fishteck

The southern boundary for power boat restrictions was the old city limits on a line extending east of the south end of Blue Devil Golf Course at 194 Ave SW. In other words, the south boundary of Section 20, Township 22, Range 29, west of the 4th Meridian. This point of reference was written into law a few years back. To extend it further downstream to the current city limits at the Deerfoot Bridge legislation will need to be changed. Expect this to take place.

The only authority would appear to issue tickets for powerboat use in the city within the Water Act designation area is the Calgary Police Department or RCMP. Life-jackets come under Calgary Bylaws, therefore both the CPD and bylaw enforcement officers have jurisdiction to issue tickets. Alberta Solicitor General Conservation Offices can issue tickets for any federal Water Act violation in and downstream of Calgary. Calgary Fire Department has no enforcement powers for any of the above, just harass you. The Provincial Government has concerns with powerboat use, primary because of complaints and the potential risk to the public. This will become a bigger issue as the city grows with more people floating not only the city, but downstream to McKinnon's. Especially if someone get hit by a power boat. I only hope it wont be the CFD! As with everything in our so called civil society, those abusers of the law will spoil it for the 90% who comply.

The scope of the Bow River Access Plan was always the address the existing river access sites downstream of Calgary. On page 12; "Potential Future Sites" It does indicate that new sites will be assessed over the next 3 -5 years. Firstly as a replacement of Policeman's but new boats launch sites at intermediate points later. The fishing community needs to get behind this initiative.If overwhelming support is received through the engagement process we can expect to see the province receptive to broadening the scope to more of a "Bow River Basin Recreational Management Plan" On page 11; Site Design, Monitoring & Follow Up. There is reference to monitoring the river to assure a sustainable fishery. This would indicate that fish population surveys may become a regular event.

The debate continues on other pages about the impact of whirling disease, highwood logging, water flows & quality and population dynamics for a sustainable Bow River fishery. The Bow River Trout Foundation will be your advocacy voice for the protection of the fishery. Join Bow River Trout by July 01, 2017 and your name will be put in a pot for a Pieroway 9ft.-6wt rod https://bowrivertrout.org/2017/05/11/join-bow-river-trout-support-the-bow-river-fishery/ River

Next week the provincial government through AEP will be releasing their version of the "Bow River Access Plan". Although the original scope of the plan was river access downstream of Calgary, it is my understanding that the province has listened to the stakeholder consultation where concerns for a sustainable fishery were echoed by a number of organizations. Lets see what is presented in the documents. If there are no references to a management plan to sustain a viable Bow River trout population then it is time to lobby elected officials.

Monger / Toolman / Burning Chrome: All good points have been raised. But what is clear is that we are all thrashing in the dark as to what the change in population has been. The raw data from the 2014 Bow River population survey has never been published or made available to the public. Excuse after excuse from AEP as to why the data is not available and no indications that the data collection will be repeated. This is totally irresponsible considering the importance of the Bow River to Alberta's economy. The importance of the Highwood River drainage is without question the most important contributor to a sustainable Bow River's rainbow trout population and once again has been neglected by AEP. Both these very important issues together with enhancement of the fishery management model for the Bow River needs to be elevated to a higher level of priority within AEP.

There are some interesting comments in this discussion that indicate from casual observations that fish populations are on the decline across all southern Alberta's river basins. I for one am convinced we have seen a steady decline in the Bow River trout population dynamics for almost 15 to 20 years. I have not fished the North Raven for 10 years but the same scenario still applies. The Crowsnest and Oldman in particular will probably face challenges that will result in population declines over the next decade. What are the trout populations in each for the river basins and what is causing the declines? The last reported population survey for the Bow River was conducted by ACA in 2004-5. I am not aware of any such studies being conducted and reported to the public for other major Alberta rivers. How can this lack of historical data be accepted by the fishing community. AEP must step forward and address this issue. If the observations of trout population declines are real, then what is causing it. Although Whirling Disease has probably been a contributing factor. Fish habitat loss from floods has made an impact. Environmental changes from weather and water flow management will have contributed somewhat. But the water quality in the Bow River has improved over the past 15 years. Catch and Release techniques should have improved fish survival. So what is left, over fishing? Should we see fishing restriction, for example, "rod days", draws to fish protected fisheries. daily fishing permits. Lets hope the fishing community gets some answers to these questions before the southern Alberta fishery reaches a point of no return.

