jpinkster

It sounds as though firefighters have some better conditions today, but the fire moved quickly last night. A few accounts online suggest the townsite avoided a major hit, but the information centre burnt down. The Premier is going to give an update shortly - we should know more soon.

I'll point to Taco's statement above. Cutties were able to pull through during more serious droughts than this since the last ice age. The biggest change has not been increased angling pressure, it's land use impacts on habitat. Saying that the only solution is to stop angling over and over again doesn't make it any more true. Addressing habitat issues is the most important thing that will result in meaningful outcomes now and into the future.

Fragmenting pure cutty populations might be the only thing that has kept them pure...but it'll probably also be responsible for their localized extinction.

I had a good laugh at some of the replies on the ACA FB post. Apparently the ACA are entirely responsible for destroying the Raven. The more you know!

Things are getting bad in the small streams right now: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-trout-drought-federal-action-plan-needed-1.4270434?cmp=rss Personally, I've been sticking to the bigger systems over the last few months. Without any precipitation on the horizon, things could get really dicey out there. Anglers should be really frustrating with the level of inaction from the Feds so far. Putting westslope cutties on the gazette was a good first step, but it looks as though it was only lip service. The recovery plan is now two years overdue. Given the current conditions, we might need some immediately action to make sure some of these isolated populations aren't wiped off the map. Write your MP!

Quick, to the time machine!

I remember talking to someone about tagged bulls on the Oldman system. They've seen the same fish in the upper Castle and the upper Oldman within a few years of each other.

He sure did! We went through a few runs where the guide marked 15-20 sturgeon.

I'd rather see one on the Oldman. There are some monster bulls below the dam that are cut off permanently from spawning habitat upstream. Be nice to get those fish back into the rotation.

Couldn't agree more. Sturgeon can live to be 150 years or more, so it's really hard to get a good sense of how effective conservation efforts are going. The fish that are being targeted by sportsmen are almost all 80 years + - well before many conservation efforts started. An abundance of smaller fish would suggest that we are doing something right!

Okay, full disclosure...this trip had nothing to do with fly fishing. Went out with a great group of friends for two days on the Fraser River. Great guide, great conditions and great fish. It sounds as though we were a bit early for when the bite really goes off, but we got into some great fish regardless. The best fish of the trip was an 8 foot monster that weighed in at around 290lbs. I had one shake me lose that was likely around the same range. Fishing for white sturgeon is an experience - I will absolutely be back!

Bow River Chapter of TU has been working on this for a little while now. We were told to sit tight until the updated regs came out for the Bow. Now that those regs are in place, we should have an easier time getting some signage sponsored and major access points along the river.

There is still a strong possibility that there are isolated systems along this stretch that are not infected. There are also numerous other invasives that are spread because of the same levels of complacency that allowed WD to get here. But yeah, let's not worry too much about it or anything.

Phase 2 of the consultation has now begun. Make sure you participate: http://www.letstalkfishhabitat.ca/

My head is average in size, sir. I've never seen either of you in person at the same time. My explanation is the only thing that makes sense.