2025-05-13: GRR Weekly Meeting, Minutes

[John Pierce]

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.