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Presidents
PENTICTON FLYFISHERS
Report by Phil Rogers After several false starts it is beginning to look like spring is finally here, I hope. Like most of you I was itching to get my line in the water and try out some of the flies that I tied over the long winter. On Saturday, April 17 I decided to try Agur Lake. I loaded up my new pontoon boat and set out, thinking about which line type and what flies to try first. The main gravel road has just been graded and is in terrific condition, no washboard and no potholes at all. After reaching the 12 km turnoff my perfectly planned day took a nosedive as I found a large tree blocking the road. After considering my options; driving over it (too big and not enough vehicle clearance on my midsize SUV); pulling it off the road with my vehicle (again too big and wedged between several trees on the one side) I decided to chop through the 8 to 10 inch diameter tree. The only problem with this plan was that I left my axe and chainsaw at home. Not to be deterred I still had my trusty mattock with me. After about 20 minutes of cursing and swinging the less than sharp tool I finally chopped through the tree enough to break it apart and move the one section out of the way. This minor set back should been an omen of what was to come but I pressed onward. After driving thru, around and over numerous snow and ice covered obstacles on this now less than perfect road I finally came to the steep access road down to the lake only to find it totally impassible due to the sheet of shear ice which covered the entire road down to the lake. After climbing down the side embankment I found that the main section of the lake was still covered in ice. The section of the lake past the bull rushes was ice-free but there was no means of getting to it. I had a long and dejected ride home. The following day I was still determined
to try out my new boat so I decided to try Yellow Lake. I am happy to report that it was a successful day on the water with green Doc Spratleys and 52 Buicks the order of the day. There were numerous boats on the lake and most seemed to be into fish. The largest one I caught was just over a pound but I saw several that appeared to be 1½ pounds. I have heard that Link, Osprey and Chain Lakes have been ice-free for several weeks now and having been producing well. Courtney and Corbett Lakes are also ice-free and there were two boats on Courtney on Sunday. Be aware of the weather before heading up to the high lakes as I ran into snow on the Connector while heading down to the BCFFF AGM on April 22. Thanks to Tom Dellamater and George Graw for another great Dinner and Auction. We were able to raise over $1600 at the auction, which is absolutely great considering the tough economic times we are facing these days. I was at the BCFFF AGM Dinner and Auction this past weekend and found our function was every bit as good (and better in some respects) than the BCFFF. The BCFFF Raffle was again very successful and raised approximately $10,000. Unfortunately no one from our area won any of the prizes
2010 Executive Pres: Phil Rogers
Vice Pres: Peter Kruse Secretary: Denis Currie Treasurer: Ken Baker
this year. Monies from this raffle and from the Gilly Fund are available for any worthwhile fish related conservation, enhancement or fishing promotion project. If anyone has a project in mind please bring to the attention of the executive for consideration. I have been able to confirm our use of Salter’s pond for the Family Fish Day on June 19. Summerland Hatchery is doing some construction work at the Salter property this year but they will accommodate us. George Graw has organized a booth for the club at Cherry Lane Mall for the week of May 15 thru to May 22. Tom Knight and George will be organizing the schedule so please have some dates and times when you can help man the booth ready for the May General Meeting. If everyone pitches in we can have some fun promoting the club, the Family Fish Day and a successful fundraiser. Our first two Fishouts are fast approaching. Darke Lake is May 15 and Link Lake is May 28, 29 and 30. If you haven’t booked your spot at Link Lake yet please call Gail at 250 295-6898 asap. Don’t forget to renew your fishing license. It is very easy to do online at www.fishing.gov.bc.ca
Phil