Chester Lake

[jts1]

Chester opens on the first I think it is. I am going to hike my fat ars up there. Anyone care to make some plans and join me. For anyone that has never been there. It has small Cuts and they say some Dolly I only had one Dolly last year and it was just a little snake. Its a wonderful hike in and the lake is picture perfect. I have bumped into a few bear up there so keep that in mind.
http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj253/jts1_album/Jeffs%20Home%20Vids/?action=view&current=008.flv

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj253/jts1_album/Fish%20Pics/24720_101036656601087_1000008426045.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj253/jts1_album/Fish%20Pics/24720_101036659934420_1000008426045.jpg

[nicemustang]

I'd do it with you sometime, although that day I'll be at newell camping that weekend.

[jts1]

How about July 17/18 either day will work for me.

[nicemustang]

Yup, should be able to do that, baby permitting...(due on the 25th).

[jts1]

Yikes its allmost time huh. Congrats. Going to grow up to be a great fisher of men. Thats the weekend I will be going, depending on weather. But we still need a guy that runs slower than both of us. "in case of bear"

[brianscott]

Jeff I can probably do that hike with you but it wouls have to be on the 2nd

we are working Canada day and are taking a 3 day weekend

[Kingfisher]

Jeff I might come with you. But with my bum knee I'll be bear bait for sure. So I'll be bringing, 6 containers of bear spray, 4 Crocodile Dundee knives and I won't shower from now until then so I'll smell really bad. That way Mr. Furry Face might just pass the cripple up and go for one of you tastier and better smelling guys. :sHa_shakeshout:

Rob

[McLeod]

Ypu are right on with the opening day..A Report would be good..Should bea busy place.

Chester Lake (26-21-10-W5) & tributaries & outlet
July 1 to Oct. 31 – Northern Dolly Varden limit 2; Cutthroat Trout limit 2 under 30 cm; Bait Ban.

[slingshotz]

Do you guys hike up with a belly boat or just waders? I'd love to come along if you don't need a belly boat. We might be in the process of moving but if it's on the Canada Day weekend we could probably manage a day away.

[DarkAisling]

I'm kind of interested . . . how long is the hike? I'd be the bear bait for sure . . . so no worries there, Rob!

[pikester]

I'd love to meet up with ya at the parking lot & head up there but right now it looks like I'll probably be working:sign0161: If my situation changes I will definitely give it a go. Would love to meet some of the members here!

Shelley, the hike totally depends on how good a shape a person is in & how many times you have to stop for people to have smoke breaks like my best friend:thinking-006: lol, but if I remember right it takes about 1 -1.5 hours to get up there. 20 minutes to get down with a bear chasing you lol!

[jts1]

You dont need waders at all up there It is a great little lake Lots of places to fish from shore. The view up there is next to none for sure. I will be just taking my fly rod and a back pack for the day. We may have a caravan going up the mountain from the looks of things. The fish are by no means huge but they are plentiful and aggressive. They were hitting my indicator time and time again on the fly rod last time I was there. I have vids for anyone that would like to see some of the trail up and the lake. here is a link to some information Its about 10k round trip

http://http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Chester-Lake-Peter-Lougheed-Provincial-Park-near-Kananaskis-AB-1532

[DarkAisling]

That link really helps . . . thanks Jeff! I think the hike in might be within my limitations on a day when my arthritis isn't too bad.

I better get on the bike in our basement, start taking my glucosamine again, and stock up on Motrin. I'll confirm my attendance closer to the date (once you've got a set date, which I don't think you have yet: by the looks of things).

If we have enough people to go up in two groups that would be great: so the cripples don't slow the others down.

[iliketrout]

Since Kingfisher is going to be the bear bait, I'll tag along and be the 2nd slowest guy climbing the mountain. Count me in, either day should work for me.

[nicemustang]

Sweet, sounds fun. I'll be spinning though, so stay away fly fishermans!

