GRR Meeting Minutes April 29, 2025
Meeting called to order 10:00 am by Bill Thomas
Members in attendance: Rick Greenhorn, Colin Chadwick, Ian Cameron, Ken Evans, Barry Freeman, Lyle Freeman ,Gerry Walsh, Ted Leaker, Tim Witoski, Bill Thomas, Mike Galbraith, Norm Kent, Dave Robinson, Mohamed Docrat, Wayne Lee, Jim Scott, Kobus Erasmus, Tony Otten, Dale Scheel, Peter Laughren, Winston Jackson, Lee Takayanagi
Via Zoom: Dave Cooke, Dennis Gedney, Mick Collins, Ron Estey
Motion to accept last weeks minutes: Rick Greenhorn seconded by Ian Cameron
Outdoor Show: Mike and Ian did a great job organizing and manning the GRR booth at the show. There was a lots of interest in the the club and it was well worth the effort. Mike thanked all that helped out at the booth and those that paid a visit. Mike has secured a booth again at next year's event. A general request for more fly tying next year to get people interested and engaged. Bill Thomas gave official thanks to Mike and Ian for there work and the group gave them both a round of applause and appreciation.
Fish Out: Next Fish out is scheduled for 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.
Freshwater Fishing:
1) Tim's rod is still in Matheson Lake and he has another plan of attack for its rescue so stay tuned.
2) Tim fished the Cowichan River on Wednesday and there was a major hatch on but they were not surfacing until later in the day around 4:00. He caught 2 rainbow on the dry fly for which he was both grateful and relieved, dare I say inspired to return yet again to challenge the River.
Salt Water Fishing:
1) Peter's report is similar to last week's with halibut fishing is good out in Sooke and Constance bank, Pedder Bay Area. It was noted that there are 2 pages associated with a salt water fishing license and you must have both on your person while fishing or you can be fined. It's recommended to print on both sides of the paper to save you carrying 2 pages. Ron Estey was stopped twice near Sidney and they are checking for a decender for rock fish- again a fine is possible.
Fly Tying: Dave Robinson noted that there will be no tying this Saturday as he is singing his little heart out this coming weekend.
Hatchery Report: Bill Thomas noted that are collecting over 200,000 eggs from both coho and chum. Also releasing 3-5 thousand coho and 3 thousand chum soon. Most of the new hatch fish have been moved to the round ponds.
BCWF: AGM was held last weekend. Reminder of the children's camp option.
Gillie: Dennis is looking for topics for discussion for Gillie. As a follow up to last week's chat about Cowichan lake Dennis Sr and Jr we're on the lake this past weekend and landed 5 fish ranging from 17-23 inches using a lime green apex lure at 66 feet depth. He noted all the fish were on the thin / skinny side, note there may be some new fishing regulations for Cowichan lake so be sure to check.
Speakers: Lyle Freeman will be doing a brief talk on shellfish safety/ toxins on May 13
Environmental Report:
1/ Mick met with BCWF representatives online to advise on Wetlandkeepers workshop July 4-6 at Swan Lake Nature House. Registration for this free session opens Monday May 12. Seats are limited to 2 dozen participants. Anyone interested can contact Mick directly for further information.
2/ Results of oxygenation monitoring at Elk Lake will probably be featured at the next meeting of CRD Parks Committee in late May.
3/ Smolt trapping will not be held on Craigflower this year due to limited resources . Repair of the fish fence is currently being considered . Good news --Mick just learned after the meeting that Pacific Salmon Foundation has granted Gorge Waterway Action Society $18,000 to continue work on Craigflower over the next year. Work will include a detailed salmonid habitat assessment of the watershed, to be conducted by a consultant.
Cheers Mick Phone landline 250-598-3294
New Business:
1) Rick Greenhorn is looking for donations and volunteers for the Sidney Anglers swap meet May 3 at Mary Winspear centre
2) Ted Leaker noted that there were 35 coho smolts counted recently in the Colquitz River and PSS is always looking for volunteers every day - meet at Montana's restaurant at 8:00am
3) Mike Galbraith mentioned that he had a couple people mention that they caught Coho salmon in Elk lake and this was confirmed as a real possibility- go figure!
Meeting closed at 10:37 Motion by Jim Scott seconded by John.