Logging is always a hot subject for back country recreational use.And as you say Norhtfork logging practices are difficult to change. But the issues here is to make sure " responsible logging practices" are used. I for one am not sure what they may be given the industrialization of logging in recent years. But I intend to find out. Rather than objecting to everything, a "softer sell" of our concerns for the fishery may get more results. Nevertheless, the following Facebook page is a place to express our concerns: https://www.facebook.com/stand.highwood/

Bcube: It will come once more details of the logging permits are understood. Have a read of the following Calgary Herald article. http://calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/sjogren-and-legault-we-can-do-a-better-job-of-caring-for-k-country

The High Flow Channel of Harvie Passage is a dangerous place, even at flow rates of 150 cms

The Bow is finally starting to shape up and we should be fishing in reasonably clear water before the end of the month. Before our minds are totally switched onto rainbows and browns, consider the following: All this talk about the devastation that Whirling Disease will bring to the fishery - just how long has its been here and what impact has it had on the rainbow population? AEP has been very quiet on this subject. They have not published any fish population surveys since 2005, although there was a survey conducted just before or after the 2013 flood. We need to know what the populations dynamics are on a regular basis to monitor the impact of WD. Bow River Trout plans to push an agenda for annual or biannual trout populations surveys. The recent announcement that logging will take place in the upper reaches of the Highwood watershed is concerning. We need to consider that the Bow River's spawning ground and nursery is the Highwood River and it tributaries. Reduced spawning success will lead to fewer rainbows in the Bow River. Bow River Trout will keep a watchful eye on these developments. Support our initiatives and join Bow River Trout Foundation. https://bowrivertrout.org/membership-donations/

Flow Forecasts out of Bearspaw are for 340 CMS today and 360 CMS by Wednesday. That's not a drop!! It will hit 400 before too long. What is a surprise to many is the viability. Banff is still seeing less than 1 ft. No stone fly fishing for at least 3 weeks

Alberta Environment & Parks is in the process over developing a Bow River Access Plan that was to be released for public comment in early June. Unfortunately it has been delayed until July. The focus of stakeholder engagement that Bow River Trout was part of, was for short-term improvements to Policeman's Flats and McKinnon's Flats. In addition, a vision for replacement of Policeman's Flats, a new boat launch at or close to the the Ralph Kline Park Outflow at Frenchman's and facility improvements at McKinnon's. All good stuff if if it happens.

The Province needs to make some immediate upgrades to Policeman's Flats. If not it will be lost for some time with damage from current Bow River flows of 350+ CMS. https://bowrivertrout.org/2017/06/04/policemans-flats-flooded/

I understand Policeman;s Flats boat launch is under water. Anyone been down there today? Would like photos Thanks

Go to the following link for details of the High Flow Advisory https://bowrivertrout.org/2017/06/01/city-of-calgary-river-flow-advisory-keep-off-the-bow-river/

Use extreme caution when floating or wading the Bow River over the next week. Flow forecasts out of Bearspaw Reservoir will hit 285 CMS by Thursday June 01, 2017. At 1:00 PM today flows in Banff hit 190 CMS that is way up over the long term average. Expect to see a "High Flow Advisory" from AEP is these flow rates increase. https://bowrivertrout.org/river-flows/

The combination of Bow and Elbow River flows today was 230 CMS, double what it was a week ago. Your can see the 3 to 4 day Ghost & Bearspaw Reservoir discharge forecast on the Bow River Trout Website http://www.bowrivertrout.org and go to "River Flows". Expect to see flows in the 200 -250 CMS range until early to mid July. You will also find a link on the River Flows page to the AEP rivers app. Download it and you will be able to follow current flows, snow pack and advisories.

