Whether using flies, gang trolls or spoons, it is great to see residents out on the lake supporting the sport fishing industry of British Columbia. As confirmed last month by fisheries biologist Steve Maricle, the size and health of Lac des Roches supports a large number of mixed species and rainbow trout fishing can be very rewarding. Several local experts have shared their knowledge on the technicalities and techniques of fishing the lake and have made this information available to the public on the Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake website in several past newsletters. Some basic reminders are rainbow trout feed on the shoals; gulls feed on insect hatches and any noise in a boat will carry very far underwater and drive away even the hungriest of fish. Anyone enjoying successful fishing on Lac des Roches or Birch Lake is invited to record their catch information on a creel report, which is submitted to Maricle and used to manage the annual stocking program. Contact the writer for more information.
Boultbee bear
A beautiful black bear has taken up residency at the east end of Boultbee Road. It has been seen and heard at all hours of the day and evening fairly regularly during the past few weeks. So far, no cubs have been spotted, so making enough noise to prevent startling it seems to be all it takes to keep the bear at bay. Residents are doing a great job of keeping each other informed of sightings and notifying seasonal users and visitors of the hazard. We should be able to share our neighbourhoods with a wild bear if we use caution and common sense, whether walking in the woods or storing garbage. Be bear aware at all times.
Messy long weekend
Despite several family reunions, a celebration of life gathering and a garage sale, the area neighbourhoods were fairly quiet during the May long weekend. Most boaters were out for fishing and politely shared the lake with the growing number of paddlers and there were few off-road vehicles on the roads. The excess garbage strewn about the rest stop by animals was a terrible eye-sore but was cleaned up by Thursday noon.
Critter and nursery watch
Our neighbourhoods are filled with fawns, kits, cubs, goslings and fledglings all being protected by their parents and several residents are acting like proud and protective grandparents. Even baby ground squirrels are cute until they start digging ankle-twisting holes in the fields. Thanks to a nearby resident for confirming the exciting news that a herd of five elk have moved into the area, just west of Lac des Roches.
Blooming berries
Strawberries and Saskatoons are flowering and give hope we will have another good year of berry picking. Last year, wild strawberries were sparse and Saskatoons were late but they tasted wonderful all winter long. Rhubarb plants are just about ready to harvest. I experimented with rhubarb this winter and one concoction was particularly tasty. To make an individual serving of mock chocolate pudding, start with a servings size (1/3 cup) of unsweetened stewed rhubarb slightly warmed and add ½ tsp. cocoa powder, sweetener to taste (I use about a tablespoon of no calorie sweetener) and 2 tablespoons of skim milk powder. Stir, eat and enjoy! Adding a tablespoon or two of thawed huckleberries is a wonderful variation as the sweet berries explode into the chocolate as you eat them. A few seconds in the microwave will convert the pudding to a mousse.