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#1
Victoria Golden Rods and Reels Fishing and Social Club
held at Esquimalt Anglers 1101 Munro St
in Person and Zoom Meeting Minutes,
Dated Sept 23 2025

Place: Esquimalt Anglers and Zoom

Chaired By: Bill Thomas

Secretary: Bob Comerford

Called to Order: 10:00 AM

Attendees: Mike Galbraith, Rick Greenhorn, Bill Thomas, Florin Sabac, Barry Freeman, Tim Witoski, Gerri Walsh, Ken Evans, Ross Brachen ,Kobus Erasmus, Ian Cameron, Peter.W.  Bob Comerford , Winston Jackson, Ted Leaker, Lee Takayanagi, Jim Scott, Dave Robinson, Ryan Arsenych.
Members Attending by Zoom:  Dave Cooke, Dennis Gedney, Wendy Gedney.

Motion to accept the minutes last meeting: Moved by Rick and Barry

Items Arising from the Minutes:
1) Rick Greenhorn and Bob Comerford will share attendance at ACS  meetings.
2) Bob Comerford, Tim Witoski and Bill Thomas will share cooking duties for the 2026 Fish Out  season.
3) Anyone interested in volunteering to view Colquitz creek Camera contact katrina at PSS.
4) Ian Cameron will consider being the Coordinator for the new executive.
5) Positions open: President, Vice president , Treasurer.

Treasurer: No Report

Sunshine (Wendy Gedney): Card sent to Jim McDonald on his wife's passing. 

Social (Bob, Mike): There will be a fish out on the Sooke river when the Chum arrive.

Membership:

Fresh Water:
1) Winston fished Langford Lake for 2 hours used a sinking line but no action. Not many fishermen on the lake. He thinks the lake is still too warm.
2) Florin Bass fishing three times at Elk Lake. He experimented with different types of streamer flies caught several Bass.
3) Tim was at Campbell River and stayed at the Haig Brown Heritage House for two nights for. $265.00. Some highway noise. Got to see where Haig Brown wrote his books on fishing. He saw a Bear on the grounds, tried fishing but the fish were not biting. Most people foul hooked pinks. Some large Chinooks were spotted.
4) Dave said the Coho are starting to arrive at Campbell river. Dave has theory on lack of pinks. Due to Native fish fence at the mouth of river intended to capture Chinook Salmon Pinks were blocked from going up river and when dam was removed they went straight to spawning grounds

Salt Water:
1) Bob gave short report. Lots of boats off waterfront but no Chinooks and any Coho caught are wild. Suggests waiting till October 1 when you can retain one wild coho.
2) Ryan tried fishing off Sooke but too much fog says they are at 2nd tide line.

Fish Outs: Thursday September 25 Durrance Lake Hot dogs at noon.

Fly Tying: No fly tying this Saturday

Hatchery: Preparing to take brood stock. Blitz on to clip fish so they can empty the tanks.

PSS :

BCWF:

ACS: 

WFA: 

Library:

Legacy Fund: 

Gillie Club: Sooke river Chum. Dennis was at the river on Saturday and the water level was quite low. No fish coming in yet. Fish showing at Billings Spit.  Rainfall made no difference.   

Speakers Program:

Environment:

Website:

New Business:
1) A motion was held to donate $150.00 to the group Save The Herring. They need to raise $3,000.00 to pursue on donate to pursue their lawsuit against the government. Seconded Peter and Bob, all members agreed.

Meeting Terminated: 11.00am Ian and Florin.
#2
Victoria Golden Rods and Reels Fishing and Social Club
held at Esquimalt Anglers 1101 Munro St
in Person and Zoom Meeting Minutes,
Dated Sept 16 2025

Place: Esquimalt Anglers and Zoom

Chaired By: Bill Thomas

Secretary: Bob Comerford

Called to Order: 10:00 AM

Attendees: New member Fred, novice wants to learn fly fishing. Mike Galbraith ,Barry Freeman, Lyle Freeman, Rick Greenhorn, Wayne Wennenberg, Winston Jackson, Ken Evans, Ross Brachen, Don Mayer, Tim Witoski, Colin Chadwick, Ian Cameron, Jens Kristensen, Daniel Larvin, John Frances, Bill Thomas, Gerry Walsh, Ryan Ansenych, Ted Leaker, Mohamed Docrat, Bob Comerford, Tony Otten, Mick Collins.

