The Jasper Local October 15, 2017

a lt e r n at i v e +

LOCAL + independent

// B2

thejasperlocal.com

// B3

// B5

tuesday, october 17, 2017 // ISSUE 107

GETTING LIPPY // THIS BIGHORN SHEEP IS DEMONSTRATING A LIP CURL, BEHAVIOUR DURING THE FALL RUT TO “TASTE” THE SCENT OF FEMALE SHEEP IN THE AREA. // SIMONE HEINRICH

Jasper elects four new faces to council Four new faces will join incumbents Rico Damota and Helen Keheller-Empey, as well as acclaimed Mayor Richard Ireland, on Jasper’s next municipal council.

When the polls closed and the votes were tallied on October 16, along with Damota and Keheller-Empey, candidates Paul Butler, Jenna McGrath, Scott Wilson and Bert Journault were recipients of the most votes.

Reached at her home, surrounded by her family, McGrath said she was excited for the new adventure.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” she said.

“I’m going to learn lots.”

McGrath earned 752 votes, behind Damota’s 952, KelleherEmpey’s 843 and Butler’s 807. Wilson tallied 560 votes while Journault’s numbered 518.

Journault is currently in Italy. He was fielding warm wishes from a different time zone and texted The Jasper Local a message congratulating the other nominees.

“I am thankful for the support and trust Jasperites have placed in me,” he said. “I believe the elected group will make a great council.”

Continued on page a3

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

page A2 // the jasper local // issue 107 // tuesday, october 17, 2017

editorial //

Local Vocal Every summer, Jasper likes to pat itself on the back while snapping photos of the annual powwow and Indigenous dancers on Aboriginal Day. However, based on the viral vitriol which besmirched the comments section on social media this month, it would appear that this sense of openness and acceptance is, in many cases, only skin deep.

Perhaps Parks Canada could have rolled this news out in a way which would have better promoted education about Aboriginal treaty rights and the constitutional protection thereof, but one would hope there would be a better understanding as a whole of the idea that the national park narrative, with its tenets of ecological integrity and wildlife protection, is but a blip in terms of the larger historical context, i.e., First Nations people were booted from their home lands after living and hunting in this area for at least 10,000 years.

Dismayingly, it has been quite the opposite. “Move on,” some particularly loud and hostile voices said. “It’s in the past.” “We can’t change what our grandfathers did so let’s all just get over it.”

Yet how could we expect anyone to “move on” when those people are living with the consequences of being evicted from their home every day? It’s difficult to maintain a sense of connection with the land if your community is mired in poverty. Moreover, with every youth that “moves on,” and forgets what tied their forefathers to the places from which they came, it becomes that much harder for the community to maintain a sense of identity. For most descendants of Europeans (remember how young our settler history is in the west), this is a perspective that can only be realized if we make a conscious effort.

Some folks were indignant that Parks Canada’s efforts towards reconciliation by supporting a harvest on a tiny portion of the Shuswap Nation’s traditional territory was unfair to other Canadians who would also like to hunt in a normally-protected place. This privileged outlook is quickly taken down by a simple sketch showing three people attempting to watch a sporting event over a fence. In the first panel, person A’s tall stature allows him to adequately view the event; the second person is shorter and therefore has to stand on his tip-toes to see the game; the third person is too small to see anything over the wall.

In the second panel, two of the individuals are given different stools. Person A doesn’t need a boost; person B gets a small support; while person C needs the most help.

Being treated equally, the caption reads, means it is assumed everyone is benefitting from the same supports. Being treated with equity, on the other hand, ensures it is possible for all to have equal access to the game. In an ideal world, of course, the cause of the inequity would be addressed and the systemic barrier (the fence) would be removed altogether.

But we don’t live in an ideal world.

As much as we might like to think that our images of spinning headdresses and colourful dancers represent the day to day lives of First Peoples, the reality is dire. We live in a world where general health indicators

for Indigenous and Aboriginal people in Canada—poverty levels, suicide rates, life expectancy and infant mortality rates, for example—are at critical levels. We live in a world where this sickness inhibits First Nation People’s ability to act as stewards of their traditional territories.

