albertatrout

Shouldn't be. Just click on the image link, it will copy automatically. Then paste that link on your post on this site.

No problem, I know seeing everyone's photo's/ fishing reports makes a winter of no fly-fishing easier to tolerate. Looking forward to seeing your pictures at some point troutlover! I have more to go through soon here so will add a few more up if I get a chance.

Enjoyed the other photo posts, thought I should contribute. I did not bring the camera along much at all this year, some photo's may be from last summer. Young rainbows after the hatch. 40'' River Pike Waking Up Baby pike hanging out Brookie fishing down south, always good in the spring. I caught a lot of great fish this summer but rarely snap a shot anymore. Maybe remember to pull the camera out more next year.

Was sent this link today about the area, this report was wrote over 45 years ago. Its not a discussion directly about logging, but deforestation and past industry go hand in hand. It has good descriptions about damage to many of the same creeks that are still being discussed today. It's amazing how parts of the area recovered without any effort by industry whatsoever while others are still much the same with exposed slopes and awful looking run off points (like Tent and Grassy Mountains). Even Blairmore and Gold Creeks are mentioned, "the detrimental effects on life in these streams has been enormous". Still a mess to clean up but I don't think we are seeing anything like what was occurring 50+ years ago, crazy to think cutt's survived this era. I have been researching on who is responsible for a few of the sites mentioned in this report, interestingly enough several are still owned by businesses still operating in the province today. http://abwild.ca/coal/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/19690401_rp_mining_damage_in_ab.pdf Figured others may appreciate the read.

That's the frustrating part. Cutblock's (or mines, or even burned areas) are an easy target as they show up in pictures, many more of the smaller but more ecologically significant issues are missed as we have so little enforcement/ controls in place. I am an optimist though, and there are solutions. There has been some remarkable fish recoveries in heavily impacted areas over the past few years and if the will is there, many of our species can show some resiliency. Maybe we will see designated trail rules become more widespread, paving of logging roads, settling ponds/ check dams built along other roads, one can hope we move forward.

It's not the cut-blocks that bug me, its all the un-reclaimed roads one can see in those slides. A cutblock itself vegetates rapidly, the roads continue to be chewed up, collect runoff, and generally funnel it (and ATV's I suppose) right into the creeks. Also, there's more than a slight hanging culvert issue in Alberta, mostly due to those logging roads that are falling into disrepair/ being forgotten. I think focusing on getting the roads fixed/ removed is a wise use of time vs fighting to have all logging removed from certain regions. Cut-blocks definitely provide some good edge cover for certain wildlife species, very much in the same way fires do. Not the same, but in some ways they do provide similar niches. I have also seen streams degraded in areas that "naturally" burnt a bit hot, there are also streams largely damaged by bad logging practices. Problem is, if we turn it all back to natural it will be an awful long walk to many of our favorite fishing holes. I'd say HWY 40 contributes a lot more sediment every time it rains than the majority of the cutblocks do. Its hard to see for most people but next time you're on the trunk and it's raining look at what kind of water is running off the road with no settling ponds/ checks in place.

The science in many cases does not support switching to barbless hook rules if the objective is to lower catch and release mortality rates. Bait is understood to increase mortality most of the time, trebles vs single vs barbs not so much. Lower catch rates would probably result from single barbless, but I doubt this would have a significant impact on the fishery one way or the other. I state this as I hope to see the government make more regulation changes based on the science/ research demonstrated benefits, not solely on personal bias or political maneuvering.

It really depends on the area you are looking at, forest encroachment is severe in many parts of Southern Alberta where we have continuously put out fires. Parts of the Castle probably (lots of older historical data is anecdotal/ hard to confirm 100%) burnt every 30-40 years, some of those areas have not been lit up in close to a century. Indicators show it may be why the sheep populations is still depressed, possibly elk/bears as well but baselines are tough to confirm. The Crowsnest Pass would have had a lot more grass at one time too, that's based on some photo's but also soil profiles/ archaeology data. By the time photo's were being taken humans had already been at work in many cases so baseline value is limited, plus its only a snapshot, what did it look like 100 years earlier, 150 years earlier... Likewise, in areas north along the rockies, where fire's were not always the main disturbance pattern (wind, low disturbance, fire, area specific) logging is taking 70%+ of the merchantable pine over the next 5 years as part of beetle management. Some of these blocks will be adjacent to extremely sensitive class A fish habitat. These areas will likely be balder than they have been since the last ice age. Not saying there is no old growth/not fire reliant forest down south as there are a few unique valleys but for the most part the forest was supposed to burn. Does logging imitate fire? In some ways, but in other ways not so much (probably smaller footprints at once, but drawn out more so over time).

edit: Nevermind, did some research on what's going on/ background, will not even try.

I'd like to see a classified fee for out of province anglers and guides similar to what BC charges other Canadian anglers. Alberta needs a fishing APOS like we need a hole in our head but it's crazy we don't reciprocate BCs treatment of our anglers. Have to be careful with guiding allotments so it doesn't end up costing $50,000 just for some angler days like in BC (imo this punishes future generations of potential fishing guides). I'd be careful what you wish for in other ways as well, I have heard arguments calling for guiding allocations to be offered only to first nations (some in government hold this opinion) as they get first dibs on the resource after conservation considerations . Dangerous place to go.

