How come we're getting screwed

[fish gunner]

it s my belief that all lake's and rivers in alberta are held as a public resource.and agree that it should be so. my issue stands with the constant expansion of road ways/cut lines, allowing some not all ways respectful folk easy access to some of our nicest waters.some good public access waters have the misfortune of looking like the garbage never gets changed and a general state of neglect.I understand some one always wants throw the picnic table in the lake they just never seen to take the time to pull it back out.

[Rabdo]

Originally Posted by Don Andersen

OK - I understand rec centers, swimming pools, soccer fields, hockey arenas, baseball diamonds and the like. If you are going to increase the population you should/must/could do all of the above.
But what about the fishermen. To date, I haven't seen Govt jump into the fishing fray and make a lot of "new" fisheries. Sure irrigation dams get used but what about the rest of us.

In fact it's going the wrong way.

Over the past 25 years both streams and lakes have been "lost" to fishermen. What is the Govt intending to do to replace them and further to provide more not less angling opportunities?

regards,


Don

Did you contact anyone in Government about this issue?? I doubt they read the forums.

[yada]

Originally Posted by Rabdo

Did you contact anyone in Government about this issue?? I doubt they read the forums.

i kind of agree...

when most people think of recreation they dont think of fishing. We should let the government know how many of us actually are actually out there and that we actually care about our fisheries.

[horsetrader]

Originally Posted by fish gunner

it s my belief that all lake's and rivers in alberta are held as a public resource.and agree that it should be so. my issue stands with the constant expansion of road ways/cut lines, allowing some not all ways respectful folk easy access to some of our nicest waters.some good public access waters have the misfortune of looking like the garbage never gets changed and a general state of neglect.I understand some one always wants throw the picnic table in the lake they just never seen to take the time to pull it back out.

Yes I agree there are some people that will never get the idea that a water way is a resource that needs to be looked after. They are the ones that should suffer and not the entire public by cutting off access. We are definitely on the same page. we want the same thing just look at it slightly different.

[fish gunner]

Originally Posted by horsetrader

Yes I agree there are some people that will never get the idea that a water way is a resource that needs to be looked after. They are the ones that should suffer and not the entire public by cutting off access. We are definitely on the same page. we want the same thing just look at it slightly different.

did we just agree on some thing that's a major issue, thats a first.

[horsetrader]

Originally Posted by fish gunner

did we just agree on some thing that's a major issue, thats a first.

Ya found it hard to believe myself ... lol

[duffy4]

Just a few of the ADDITIONAL fishing opportunities in "recent years I can think of:

ELK CREEK POND, Dept. of highways was doing work on the trunk road and needing a large borrow pit to take gravel from. Someone in the habitat branch (we used to have one) requested they develope the borrow pit into a trout pond. It is stocked each year with rainbows and provides a "put and take fishery" that gets used by a lot of family fishing campers in the area.

BEAVER LAKE near Caroline. Was a reserviour with no sport fish and a no fishing regulation because it was supposed to be a "back up "water source for the Raven Brood Station. The brood station had some wells drilled for back up water and said Beaver lake did not have the water quality they would use in their facility. So some fisheries people in Rocky turnned it into an "quality trout fishery" and it has an airation systen on it to permote over wintering fish.

IRONSIDE POND, was a marginal trout stocked pond that was poor at over wintering fish. An airation system and a change in regulations has made it a good place to catch a big rainbow.

FIESTA LAKE , no fish in it, to an airated pond with special regulations and a good place to go to catch a big bow on a fly.

There are some others around but I think you get the idea that there has been new or improved fisheries developed by F&W in recent years. And they are looking at more possibilities.

[Don Andersen]

Gee Thanx Duffer,

Elk Creek Ponds - I installed the only habitat structures [sun screening devices] ever placed into these ponds to prevent the trout getting sun scald.

Fiesta Lake - did the original work on both water depths & winter O2 levels.

Ironside Pond - did virtually all the work in getting parking area, lake access point, permitting, power installation and fund raising. Of course, that also includes silly meetings, winter 02 studies, lake depth levels and the like.

Beaver Lake - organized all the fish sampling done by anglers till last year when I realized I was wasting my time as SRD wasn't changing the regulations/stocking based on the data.

Now getting back to the issue. Gee, ya' think that the SRD doesn't realize that the population of Alberta has risen 30% in the last 10 years. The tiny little ponds above hardly cuts it to offset the angling opportunities lost under the Three Rivers DAM


Don

[fishunter77]

I agree with Don.

Lakes that use to contain fish in the Northeast that don't anymore:
1. Upper Mann
2. Lower Mann
3. Bonnie Lake
4. Cache Lake
5. Hastings Lake

Thats just a few that had a fishery. Now the water levels are too low to put in a motorboat. How long will it take to these lakes to support anything. We lose more lakes every year so people hit the lakes that remain harder.

Long lake by Boyle has 200 boats on it every weekend in the summer. Many of the campgrounds are not worth going since the cutbacks yet everyone seems to be buying RVs.

It is time to let the government know that we need something done. I don't mind paying more for fishing and hunting licenses as long as it is for a good cause.