And so what can we do? The simplest thing: be empathetic.

Try to understand. Learn some history (it’s pretty darn fascinating).

Mostly, before you tell someone to move on or forget about the past, check your privilege at the door. bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

The Jasper Local //

Jasper’s independent alternative newspaper 780.852.9474 • thejasperlocal.com • po box 2046, jasper ab, t0e 1e0

Published on the 1st and 15th of each month Editor / Publisher

Bob Covey.................................................................................... bob@thejasperlocal.com Art Director

Nicole Gaboury.................................................................. nicole@thejasperlocal.com Advertising + sales

..............................................................................................................ads@thejasperlocal.com cartoonist

Deke.................................................................................................deke@thejasperlocal.com

facebook.com/thejasperlocal

@thejasperlocal

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

// Local politics

tuesday, october 17, 2017 // issue 107 // the jasper local// page A3

JASPER’S NEW COUNCIL, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JENNA MCGRATH, HELEN KEHELLER-EMPEY, RICO DAMOTA, PAUL BUTLER, BERT JOURNAULT AND SCOTT WILSON // SUPPLIED

Incumbents like new council's balance Continued from cover

Butler echoed those sentiments. The Rotarian and past president of the Chamber of Commerce said he thinks the new council will be well suited to working together.

“I’m honoured by the solid support,” he said.

Compared to his 2013 campaign, Butler said he put much more thought and effort into his 2017 bid. Door knocking was key to interfacing with Jasperites, he said.

“I spent quite a lot of time preparing for the [AllCandidates] forum and understanding as much as I could about the issues facing the town,” Butler said.

On the night of the election, Butler and some of his supporters took in the results at the D’ed Dog Bar and Grill.

That’s also where incumbents Damota and Keheller-Empey viewed the polls as they reported. Damota said he was feeling grateful and excited for the people he gets to work with in the coming term. This is Damota’s fourth time being elected to council.

“Jasper did really well,” he said. “I think we’ve got a good balance to this future council.”

Keheller-Empey was on the same page. She is going into her second term on council.

“This is a diverse group,” she said. “I’m very excited.”

Scott Wilson was also excited to see the results

come in—although he wasn’t feeling that way near the beginning of the night. After the first polls reported, Wilson was trailing way behind.

“My ego was a bit hurt,” he laughed. “I thought I didn’t knock on enough doors.”

Soon, however, the second and third updates rolled in. Wilson’s vote share jumped significantly and all of a sudden he was in the running.

“I had a couple of calls congratulating me, but I didn’t want to celebrate just yet,” he said.

His youngest daughter could sense the excitement in his parents; she didn’t want to go to bed.

“I think she was feeling our energy,” he said.

Now Wilson, as well as the rest of Jasper’s council-elect, will direct that energy into serving the community. Wilson expects a steep learning curve but hopes to lean on the experienced councillors.

“The next six months means a ton of initiation.”

The remainder of the candidate’s vote share breaks down as follows: Alice Lettner (442), Ann Thomas (427), Herb Robinson (389), Troy Mills (365), Grandpa Dong (334), Nicholas Bazin (325), Ginette Marcoux (311), Paul Clarke (279) and Basil Byrd (165).

Voter turnout was 1,466 people. All results are considered unofficial until October 20. bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

page B1 // the jasper local // issue 107 // tuesday, october 17, 2017

Local reconciliation //

Traditional harvest a small step towards reconciliation Indigenous Canadians whose ancestors were evicted from their homelands more than 100 years ago took part in a traditional hunt in Jasper National Park October 6-9.

The occasion marked an historic return to the land for members of the Simpcw First Nation, whose main village is based in Chu Chua, just north of Barriere, B.C., on the North Thompson River.

“This has to do with the Simpcw reestablishing a presence on the ground in different parts of our territory,” said Simpcw Chief Nathan Matthew, who was present for the activity but who was not one of the nine people hunting.

