Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Should I Fish Sand Creek or Not?

The Denver Post recently published a detailed article on the Suncor Sand Creek petroleum spill with some startling and disturbing background.  It seems like some folks had their heads firmly buried in the sandy banks of the aptly named Sand Creek for months if not years before the shit hit the fan. 


I had a discussion the other day with a friend about fly fishing for carp in the area.  He was of the strong opinion that fishing there implied forgiveness or that everything was OK when clearly it is not and will not be for some time.

He is probably correct on many levels and I struggle with the symbolism of fishing there but I will continue to at least occasionally.  Not because everything is fine and dandy but because this is my river.  This is your river.  This is our river, and I will be damned if Suncor can take it away.

It has taken quite some time for the fishing to return to anything even resembling normal but they certainly couldn't take the river or even the creek away from the carp forever.  Tough bastards those carp. 



On a side note it was probably a bit idiotic to actually wade-in for the photo.  I got caught in the moment which had deep meaning for me.  Maybe this space-cadet shouldn't fish there after all.  What do you think?

11 comments:

  1. You should fish there with a carpin' buddy, or for "testing" purposes only, or both...

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  2. I absolutely would fish it if for no other reason to keep tabs on the recovery and health of the stream. Sure, you could just go walk the banks from time to time to do this, but I don't think you'll be as engaged and focused as you are when fishing. No one picks up subtle changes in a home water better than an angler. I say fish it. A lot.

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    1. May not work out that way but it is a very good thought. When I am fishing I get complete and total tunnel vision.

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  3. I echo what Ty said. In addition, spread the word about how awesome the fishery is. If you can get more people fishing it, it will receive more attention and more attention helps put an importance on its recovery.

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    1. Errr...ummm...that thought makes me a little uncomfortable. As a matter of fact for anybody reading this there is no fishing there. Terrible. It is only my favorite spot because of the foilage.

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  4. I don't think fishing it implies forgiveness. Keep tabs on the health of the stream. Let's say they don't fully remedy the problems and something goes wrong again. Be there to protect your water. Suncor probably doesn't want a bunch of anglers in their backyard armed with the EPA number on their cell phone.

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    1. Yup, from Suncor's perspective lots of guys fishing there is probably not a comfortable thought. Very good point.

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  5. Heck, fish it a lot Trevor. Take pictures and blog about it.

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  6. Yes, fish the thing in view of Suncor's office window's and picnic tables. All to what everybody has said, they are right, only a dedicated fisherman knows the water best. That lanquor concerning the spill hopefully is not the prevalent attitude.

    Gregg

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