[Kingfisher]

Since Kingfisher is going to be the bear bait, I'll tag along and be the 2nd slowest guy climbing the mountain. Count me in, either day should work for me.

Ya I see how this works. The fat guy with the bum knee signs up then all of a sudden we got our bear bait and people come flooding out of the woodwork. :thinking-006:

Will be great to go for a hike with you all. Hope you can keep up.

Rob

[jts1]

One good thing is it is C&R only. So no fish in the backpack on the way down for AKA Furry Face I think Rob put it. Dont think you will be the last one up to the top Rob. There will be a halftime or two on the way up. As I said on my first post "My fat ars" I am free all that weekend July 16/17 So what ever day works for the mass of us will be cool with me. Weather depending I am not sure how much snow there will be up there. Last time it was 28 at the parking lot and still some snow up at the lake just small patch's here and there. There is a bathroom at the top beside the lake. Am going to stress that bear smart is the way to go As there will be a group of us noise wont be an issue. But bear spray is a good idea. Be sure to bring your camera's as you will get some wicked shots up there. A morning car pool for some of the boys may be in order. No need for 9 cars.

[Steven Noel]

Chester certainly was a beautiful lake. I love my alpines..... fishing was good but very busy, too much so for my likeing.

[ULTRAlite]

Chester certainly was a beautiful lake. I love my alpines..... fishing was good but very busy, too much so for my likeing.

tough to get around that on weekends. Weekday fishing rules!

[Spidey]

Waaaaaaay to busy there on opening day (or week). That's why us locals started saying "Calgarian" with gritted teeth.....

[jts1]

I am still looking to get up to Chester on the 16th or 17th. Any of you still game?

[nicemustang]

I am, although like said previously it will all depend how the wife is feeling. Less than 3 weeks to go.....I'll be a game time decision.

[jts1]

I would like to leave as early as I can Its going to be a few hrs to hike up there. marcus is in as well I think so thats 3 thus far

Mustang
jts1
Sucram

Rob and Dark are you two still game?

[S-in-Cochrane]

If you don't mind an inexperienced trout fisher tagging along ( grew up in Northern MB ... walleyes. ..) I would love to go. Also I'm not much of a fly fisher but will be practicing spin-fly fishing.

Would be leaving from Cochrane, but could give a couple people a lift from NW Calgary if anyone needs.


__
S

[nicemustang]

Don't worry, all i do I fish for eyes and I don't fly fish. That's why they invented the five of diamonds. Idiot proof. That's all I'll be doing.

[jts1]

You bet come along. We will have a great bunch of guys should be a good time.

P.S. the new guy has got to keep the bacon in his pocket to distract the bears while we all run. I am sure you understand

[DarkAisling]

Rob and Dark are you two still game?

My knees have been brutally bad over the last week (can't climb the stairs from our basement), so I'm not sure yet. It is looking pretty iffy at this point . . . but I hope they turn around.

[SuCraM]

I am in for sure.

[S-in-Cochrane]

You bet come along. We will have a great bunch of guys should be a good time.

P.S. the new guy has got to keep the bacon in his pocket to distract the bears while we all run. I am sure you understand

Haha. Not a problem.

What types of flies are used for lake fishing? I currently own a whopping 3 different flies. Black wooly bugger, elk hair caddis, and hares ear nymph I bought on a whim at crappy tire.

Would like to keep trying this spin-fly setup but will resort to spoon and spinners if it doesn't work out.

[FishBrain]

If I am feeling better I will join you. Have you figured out if it is the 17th or 18th your going?

[jts1]

I think Marcus is only free on the 17th So since no one has said anything about a set date we will make it for the 17th. Less weather sucks then we will do the 18th. Its going to be a few hrs with the drive and the hike before we get lines wet. So I am looking to head out early in the AM. Maybe some eggs and bacon at the gas station on the #1 HWY at the Cochrane turn off may be in order. Would make a good meeting place.