The Simpcw are part of the larger Secwepemc, or Shuswap Nation, whose traditional territory extends from south of Barrier to McBride, up to Grand Cache, close to Hinton and down towards Banff and Revelstoke. More than half of the Simpcw’s 700 members live on reserves.

Those taking part in the hunt—which included youth and elders—harvested six animals from near their traditional lands near the Snaring River in the east part of Jasper National Park.

Parks Canada issued a closure in the area to facilitate the activities.

Jasper National Park Superintendent Alan Fehr said Parks Canada has a strong interest in helping Indigenous, Aboriginal and Metis communities reconnect with their traditional home lands.

“I understand this will be a surprise for some who have a vision of a national park as a nature preserve,” he said. “But I think what’s more important is that these are Indigenous people who lived in these areas prior to the national park.”

What was also surprising—to some members of the public, anyway—was that there was no public consultation before the harvest. Fehr pointed out that Jasper National Park’s Management Plan recognizes First Nations and other Indigenous groups have these rights.

//MEMBERS OF THE SIMPCW FIRST NATION TOOK PART IN A HARVEST ON TRADITIONAL TERRITORY IN JASPER NATIONAL PARK THIS MONTH. // SUPPLIED

“We felt that was adequate,” he said.

Likewise, a thorough environmental assessment—normally an obligatory part of any new proposed use in the park—was foregone to in this case. Fehr said Jasper National Park used in-house studies to ensure species’ populations would not be impacted by the activities. Moreover, he reiterated that the park is looking at the bigger picture.

“This was a First Nation exercising their Section 35 [of the Constitution Act] traditional harvesting “...But I think what’s more rights,” Fehr said. “It important is that these sends the message that Indigenous groups are Indigenous people who are welcome in Jasper lived in these areas prior and that reconciliation to the national park.” is something that’s important to us.”

Some critics of the hunt suggested that if the idea was to reestablish a traditional presence, the groups should use traditional methods of harvesting—hand hewn spears and arrows, for example. But Matthew pointed out precedents agreed to by the Supreme Court are clear that the rights Indigenous Canadians hold “aren’t frozen in time.”

“We can drive cars, use telephones and hunt with 30-ought sixes,” Matthew said. “We can have scopes on our guns, we can use GPS, whatever. It’s been legally determined by Canadian court.”

Participants in the traditional harvest bagged six animals: three elk and three mountain sheep. Their agreement with Jasper National Park was originally for 10 animals, a number which also included whitetail deer (but did not include caribou, moose or mountain goats).

Matthew said the hunters did not locate any deer.

“There were surprisingly few animals,”

Matthew said.

Historic records indicate that when European explorers first made their way into what’s now known as the Three Valley Confluence in Jasper National Park, they encountered Secwepemc people near the Snaring River. When Jasper House was established on the Athabasca in the 1800s, some of the First Nations people who traded at that post were Shuswap. A Hudson’s Bay Company census from 1846 noted more than 40 Shuswap people living in the Jasper area, records indicate.

When the park was created, those people—and other Indigenous and Metis groups—were moved out. In that same general timeframe, disease brought by the new settlers, as well as conflict with neighbouring bands, decimated these communities. Another Secwepemc village site was located in what’s now known as Tete Jaune Cache, however, in 1916 the Simpcw were forcibly removed from there, too. Matthew said his ancestors were relocated nearly 300

kilometres away. There was no road, no rail.

They were made to walk to Chu Chua, which is where they remain.

“We were fairly powerless legally, and physically,” Matthew said. “We were like that until recently.”

In 1982, Section 35 of the Constitution Act was entrenched into the Canadian Constitution.

That document provides constitutional protection to the Aboriginal and treaty rights of Aboriginals in Canada. Matthews said he understands that most Canadians don’t follow closely the developments at the Supreme Court level, but communities like his face the possibility of being erased from history if they don’t stand up for the rights that have been recognized by the highest court in the country.

