Welcome to Week XXXI of 'Fishing Parkland Shorelines'. Like most of us I am a novice fisherman, loving to fish, but far from an expert, In the following weeks I'll attempt to give those anglers who love to fish but just don't have access a boat a look at some of the options in the Yorkton area where you can fish from shore, and hopefully catch some fish for a good summer fry.
Among sport fishing enthusiasts there is little doubt trout holds a special place in the hierarchy of preferred species to hook and land.
Whether going deep in a northern lake in pursuit of monster Lake Trout, or casting a fly for brookies in a stream, trout are esteemed by many ardent anglers.
Phil Rowley, Marketing and Communications Trout Unlimited Canada says there are varied reasons for the deep interest fishermen have in trout.
"Trout are one of the world`s most desirable and challenging sports fish," he said. "Trout live in the most pristine wild environments that humans are naturally attracted too. The trout almost becomes secondary to the environments they live and thrive in."
For those unfamiliar with Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) it was founded in Montreal in 1972 by a group of concerned fly fishers.
"Growing out of a response to challenges to freshwater and cold water fisheries occurring at that time, TUC was based on the model established by Trout Unlimited in the U.S.," explained Rowley. "Our focus on volunteer driven, member based resource conservation and commitment to hands-on activity has been followed ever since."
As might be expected TUC is a conservation organization first and foremost, with a stated mission "to conserve, protect and restore Canada's freshwater ecosystems and their cold water resources for current and future generations," said Rowley. "TUC works with all trout species, both native and stocked, but our primary focus is in native naturally self-sustaining species."
To do its work TUC has four established goals;
To conserve and protect Canada's freshwater fish and their ecosystems and restore their cold water resources to a healthy and productive state;
To develop and apply effective, science-based and measurable cold water conservation solutions in the field;
To inform the public about cold water conservation issues and educate communities about their watersheds;
To build and sustain a healthy organization.
"We provide better fishing through improving water quality, maintaining water flow, improving fish habitat and protecting native species and fisheries," said Rowley.
In an increasingly urban-based and industrial world fish do face pressures.
"Urban encroachment including habitat loss, angling pressure, limited protection through government legislation and enforcement, habitat protection," said Rowley, are all things which can negatively impact trout habitat, and are thus areas of concern for his organization.
At present there is one TUC chapter in Saskatchewan.
"We presently have one chapter in Saskatchewan, the Doug Cressman Chapter based out of Saskatoon," said Rowley. He added more information about the chapter is available on the organization's website, www.tucanada.org and the chapter specific page, http://www.tucanada.org/index.asp?p=2148
The chapter is named in honour of the late Doug Cressman, former CEO of Trout Unlimited Canada. "Doug Cressman saw a need for the presence of Trout Unlimited Canada in Saskatchewan and initiated the organizations first projects to protect and preserve the cold water streams in the province," noted the website.
"The Doug Cressman Chapter's focus is centered on the protecting, preserving, and restoring the cold water streams of the Frenchman River watershed, which includes Belanger, Sucker, Conglomerate Creeks and the upper Frenchman River," said Rowley. "In the past we have worked on the Frenchman River watershed located in Cypress Hills."
You can read more about the work we have done previously on the Frenchman watershed on our Saskatchewan Legacy Projects page, http://www.tucanada.org/index.asp?p=2102.
The chapter in Saskatoon is one of 30 across Canada representing some 4000 members.
I will say in terms of a fisherman resource the TUC website is one which should be bookmarked on your computer. There are two areas worth regular visits.
The first is the News Room. There you will find dozens of pages with stories of interest to the trout brethren.
As an example in November Jack Imhof, TUC's National Biologist & Director of Conservation Ecology, received the prestigious Conservation Pioneer Award. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated life-long outstanding contributions to the field of conservation.
Another article relates how TUC staff along with members of the Bow Headwaters Chapter and the Bow Valley Stewards completed a native tree/shrub planting event as part of the Policeman Creek Habitat Enhancement Project.
"A total of 325 shrubs were planted on the islands that were constructed earlier in the year. Volunteers also seeded native riparian grasses to help naturalize these previously un-vegetated islands. The willows and grasses planted this fall will help to stabilize the banks of the islands, provide cover for waterfowl and fish, and develop a functional riparian zone.
"The islands were created during the construction phase of the Habitat Enhancement Project in which five pools were excavated to provide overwintering refugia and enhanced summer habitat for fish within Policeman Creek. Brook Trout and Brown Trout are known to reside in the creek but face a shortage of suitable overwintering habitat as the water levels in the creek drop during the winter months."
The project is an excellent example of what TUC through local chapters work to achieve to the benefit of trout and the people who fish them.
The TUC also has a number of blogs which connect members and fishermen to more day-to-day activities associated with various programs and chapters.
While supporting conservation work focused on habitat for trout is the main reason of membership with TUC, Rowley said there are other benefits for fishermen.
Some of the member benefits include, A free subscription to Fly Fusion magazine, the official publication partner of Trout Unlimited Canada and home to our Currents newsletter, local chapter membership (if a local chapter is present), Trout Unlimited Canada pin and decal and a Membership ID card.
Costs for membership are, Youth/Student: $20.00, Regular: $40.00, Family: $60.00, Guides/Outfitters: $300.00, Corporate: $500.00 and Lifetime: $1000. For more details on each membership type please visit Become a Member webpage, http://www.tucanada.org/index.asp?p=2016.
The Currents newsletters are also available as pdf downloads dating back to the 2006, which gives fisherman some interesting reading.
Speaking of a resource guide for fishermen, check out the newstands right now and grab a copy of 'Gear'.
'Gear' is the 2013 equipment guide from the folks at In-Fishermen.
Most anglers who have an interest in reading about their passion will know In-Fisherman, one of the premier fishing magazines on the market, and they do it again with the special edition 'Gear'.
Now be warned this is the stuff which will make most fisherman experience pangs of longing to be out on the lake again, and it is also likely to make grown men suddenly begin to drool uncontrollably.
Within its page 'Gear' gives us a look at what new is hitting the market in time for the 2013 season, rods, reels, line, lures and electronics included.
I was amazed at the ever-evolving technology of fishing line, in particular the impact the development of fluorocarbon line has had, and more recently the introduction of nanofil. In the simplest terms what we are seeing is ever finer diametre lines with ever increasing strength. That is off course good news. The smaller line diametre the more we can wrap on our favourite reels, and the less likely the line itself is to spook a wary fish.
That said smaller lines are a bit more difficult to cast effectively, so there is a learning curve for fishermen too.
Having some insights provided by expert writers never hurts as many of us will put fresh line on come spring before going out opening day.
I am also always intrigued by the latest lures, and in particular these days the expanding realm of soft baits, the world of rubber grubs, grayfish, minnows, worms and grubs. The colours, sizes and uses grow every season, and it's great to get a sneak peek at what might be hot in the new year.
