Hi Everyone

Hope all is well and our thoughts go out to all of you who are being impacted by the incredible heat and numerous forest fires that are happening in both Canada and the U.S. Just the other night, Alberta lost one of its greatest landmarks, Jasper. Many of you have probably enjoyed a holiday trip to the beautiful Jasper Park area. Although the news is still coming out, it is estimated that about 30% of the town was lost.

On a brighter note, we did have some forest fires around here, but with the help of some rain and cooler weather, there is only one fire smoking with mainly clear skies. Yes, we have already had our first frost! On the 17th of July we woke to frozen potato plant tops . The rest of the garden is doing great and we are starting to eat some of the proceeds; lettuce, radishes, cauliflower, broccoli and zucchini. The fire weed is in bloom and mushrooms, cloud berries, raspberries and blueberries are starting to show up.

I have had both of my daughters here, with the grandkids, and enjoyed the fun that comes with all of that. The first ones that came were treated to a first for all of us, with my dog showing up pushing along some trumpeter swan chicks. The parents must have been killed by a Lynx, wolf or bear. Of course the grandkids took to them like glue, along with the other guests that were here. They lasted a few days until nature took its course with an eagle coming down and getting them when they were swimming. Needles to say the girls weren’t too happy, but it was something that they will never forget.

Two weeks later my other daughter showed up with my grandson and other granddaughter. It was the last chance for my grandson to beat the world record for male small fry, which is open to ages10 and under. We didn’t get it done, but to everyone’s surprise his sister did catch a new world record for female small fry with a Lake Trout at 32lbs. I think you can imagine how that went over with her older brother, she is 7 years old  Like I always say, take a kid fishing, it could be the highlight of your summer. This definitely has been for me, now the job of filling out the paperwork to get it registered.

Still not getting dark but we are having some incredible sunsets especially when there is a little smoke in the air.

As for the fishing, this year is a little different in that the water hasn’t warmed up that much. The big lake trout are scattered throughout the lake, with lots of schools of bait fish - to the point that you can smell them. They can be hard to locate but when you do, fishing around them can be very productive when using big streamer pattern flies and a sinking line. Mayflies, cadis flies and crane flies are coming off, with the lake trout and whitefish taking them off of the surface. Jigs and spoons have been working great for the trollers using darker colours but everyday can be different.

The picture says it all.

For those of you still thinking about a last minute fishing trip there is still time, along with a chance to see the northern lights anytime after August the 10th as it will be starting to get dark enough.

Until next time, have a great a summer and yes, don’t forget to take a kid fishing.

From Brian and the staff at Kluane Wilderness Lodge