Now that most of our Interior lakes are ice free and everyone is gearing up for the season, I think it's time to say a few words about health and safety.
I know some would think this subject does not need coverage. Personally, I disagree.
So, the following is a list of some things for which to watch out when you're out on the water or on a fishing expedition.
Lime disease: This ailment is both under-reported and under-diagnosed in our province.
You get it from tick bites and it becomes a real nuisance if left untreated. When dealt with early, it just takes a few antibiotics and you're done. Watch for that telltale bullseye rash.
Giardia: This is commonly known as Beavery or Beaver Fever and is an intestinal parasite you get from ingesting untreated water.
So if you don't want to begin a long-term relationship with the toilet, treat your water by filtering or boiling it, or with water purification tables.
Hypothermia: This happens when the core temperature in a person's body drops below what is required to maintain one's normal metabolism.
This one can catch you unaware at this time of year. It often happens on what looks to be a warm, sunny day.
You head out on the lake without a coat, once away from shore you notice the wind is a bit chilly, but you think the sun is warm and it will be okay.
An hour or three later you find you have the shivers and your coordination is not what it should be.
Hypothermia has begun -- from here it goes down hill, unless you head back to some place warm and stay there until the shaking stops.
THE REPORT
Our Lower Mainland lakes are fishing well again, thanks to the improved weather.
Our low to mid-elevation lakes are coming on strong, as well, with early season tactics being the key.
The Fraser River is fishing fair in the cleaner water around its feeder streams.
The Harrison River is good for cutthroat and rainbow. For rainbow try Big Black, Kaufmann Stone, Sixpack, Irresistible, Czech Nymph, Zulu, olive Wooly Bugger, Souboo or Renegade.
