edmonton, I teach Wildlife and fly-fishing (besides math and social).

Ah! Ok...this is a different one then. I'm suprised, because usually you don't hear of people floating the Elk upstream of Sparwood. Good to know.

I'm think Bcube pointed this out in another post as well. Have you got position coordinates? "Upper" Elk is a long stretch of water. I think in the other post it was said it's between Hosmer and Fernie. I'm planning to do Olson's to Hosmer next week, so I think we'll be ok. Thanks for the reminder.

Indeed. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Only metric the gov't uses is "if you've made both sides mad, you're probably doing something right". The UCP right is generally in a state of apoplecticness, and left feel the NDP aren't left enough and have betrayed their brethren. Yet I'm not trying paint Northfork and TIghlines with such a broad paintbrush as my above generalizations would seem. We can all agree to disagree. I for one, still have an 80% conservative voting record over my lifetime. I didn't vote for the NDP because I thought they had the perfect platform, nor were they an ideal choice for me. But, they were better than the alternatives. Northfork, I see this totally different; hard to believe you've been in the province for more than 5 years, if you think Minister Phillips is the worst one we've ever had. Yeesh. I do give them credit for taking action on certain files and paying attention, unlike the previous gov't particularly since the mid 90's. I try to look at this as practically as possible; I don't see the UCP developing policies anytime soon that appeal to me in terms of the health, education, and the environment, so, c'est la vie. It's why I've been attending Alberta Party events, and see where the wind is twisting there. Don, did you think a couple of years of change in gov't policies would percolate down and result in a titanic attitudinal shift in the squatters / abusers? Did you think change would happen overnight? Surely not...you've lived in this province long enough (longer than me) to ingrain a more cynical point of view than that i hope! Squatters and OHV crowd have had 2-3 solid generations of free-for-all, wild west mentality, it's not going to change in 36 months. Especially, when they are positioning themselves to back their boy saviour Kenney and have him save the day in 2019. All they are doing now is just riding this gov't out, and hoping the few 'wackier, lake-of-fire' types who want to be candidates don't sink their ship. I digress. I like the majority of changes this gov't has done, and I give them kudos. And funny enough, I suspect, for as much as they will or won't listen, they're probably more inclined to be receptive to critical feedback when it is balanced off with some recognition and encouragement.

Hi Everyone: Been reading Don's thread about the changes in the Oldman, then the thread about the Castle. Seems like most of you are enjoying more peace and quiet down south. So, if you think gov't policies are contributing to your increased enjoyment, why not send along an encouraging note to your MLA, Minister Phillips, and Premier Notley? You never know, might encourage them to maintain a sense of steadfastness in ensuring the right changes are kept along the Eastern Slopes. Shannon Phliips: AEP.Minister@gov.ab.ca,Premier Notley: edmonton.strathcona@assembly.ab.ca , premier@gov.ab.ca, MLA's here: https://goo.gl/H2T5zS

Just fished below the Dickson dam (twice) for the first time in the past couple of weeks. Interesting fishery, to be sure! Didn't think I'd be hooking and landing Lake whites, let alone walleye, though I know walleye are the "in" thing of the past few years in fly-fishing circles. No brown trout, but I certainly wasn't disappointed. Like I said, quite the variety of species! But here's a question from the RDR newbie. Atlas of Alberta Lakes states construction of the Dickson Dam began in 1980, reservoir started filling in '83. Let's call it 35 years, give or take. So, for the more knowledgeable out there, what's your opinion of the Red Deer river fishery, especially as it relates to the brown trout population? My impression is that the prevalance of pike and walleye are impacting the brown population negatively. No, that's not stemming from my own personal lack of success, just from talking to people. Seems like there was a golden age in the late 90's / early 2000's in terms of populations numbers and sizes. Tales of the 30 inch browns... ...no doubt some big browns are in there still, but it just seems the fishery has changed from a semi-reliable brown trout destination to a well rounded, who knows what's on your line type of destination. But, that's just an impression based on a few outings and conversations... Thoughts? Smitty

^^This.^^

Head west; Red Deer river, Dogpound, Little Red are relatively close by. Haven't been down that way lately, can't speak to the fishing, water levels, and water temps. I know Dogpound and Little Red can get pretty warm in hot weather with little rain relief.

Hi guys: Got a week's fishing trip to Maligne Lake booked for the end of August. Unfortunately, this timing also coincides with a likely probability that a principal or school board may be trying to reach me about a teaching position. Cell phone coverage is a non-starter. I need a satellite phone, so that I can actually receive a signal and actually have the means to talk and have a conversation with someone. It can't be simple messaging or texting; I need the means to have a phone call in the wilderness. If anyone knows anyone with a satellite phone I could borrow or rent for 7 days, please let me know.! Cheers. I'm in Edmonton. Thanks in Advance, Mike

I meant to imply the FTR and area, including private roads.