“If we just listened to the negative voices we wouldn’t bother getting out of bed in the morning,” he said. “We wouldn’t seriously take on the notion and pursue the idea that we have the right to live in this world as First Nations Peoples. We have our territories, our governments and our culture and if we’re going to survive as First Nations we’ve got to carry on all of the activities that reflect those rights and responsibilities for ourselves and the natural resources in our territories.

“If we don’t do that, over time we’re going to lose it.”

Since 2006, the Jasper Aboriginal Forum has provided an opportunity for park management and communities with historic ties to JNP to work together on management-related issues.

Fehr said conversations about a traditional hunt can be traced as far back as then.

“This type of reconciliation action is us honouring those treaties established long before the park was established, and the Constitution Act,” he said. “This is an important step for those communities, Parks Canada and Jasper National Park.” bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Local community//

tuesday, october 17, 2017 // issue 107 // the jasper local// page B2

Skatepark momentum ramping up Two Jasper youth are putting their best skate shoes forward to keep the energy for a new skatepark on the rails.

Fifteen year-old Ezra Jenkins and 17-year-old Lochlan Beauchamp have become active and outspoken youth in the Jasper community, motivated by their desire to replace the town’s tired skateboarding area.

In 2014, Jenkins started a petition to the municipality for a new skatepark and gathered 400 signatures. The petition made it clear that the cheese grater asphalt and cratered cement of the current skate park was in serious need of an update.

The petition also catalyzed a dream which is now the focus of the Jasper Skate Park Committee: to raise IF YOU MOOSE-T KNOW....// ANTLER PADDLES ON THIS MALE MOOSE ARE LOOKING SHINY AND NEW—PERFECT FOR DISPLAYING AND FIGHTING DURING THE FALL MATING SEASON. MOOSE SHED THEIR ANTLERS IN THE WINTER. MOST MOOSE ANTLERS REACH THEIR $700,000 to build a world-class PEAK BY THE TIME THE MOOSE IS FIVE YEARS OLD. // SIMONE HEINRICH facility.

Pattie Urie see the skatepark as most renowned skateparks. On Three years after Jenkins’ petition, where he simply feels at peace. a long-term investment for the November 7, representatives much of the committee’s work— “It relieves stress,” she said.

Jasper community and hope from New Line will unveil a draft which consists of about 20 youth The value Jenkins and Beauchamp that Jasperites will help them design to the Jasper community. and parents, as well as community place on the skatepark explains gain momentum in the Aviva Those interested in attending the outreach workers and allies—has why they care so much about competition. unveiling should stay tuned to the focused on bettering it. They know even if Jasper Skate Park Committee’s grants. In “Youth are a their pursuits as young adults Facebook page for the location and addition, the demographic that “Youth are a demographic take them away from Jasper, time of the meeting.

Committee often gets lost in they’re building for the future. that often gets lost in is currently When Jenkins and Beauchamp the cracks and our “It’ll be nice for the younger kids, vying for a big the cracks and our Jasper were asked why they think the Jasper youth need even kids who are 10-years-old purse courtesy skatepark is such an important something to do in youth need something to right now,” Jenkins said. “It’s a of the Aviva place, their answers weren’t simply the community,” big dream, but it’s going to be a do in the community.”

Community all about having fun. Jenkins Savage said. reality.”

Fund. The mentioned the friendly and The committee is nation-wide accepting social gathering space, ambitious. Their goal competition while Beauchamp said it’s a place bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com is a premium skatepark that will is organized to “help passionate inspire new skaters and challenge people make positive change in existing skaters for years to come. your community” and until October To ensure an aesthetic design that 19 will be determined by popular includes tasteful landscaping, the vote. Anyone can register online at committee has been discussing www.avivacommunityfund.org and skatepark ideas with New Line, search “Jasper Skatepark Initiative.”. a design and construction firm Parents Daryl Savage and that has built some of the world’s

LOCHLAN BEAUCHAMP AND EZRA JENKINS WANT A NEW SKATEPARK. HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR GOAL BY VOTING FOR THEIR AVIVA COMMUNITY FUND PROJECT. // FERN YIP

HOP TO IT // BACK WHEN EZRA JENKINS’ FOOT WASN’T BUSTED UP, HE WAS TAKING SOME SICK JUMPS. // SUPPLIED

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

page b3+B4 // the jasper local // issue 107 // tuesday, october 17, 2017

FEATURE // STORY BY BOB COVEY

When Brigid Scott was offered a job at the Jasper High School in June, she had to pinch herself.

mountains,” she said.

