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FlyCaster Newsletter Feb 2026

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Club News and Events

  • Executive Changes: Following the AGM, the club has a new executive, with the current President leading as VP.
  • Membership: Fees remain unchanged for 2026. The gate code is scheduled to change on February 13.
  • Upcoming Meetings:
    • Feb 10: Ross Chow on gear maintenance (Edmonton Public Library).
    • Mar 11: Paul Hvenegaard on fisheries management (Zoom).
    • Apr 14: Nicole Kimmel on invasive species and Prussian carp.

Fishing Destination: Hogarth Lakes

  • Location: Two small, shallow lakes in the Spray Lakes area of Kananaskis Country.
  • Fishing Details: Stocked every two years with 1,200 Cutthroat trout. They are open year-round, though a bait ban and a one-fish limit (over 40cm) apply.
  • Access: An easy 2km walk with no elevation gain from the Smith Dorrien road parking lot. Bear spray is recommended.

Regulatory Updates

The Alberta government is proposing updates to the Alberta Fishery Regulations to gain more provincial control over recreational fishing rules.

  • Game Fish: Adding species like Arctic char, bass, and kokanee to the game fish list to regulate bag limits.
  • Bait Fish: Removing the Brassy minnow from the bait list due to its threatened status.
  • Gear: Modernizing definitions for gear like “barbed hooks” and “artificial flies” to allow for quicker regional restrictions.
  • Feedback: Comments on these proposals are being accepted until Friday, February 20, 2026.

FlyCaster Newsletter Dec 2025

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  • AGM: January 13, 2026 at Jefferson Armouries. Key agenda: director reports, election of executive, aeration, spring cleanup, Sportsman Show booth, raffle, carp derby request.
  • Challenges: Record-low water levels threaten Spring Lake property; discussion needed on whether to keep or divest. Carp introductions raise concerns about invasive species.
  • Membership: Renew before Dec 31 to maintain AWF insurance. Gate code changes Feb 1, 2026.
  • Aeration: Four aerators installed at Spring Lake; volunteers needed for fencing and signage.
  • Programs: Members invited to suggest workshops (e.g., gear maintenance).

Broader Updates

  • AWF Fisheries: Angler apps show promise for data; large fish vital for sustainability; walleye SHLs sold over the counter in 2026.
  • Events: Volunteers needed for March 19–22 Boat & Sportsmen’s Show booth.
  • Rainbow Trout: Non-native except Athabasca strain, which is threatened.
  • AWF Annual Report: Membership stable (~13,700); finances tight; 50,000 acres conserved; new partnerships launched.
  • Ministry Response: Stocking capacity recovering; Spring Lake trout limit reduction under consideration.

Closing

  • Newsletter editor retiring Dec 31—volunteer needed.
  • Christmas greetings and proxy form included.