Members Attending by Zoom: Fred Hunt, Dave Cooke, Wendy Gedney, Michael Corry.

Motion to accept the minutes last meeting: Moved by Rick and Ian. Tim caught the brown trout.

Items Arising from the Minutes:
1) Representative needed for the ACS meetings. The Amalgamated Conservation Society is made up of all the conservation groups in Victoria. They meet once a month at club house on the first Wednesday of the month.
2) We need a fish out Coordinator.( Secretary's opinion) Club members who have enjoyed going to the fish outs and having a hot dog afterwards. This is an important part of the fish outs. Members who attend the fish outs need to step forward so this can carry on. There are approximately 7 fish outs to cover. I will put name forward on the provision that two other members also volunteer. 

Treasurer:

Sunshine (Wendy Gedney):

Social (Bob, Mike): 

Membership: No report.

Social: Soup in November at Goldstream. Chum and coho in the river.

Fresh Water:
1) Fuller lake Ian Mike and Pierre. Two rainbows. Lots of pumpkin seed fish.

Salt Water:
1) Mohamed fished Pedder Bay, Christopher Point. 7 hours one pink in the boat. He caught many wild Coho. Boat rental is $50 per hour Plus rental of downrigger and gas. These are 16 ft Hourston boats. Suitable for two people three maximum.
2) Bob fished off waterfront one wild Coho.

Fish outs: 25th September Durrance lake. Hot dogs 12:00 noon.

Fly Tying (Dave & Florin): 9:00am for chat. Fly tying starts at 10;00 to 11;00. Dave will demonstrate a Chum fly.

Hatchery: Clear some tanks of fry. Ready to clip fish Club will 24th September 11:00 to three.

PSS: 

BCWF: Discussion of kids fishing camp. Any members who have grand children contact Dave for more information.

ACS : 

WFA :  no report

Library:

Legacy Fund: 

Gillie Club:  . 
   
Speakers Program: Lyall is lining up a speaker to talk about the Southern Salish Sea Mammal Population for October.

Environment: Water quality survey on Prospect Lake, changing rules on power boats. Quamichan Lake small portion of lake studying water quality .info to be sent out. Somenos lake.

1/ Annie McLeod , Gorge Waterway Action Society (GWAS), will be assisting Bruce Bevan, Esquimalt Anglers, in the administration of the Craigflower Creek annual coho count. Her email is annie@gorge.ca She will be sending out a call for volunteers with further details on checking the trap twice daily. There was a show of hands and about half a dozen members are interested in participating in addition to Ian , Rick and Lyle. Thanks to everyone . Mick will send out graphs of previous coho returns for both Craigflower and Colquitz, kindly provided by Michelle Watson, DFO.
2/ Mick did a detailed review of the 1990's Craigflower Watershed Management Plan. Although it was not formally implemented in a coordinated approach, the recommendations are still most relevant and useful. He noted that progress on the approximately 5 dozen recommendations has been made and will be documented with highlights from the last 8 years of work, conducted under the Portage Inlet Cutthroat Initiative (PICI) and the ongoing Craigflower Creek watershed round table led by World Fisheries Trust, GWAS , Esquimalt Anglers and our club.
3/ Mick met with Chris Corbett to discuss Prospect Lake water quality monitoring and forthcoming management plan. There was discussion on the impact of boating on the lake , particularly wake boats. Mick will provide the link to the Prospect Lake Preservation Society website which contains information on this and many other aspects of aquatic health.
Mick Phone landline 250-598-3294. See Lyall to volunteer to count fish on Craigflower in October and November.

Volunteer Millstream camera. PSS to moniter camera for fish, Volunteers needed.

Website:

New Business: Shell fish in Area 19.5 open James Island open, Saanich Inlet open.

Election in November, positions available: President, Vice president and Treasurer. 

