Search the Community

A few weeks ago I was floating the Elk River in Fernie with my dad's buddy who has been a guide on the Bow, and the river systems around the Fernie area for the last 30+ years. We had 2 of the best days we've ever had dry fly fishing on the Elk and easily one of the best dry fly days of my life. Period. At one point during the day we got to chatting about the CW licensing system in BC and how difficult - and somewhat expensive it is - for an AB angler to get unguided days on the Elk and some of the other incredible smaller water systems in the area. I mentioned how I felt that some AB river systems had changed so much over the years with crowds, campers etc. and how much the fish populations & over-all health of the fish/river had changed as well. Not all for the better. I feel BC's CW licensing system has a great deal to do with how well the Kootenay river systems are managed & that AB could benefit from something similar to make sure our trout fisheries stay in good shape for future generations. So my first question is this; what are the pros/cons of a CW licensing system in AB? We continued to chat about this topic as we floated the Elk that day and got to chatting about the benefits of a 'ski-pass' like CW licensing system for rivers in the Kootenay zone - i.e. pay $250 and get a seasons pass to the Elk, Michel & Alexander Creek for example, or for a longer period of time, say 5-10+ days. We both agreed it would be best if it was a fly fishing only licensing system, that it was likely to increase traffic on the more popular systems, but could be set up with close support from outfitters and guides in the area to make sure it worked for all of those who rely on those river systems to make a living. This leads me to my second question; what are the pros/cons of this 'ski-pass' like licensing system? Very interested to hear the communities thoughts! RW

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Kevin Van Tighem writes: "One of the things I've been hearing from the Alberta government staff involved in planning for public lands is that they aren't hearing from a lot of the people and groups who value wild places that come without motorized abuse. A lot of us simply gave up when the motorized hordes took over our favourite spots and looked around for peace, intact land and wildlife somewhere else. Abandonment shouldn't be an option if one truly cares for wild places, wild game and wild trout. And what's more frustrating is the degree to which commercial interests like off-highway vehicle sales outlets and gadgeteers have taken over our once-proud hunting and fishing traditions, replacing principled conservation with rampant consumerism and a war-on-nature attitude. A positive step towards advocating for the things that matter to us would be to organize those who believe in muscle-powered access and respectful engagement with wild trout and game animals in wild places. Groups like the Alberta Wilderness Association and CPAWS (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society) are doing great work, but much of my time in nature is spent with a fishing rod or gun in hand. So I've signed on as a member of BHA and am hoping enough others will do so that we can get an Alberta chapter in place and begin to speak up for ethical land management and our best outdoor traditions. Alberta's wild places deserve all the friends, and all the help, they can get." Andrew Waddington writes: "BHA is looking to open an Alberta Chapter. Check out their website to see what the are about. Becoming a member only costs $25 for the year and gets you 4 issues to their magazine!" https://www.facebook.com/groups/AlbertaBackcountryHunters/