Even still, uprooting was a hard choice. Scott was comfortable in her classroom, her routines, her community.

But if she didn’t open that door,

Scott’s students fellow Jasperite getting to know of The Gram are of @rockymoun love for the alpin

//BRIGID SCOTT IS TAKING HER PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY TO THE PUBLIC VIA HER 23,000 FOLLOWERS ON INSTAGRAM INSTAGRAM @ROCKYMOUNTAINSCRAMBLER // ALL PHOTOS EXCEPT PORTRAIT BY BRIGID SCOTT. // PORTRAIT BY BOB CO

Although she enjoyed her teaching position in Whitecourt, it seemed her migration to the Rockies—something she and her mountain-loving husband had in their sights since they moved from their home province of Saskatchewan—was finally within reach.

“It sounds cliched, but I’m happiest when I’m in the

she knew she would never forgive herself.

“I knew I would regret it if I didn’t go for it,” she said.

Instagram—a web-based photo application which allows users to share pictures publicly— hasn’t been the same since.

23,000 social m acquainted with capture magic w That’s not just g own exposure, it marketing for th that Scott is ab hiking and scra on the regular, a weekend warr has soared to n

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

LOCAL TEACHER SOARING

TO SOCIAL MEDIA S U M M IT S

s, colleagues and es may be just her, but users e keenly aware ntainscrambler’s ne. In fact,

M. FOLLOW HER ON OVEY

media users are h her ability to with her camera. good for her t’s also free he park. Now ble to hit the ambling trails rather than as rior, her feed new heights.

But @rockymountainscrambler didn’t always have such a huge reach, nor did she always have full control of her camera. When Scott first started shooting, she’d keep her settings fully automated.

usually do,” she says.

Scott’s combination of majestic landscapes, moody light and reflective lakes shot from soaring summits have enamoured the social media community. Plus, she’s prolific on the app. She’s made more than 332 posts in two years—pretty impressive, considering her shots are from perspectives which often take huge commitments to gain, rather than just selfies with her breakfast. She knows she spends a lot of time on her computer, but how else are you going to rack up 5 ,500 likes for a pic of Berg Lake?

“I find posting every two days seems to be my sweet spot,” she said.

THIS PHOTO OF BERG LAKE GARNERED 5,500 LIKES SO FAR. “THAT WAS AN AMAZING TRIP,” SCOTT SAID // BRIGID SCOTT Scott isn’t garnering attention because she’s got an itchy posting finger, however. Her account continues to bloom because her fellow photographers are sharing and liking her content. The creative simulation has her keen to take the next step in the Her photos were hastily industr y—whatever that planned out and she had might be. no idea how to shoot a long exposure. Since then, she’s “I love teaching but I also studied the form, picked up love doing this stuff,” she tricks and tips from fellow says, looking up at a wall of shutterbugs and packed photos she’s printed out and along the requisite gear for hung in her classroom. “I’m capturing her surreal subjects. happiest when I’m outside.” bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com “I hate carrying a tripod but I

“It sounds cliched, but I’m happiest when I’m in the mountains,”

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

page B5 // the jasper local // issue 107 // tuesday, october 17, 2017

Local recreation //

Skaha crusher gives Jasper Boulder Battlers a glimpse of the possible The coming of winter usually spells the end of the rock climbing season in Jasper.

While the driven and the crazy interpret the falling leaves as a cue to sharpen their ice tools and crampons, the crimpcrankers and pebble-wrestlers are forced to put their projects on hold until spring.

