Last Excursion of the Season

The Blackstone at its finest

This is why we keep coming back to this area: mountain vistas, blue skies, real wilderness and a river bubbling with trout. Who could ever ask for more...

A classic 'trophy shot' with Scott Wilson

Despite the the fact that it was late in the season, and most of the trout were starting to hunker down in the deep pools, the trip started off with all indications suggesting the days ahead would be filled with warm temperatures and wily trout. Senior R.F.A. inductees, Scott Wilson and Denis Charron were able to get an early start and had the camp set up and some fish landed by the time I arrived in the late afternoon. We opted for a leisurely night around the camp fire, as we assumed there would be no shortage of fishing opportunities over the next few days.

Sometimes things don't go as planned when you're a world class angler. Such was the case on our yearly outing to the beloved Blackstone. Our timing was less than perfect, and instead of contending with the frisky trout and white fish we were hoping for, we were forced to contend with the frigid temperatures and white snow that welcomed us when we awoke.

A blustery morning at camp

Another classic 'trophy shot' with Scott Wilson

The true sportsmen is prudent, and is prepared and able to make the best of any situation in the woods. We had the foresight to get our upland game bird licences on the way to Nordegg, and it was a good thing we did. With snow on the water and the futile prospect of fishing, we were still able to bring a nice catch back to camp. We bagged a nice plump ruffed grouse and beauty of spruce grouse. Both were roasted up for dinner that evening over the camp fire, and though they paled in comparison to the bacon wrapped venison roast that Denis prepared the night before, the grouse made for a delicious and memorable meal. The upland bird numbers in the area have experienced some growth over the last couple years, indicating that the perplexing 10-year cycle that grouse populations follow is on the upward trend. I made a note of this with the intent of heading back to the area for next year's grouse season. On that note, I'll sign off until the rivers thaw and the fish are hungry. Here's to another unforgettable season on the water. See you all next year.

Photo credits: Denis Charron, James Cocchio