Great fishing is being enjoyed on the shoals at Lac des Roches, as the spring hatches are underway and it seems that many of the fishers are bringing in several good-sized rainbow trout.
Some enthusiasts may be taking advantage of the summer-long monthly fishing derby that is underway on several lakes in South Cariboo. The event is sponsored by the Fishing Hwy Tourist Association and encompasses eight lakes and includes three different fish species.
Three lakes in our chain – Lac des Roches, Little Lac des Roches and Birch Lake – are included in the derby. While fishing is a very popular pastime and an excellent excuse to get out and enjoy nature, the added challenge of a fishing derby can spark interest among those who might otherwise not be quite so active.
Lac des Roches Resort and Opax Mountain Resort Café are both official ticket sellers and weigh-in stations, but details about the fishing derby can be found on the Association’s website at www.fishinghighway24.com.
Angry deer
Several unprovoked attacks on dogs have been reported on Boultbee Road.
In all cases, the dogs were being walked by their owners and were charged by an irate deer approaching from driveways or grassy fields adjacent to the road. The doe is accompanied by a newborn fawn, which partly explains the aggressive behaviour.
It is possible the doe has experienced a violent encounter with a dog or a dog-like animal, which would further explain its obvious angst toward dogs, simply on sight. There is not much that can be done to prevent these surprise incidents; however, keeping the dogs leashed and close to their walker may help. So far, the doe has stopped short when she nears the humans accompanying the dogs.
Correction fluid
In a previous column, I mentioned that several neighbours were tapping birch trees to make syrup.
Apparently no amount of rendering will produce a thick, syrupy consistency but with patience and time, birch sap will produce a sweet watery liquid.
Critter watch
The bucks are now distinguishable from the does by the short fuzzy nubs which appear on their heads this time of year and are rapidly growing into antlers.
Badgers are actively digging out the ground squirrel holes and eliminating these small and annoying rodents.
Several different bears are feeding in the area and have been seen in yards.
The next birding outing is scheduled for June 24 led by Wendy Marshall at 250-593-2327.
Ghastly garbage
Late in the afternoon last Monday, a resident made a report to the Road Hazard line.
No doubt, aided by birds and animals, garbage left by travellers in plastic bags was strewn from one end of the rest stop to the other, resulting in both a terrible eyesore and a distraction. Many thanks to Interior Roads personnel who responded quickly and had the mess cleaned up.
Positive thoughts
For those neighbours lamenting the continuous rain, remember there are many upsides.
Rain is good for the garden containers that can dry out fast in the day’s warmth. Rain will wash the pollen off of the edible wild foliage like dandelions and domestic greens like spinach and lettuce.
Rain helps keep the dust off the laundry hanging out to dry and on the gravel roads – where it belongs.
Rain is needed to initiate the germination of dormant fungus spores growth – many of which produce edible and tasty mushrooms. Rain and the scrubbing effect of some of the
hail we have experienced is Mother Nature’s way of scrubbing the slippery remnants of loitering ducks and geese from docks and ramps.