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Oct 2018 Fly Caster

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

I hope everyone had a great summer and that you all got out for some great fishing at Spring Lake or other destinations. It was a challenge this year for many to find great fishing conditions although some good days were had. With terrible BC wildfire smoke and frequent rains it was difficult to get onto the Eastslope rivers this summer with most weekends having high water or flood conditions.

I recently returned from a 2 1/2 week trip to Ontario to visit family and friends and also get in some salmon fishing that was fantastic at times and completely uneventful at others. I was able to land 26 salmon on the days that weren’t scorching hot and humid with the best day occurring during the remnants of Tropical Storm Gordon with high winds and driving rain accompanied by psychotic fresh fish in the 20 to 25 lb range. Hooked up with over forty fish that day. Landed 12. Got completely drenched. It was amazing. 

The fish in the picture is a small male from the previous day.

I had a few great days exploring new waters this year including the Raven and Shunda Creek and managed to get several nice browns.

It is with much apprehension however to hear of a chlorine water spill in the Nordegg River. We can only hope that the spill was smaller than first reported and the concentration was low.

Mark
ETFC October Meeting Reminder

A reminder that our next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, October 16, 2018 @ 7 PM @ Queen Mary Park Community Hall.

There will be a short business meeting followed by members sharing their stories of summer vacations and fishing adventures. Please bring your photos in digital format!

Get your free ticket for the door prize of a bag of fly tying materials – light refreshments will be provided

We will also be accepting new memberships & membership renewals at the meeting. Anyone needing boat stickers for watercraft stored at the lake can get them for free at the meeting.

Click the link below to get your membership renewal/application forms.

ETFC 2019 Membership Application Form
SPRING LAKE LUNKER!

Peter Mapplebeck is with his granddaughter Alyssum Mapplebeck holding what is the largest trout to come out of Spring Lake in recent memory. This rainbow is over 26″ long!!

This fish is definitely a contender for several trophies for 2018 including ETFC Largest Trout and AFGA Largest Rainbow Trout.

Congratulations Peter!!!
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

There are several items that are up for consideration of our membership and the discussions will begin at the next meeting October 16 2018 if you are unable to attend the upcoming meetings and would like your voice to be heard please reply to this email or contact the club executive.

1. ACA Spring Lake Aeration Support – The ETFC had made a five year commitment to donate $1000 per year to the ACA to offset the costs of aeration at Spring Lake during the winter months. This 5 year commitment has ended and we are asking the membership if they want to renew this donation. The aeration program has enabled Spring lake to become one of the best fisheries in the area by keeping trout alive over our long winters and the $1000/year helps the ACA offset the costs of materials, electricity and labour. Your executive supports this renewed commitment.

2. Dock Removal – We are suggesting Sunday October 21 for the annual Spring Lake Fall clean up and dock removal. The weather forecast suggests this will be a mild weekend suitable for this work so if we have enough volunteers for this date we will move forward with these plans.

3. Spring Lake Fishing Regulations – Some members have suggested that fishing at Spring Lake could be greatly improved for all with some changes to the fishing regulations specifically at Spring Lake. The lake is currently listed as a Stocked Trout Lake and is open all year with 5 trout limit per person with no size or tackle restrictions. Your executive is seeking your opinion on the following suggested changes.

  • Daily catch limit – Currently 5 fish – Proposed reduction to 2 fish, no size restrictions.
  • Ice fishing restrictions – Currently open all year – Proposed ice fishing closure or season reductions.
  • Bait fishing – Currently no special restrictions – Proposed bait ban or bait restrictions
  • Lake classification – Currently a Stocked Trout Lake – Proposed change to Quality Trout Fishery

Please note – The executive is not currently endorsing or recommending any or all of these changes. We are simply initiating a discussion to help improve angling at a very special local lake.
Club Calendar

Tuesday, October 16, 2018 – 7:00 PM – Regular Meeting @ Queen Mary Park Community Hall 10844 117 St. – Guest speaker – club members.

Tuesday, November 20, 2018 – 7:00 PM – Regular Meeting @ Queen Mary Park Community Hall 10844 117 St. – Guest speaker TBA.

Sunday, December 9, 2018 – 10:30 AM – ETFC Christmas Brunch @ Executive Royal Inn, 10010 178 St. Edmonton – Contact Ron Sohnle for tickets & details. We are requesting donations for prizes.
ron.sohnle@yahoo.ca