Meeting Terminated: 11.00am Jim and John.
#3
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#5
GRR Meeting Minutes May 27, 2025

Meeting called to order 10:00 am by Bill Thomas

Note this is the last meeting of the season next meeting is set for September 9, 2025

Members in attendance: Rick Greenhorn, Ian Cameron, Ken Evans, Barry Freeman, Lyle Freeman ,Gerry Walsh, Tim Witoski, Mike Galbraith, Dave Robinson,Mohamed Docrat, Kobus Erasmus, Tony Otten, Peter Laughren, Ross Brachen, Ted Leaker, Bill Thomas, Ryan Amyrch, Bob Combford, Sandy McElroy, Dave Cooke, Lee Tahayanagi, Winston Jackson, John Frances, Florin Sabac, Norm Kent

Via Zoom:  Dennis Gedney, Wendy Gedney, Ron Estey

New Members: No new members.

Motion to accept last weeks minutes: Ian Cameron seconded Rick Greenhorn

FishOut Report: Fuller Lake was the designated lake this past Wednesday and the turnout was strong, consensus was that it was a great day on the water. Pierre Malo was the lead fisher with an "undetermined" number of fish caught.

Treasury Report: No report

Sunshine: All members are happy and healthy.

Social:
1) Gathering is schedule for June 24th at Ken Evans home at 11:30. BYO chair, looking for casseroles, salads and desserts
2) Corn roast date to be determined some time in August probably at Island View Beach

Freshwater Fishing:
1) Winston Jackson entertained us with a recount of his belly boat yoga class he found himself doing out at Langford Lake. He had some difficulty when getting out of the lake as he got in too close to shore and had a hard time getting up to a standing position. He said he felt like he was doing a downward facing dog when he was trying to simply stand. He also managed to damage his FOB for his car and ended up with an inflated bill to get it functional again. On the up side Winston was pleased that he found a comfortable perch on the back of his car bumper where he could get in and out of his waders. Thanks for sharing Winston!
2) Dave Cooke mentioned a fishing program (Forever Fishing)  operating out of Campbell River where volunteers take elderly people and those with physical disabilities out for a day of fishing.
3) Sandy McElroy fished the interior lakes with his son this past week, the lakes were in the Cane Valley. Stump lake was producing but due to high winds and rainy weather Sandy wasn't comfortable in his pontoon boat and as a result didn't caught any fish.
4) Tim Witoski fished out at Prospect Lake last Thursday and was fortunate enough to not loose any gear but did forget his phone in the car which prevented him from having photographic proof of the near 20 inch rainbow trout he caught. The fly of choice that day was a red Doc Spratley. He caught 7 for the day and unfortunately fed one to the eagles as it had been totally revived before releasing it.
5) Bob Comerford fished Durrance Lake with just 1 bite all day in spite of multiple fly changes.
6) Ron Estey was camping up at Stoltz Pool campground on the Cowichan and was successful with a pheasant tail nymph. He caught several one of which he felt was a steelhead. These were caught after wading across the river as it was low but the return trip was more of a challenge as he managed to lose a felt for the bottom of one of his boots.

Salt Water Fishing:
1) Peter's reported that Sooke has been ok closer into the harbour area, Beecher and Pedder Bays are OK for salmon and lingcod. Constance Bank was producing well for salmon. Pedder bay and Williams Head is picking up for lingcod. A member of the Esquimalt Anglers "Louie" managed to land a 29 lbs salmon just off the waterfront.

Fly Tying: Dave and Florin had there final session this past Saturday. It will return in the fall.

Hatchery Report: Bill Thomas noted that the November Coho have all hatched and have been ponded and are now just being fed. Come February / March they will be releasing 180,000 so there will be plenty of clipping opportunities coming your way.

BCWF: Dave Cooke shares the following:
1) The next BCWF Region 1 (Vancouver Island) Clubs meeting will be held at the Nanoose Library Hall at 2489 Nanoose Road, Nanoose Bay. The meeting will be on 29 June from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.The plan is for a potluck lunch. Full agenda, and more details to follow. Your club agenda items are most welcome. I look forward to seeing you all again. Yours in conservation, Doug Douglas Bancroft,President BCWF Region 1.

