fisher26

From what I've read about Whirling Disease in the U.S., it seems to cause a large initial kill of rainbows or about a decade, and then natural selection slowly creates a degree of resistance, and two decades later the fish population recovers somewhat. Still though I'm not keen to see the Bow, Crow, and Oldman lose 90% of their populations (like on the Maddison) until 2036. And bleaching felt and washing waders prevents the spread of whirling disease, but once the parasite enters a water body those precautions do nothing to the affected stream/river. In Montana whirling disease is present in almost all water bodies—with varying effects on the fish.

Does this mean that the fishing is going to go down the drain? Most of the comments here seem fairly nonchalant, but apparently many rivers in Montana noticed the destruction of the rainbow population after the introduction of whirling disease. About 20 years later however the rainbow population is at 70% of the pre-disease levels. Is this alarmist? How much of a threat is whirling disease?

Great video Diddy -- you are lucky to have made it out before the storm!

Great pics gentlemen!

I walked it, but I'm not sure if I'll do it again. Lots of private property, and sometimes it was unclear if the land was private or public (although it's fine if you're within the high water mark). I tend to do a good hike wherever I fish, and I'd also be disappointed to find fishermen after a 45min trek.

I went down to the Crow two times in the last couple of weeks and took advantage of the warm weather and spectacular scenery (+8 and +5 respectively). No whitefish were caught (the reason I went, for those of you who have posted on or read the 'Winter Whitefish' thread), but the trout were reluctantly biting. I don't take many fish pictures when I'm out alone, but I managed to get a shot of a small rainbow. Just a note that it does make a difference if you pick up trash if you find it. There was garbage left from the floods, and I managed to pick up a few pieces on both trips. I'd encourage others to do the same (nothing spoils a spectacular river like this quite like an empty bottle of washer fluid, does it?)

Well, I don't know if I'd have the patients to stand in a single run and catch two hundred fish—sour grapes on my behalf, perhaps due to lack of skill. Personally, as far as the decline of any species I think angling pressure plays a part, but it's far from the entire story. Anyways thank you for the feedback… My outlook on Rockies has changed to some extent.

Forgive me if I have a hard time believing some of this. Back in 2009 we were fishing the Crow and catching Rockies hand over fist—we probably caught 40 between the two of us and most of them were big. Actually, I've never really caught so many large fish from one of our little streams. At the very least I don't think Rockies are in trouble. I wouldn't be surprised if a bubble has gone through the population structure, but there's no reason for the Whitefish population to suddenly disappear. What is there now some toxic chemical being introduced to our streams? Or is it because Southern Alberta's population has nearly doubled in 15 years? Personally, if the RMW population has declined, I think it's just a natural fluctuation.

Thanks DRock, I'm going to give that a try and post if I have success. Btw, is there any reason why whitefish are in faster current in the winter? I'd think they'd have the same metabolism as trout. That being said, a lot of the skills that I depend on to catch fish can't really be explained all that well anyways, lol..

Hey guys: It's been a long time since I've posted, but right now I have a question that a few of you might be able to answer. So I'm a catch and release fisherman, like most of us fly fisherman. On occasion, however, I'll go out of my way to catch and keep whitefish. Anyways, I've done some winter fishing on the Crowsnest and I've come across literally zero whitefish, only large rainbows. Usually, that'd be a good thing, but both times I've gone out, I've gone precisely for the purpose of catching some whitefish for consumption. Anyways, if anyone has insight on winter fishing, or the winter fishing the Crow and whitefish, I'd appreciate it. I'm nymphing with fine tippet, lots of shot, and size 14 to 16 nymphs. Do they congregate in the upper reaches of the river or something? What's the deal here? Fisher

Thanks for the insight guys. I think this group bonding/airy fairy stuff is pretty common in most companies, but it probably isn't that harmful in the big picture (your friends position is unfortunate though). With regards to insider trading, there is nothing illegal about getting a feel for a company's management. The worst thing an investor can do is ignore the underlying business of a company and just jump in on the basis of the stock chart. As I see it, Suncor has huge potential upside in the long term. Their properties have enough oil for 30+ years of production, and cheap oil is a thing of the past. 7 billion people, emerging market demands, and the slowdown of discoveries means that oil prices are going to remain over the next few decades.

