GRR Meeting Minutes April 1, 2025
Meeting called to order 10:00 am by Bill Thomas
Members in attendance: Rick Greenhorn, Norman Kent, Colin Chadwick, Ian Cameron, Ken Evans, Ira Pratt, Barry Freeman, Lyle Freeman, Dale Scheel, Dennis Gedney, Sandy McElroy ,Gerry Walsh, Wayne Lee, Ted Leaker, ,Gary Floretine , Tim Witoski, Wayne ?, Lee Takayanagi, Kobus Erasmus, Bob Comford, Sandy Raven, Ryan A, Jens Kristensen, Tony Otten, Mick Collins, Bill Thomas, John Pierce
Via Zoom: Ron Estey, Mohamed Docrat, Peter Laughren, Wendy Gedney
Motion to accept last weeks minutes: Ian Cameron seconded Rick Greenhorn
FishOut last week: Langford Lake 4 boats on the water, 9 people fishing, no reports of many fishing caught but all hotdogs were consumed
PSS: It was determined that GRR will be volunteering on Wednesday mornings.
Casting Seminar: A list will be compiled next meeting for those interested in participating with plans to hold it at Hamsterly Park date TBD.
Treasury Report: Sandy Raven noted that the summary of club finances was sent out to GRR chat 2 days back. The club made donations to the Kids Camp, Natures Trust and the Hatchery in Andre's name. Bottom line on the club finances is that we are doing well.
Sunshine: Peter joined the meeting on line and is recovering well from his back injury and appreciated the card!
Freshwater Fishing: Dale reported that he was out with Barry on Prospect Lake and he caught twice as many as Barry with the totals being Barry 1 and Dale 2
Salt Water Fishing:
1) Lots of people reporting success. Norm Kent landed a number of salmon in the 18lbs plus range off of Sidney/ Cole Island at about 100 ft depth using Bon Jovi.
2) Tony Otten hooked 12 in the 3-5 lbs range off the waterfront, again deep 100 ft, released them all.
3) Peter while ailing still had news to share mainly regulations- April 1-July 31 allowable caught is 1 hatchery chinook. This year is supposed to be a bumper crop of pink salmon with hopeful fry in the millions. He also heard fishing is good out of Sooke and Pedder Bay / Whirl Bay 90-100 ft deep, also Brochie Ledge is producing.
4) Rick Greenhorn has a secret crabbing area that he boasted about but did not disclose the location.
Fly Tying: Last week Dave Robinson reviewed his various fly tying tools and tips on how to use them. This coming week he will be doing a deer hair fly - Ratface McDougal.
Hatchery Report: Bill Thomas noted that they have ponded Coho and have another 185,000 eggs percolating, 100,000 Chum will soon be hatching and will then be ponded so as a result the sea run cut throat fishing should be improving.
ACS: meeting is set for Wednesday night if anyone can attend that would be appreciated as Bill cannot make the meeting
Gillie: Dennis Gedney brought in his lake downrigger a Scotty that he has modified with a long arm to avoid fouling the lines in the prop while turning. He also stumbled across a new method of dropping into some gullys by accelerating to elevate the ball then slowing down to drop it in holes following a bottom elevation.
Speakers: Lyle Freeman noted that the plan is to have 1 speaker per month.
Environmental Report: Mick Collins report below
1/ the Official Opening of the handyDART centre was most enjoyable and an opportunity to meet fellow guests. Mick followed up with the Fraser Basin's Salmon Safe certification lead Mollie Hunt with information about the Bus on Shoulder project, which would be a good candidate for certification focussing on storm water management and stream habitat restoration on Craigflower Creek. Several members went to the open house the following day and viewed the new side tributary. Discussion was on tributary flow during summer months and the importance of regular monitoring . The tributary can be viewed from the public path at the back of the main facility so that members can keep an eye on future conditions.
2/ There is a considerable body of research on the importance of minimizing the impacts of toxic tire dust on aquatic environments. Preliminary results show that special soil mixes containing sand, coconut fibre and bio char can be effective when installed in rain gardens. Mick is writing to Dr. Tanya Brown, at SFU, who is analyzing stormwater samples . The importance of release of results as soon as possible, to inform the Bus on Shoulder project, is being emphasized and we hope to see an online presentation at the earliest opportunity. BC Conservation Foundation and Vancouver Island University are also collecting samples and the link to their online database and program is below. https://www.tireweartoxins.com/interactive-database/
Mick Phone landline 250-598-3294
Lyle raise a concern regarding the water flow monitoring of Colquitz River and his concerns were allayed by Mick that the water levels will be monitored through out the summer
Website: John Pierce is uploading the videos of the fly tying sessions.
Executive meeting to follow today's meeting.
Meeting closed at 10:40 Motion by Lyle Freeman seconded by Norm Kent.