Gillie: Dennis will be going up to Campbell River and encouraged those interested to share their trips up that way via GRR Chat. Dave Cooke also mentioned that Passage View Motel is offering a $99.00/ night if you mention the GRR when booking.

Speakers: Lyle Freeman recounted a bountiful harvest of shellfish from his safe area in Saanich (area 19-8) and advised to check with the DFO site for closures.

Environmental Report: Mick was not in attendance so no report this week.

New Business
1) Lots of discussion around the new H-Mart at Mayfair Mall.

Meeting closed at 10:55 Motion by Moe Docrat seconded by Dave Cooke

See ya in September!
#6
Victoria Golden Rods and Reels Fishing and Social Club
held at Esquimalt Anglers 1101 Munro St
in Person and Zoom Meeting Minutes,
Dated May 20 2025


Place: Esquimalt Anglers and Zoom

Chaired By: Bill Thomas

Secretary: Bob Comerford

Called to Order: 10:00 AM

Attendees: Mike Galbraith ,Norm Kent, Rick Greenhorn , Lyle Freeman,, Barry Freeman, Pierre Malo, Ken Evans, Bill Thomas, John Francis Jens Kristensen, Kobus Rasmus, Colin Chadwick, Gerry Walsh, Mohamed Docrat, Ross Brachen, Dennis Gedney, Winston Jackson, Bob Comerford, Gary Florintine, Ryan Ansrych, Dave Robinson, Tony Otten, Ted Leaker, Mick Collins, Jim Scott.

Members Attending by Zoom:  Michael Cory, Peter Laughren, Wendy Gedney, Ron estey

Motion to accept the minutes last meeting: moved by:  Ian and Rick

Items Arising from the Minutes: FishOut, the location has been changed to Fuller Lake. Electric motor only. Take Fuller Lake rd. follow the signs.

The casting seminar was enjoyed by many.  Thanks to Dave Robinson for hosting. 

Treasurer: 

Sunshine: Wendy Gedney.

Social: Bob, Mike 24th June pot luck lunch for 48th Anniversary. Ken Evans place. More info to come.

Membership:

Fresh Water: Winston fly fishing on the Cambell river. First river fishing in three years. Reported on limitations he is now facing river fishing. Taking extra care when exiting river. He did not catch any fish but enjoyed being on the river

Salt Water:
1) Derby at Pacific Power Squadron Base. Windy conditions. Halibut and salmon caught.
2) June 1st catch and retain two hatchery coho.
3) Sooke halibut slow. Becher Bay slow. Pedder Bay halibut fishing good salmon fair. Halibut fishing is good at Constance bank and Border banks. One hatchery chinook 45 centimeters allowed in area 19.
4) Becher Bay fishing allowed. Only in Bay

FishOuts: Fuller Lake tomorrow May 18. Hot dogs served 12:00pm $5.00

Fly Tying: Last session for summer. Caddis fly or Damsel fly.

Hatchery: Released all of Chum fry and coho eggs from 2023 have been released. 180,000 Coho fry currently in tanks. This Wednesday hatchery A.G.M. 7:00pm

PSS : 

BCWF : 

ACS : 

WFA : 

Library:

Legacy Fund: 

Gillie Club: Sign up sheets for Cluxuwe. Dennis will demonstrate flies for Campbell River.

Speakers Program:  no report

Environment: Mick:
1) BCWF Wetland keepers workshop July 4-6 at Swan Lake Nature House has quickly filled up and there is a waiting list .
2) Fraser Basin Council which operates Salmon Safe Certification has approached the Transportation Ministry to have the Bus on Shoulder project certified. Mick organized a meeting with the Salmon Safe lead and local stewards for a final briefing.
3) Reminder the Mosaic Recreational use survey closes this Friday May 23. https://www.mosaicforests.com/survey

Website:

New Business:
1) Iron Man on Elk Lake this weekend.
2) Coffee volunteer for September.
3) Last meeting May 27th, start up September 9th.
4) Info on corn roast in August

Meeting Terminated 11.00am: Mohamed and Barry.
#7
GRR Meeting Minutes May 13, 2025

Meeting called to order 10:00 am by Bill Thomas

Members in Attendance: Rick Greenhorn, Ian Cameron, Ken Evans, Barry Freeman, Lyle Freeman ,Gerry Walsh, Tim Witoski, Mike Galbraith, Dave Robinson,Mohamed Docrat, Jim Scott, Kobus Erasmus, Tony Otten, Peter Laughren, Ross Brachen, Ted Leaker, Bill Thomas, Ira Pratt, Jens Kristensen, Pierre Malo, Ryan A.