[nicemustang]

Petro canada on hiway #1 and 22 Saturday July 17th at 7:00 am?

[jts1]

Sounds good to me. Its a man date. Last guy there buys.

[jacenbeers]

I would love to come along and can definitely be there on those days. I am going to be heading there this Sunday as well.

[jts1]

This trip is open to any and everyone. Meet us at the resterant @ 7.

[BobLoblaw]

From another forum:

"Got up to Chester today. The lake is 95% ice free and the cutts were rising. We ended up with a bunch and lost a bunch more. The water is really cold so the fish didn't seem as active as they usually are this time of year. I figure a week of good warm temps and the lake will go off, many cutts were in the small stream below the lake but they didn't seem to want to take anything we were offering. It was an awesome day as my brother who is new to fly fishing go his first fish on the dry! Beautiful weather and the lake was glass making casting easy."

Looks like y'all will be hitting Chester at the right time; good luck!

[jts1]

Thnx Bob cant wait to get some great pics.

[jacenbeers]

I hiked into Chester yesterday. The hike was nice and the trail is beautiful. A lot of hikers were going up there but only my wife and I as well as two others were fishing. I only caught one fish on my spin gear that I packed in and it was a Dolly Varden on a small 5 of Diamonds. The fish are all pretty small. I dont think I saw anything over a foot. There are TONS and I mean TONS of cutties in there. The creek was full of them and I regretted not bringing my fly rod because it was way to shallow for casting with my spin rod.

I will be going with you guys up there on Saturday. I will probably spend most of my time fly fishing because I think that is the ticket in there. The two other guys who were there were catching lots of fish on fly rods.

JTS1: Any idea of what type of flies I should pick up before I head out there? Is it too late in the season for nymphing?

[jts1]

I use dry flies and beetles up there. To be honest I have never had to use anything els with the fish being so plentiful and aggressive. The silly lil Cuts go after the indicator.

[iliketrout]

I have to bail out, I've just inherited a set of tickets to the rodeo on Saturday.

[jacenbeers]

I use dry flies and beetles up there. To be honest I have never had to use anything els with the fish being so plentiful and aggressive. The silly lil Cuts go after the indicator.


Awesome. Good to know. I bought a couple of dry flies and some nymphs today from Bow River Troutfitters to get ready. He said he was there this year already and was successful using anything brown.

[SuCraM]

Cant make guys as I have to watch my little guy that day. Hope you all have fun.

[FishBrain]

Yeah crap, I am out.
Stupid gas meter guys are moving the meter outside on the 17th. between 12 and 2

[jts1]

Just to check on who was still going to come along?

We will be meeting at the Petro Canada. Hwy #1 and 22 Departing from there @ 7AM. Anyone wishing to do a hearty breakfast before going out I will be there at 6. I can be contacted @ 403 400 4560 We will be hiking into Chester Lake. Please be bear aware.

I have no confirmations but this is a list of people

Nicemustang
Kingfisher
jts1
Slingshotz
S-in-Cochrane
Jacenbeers

[jacenbeers]

I am 100% in. I might be going a little earlier and will just meet you guys up there.

[jts1]

Depending on the reply on who is still in. I may join you.

[slingshotz]

Wife and I are still planning on going. I don't know exactly where the hike to Chester Lake starts as we've never been there before but if no one is meeting at the Petro Canada we can meet at the trail head.

We'll be taking the dog too so she can be the bear deterrent (or bait!) :)

[WayneChristie]

We'll be taking the dog too so she can be the bear deterrent (or bait!) :)

I bet the dog will be able to outrun Jeff, no worries ;)

[Kingfisher]

I will be ready at 6am with bells on. Our lab Tika will be coming along too.

See ya at 6.

Rob

[Okotokian]

I've never been to Chester as I'd heard that with it being such a short easy hike in, it's the most crowded lake in the area. True, or are people exaggerating?