[Faststeel]

Originally Posted by Bigtoad

Increase fishing license cost (maybe hunting too?)and then make sure it gets put back into SRD. There were just over 250,000 fishermen last year in Alberta. I would assume that is just based on the number of licenses sold. They're just over $20 for a license right? So put it up to $40 and that extra $20 (If put back into SRD) translates into $5,000,000. We could buy a few extra employees and officers for that couldn't we?

Of course, the gov't would end up doing a survey or study to see if we really need to increase the number of officers/workers and the survey alone would cost $10 million so maybe it isn't such a good idea after all.

Cheers.

Pretty sure that all monies go into the general revenue fund not directly to F&W

[fish gunner]

well done DA. thank you for the hard work on the waters mentioned above.I have had the good fortune to fish both feista and beaver,fantastic little fisheries.how would one start a community group to take part in these types of activities. I live in olds and it would appear that no rod and gun, or outdoors man groups exist in my town.
I have discussed forming a anglers organization with my group of friends, they feel so dishearted by the pressure our waters face.there veiw increased access is not met by a responsible angling public.my veiw is more waters, less pressure per lake.I feel we need a group to get our voice, in the way the fishery progresses.I have inquired abought getting my 3 dug outs naturalized with pike, walleye and perch,reducing the need for constant stocking.the SRD fellow nearly laughed.why are attempts by a concerned citizen to help create a sustainable fishery over looked but bass pro gets to have trophy tank,an avenue not open to you and I.

[duffy4]

Originally Posted by Don Andersen

Gee Thanx Duffer,

Elk Creek Ponds - I installed the only habitat structures [sun screening devices] ever placed into these ponds to prevent the trout getting sun scald.

Fiesta Lake - did the original work on both water depths & winter O2 levels.

Ironside Pond - did virtually all the work in getting parking area, lake access point, permitting, power installation and fund raising. Of course, that also includes silly meetings, winter 02 studies, lake depth levels and the like.

Beaver Lake - organized all the fish sampling done by anglers till last year when I realized I was wasting my time as SRD wasn't changing the regulations/stocking based on the data.

Now getting back to the issue. Gee, ya' think that the SRD doesn't realize that the population of Alberta has risen 30% in the last 10 years. The tiny little ponds above hardly cuts it to offset the angling opportunities lost under the Three Rivers DAM


Don

The three rivers damnation was surly a great loss to fish habitat and fishing opportunity. And some people should really be taken to task on the "promised no net loss" B.S. (the AF&GA for one)

From your original post..."To date, I haven't seen Govt jump into the fishing fray and make a lot of "new" fisheries. Sure irrigation dams get used but what about the rest of us."...
I thought you had forgotten about some of the lakes/ponds that HAVE become avalible through the help of people such as yourself and Alberta government employees who do want to provide more angling opportunities.

EAST PIT LAKE up near Wabamun is another that the local Fish and Game Association had a lot to do with. and

MUIR LAKE is another relatively "new fishery".

Unfortunately Alberta has been having an "people bloom" and the water bodies with fish in them has not grown to give them all a great fishing hole.

Anyone have any really good doable solutions?

[Heron]

Originally Posted by duffy4

Anyone have any really good doable solutions?

Ya regulations. Delayed retention. Here we go again.

[Bhflyfisher]

Originally Posted by duffy4

The three rivers damnation was surly a great loss to fish habitat and fishing opportunity. And some people should really be taken to task on the "promised no net loss" B.S. (the AF&GA for one)

From your original post..."To date, I haven't seen Govt jump into the fishing fray and make a lot of "new" fisheries. Sure irrigation dams get used but what about the rest of us."...
I thought you had forgotten about some of the lakes/ponds that HAVE become avalible through the help of people such as yourself and Alberta government employees who do want to provide more angling opportunities.

EAST PIT LAKE up near Wabamun is another that the local Fish and Game Association had a lot to do with. and

MUIR LAKE is another relatively "new fishery".

Unfortunately Alberta has been having an "people bloom" and the water bodies with fish in them has not grown to give them all a great fishing hole.

Anyone have any really good doable solutions?

East pit was really good up until a few years ago. For some reason its been on a complete downward spiral. Muir is only good because of the size restriction and closing. And while some people are frustrated wanting more fisheries, there are two groups of people vocalizing for new fisheries or aid with older fisheries. Some wanting more meat fisheries where they can catch their limit, and some wanting more quality fisheries like muir. It sure doesnt take a lot to change an old 5 limit put and take rainbow trout fishery into a quality lake with big fish if managed properly. Its been done before, and some people just dont realize continuing to limit out in the winter/summer doesn't do these lakes any justice at all.

Theres gotta be a 50/50 here.

[Bigtoad]

Originally Posted by Faststeel

Pretty sure that all monies go into the general revenue fund not directly to F&W

I know... that's what I'm saying. Increase the cost of fishing licenses and give the increased money directly back to SRD. Govt's budget line doesn't change but the SRD budget sure would.

