While it feels like spring in Dease Lake, and summer in Telegraph, at Tahltan Lake it’s still winter. Ice covers the lake from the outlet as far back as the eye can see. Somewhere under all that ice, an estimated 1.2 million sockeye smolts are planning their escape to the ocean. Two arctic terns sit, waiting for the action. Mergansers scan underwater for the fish. Even the grizzlies are starting to show up, likely tired of eating grass.

Our technicians have flown in, cleared camp of snow, and built the smolt fence. Now they’re onto doing the finishing touches, getting ready for the big push of juvenile fish. Camp always has its quirks. The water lines are frozen, the fire extinguishers disappeared, packrats moved into the generator shed. While our techs wait for the ice to melt, spring cleaning is in full swing.

A big welcome back to Michael (Moe) Nole, who has been with Tahltan Fisheries for over 20 years. He’s back at the lake after two years away beating cancer. We cannot express how happy we are that he is here with us.

Finally, here’s the instructor's view from the Stikine during our Swiftwater Motorized Boat Operator Field Services training course last week, as he's rescued by:

• Kyle Inkster- Fisheries Tech
• Derek Louie - Wildlife Guardian
• Mariah Marion- Fisheries Tech