Welcome to Week XXXIII 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.
So 2012 is in the books and thankfully the ancient Mayans must have misread their signs, so we will be able to go fishing again this year.
Looking back on the year that was, in terms of fishing 2012 was simply outstanding. The fish were biting from the first trip out until the last.
Sure there were a few lakes on a few days when fish proved stubborn, but big walleye at the new Togo bridge, Canora Dam and Fishing Lakes, an idyllic spot find at Schutte Lake, my first channel catfish, my first tasty little bullhead catfish, and a big pike at Echo Lake all add up to an unforgettable year of shore fishing.
So what lies ahead for 2013?
Well here is my fishing resolutions for the year ahead.
I will learn how to cast a fly rod. This is something I've wanted to learn for a long time, after finding out on a couple of evenings at Jaycee Beach that I don't have a clue what I'm doing with a fly rod in-hand. At least now I have someone willing to guide me, so while snow is on the ground I hope to get in a couple of lessons to be ready for spring.
I have been challenged on this one as my son suggested a friendly wager on who catches the first fish on a fly rod, with dinner in the balance.
Of course in 2012 I had the only catfish between the two of us, the largest pike by a few pounds and the bigger walleye too, so I see no reason the winning trend won't continue this year.
So Adam if you really want to be schooled yet again, and buy dinner too, you are on kiddo.
Once I have an idea of what I am doing with my fly rod, getting a pike on a fly in the spring is a must. I can only imagine the thrill of battling an angry 'jackfish' on a fly rod.
So now that I have an idea about the fly rod, I have to get back to Spear and Goose Lakes in Manitoba for a shot at some trout. In 2013 I want to catch a trout on a fly rod.
In 2012 a number of the early season walleye and pike were loaded with roe. It went into the garbage barrel. Well not this spring. I plan on frying up some roe and enjoying.
As for new lakes, always something special in my world, a trip to McBride Lake is planned for the new year. The lake is not that far from Yorkton, heading due north, and has the added attraction of having Parr Hill PePaw and Little Swan Lakes close by.
Townsend Lake north of Arran is another destination on my 2013 list, with nearby Smallfish, Spirit, and Elbow Lakes adding to the lure of the area. I just need to confirm some shore fishing spots exist at these lakes and plan a weekend jaunt.
A third destination will be the Blue Lakes in Duck Mountain Provincial Park in Manitoba. They are supposed to be beautiful, and offer a shot at a Lake Trout, both great reasons to head east.
As for species, besides the desire for a fly rod trout, two make my list of interest for 2013. I want to catch a burbot. The best chance at that may come through the ice in one of the lakes in the Qu'Appelle Valley. I used to catch burbot at Tobin Lake a lifetime ago, when they were pretty much looked at as a garbage fish and tossed back in the water, although many left them on shore for the bears too.
Today they have gained the title 'Prairie' lobster, and I want to experience that tasty possibility.
The other target fish for 2013 is a carp. This is another Qu'Appelle Valley chain species. They are noted fighters, and get very large, a compelling combination to land. Rarely ate here, they are popular cuisine in Japan, so that might make for some interesting kitchen experimenting too.
Well that should cover it for 2013, and if I manage to make good on this list it will be another outstanding season.
I also need to take some space here to give a tip of the fishing hat to a Canadian fishing magazine with a western focus.
Hooked is published in Winnipeg. The winter edition of 2012 is out, and as you might expect it focuses on ice fishing.
While it's great to see Canadian stories from closer to home, it is also great getting to see advertisements for fishing derbies and resorts which are at least somewhat closer to home too.
Kevin Stobbe, President, Hooked Media Inc. explained via email Hooked was 'launched in 2008 by Steven Wintemute and Kevin Stobbe, who have had a history of starting successful magazines together. Steven is the fishing guru and Kevin is the design/business guru."
Stobbe said they always envisioned a magazine for the everyday fisherman rather than one detailing professional level adventures too far off locales.
"The grass roots, everyday angler and outdoors person, from beginner to pro," he said, although a read tells of the publication points to a more weekend fisherman focus. "We love the outdoors and think our country is blessed with some of the most amazing places to fish and explore. We provide information, editorial and advertising content relevant to that."
When it comes to the strength of Hooked as a fishing magazine, Stobbe said it comes from the regional approach they take.
"It's a central Canada magazine with a national feel," he said. "We promote the sustainability of the industry and the conservation of our great outdoors.
"We have great writers, from readers to professionals. We encourage our readers to get youth involved for the next generation of anglers and outdoors people. And we have really, really big fish."
Like most magazines Hooked has regular departments and Stobbe said several are very popular including Reel stories (from readers), Scott Sime's 'Last Cast' page, Tips and Tricks, and the 'Hooked Kids' and 'Hall of Fame' pictures sent in by our readers.
"Everyone loves to see their face in print," he said.
In addition to the print version of the magazine Hooked in online at www.hookedmagazine.com
The site is an excellent resource for area fishermen.
"We have back issues online, post videos and blogs, special features and the ability to subscribe online securely through Pay Pal," said Stobbe.
So pop by the website, download a back issue for a good read, check out the blogs, and do some summer dreaming of a big pike on a warm May day.
