PARKLAND PARADISE

For many of us who live in Manitoba, summer means loading up the boat and heading out to our favourite lake or river to experience what this province has to offer. One area of the province that probably does not get the recognition it deserves from resident anglers is the Parkland region of western Manitoba. Encompassing lakes from Russell, up to Roblin over below Riding Mountain, then back up to Dauphin and over to the Duck Mountains, there are a myriad of angling opportunities. I have had the opportunity to fish quite a number of them and plan a revisit here in a couple of weeks. That means loading up my float tube and fly fishing gear and heading out to any one of a number of lakes in the region that hold big rainbow trout as well as a multitude of other species. High on the list of must visit, are Spear Lake near Russell, and East Goose Lake right in the town of Roblin.

One non-profit group, called FLIPPR or in long form, Fish and Lake Improvement Program for the Parkland Region, has been together for almost three years now trying to enhance the salmonoid fishery in western Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan. Bob Sopuck, the new hunting columnist for Winnipeg Free Press, is the President of FLIPPR. Bob says not only has the group has been able to raise funds and get grants for aeration equipment for new lakes in the Parkland Region, but they've been striving to work with different towns and Rural Municipalities to get funding support for operation and maintenance of this equipment. Sopuck hopes to have a couple of rural communities involved shortly to bring two new lakes on-line. Sopuck says Patterson Lake, just west of Tokaruk Lake has been stocked with trout and is producing some great angling; this a result of great support from the R.M of Rossburn. That and some excellent co-operation from Manitoba Conservation-Fisheries Branch has allowed FLIPPR to already exceed some of the progress guidelines the group had set out. FLLIPPR's website is http://www.flippr.ca

Sopuck believes by implementing high quality management on lakes like Patterson anglers from around the world will come flocking to the Parkland region for a chance at a trophy fish which will result in some major economic benefits to the whole region, results the group is already seeing. Sopuck knows their work has only just begun and hopes to have ten new lakes in total waiting for anglers to enjoy in the Parkland region over the next few years.

FLIPPR raises money from both private and government sources and uses it to monitor the fishery in this part of the world. While most of it is directed toward the fly fisherman, the groups hard work benefits everyone who loves to fish. A hard core group of individuals has made this work and resulted the creation of a FLIPPR DIRECTORY! This 48 page booklet will guide visitors through the region, outlining not only the best places to fish but where to find a meal or accommodation after a long day on the water. You will also find lake hydrographic maps, location maps, best starting locations and best fly starting fly patterns You can get your copy of the Directory by contacting the Russell town office at 204-773-2253. All they ask for is a small donation for the cause.

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