Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look at the week's news and decides who's hot... and who's not. This week's list inclu...
Rain or shine Brian Semenchuk has been camping at Pike Lake for decades, starting with a tent and now a camper.
“Why leave a camper at home when you can have fun out here?” he said, as rain soaked the area on Friday.
Read more:
- Business as usual in Waskesiu for long weekend, despite prolonged thaw
- Environment ministry urges Saskatchewan to be ‘bear aware’ this spring
Semenchuk said he started setting up his campground on Thursday, and is looking forward to spending time with his wife and grandchildren.
“I’ve been out here 30 some years, off season (in the) winter time,” he told 650 CKOM.
“I come out here because I like the wildlife, I like the birds, to sit around the fire and enjoy myself.”
Pike Lake camp grounds were sodden on the Friday of the May long weekend. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)
Annette Semenchuk said she is looking forward to enjoying “the great outdoors” after being cooped up all winter.
She said coming out to camp is something she “never regrets,” adding the family has come out for May Long weekend even if it snows.
While Prince Albert National Park’s Beaver Glen Campground (pictured) will be open, others like Sandy Lake will be closed, or may not have all services available, including potable water. (PA National Park/Submitted)
Campers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts heading to Prince Albert National Park this long weekend should be prepared for just about anything, according to a park spokesperson.
Jacelyn Perret, promotions officer, says every effort is being made to prepare the 200-spot Beaver Glen Campground for visitors.
“Crews have been clearing snow, turning on the water, getting everything ready … however there is a precautionary boil water advisory in effect while water testing takes place,” she said.
Potable water is also available at the park’s visitor centre. Other campgrounds may have more snow, may not be open, or have running water, including Namekus Lake, Narrows, and Sandy Lake campgrounds.
Perret says the delayed spring and two big snowfalls in April left the park in a big blanket of snow.
“We are making every effort to make sure thing are as open as they can be for the Victoria Day long weekend,” she added.
Water is turned on in some subdivisions, however lines to individual cottages may still be frozen.
It means that campers might see and experience a variety of conditions including lingering snow packs, muddy campsites and trails.
“Another important thing to remember is that thin ice still exists on a lot of the water bodies in the park. And so, while ice fishing on the lake might sound like a fun idea and a good story to tell down the line, the ice is weak and incredibly dangerous, and it’s important not to venture out onto the ice,” she cautioned.
While there are some open spots, ice still covers a significant portion of Waskesiu Lake.
Hiking trails are open in the park, however many are also still snow covered or are still muddy.
Floods impacting fishing
Those angling to get out and fish for the May long weekend are in for a challenge.
Even if the lake you’re going to isn’t frozen over, Jason Matity with Get Fishing told The Greg Morgan Morning Show that flooded areas can create unsafe conditions for fishers.
“You will still be successful, but there can be some dangerous spots around the shoreline,” Matity said, referencing washouts.
Plus, he said the water will be at “hypothermia” temperatures.
In combination with high current levels, “you’re going to be in trouble if you don’t be careful,” according to Matity.
Dangers aside, he said it can also be tricky just catching fish because flooding has created a bunch of new habitats, so they’re all over the place.
It’s not all bad, though.
With the colder spring, Matity said trout have been biting because they prefer the cooler water and he’s been hearing good reports out of Lake Diefenbaker.
There’s also a benefit to fishing this time of year, especially for shore anglers, because the fish are shallower. Whereas in the summertime, as things warm up the fish go deeper, Matity said.
Plus after spending eight months indoors, “just being out is a tonic,” according to Matity.
Wildlife safety
Bears, wolves, and cougars are becoming more active, and elk calving season is also beginning, so Prince Albert National Park’s Perret says it’s important to give them a lot of space.
“Everybody is searching for food sources, so another important thing to remember is while you’re giving them space, to also not feed wildlife big or small,” she added.
Campers should always put their food and other “scented” items away either in their RVs, vehicles, hard sided coolers, or in bear- proof lockers/caches provided at the park.
At this point there have not been any reports of bear or wildlife and human interactions, or notices cautioning hikers about their presence near trails posted in the park.
— with files from 650 CKOM’s Marija Robinson and Mia Holowaychuk
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