To an extent, though I believe charitable groups are not supposed to advocate politically/ participate in the promotion of political parties/ platforms. Maybe this is not the case and that's just the way charities I've worked with operate. Read through their facebook page and compare it to other TU groups, something seems fishy to me and they seem to have a very strong bias/ environmental activism taint. According to the TU webpage they are a projects club, I only see one projects post in dozens and dozens of activist posts. Just an observation from a fly fisherman/ conservationist who looked into becoming involved. They have been reminding me of the AWA who do some great work but drive me nuts with the misleading advertising and promotion of half truths.

You're not the only one getting a bit disinfranchised with that club. I wish I could get involved but just couldn't stomach the direction/ political agenda they have been pushing. Some TU groups have lost any cooperative tones as well as most ties to the angling end of the spectrum. Its whining on our part but the guys with the time set the agenda and "moderates" simply disapear from the group. Lots of other ways to spend volunteer time/ donations/ membership fees. Maybe it will improve with time, you never know.

Well, we have used a zodiac with rowing frame on lakes many times, in my opinion it is not optimal but it does work. It is a bit hard to control in wind and goes through trolling motor batteries fast if fishing electric only areas. I find they are a bit lame on the slower southern Alberta river's if it's howling as well, just my experience with sore arms. With a gas motor, it does works pretty good and can cover ground relatively fast, it is a bit slow to react steering wise, and did I mention it doesn't like wind too much.... I would not advise strongly against it or anything, but I would say its not the most comfortable/ effective lake option. If you prefer that option for moving water and just hit the lakes from time to time it's probably a good line of thinking though.

For sure, but will it make a difference? I am genuinely very interested in what this means (not just trying to bring out the negative responses). It would appear as though genetic introgression is the main threat at this point in time, that is going to be a very tricky issue to address and has very little to do with habitat protection or the like. Protection of fish habitat is good, we are just going to have to see if this helps out our cutthroat trout.

Now to see how this impacts anglers and makes any difference whatsoever in preserving the species. Excerpt from the link: "As a result, for individuals of aquatic species listed as extirpated, endangered or threatened, steps taken to help protect and recover them include prohibitions againstkilling, harming, harassing, capturing or taking an individual; possessing, collecting, buying, selling or trading an individual or any of its parts or derivatives; and damaging or destroying the residence of one or more individuals; the preparation of a recovery strategy and one or more action plans; and the identification, to the extent possible, and legal protection of critical habitat." So, no more cutty fishing? No more ATV's along the east slopes? How will this translate into change.

I remember seeing this one and thinking what kind of permits/ rules you would have to follow in Alberta to remove a dam like that. Lets just say, the cost would be a bit higher up here ha ha. It's an ugly way of doing it, but really cool and highly effective. If you look up footage of that area now it's amazing how quickly it is regenerating. There was a documentary about this project as well, had a wee bit of a hippy bias but good none the less.

Saw this today, figured some may be interested. Different approach. from http://alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=388234FA887FE-00FE-017D-05484F6D0FD67400 which was found on gov.ab.ca. A number of Alberta lakes and ponds are aerated through the winter to improve the survival of stocked fish. Aeration systems are delivered through the Alberta Conservation Association and Alberta Environment and Parks. “As winter sets in, Alberta offers an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities such as ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and hunting. While we aerate these water bodies to support stocked fish populations, our first priority is public safety. I encourage Albertans to take extra caution and follow posted instructions at Alberta’s aerated lakes and ponds.” Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks Alberta’s aerated water bodies are: Beaver Lake Birch Lake Cecil Thompson Pond Coleman Fish and Game Pond East Dollar Lake Fiesta Lake Figure Eight Lake Hansen Reservoir Ironside Pond Millers Lake Mitchell Lake Moonshine Lake Muir Lake Spring Lake – Stony Plain Spring Lake – Grande Prairie Sulphur Lake Swan Lake “Without a viable lake aeration system we would have significantly fewer recreational angling opportunities in Alberta. We applaud the efforts of those who have worked so diligently to ensure that safe and comprehensive aeration requirements are in place to help maintain stocked fisheries for public enjoyment.” Peter Little, Trout Unlimited Changes to the Criminal Code of Canada have specified that those who create holes in ice have a duty to both warn and protect the public from this danger. In order to balance the use of lake aeration techniques to improve fish survival, while maintaining public safety, Environment and Parks has developed new minimum requirements that must be satisfied to operate aeration systems on publicly accessible waters in Alberta. These requirements include: Public notices must be placed in local and regional newspapers; Signage must be erected on every public access to aerated lakes; Fences must be erected around aerator(s); Signage must appear on all fences located on ice; and Winter fishing events on aerated lakes require the posting of a guard(s) at fences.