Via Zoom:  Dennis Gedney, Wendy Gedney, Dave Cooke

New Members: No new members.

Motion to accept last weeks minutes:  Ian Cameron seconded Rick Greenhorn

Sidney Anglers Swap meet: Rick Greenhorn proposed that the club donate $200 to the "Pink Salmon Society" which is a that take out some under privileged young men out for a day salmon fishing.
Motion was made by Ian Cameron and seconded by Jens Kristensen and carried.

Fairway Grocery Card: Membership is encouraged to load some cash onto the gift cards we have for Fairway Market as we get $5 for every $100 spent.

Treasury Report: No report

FishOut: Reminder that next fish out is May 21 at Prospect Lake.

Casting Seminar: A list is available for those interested in participating with plans to hold it at Hamsterly Park date May 15 at 10:00 am at Hamsertly Park

Sunshine: All members are happy and healthy.

Social: Gathering is schedule for June 24th at Ken Evans home at 11:30. BYO chair, looking for casseroles, salads and desserts.

Freshwater Fishing:
1) Ken Evans ticked off a must do from his bucket list by going to Kamloops for a guided fishing trip. His guide for the day was Steve Marckle. Friday he fished Roche Lake where he landed a 20inch rainbow and a number of 5-6 lbs trout. Day 2 was on Stump Lake which apparently isn't a pretty lake but there are plenty of good sized fish there. Both lakes were busy but again lots of fish to be caught. Popular fly was a pink blob. Ken was also fish a #16 chironomid. Cost is $500/ day and Ken recommends it.
2) Tim Witoski provided an update on the missing rod at Mathieson Lake. After probing the depths with flashlights and a scope type camera with no luck Tim met up with a very nice woman who volunteered her husband who is a commercial diver to look for the rod. They all met a day later and after about 30 minutes of looking on the assumed area of the lake the rod remains at the bottom of the lake. Tim pledged to plug the kind lady's business who volunteered her husband so she has an AirB and B rental in Metchosin "Constellation Suite" book it directly through her for a better deal Kim Boyd 250-361-5803.
https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr.346XEyRo3ysG6Fgg7YlQ;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzUEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1747223576/RO=10/RU=https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/750987727018396//RK=2/RS=7YkTyefKWi7_2v7epgd7dc_zaAs-
3) Tim also fished Mathieson for fish and landed 8 with a fishing hat trick of a rainbow, bass and a Cut throat. Also Tim managed to not drop anything overboard.
4) Tim also fished Spectacle Lake which was slow overall but managed to land 6, 2 of which were cut throat on the dry fly.

Salt Water Fishing:
1) Peter's reported that Sooke has dropped off for halibut, Beecher bay is OK for salmon, Pedder bay and Williams Head is picking up for halibut. Victoria waterfront is slow.
2) Peter is excited to finally be launching his now well tuned boat after the winter and his recovery from injury to his back. There is a derby this weekend out of CFB squadron with $400, and $300 for top halibut and salmon respectively.

Fly Tying: Dave and Florin will be tying bass flies this Saturday morning. Be sure to tune in to the action!

Hatchery Report: Bill Thomas noted that all the Alvin have been ponded now, there was a cold water disease out break that took some fish but otherwise all is well. They will be releasing the smolts soon.

BCWF: Dave mentioned the kids camp and also referenced the most recent magazine which is focused on fish has a number of good articles in it.

Gillie: Dennis is looking for topics for discussion for Gillie. Gillie next gathering is set for May 20th where he will be tying a few flies so bring your fly tying stuff if you want to participate.