But winter also brings with it the start of the plastic season, when rock climbers (and dedicated gym climbers) gather at the bouldering wall in the Jasper Fitness and Aquatic Centre to hone their skills on short and demanding challenges called “boulder problems.” That season had an unofficial launch party on the evening of Saturday, October 14 in the form of the Jasper Boulder Battle.

While indoor bouldering contests have a long history in Jasper, this was just the third Boulder Battle to be held at the Fitness and Aquatic Centre and it was the best attended such contest to date. Nineteen climbers (15 in the open men’s category; four in the open women’s) competed in an open format, free to attempt any one of the 26 problems set by Brad Foss and Jeff Lewis.

The problems themselves ranged from about V0 (easy) to V6/7 (how the hell did s/ he do that?) on the openended Hueco scale. They were also numbered from 1-26, in order of difficulty. Climbers

ASSERT THE VERT // MATHILDE BRUMANGE GOT STICKY AT THE JASPER BOULDER BATTLE OCTOBER 14. // DOUG OLTHOF

points.

With only their top six scores going in to their final tally and three hours to build a score, climbers had to strategize in order to maximize “They also got to witness their totals. Before long, however, a few eager a display of climbing souls began challenging acumen that should routes numbered in the keep plastic pullers high teens and twenties. inspired long into the With a number of climbers (including your winter months ahead.“ correspondent) bumping up against the limits of their abilities, a handful of determined hand and foot standouts began to emerge. placements. Harder climbs Brendon Mahler on the men’s carried more points, with side and Mathilde Brumagne “flash” (first attempt) successes on the women’s side were clear netting the most possible early favourites.

The upside of the open format battle is that participants can continue working on their scores even after it becomes clear they aren’t going to challenge for the top spot.

Nevertheless, there were a few strong climbers— like Dan Snelson and Isabelle Glover—who continued to put pressure on the leaders.

Then, with almost half of the contest time elapsed, Michael Hale walked in and POETS FROM ACROSS CANADA DESCENDED ON JASPER OCTOBER 15-18 AS PART OF THE WILD WEST blew away the POETRY FESTIVAL. WHICH TRAVELLED BY RAIL FROM EDMONTON TO PORT HARDY WITH POETRY EVENTS ALL ALONG THE WAY. THEIR THREE-DAY STOP IN JASPER INCLUDED READINGS, WORKSHOPS AND MUSICAL field. Hale, a bridge COLLABORATIONS. THE POETS’ FIRST STANZA WAS AN IMPROVISED “POETRY PARADE” WHICH CULMINATED construction worker IN THE READING OF SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE’S “ON THE ATHABASKA TRAIL.” // BOB COVEY from Penticton B.C., gained points by successfully climbing from the starting holds of a problem to the top hold, using only the pre-

tackled some of the hardest problems on the wall as a warm-up, flashing them one after another. Where Mahler looked strong, Hale didn’t seem to be encountering any resistance. He won the contest by achieving the highest possible score (i.e. by “flashing” the six hardest problems) and he did it with class.

Mahler had to settle for the runner-up position, with Snelson behind him. On the women’s side, Mathilde Brumagne maintained her lead for the victory, while Isabelle Grover and Megan Kinley placed second and third, respectively. All participants, meanwhile, had the pleasure of climbing in a supportive atmosphere where competition was almost always lost amid shouts of encouragement. They also got to witness a display of climbing acumen that should keep plastic pullers inspired long into the winter months ahead.

The Jasper Boulder Battle was organized by Brad Foss of the Jasper Climbing Association.