[sheephunter]

I'd bet that Lillian, Elbow and Rawson are busier but count on seeing lots of people at Chester on a warm weekend. Still a fun hike and nice little lake to fish.

[Calgaryguy1977]

I'd love to go with you guys too but I'm supposed to work that day. I will check and see if I can surrender it or have someone pick up my shift.

[jts1]

I will be ready at 6am with bells on. Our lab Tika will be coming along too.

See ya at 6.

Rob
You bet I will beb bangn on your door @ 6 AM

I've never been to Chester as I'd heard that with it being such a short easy hike in, it's the most crowded lake in the area. True, or are people exaggerating?

I have been there twice now and been the only guy on the lake both times Lots of people hiking up there but never seen anyone fishing

I'd love to go with you guys too but I'm supposed to work that day. I will check and see if I can surrender it or have someone pick up my shift.

Let us know

[Kingfisher]

At work tonight my boss asked me to work Saturday. I said I already made plans. So no work for this guy. I'm so out of shape though that it will be work enough just getting up that damn hill. I haven't done that hike in there for at least 15 years. Oh this is going to hurt on Sunday. :sign0176:

Rob

[S-in-Cochrane]

I'll be at Petro Can by 6:30 if we're still going to be meeting there.

[jts1]

Sounds good to me I am going to be @ Robs by 6 am He is on the west side of town so its an easy trip out of the city. I have two friends that are going to fallow us Rob. They are new to fishing and kinda redneck. I bet they start slinging pike gear for little cuts.

[jts1]

Will be at the petro canada on hwy 1 and 22 around 630 or so. I will be with Rob I think he has a red dodge truck and my fallowers will be in an old ford 1/2 ton

[slingshotz]

I will be ready at 6am with bells on. Our lab Tika will be coming along too.

See ya at 6.

Rob

Sweet, our dog has something else to bother besides people. Hope your dog is patient with other dogs, ours is a little high strung at the start of the day until she gets tired out.

[jts1]

Sling will you be at the Petro Canada in the morning? My cell is 403 400 4560

[jacenbeers]

I will be up there meeting you guys but I will not be at Petro. I am going to go straight there. I will be wearing a black hat and a blue hoodie and black pants. If it gets hot I will be wearing my purple tshirt with a spider on it.

[S-in-Cochrane]

Well, I sat at the petro can drinking coffee from 6:30 till 8:00. Didn't see a soul.

Was going to head home, get the puppy and head up myself but.. stayin home now.

Hope ya'll have fun.

[DarkAisling]

Well, I sat at the petro can drinking coffee from 6:30 till 8:00. Didn't see a soul.

Was going to head home, get the puppy and head up myself but.. stayin home now.

Hope ya'll have fun.

Oh no! I wonder what happened? :confused: Serious bummer :(

Isn't it silly how people forget to trade cell #s? I can't tell you how many times I've neglected to do that, only to be bitten in the backside for it.

[jacenbeers]

Thanks for setting it up Jeff. I had a lot of fun. Thanks for all the tips Rob. It was fun fishing with you. It was nice to meet you Will (and your wife whose name I did not hear)

[slingshotz]

Well, I sat at the petro can drinking coffee from 6:30 till 8:00. Didn't see a soul.

Was going to head home, get the puppy and head up myself but.. stayin home now.

Hope ya'll have fun.

We arrived late (just before 7) and didn't see jts or kingfisher so we took off right away or Chester. I didn't even realize that someone else was going to meet us there, sorry about that.

Pretty much a perfect day all around. These pics pretty much sums it up.

[jts1]

Well, I sat at the petro can drinking coffee from 6:30 till 8:00. Didn't see a soul.

Was going to head home, get the puppy and head up myself but.. stayin home now.

Hope ya'll have fun.

OMG I am soooo sry In the confusion and plans changing every day. Some how it slipped by. We went by there @ 630 and I seen no one sitting there parking lot was empty. My wife says she gave you a number to reach us but do didn't get any call in rout. AGAIN I am Syr. I hope that you will give us all another shot on the next trip.