Speakers: Lyle Freeman recounted his lumpy day on the water pawning in Saanich Inlet. He did well prawn wise, also got a couple octopuses as well a a few bruises bouncy around in the wind.

Environmental Report: Mick was not in attendance so no report this week.

New Business:
1) Pierre Malo gave notice that there will be a couple of rowing regattas on Elk Lake: May 19-25 and June 18th as well. BTW Pierre says the lake is still pea soup.

Meeting closed at 10:30 Motion by Moe Docrat seconded by Ira Pratt.
#9
Few pics attached:
#10
GRR Meeting Minutes May 6, 2025

Meeting called to order 10:00 am by Mike Galbraith

Members in attendance: Rick Greenhorn, Ian Cameron, Ken Evans, Barry Freeman, Lyle Freeman ,Gerry Walsh, Tim Witoski, Mike Galbraith, Norm Kent, Dave, Mohamed Docrat, Jim Scott, Kobus Erasmus, Tony Otten, Peter Laughren, Winston Jackson, Gary Florentine, Florin Sabae, Peter Nelleweg, Sandy Raven, Ross Brachen
Via Zoom: Dennis Gedney, Mick Collins, Ron Estey

New Members: A hardy welcome to our new member Ross Brachen.

Motion to accept last weeks minutes: Ian Cameron seconded Barry Freeman

Sidney Anglers Swap meet: Rick Greenhorn organized a booth this past Saturday and the swap meet for the group and through the generosity of GRR member's donations Rick and helpers brought in $722.00 for the club. Ian Cameron was awarded top salesman designation of the swap meet so congratulations Ian and thank you! Big thank you to Rick for organizing the booth.

Fairway Grocery Card: Membership is encouraged to load some cash onto the gift cards we have for Fairway Market as we get $5 for every $100 spent.

Treasury Report: Sandy Raven delivered a report that was shared on chat earlier and we are financially comfortable. There was some discussion surrounding the Elk Lake fund and the take away is that the club has some latitude with that fund regarding its future distribution.
This spun into a discussion on the state of health of the lake and Mick is monitoring the lake and it's aeration unit. It will take some time before data is available and plans can be set in motion.

Fish Out: Reminder that next fish out is May 21 at Prospect lake

Casting Seminar: A list is available for those interested in participating with plans to hold it at Hamsterly Park date May 15 at 10:00 am at Hamsterly Park.

Sunshine: All members are happy and healthy.

Social: Gathering is schedule for June 24th at Ken Evans home at 11:30. BYO chair, looking for casseroles, salads and desserts.

Freshwater Fishing:
1) Rick Cohen mentioned that Kemp Lake is producing some good sized trout and Elk lake for producing large bass hitting on large surface type plugs. Also Elk lake seems to having major green algae issues.

Salt Water Fishing: Peter's report is similar to last week's with fishing being quite good.

Fly Tying: Florin noted that there will be no tying this Saturday.

Hatchery Report: Bill Thomas was away today- no report.

BCWF: Dave was away today no report.

Gillie: Dennis is looking for topics for discussion for Gillie. Gillie next gathering is set for May 20th.

Speakers: Lyle Freeman delivered a talk on shellfish safety/ toxins.

Environmental Report:
1/ Mick attended the Gorge Waterway Initiative( GWI )quarterly meeting last Wednesday . Guest speaker was Jody Watson, CRD, on non migratory resident Canada Geese management. The population is being controlled by egg addling and harvesting during the moulting season. Members are updating the GWI annual work plan and the importance of work to encourage the return and spawning of Gorge herring was emphasised.
2/ He continues to work on instream restoration opportunities on Craigflower Creek with possible funding from the Provincial Bus on Shoulder (BOS) project. Opportunities include repairs to the fish fence and enhancing fish counting and hydrological equipment. He is seeking Salmon Safe Certification for the  BOS project. Mick Phone landline 250-598-3294

New Business: 1) Rick Greenhorn noted that he counted 25 smolts at Craigflower this past week which is encouraging.
 
Meeting closed at 10:41 Motion by Norm Kent seconded by Rick Greenhorn.