I believe the drift boat will end up down by the Red House - river left. Hung up on the rocks close to the shore. Anyone else care to guess? I spoke to AEP this morning. Their Bow River Access Plan is due to be released to the public for comment on June 01, 2017. Hopefully there will be some early repairs and improvement given to Policeman's Flats.

I have not taken out at Policeman's since the 2013 flood for the exact reason for what has happened. AEP has short term improvements planned for Policeman's as a part of their Bow River Access Plan that is being prepared for release for comment shortly. The longer term goal is for a new boat ramp either downstream or across the river. A part of Bow River Trout's engagement with AEP, we made a proposal for a new river access at the site just downstream of the current access, in the same general area of the original boat ramp. Removing some of the big rocks was also discussed. I'll speak to AEP on Monday to get and update on BRAP..

Jordan: The volunteer work that the Bow River Chapter has done to enhance fish habitat, conservation and protecting the ecosystem of the Bow River is very commendable and is supported by our organization. The projects you have listed are predominately volunteer initiates with relatively low levels of financial commitment. Our focus is different. As I have stated above, Bow River Trout Foundation's focus is the Bow River fishery in its entirety, its access, its future as a sports fishery and its integration into recreational river management for all river users. The scope of our initiatives and support needed is far broader than what has been made available in the past. There is no doubt that we will work with any, and all organization that have a objective similar to our own. The Bow River Chapter of TU as well.

Responding to UberFly: Bow River Trout is primary and advocacy organization for the Bow River fishery. The fishery has come under pressure from limited regulation enforcement, little to no commitment to river access improvements and a general deterioration in its appeal as a world class fishing destination. BRT has accomplished more in 12 months that other organization who claim to support the Bow River and its fish have done in a decade. Our achievements to date are well documented: BRT stakeholder engagement with the City of Calgary resulted in a River Access Strategy with a $7.6 Million commitment to 2 new boats ramps by 2018 and more in the future. We expect the same from discussions with AEP for the entire Bow River Basin. BRT has established a positive level of communication with Calgary and Provincial agencies to communicate river flow forecasts, instream riverbed mitigation work to the angling community by way of regular updates and advisories on our website and social media outlets. Our advocacy role to enhance engagement with government authorities has only just started, but will have a big payday in the future. As we move forward the fishing community will see opportunities within BRT to volunteer and fundraise to support much needed improvement to river access, recreational infrastructure and hopefully a Bow River basin recreational management plan that will assure there is a world class fishery for future generations. None of this is possible without community support. Bow River Trout is a totally volunteer organization. All funds raised will be returned to the Bow River and the fishery.No other organization can claim the same.

We have recently registered Bow River Trout under Alberta's Societies Act, as the Bow River Trout Foundation. This will allow for more engagement on fishery related issues with government and NGO's in support of the Bow River Fishery. Go to the following link for a review of our mandate, objectives and initiatives. Giver consideration to joining our organization, your voice will be listened to in our development of advocacy policy. And as a member you will also get a chance to win a Pieroway custom designed 9'- 6wt fly rod! https://bowrivertrout.org/2017/05/11/join-bow-river-trout-support-the-bow-river-fishery/

If you are planning on fishing the Bow River over the next few days be aware that the Bow River flows will increase from 76 cms today to 120 cms tomorrow and into the weekend. This increase is part of a TransAlta and AEP draw down project to reduce the possibility of Calgary flooding during spring runoff. Go to the following link for current conditions and on a regular basis over the spring and summer months. The flow forecast will be updated on Monday, Wednesday and Friday https://bowrivertrout.org/2017/05/10/ghost-reservoir-draw-down-started/

The biggest problem is that without some rain and continued higher temperature above freezing at night the snow pack will stay there for a while and then in June all hell will let loose! Lets hope this weeks weather continues and start the runoff as early as possible, because if not the Bow will be unfishable for a large chunk of the summer