[jts1]

Had a great day at Chester. Everyone got a bunch of little Cuts and Dolly , weather could not have been better nore could the company.

http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj253/jts1_album/chester%20Lake/

[jacenbeers]

I only took two pictures and it was of the first cutt I caught. I hooked him in the eye.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5MbfUDNuJ_U/TEMeC1eQB8I/AAAAAAAAAN8/hD2jy_JpM2E/s1600/P1010429.JPG

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5MbfUDNuJ_U/TEMeChTOueI/AAAAAAAAAN0/Ei9NoChl6Qg/s1600/P1010428.JPG

[Calgaryguy1977]

I only took two pictures and it was of the first cutt I caught. I hooked him in the eye.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5MbfUDNuJ_U/TEMeC1eQB8I/AAAAAAAAAN8/hD2jy_JpM2E/s1600/P1010429.JPG

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5MbfUDNuJ_U/TEMeChTOueI/AAAAAAAAAN0/Ei9NoChl6Qg/s1600/P1010428.JPG

Did you keep him? Or did he get away ok? An eye hook would probably be deadly I assume.

[pikester]

Did you keep him? Or did he get away ok? An eye hook would probably be deadly I assume.

Nope. I imagine in some instances that might be the case but I have personally caught a couple trout & one pike that had only 1 eye so obviously those fish lived.

[slingshotz]

Both Kingfisher and I caught the same fish a few hours apart on opposite ends of the lake that shows how resilient some fish are. How'd I know it was the same fish? It had part of its gills sticking out from the gill plate mostly likely from a poor release. It wasn't bleeding at all and was really scrappy so mostly likely it didn't happen in the same day.

That just proves that fish don't really learn :lol:

[Kingfisher]

Well, I sat at the petro can drinking coffee from 6:30 till 8:00. Didn't see a soul.

Was going to head home, get the puppy and head up myself but.. stayin home now.

Hope ya'll have fun.

Man that sucks totally. My sincere appologies. I am bummed about that one for sure. We both had our cell's with us too. Next time let's make damn sure everyone gets cell numbers. It was a great trip and I'm sorry you missed us.

Even though me being the cripple (one bad knee and the other sprained ankle) I had a very good time. Was nice to take a leisurely pace to the lake and enjoy the company of Will's wife, Lorrissa. Good thing someone was going to stay back and take their time.

jacenbeers Thanks for setting it up Jeff. I had a lot of fun. Thanks for all the tips Rob. It was fun fishing with you. It was nice to meet you Will (and your wife whose name I did not hear) It was great to fish with you Jacen. Keep up the good work on the casting. You had some difficult places to learn from. You did good concidering all those rocks behind you that kept stealing your flies. Good thing I brought lots of flies with me. :character0053:;)

My dog was so tired from playing around with Luna all day long that she couldn't even get into my truck. I had to pick her up and put her in the truck myself. She was just bagged. You know your dog had a good day when they are too damn tired to jump into the truck.
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/attachment.php?attachmentid=24392&d=1279435399
Tika and Luna taking a quick break in the snow.

Thanks to one and all. It was a great trip. Sore as hell on Sunday though. My ankle killed me. But what the heck. It's worth every bit of the pain.

Rob

[S-in-Cochrane]

Awesome pics guys,

Just got back to my office from a couple of days down in Omaha, wasn't hidin from the forum or nothin like that.


Cheers,

S

[ULTRAlite]

Very cool - wish I could have been there... brother's wedding. Were the dollies pretty willing to take the same offerings as the cutties? Foam dries with legs?

[slingshotz]

We were getting the dollies on the same things as the cutties, almost anything dark colored. The dollies I got were on Kingfisher's small olive green streamer and dark brown dry flies.

The big dollies weren't willing to hit the big streamers though.