2025-05-27: GRR Weekly Meeting, Minutes

[John Pierce]

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!