I really like the Simm's freestone's. I was going through 2 pairs of boots a year but have bought these twice in a row here (managed 1.5 years on the first pair and they are still pretty solid, but need new soles, sitting at 1 season on the second and they still look like new). I found Korkers, chota's, and the orvis boots to be poor with weak stitching in comparison to the simm's, they are well designed to hold together if you do lots of walking/ end up in mud from time to time.

Thanks for the link/ heads up, it's kind of a dirty survey though. They definitely seem to be looking for a certain response/ outcome with the past couple of "public engagement" efforts. Hopefully it means positive changes are on the way, not holding my breath after looking into the plans/ development being slated for the Castle's "protected area" though.

Okay, not a way to prevent a open spot but what about a floating wooden dock/ structure that a person couldn't fall through at the surface over an aerator? May be a cheaper solution which could make it so people can't fall in the hole (make it big enough so there is solid ice to the edges). Could be as simple as some of those 45 gallon drums floating a mesh looking kind of dock. It would cost a fair bit of money to build but I mean, may be a solution until a better aerator is found. Wood isn't too hard to source. Otherwise, how about suspended netting similar to what they place over fish farms/ salmon farms anchored near the aeration site so no one could possibly enter the hole/ fall in. Just a crazy idea, hope someone can come up with something better using airstones/ enough dissipators. Something like this even?? (ignore the article, just see pic) http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/1121175-cooke-makes-big-purchase-in-chile

Problem with only addressing ice fisherman is there are still snowshoer's, cross-country skiers, hikers, skaters, etc. I agree we really need to maintain aeration but it could be hard with lawyers getting involved. I think the no ice fishing rule would help reduced harvest/ poaching but not so much address this concern. Really need this old law changed!

I know the area very well and thought I had missed something in the discussion about this issue , I see it's just different folks looking at it differently. I won't waste any more of your time with this discussion. Sorry to increase your blood pressure, good luck finding volunteers for your projects.

Shame on me and anyone else who questions ya eh? There was no doubt in my mind who wrote it. Sorry that questioning your antics/statements is “shocking and saddening” but that’s how the scientific mind works. I have spent a fair bit of time on conservation initiatives myself (mostly on the ground, not so much over social media) and know a fair bit about sediment issues, invasive species , as well as selenium issues in the area as well as across the west slopes. I’d hazard a guess the road runoff which comes off the trunk road, or even the Atlas road every time it rains impacts more fish habitat than that slope. Also, if the cutts have persisted thus far the selenium must not be all that crazy. Remember the guideline is extremely conservative and an occasional exceedance occurs in untouched rivers and streams as well (there are some natural exposed slopes in the mountains too). Hard to make a statement of effect on one or two samples. I was wondering if fish sampling had occurred or what the cause for sudden alarm was, what I get now is very little has changed in 50+ years. It’s an abandoned un-reclaimed coal mine, you seem very opposed to the new project being discussed. The new project would have to adhere to modern mining rules/ reclamation requirements which should reduce impacts on the creek. Seems to me this project could provide a huge benefit in regards to the historic sediment issues you seem to have identified. It is amazing to me the cutts persevered through the initial mining of the area (never mind most of the streams in the area, ever saw a photo of the Crowsnest River 70-80 years ago) and they should be protected, but a single slope with some exposed rock is not an issue of national significance. I think this project seems like a gem versus something like that Ram River Coal mine up by Nordegg. I appreciate the effort you put in, but I have had to distant myself from a certain TU chapter due to these sort of approaches/ antics. Not the way I think conservation should be approached in every case but good luck to you.

Any data supporting these "early reports". Also, why is it an issue now? Those tailing have been present as an issue for decades and would have been much worse during the actual mining period. Also, would the new mining project not re-dig that area meaning it will be reclaimed following modern methods/ standards? Fighting that development seems like a nimby issue rather than a protect the cutts issue. I would think a mine operating then re-vegetating those slopes would be a good thing.I wish someone would do the same at Tent Mountain, it looks like 10x the sediment issue from what I've seen.

We enjoy our little area in Southern Alberta. We raise our seedlings in old tims cups in a south facing sunroom then plant out on May long. We focus on a small area in the yard (maybe 20 foot by 40 foot) and use lots of trellis/ small beds. This year we have harvested around 50-60 pounds of tomatoes so far, think we will break 200lbs more off of the 10 plants. Also did well on blackberries and haskaps, but saskatoons and raspberries were a bust this year. Its looking like we will get around 100 pounds of winter squash (butternut and spaghetti) from 4 bushes as well as a few zucchini. We also try and do it for cheap, this year I have used about 2 m3 city water (rain for rest) and $3 worth of fertilizer (rely on free organics from yard/house mostly). Pretty good hobby and lots of fun, I really enjoy the minimalist approach to it and hope to expand my "irrigation" system next year with a few more free barrels. The goal of spending very little on it appeals to me. Yields are a bit lower this year (hail) but the canner/ cellar will still be full. We will be harvesting pears for the first time here very soon as well, great big Flemish beauty's. Hoping they taste as good as they look. Oh, and sour cherries. 80 lbs pitted in the freezer ready for pie filling. Nice little front yard trees that yield big. Appreciate the other photos/ reports. Looks great everyone.