I've already looked at the share price... What I'm curious about is if anyone has personal experience with how the company is run, particularly after the PetroCan merger. Any insight from guys who have worked in the oil sands?

Hey guys, It's been a while since I've posted here (but I'm still a lurker!). Anyways, I was wondering if anyone has any business insight into Suncor, as a company that is. I'm thinking of investing in an oil sands producer and I'm looking for a long term company with a good asset base and management. Has anyone on here worked for Suncor and has an idea of the company's culture? How are they after the PetroCan merger? Any insight would be appreciated. I know a lot of guys here are in the oil and gas sector and have a pretty good idea about what some of these companies are like from the inside out. Any other recommendations for a long-term (~5 year) buy and hold oil company? Regards, Fisher

^lol

I fear any state that has a complete monopoly on firearms. At some point we have to realize that our government can't protect us from all harm, and, being law-abiding citizens, we should have a right to own potentially dangerous tools. Moreover, guns only facilitate an intent. Without that intent (and with a responsible owner) a gun is harmless--just in the same way that vehicles have the potential to kill dozens of people (if the intent is there), but they are useful and relatively safe providing its owner is responsible. And we all know criminals don't follow laws, so legislation isn't going to protect you from those determined lunatics who want to hurt people. We're now completely off topic, lol.

Hey Guys, Entertaining thread. Just thought I should let you know that the Harper government has put a new law on the books: a 3 year minimum sentence for the possession of a loaded handgun. Grinr, I personally support your decision to protect yourself in bear county (although I personally wouldn't go so far), but unfortunately the government doesn't. Canada is silly with our draconian gun laws, but I wouldn't chance my freedom with carrying around a loaded handgun for protection.

A well written and interesting post. At least a portion of the reason we fish is to glorify the "great I", but I see that more as a facet of human nature, and although it's not pretty I think it's an intrinsic part of fishing. To be honest, I have dozens of pictures of large trout that I haven't shown to people, but they're kind of like medals or trophies, something that I can look back upon and admire at a later date. I know that sounds a bit self-congradulatory, but honestly 90% of the reason I fish doesn't have to do with the fish. As long as we aren't increasing the mortality of the fish merely to satisfy our compulsion for photographic evidence, I see no problem in the matter whatsoever.

Obviously. It's not like I won't report them unless I get a reward--being a fisherman I have a vested interest in the resource. My question, however, pertained to the existence of a monetary incentive.

Thanks monger. Does anyone have any experience with getting rewards? I'll report them anyways but I'm curious if the system has a built in incentive.

Hi there everyone, I frequent some of the areas that are currently closed to fishing and in the past have noticed guys fishing out of season. Unfortunately, I've never had a cell phone or the RAP number when I'm out, but now I'm going to bring both along. Anyways, does one receive a reward for reporting a poacher? I plan to report them regardless (obviously), but I'm just curious if there is a monetary incentive for individuals to do so. Thanks in advance, Fisher

That seems exceedingly dangerous.

Hey Guys, Two close friends of mine created an awesome film on Canada's system of universal healthcare. Regardless of whether you agree with the position, make sure you "LIKE" it on youtube for it's production values (lighting, sound, etc.) All the best, Fisher

I love fishing for Speckled Trout, especially when they have size on them. Limits should target brookies under 14 inches to allow for the maturation and sport value of the fish.

Scary thing is that the government could start hyper inflating the dollar as much as they choose, and there goes your life savings. Inflation is a form of theft.

I suppose that it's just a matter of decency. It's also effects Flyfusions image, which in my opinion would be degraded.