As stated before, an increase in $20 for a license would be an increase of $5 million to SRD's budget. That's a lot of fundraising to raise that amount of cash.

I like it because those that use the product, pay for it. Taxpayers don't pay any more than they already do (which is very little). And when I fork over the extra dough, at least I know it's going to be used in the area I am paying for. It also ensures that as anglers in Alberta increases, that the budget for SRD should as well.

Cheers.

[pipco]

Originally Posted by BeeGuy

I would expect that Alberta spends more per water body than any other province in the country.

Hmmm. What is your reasoning behind this?

If that is the case why do Saskatchewan and Manitoba seem to manage their fisheries much more efficiently with far less population (taxpayer dollars). In your opinion is it purely a management issue and not a dollars issue in Alberta?
I don't have the answers but am curious as to what greater minds than mine come up with.

stan

[huntsfurfish]

Hmmm, what about the fishing downstream of the dam? Good fishing to Lethbridge.

Still able to fish the reservoir (and have). Hear tell of large Bulls in that water. Have also heard rumors there may be lakers in there. Intend to check that out this year.

[WayneChristie]

Originally Posted by huntsfurfish

Hmmm, what about the fishing downstream of the dam? Good fishing to Lethbridge.

good fishing all the way to the forks, but to some people if it isnt trout it aint fishing. their loss IMO

[huntsfurfish]

Hey Wayne there is good fishing for trout down to Lethbridge, Oldman from Lethbridge to forks under fished

[huntsfurfish]

I kinda like fishing for all species, but not all do. I do have my favourites though.

[WayneChristie]

myself as well, trout are fine, but even a big sucker in heavy current can give an awesome fight. I fish for anything and have as much fun with a small perch as a huge sturgeon. I disagree with the governments stance on only stocking trout, we have other gamefish that need help as well.

[FishingFrenzy]

Originally Posted by WayneChristie

myself as well, trout are fine, but even a big sucker in heavy current can give an awesome fight. I fish for anything and have as much fun with a small perch as a huge sturgeon. I disagree with the governments stance on only stocking trout, we have other gamefish that need help as well.

X2!
I'd rather catch a pike over a stocked rainbow any day of the week. If they are creating these ponds for families and kids to be able to fish...pike are easier to catch, and more fun.

Personally I dont see any point in stocking rainbows... they dont thrive like native fish in many waters, they taste like mud, they dont reproduce, they dont even look purty....

Whats the point????

Heck I'd rather see them stock perch in the trout ponds. Perch can survive damn near anywhere, they are easy to catch, they taste good, etc.

Yes they can stunt but I think with proper management of the fishery, you could get a perch lake that produces some nice ones as well...

JUST my opinion...

[Flyfisher87]

[QUOTE=fish gunner;1296940]well done DA. thank you for the hard work on the waters mentioned above.

I too appreciate all the hard work you have done Don. My hat is off to you.

[Bhflyfisher]

Originally Posted by FishingFrenzy

X2!
I'd rather catch a pike over a stocked rainbow any day of the week. If they are creating these ponds for families and kids to be able to fish...pike are easier to catch, and more fun.

Personally I dont see any point in stocking rainbows... they dont thrive like native fish in many waters, they taste like mud, they dont reproduce, they dont even look purty....

Whats the point????

Heck I'd rather see them stock perch in the trout ponds. Perch can survive damn near anywhere, they are easy to catch, they taste good, etc.

Yes they can stunt but I think with proper management of the fishery, you could get a perch lake that produces some nice ones as well...

JUST my opinion...

.... this makes me think you've never actually experienced anything outside of 45 minute drive from any major city.

[huntsfurfish]

Originally Posted by FishingFrenzy

X2!
I'd rather catch a pike over a stocked rainbow any day of the week. If they are creating these ponds for families and kids to be able to fish...pike are easier to catch, and more fun.

Personally I dont see any point in stocking rainbows... they dont thrive like native fish in many waters, they taste like mud, they dont reproduce, they dont even look purty....

Whats the point????

Heck I'd rather see them stock perch in the trout ponds. Perch can survive damn near anywhere, they are easy to catch, they taste good, etc.

Yes they can stunt but I think with proper management of the fishery, you could get a perch lake that produces some nice ones as well...

JUST my opinion...

Serves a need, "Put and Take" fisheries. Hatcheries already established, relatively "cheap" and dont reproduce, somewhat easier to manage. Keeps many entertained and happy - that would be the point.

[Cal]

The same industries that destroy habitat and open up access to sensitive water leave very deep borrow pits all over the place. Some of those little ponds you see beside the oil roads are actualy very deep and some could probably support decent trout fisheries. I've fished a few ponds that have the same basic structure as borrow pit ponds, one north of Rimby allong the highway and one in the Alder flats area and they have provided decent fishing Although I dont believe for a moment that giving us put and take trout ponds makes up for the fisheries that get ruined it is better than nothing and takes some of the pressure off of the remaning fisheries.

[Dale S]

Originally Posted by huntsfurfish

Hey Wayne there is good fishing for trout down to Lethbridge, Oldman from Lethbridge to forks under fished

There is no good fishing there.