Well, I suppose I am guy that breaks the law. Been driving around the FTR 25 years. Never had a radio, don't plan to buy. My rule is simple, use common sense, caution, beware of blind corners, defer and pull over for all trucks. Is this supposed to be complicated? Smitty

Update: I hope this isn't breaking the rules, or offending sponsors - I assume this forum / website has nothing from Edmonton anyways, so this really wouldn't be a conflict, from a competition point of view... ...but Edmonton finally has a fly shop! https://www.facebook.com/ReidsFlyShop.YEG/ Not since Reg Denny's have we had a singularly focused shop for flyfishing. As I have said on many forums, I never thought Edmonton would support one. But really, with WSS gone, and Cabelas really not filling the void, it was time for some new blood (though I like the FIshin Hole). I'll cross my fingers in the hopes it will survive. The local fly-fishing community here I think is finally strong and big enough to support one shop. Hopefully Reid's will get a new website soon: http://reids-fly-shop-fishing-store.business.site/ Went a few weeks ago for their soft opening. Looks good! Staff is friendly and experienced (Clay is from WSS, not sure where Reid is from, if anyplace). Clearly, like many a fly shop, the business model is the same; justify your slightly higher prices with outstanding customer service. Hope this shop makes it! Anyways, so glad I could eat crow on a prediction like the one I made. So, if any of you southerners are in Edmonchuk, there is a new place to go. The primitive website does have directions. It's in the west end. Smitty

Welshmike: Are you staying in Calgary the entire time? I'd definitely hook up with a member here and give the Bow a go. I wouldn't be a good choice as I am in Edmonton (3 hr drive, 2:30 when I am in a hurry) and there are dozens of people here with 10x the "know-how" and "where-to" when it comes to the Bow river. You mentioned your trophy days are over, but the Bow has easy access and a shot at big fish. It is not the kindest river to newbies, so do go with someone. Ok, so besides that, lots of good advice given here already. Literally hundred's of km's of streams to fish, NW, W, and SW of Calgary. Many of them do not require long hikes. One variable you did not mention was solitude; do you care how crowded the waters are? The Bow obviously sees crowds, I'd also say the Oldman drainage sees the 2nd most people. The main stem of the Oldman is a popular spot, as is the Crow. I try to avoid weekends on those 2 rivers, though in last decade or so, fishing during the weekday is no guarantee either. Are you a friendly chap? Seems so, I ask that with this in mind; you can get away from people by getting to rivers via people's private land / farms / ranchers. Just need to ask permission. Many are friendly to fisherman, some are not. Tough part is finding who owns what parcel of land, and where is the damn farmhouse? But there are apps for that... So I am just saying if there is at least a portion of the trip that you want some solitude, your best bet is smaller waters and creeks. Again, you don't need a 2-3 hour hike to get away from crowds, but at the same time, lots of bridge crossings may require 30 minute walks before you start to get away from people. My own personal rule on smaller water is if I see more than 1 vehicle at a creek crossing, I go elsewhere. Also, (almost) every stream has public access off a bridge, and even if the stretch you are fishing crosses into private land, as long as you stay below the natural high water mark, you can keep fishing. Also, as per the earlier advice, generally speaking, the closer you get to the mountains proper, the more likely it is you are on crown land (though still be aware on the Oldman, Castle, and Crowsnest rivers). If you want to have a lovely drive that is much less fishing oriented, but considered a classic "must do", is to drive from Calgary to Banff to Jasper then back (or do the full loop and go back through Edmonton and Red Deer). If you do end up in Jasper, pm the fellow who replied earlier here by the name of "Creekside". See if he can take you for a day of fishing on Maligne Lake. Stunning. Gorgeous lake. On the right day, some terrific fishing as well. Theoretically, if you left early enough, you could do Calgary to Jasper and back in one day (but it's pure driving and sightseeing, no proper fishing time), but its' 10x better as an overnighter or even 2 to 3 nights. Depends if you get sidetracked sight-seeing and/or some fishing. The fishing can be good along that drive, but is also VERY hit and miss; you need to know where to go inside the national parks. You would also need a separate license. Lastly, more touristy stuff; if you like paleontology, go to Drumheller and see the Tyrell museum. World class natural history and dinosaurs. You could even fish the Red Deer river for goldeye and walleye. Welcome to Alberta when you get here! Our province offers alot of variety. Have fun. Smitty P.S. If you plan to fish somewhere central, like near Rocky Mountain House or Nordegg (the Ram river system), pm me. I may be able to go with you.

And its my annual revisitation to the land of frustration, as IF4 always seems to skip Edmonton, mostly due to the fly-fishing community and supporting retailers doing jack squat to bring it here. Lol. Though, maybe that will change for 2019, as I hear a new fly shop is finally coming to Edmonton. Only been 30 years Dennys shut down... -Smitty

Asking for a friend: She wants to go deep sea fishing for a day in Cancun. Not fly fishing, she and the family / friends just want to hire a boat. Can anyone recommend anyone in that area? Mike

