Feb 13

2012 Calgary Boat and Sportsman Show

 

Patrick Babcock of Cree River Lodge shares fishing stories at the Calgary Boat and Sportsman show

And that’s a rap!

The 2012 Calgary boat and Sportsman show has come and gone again with the show being held this past weekend at the BMO Center in Calgary. I attended the show again this year and was very happy I went down. I was there more for the people then the boats this year. I have a great boat that works well for my style of fishing! I went down this year to meet a few fishing friends from out of province.

I was able to meet some new fishing fanatics from Northern Saskatchewan, these boys are fishing for the big Pike and Walleye that inhabit their local lake. Patrick Babcock of Cree River Lodge was kind enough to stand and trade fishing stories for over ten minutes. We were mostly talking about his fine resort located just south of the North West Territories border in White Fox Saskatchewan. I stood at his booth and eye balled all the images he had laid out on the table, most of which brought my mouth to open wide with awe. The fish are jaw dropping, heart pumping-drag burning specimens of life that will leave you wanting more.

Every year countless northerns in to 30 to 40 inch range are caught and released. Monster northerns in the 40 -50 inch range are not uncommon. A legitimate shot at battling giant Pike over 45 inches makes for awesome fishing everyday at the Cree River Lodge. Patrick also explained that golden Walleye in the 2 to 4lb range are abundant and are easily caught on simple rigging. “During the month of August we have some of our best Walleye fishing right off the dock at the lodge. There is also Artic Grayling in the lake, so guests can also bring their fly rod and have a go at these feisty high flying fish”.

I noticed a few pictures of Robyn Regehr of the Calgary Flames holding a massive pike with a large smile on his face. No wonder he was smiling, you should have seen his catch. Hopefully one day I will have enough funds in my bank account to take the trip up to northern Saskatchewan for a tussle with the heavyweights of Cree River Lodge.

I would like to thank Patrick for taking the time out of his day to stand and chat with me. Hopefully this year you will see my face in one of those pictures. Have a look and see what I am talking about on Patrick’s website seen here www.creeriverlodge.ca

Feb 06

My Three Year Old Catches Her First Trout

Paige catches her first Bow River Brown Trout

Paige’s first Brown Trout

After sitting around for the better part of Saturday we decided Sunday we were going to get out and get active. A walk in the dog park was in order for both the dog and the kids alike. Why not get outside in plus twelve degree bliss. This weather has been unreal here in Alberta and what a great way to spend a day outdoors. Of course I had to bring my fishing rod with me, the river runs right by the east side of the dog park and why would I miss an opportunity to wet a line. What true fisherman would leave his gear at home and walk beside a river that just begs him to fish. That would be insane would it not?

A short drive down Deerfoot Trail and off to the Southland Dog Park we go with the fishing gear in tow. Once we arrived I thought every dog owner in Calgary was walking their dog today. The parking lot was packed and cars and trucks were spilling out onto the road that leads into the parking lot. Continue reading