Contest winners received prizes donated by local and corporate sponsors including: Gravity Gear, Rockaboo Mountain Adventures, Lole, Jasper Physiotherapy, Prana, Black Diamond, Arcteryx and La Sportiva. Proceeds raised through the climbers’ $20 registration fee will go toward the maintenance and improvement of the bouldering wall. doug olthof // doug@thejasperlocal.com

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

local fishing //

tuesday, october 17, 2017 // issue 107 // the jasper local// page B6

Chasing bullies on the Athabasca

animals for company, and the odd bull trout for those willing The river water is as clear as glass. I can see every to cast a line. detail, every stone, every pebble, and every stick that The winter bull lies beneath the surface. In front of me lies a pool so trout fishery is deep I cannot make out the bottom as clear water gives more about the way to the shades of emerald green. It is here I cast my place and setting, line. Somewhere in the abyss a solid tug stops my lure and how truly cold and I snap the rod back into a hookset. The weight remarkable it is is heavy, and moving. It pulls line from my reel, once, to be casting a twice, three times. I hold on, rod deeply bent, eyes glued line into open to where the line enters the water. I can’t see a thing. water. This, at a The fish is still quite far out into the pool. I strain the time where pretty rod back, anticipating the trout to tire, but this one has much everywhere stamina and takes line from my reel again. I savour the else in Alberta, moment, realizing exactly where I am. I am in a pristine people are THE ATHABASCA RIVER’S WINTER BULL TROUT FISHERY IS MORE ABOUT THE PLACE AND THE mountain river, battling a big trout in a mountainous SETTING AND CASTING INTO OPEN WATER. // FRED NODDIN angling through setting, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and kept a hole in the ice. company by an ever present valley breeze. It’s beautiful, I make a point of as of late, and the last time I was have bullies in them all winter and it’s everything I could want in an outdoor fishing doing this, in addition to catching long.

These fish will bite a lot of getting to the Athabasca River experience. Minutes pass and then there in the water I several bullies, I managed to catch different hooks, but the common every year. Sometimes I get there see a flash of silver, and then another. It’s a good sized a bonus 10 pound pike, right there theme is the hook needs to look several times over the winter bull trout. This makes me smile. I don’t rush, but with in the middle of the mountains. like a fish. Bull trout are fish months. The weather forecast gentle and steady pressure I What a welcome surprise. eaters. I come to the river armed guide the fish toward me, and with spoons, spinners, plugs, and Winter bull trout fishing on soon I find the most beautiful of really, really big streamer flies.

“The winter bull trout fishery the Athabasca River in Jasper trout laying in the water near my The bullies eat them all. Most is more about the place National Park is scenic, feet, gills pumping, resting from of my lures have single hooks rugged, and real. It’s a and setting, and how truly the fight. With a practiced hand, I on them because it is easier to beautiful place to cast a line remarkable it is to be casting pop the hook free. Melanie snaps remove the hook and effect a and every now and then, catch a line into open water. a couple quick photos and with quick release. This is why I’ve an equally beautiful fish. that, I ease the trout back into been doing a lot the water. One, two, three… and it of experimenting glides off to the deeps, slowly disappearing from sight. on chasing these is my best friend when it comes bull trout with big This is wintertime on the Athabasca River. It is my to planning trips and I look for streamer flies. I fish favourite time to be on the river. No crowds, only those warm winter days where the flies, however, the temperatures are expected with a spinning rod. to break zero. That way my line doesn’t ice up while I am fishing. If I use a weight, like a nail to cast the the weekend weather looks great, streamer out and I’ll book a room in town and stay get it to bottom, for the entire weekend. and then I slowly Bull trout fishing during the bring it in, giving winter months is straight forward. an odd twitch every They will be found in the biggest, now and then to deepest pools in the river. entice more strikes.

Marginal pools rarely have them.

This has been my BIG BULLS LIKE BIG STREAMERS // FRED NODDIN But those big deep pools, they go to presentation

Clear water, zero crowds and big, beautiful bulls: this is Winter fishing on the Athabasca in JNP

Fred Noddin calls Edmonton home, where he works as an aquatics biologist. He recently earned his MSc in Ecology at the University of Alberta, and has spent the last decade involved in the study of Alberta and NWT fisheries. Fred comes to the mountains at every opportunity, for the fishing, the scenery, the hiking, for the wide open spaces and for the great people. Email noddin@ualberta.ca

Service Directory