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

My reply to question 16, when it asked for feedback: The AEP is trending in an extremely troubling direction. This department has been on the decline for a while, and this latest survey is exhibit A. (https://talkaep.alberta.ca/north-central-native-trout-recovery/survey_tools/north-central-native-trout-proposed-angling-closures) I have many objections: 1. I challenge the data and the methodology of determining the FSI's. 2. I demand public hearings and no more online surveys where biologists and department officials will actually ENGAGE with the angling public and listen to their concerns. Give us the numbers and provide evidentiary proof of diminishing populations, and then provide proof of correlation between angling pressure, the ineffectiveness of catch and release, and justify the closures on a cause and effect basis. 3. The AEP needs to be completely over-hauled in terms of its engagement policies with the angling public. They need to adopt a broad strategy of enlisting assistance from anglers while reminding themselves that they serve both the fish AND anglers’ needs. Currently, the Fisheries Round Tables, online surveys, etc., amount to nothing more than tokenism. 4. My strongest objection is the complete abdication of any sense of responsibility this department has in terms of serving what's best for fish. It is my belief that the biologists and officials have pre-determined outcomes and policies they are just going to implement without seriously looking at ALL the factors and variables that go into habitat degradation and diminishing fish populations. Why are anglers being punished for circumstances beyond their control? Why doesn’t the AEP issue directives, studies, policies, protocols, recommendations and reports detailing the incredible challenges facing all fish and fauna in the province with regards to industrial intrusion? Where is the AEP’s policy recommendations on aggressive logging practices, road densification, hanging culverts, improper allowances and setbacks, and habitat fragmentation? Is the AEP claiming that catch and release regulations are an ineffective management tool; and then using that as an excuse to close watersheds? Does the AEP anticipate fish population recovery will happen on the basis of removing anglers from the picture all while ignoring the aforementioned industrial impacts? Has the AEP anticipated the resulting increase in angling pressure during the next season, as more anglers are forced to fish fewer watersheds? My recommendations, instead of using (and the pretending to act upon this ludicrous survey) is to do the following: 1) Before changing any regulations – especially related to reducing angling opportunities and closing watersheds - how about dramatically increasing the enforcement, not only on recreational users, but industry too? Increased enforcement can be partially funded by the fines imposed. I see gross violations of industry frequently when I fish. 2) Identify the TRUE root causes of pressured or diminished fish populations, and then PRIOTIZE the needs to get them addressed. Most of the skepticism and outrage that I have heard from fellow anglers is that angling has been identified as a primary cause. I – and others – highly doubt this. I have fished many watersheds that have been catch and release since the last regulations were over-hauled, and the fishing has improved over the past 20 years. I’d venture to say based on my anecdotal observations that fishing is more impacted by industry, improper trail penetration, and erosion right now along watersheds that are already catch and release. 3) The AEP and other suitable government agencies should put pressure on industry groups to comply with policies outlined by the AB government as it currently reviews BOTH industrial and recreational usage along the Eastern Slopes. Issues related to fish populations recovery are far beyond the scope of just one single variable (angling pressure). 4) The Alberta Government overall should, plainly and simply, get their act together and develop an over-arching plan to ensure that riparian areas, fish and animal habitats, and water quality are going to be preserved for future generations. There is far too much fragmentation, segregations, and a stunning lack of coordination between various gov’t departments. Anglers have become the easy, knee jerk targets for the AEP to take the simplest way out in attempting to manage fish populations. It’s both bad science and bad policy. And the AEP needs a serious look in the mirror: something needs to happen to shake this department out of its bureaucratic entrenchment and self-internalized feedback loop. Otherwise, I fear all we are left with is nowhere left to fish, and no fish left. Please, I encourage you to speak up: John Tchir: John.Tchir@gov.ab.ca And, consider cc'ing the following people: Dave Park: dave.park@gov.ab.ca, Shannon Phliips: AEP.Minister@gov.ab.ca, Premier Notley: edmonton.strathcona@assembly.ab.ca , premier@gov.ab.ca,

For camping and clothing, ...sure. For a specialty fly shop, I'd say we are under-saturated. We don't even have a specialty fly shop!! Yeah, I know, Edmonton can't / won't support one. I get it. But we're down to Cabelas and TFH for fly fishing stuff. Not enough, imho. (No, I don't count Crappy Tire) Smitty

Careful what you wish for, don't you think Bcube? Aren't we now treading into the dangerous territory of "ALL C&R fishing is deemed harrassing and capturing, therefore it is now banned?" Ergo, total ban on all fisheries deemed to fragile for harvest? Aren't we invoking the argument that C&R fisherman are the worst sportsmen on the planet? As in, let's join some of those in Europe and some indigenous groups that find C&R, at best, incredibly distasteful? Do we see a slippery slope coming soon? So, in the end, what's left in the province for trout fishing is harvesting stocked, non-native trout such as rainbow, browns, and brooks. Total ban on even targeting cutts,bulls (like in Montana), and grayling (Athabows too). ^Ok, so mostly devil's advocate there. But let's not pretend we haven't heard those arguments. Anyways, it's not unprecedented to close fishing permanently. Look at Wampus, Eunice, and Deerlick. The entire region of White Goat and Siffleur wilderness. Etc. Having said all that, I am in favour of a delicate balancing act. You could convince me to close fishing for those fragmented populations that exist in streams you could jump across. Always interesting to have debates about angling and sporting ethics. We know that some animal rights advocates like nothing more than us looking in a mirror and feeling like we need the confessional and priest on Sundays after mass.