Those of you who fish the Bow may have noticed that the river has been getting progressively lower since the end of June.
We have not seen the water levels this low at the end of August, ever! (well, as long as we can remember).
Below is the latest readings from Alberta Environment. Flows of 68 CMS are more indicative of what we would see in January, not August.
On July 27 of this year, we contacted Paul Christensen, Senior Fisheries Biologist,
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fisheries Management, Prairies Area, Calgary
Fish and Wildlife Division. He indicated that information on our steadily dropping flows would be gathered and forwarded to us. (Keep in mind, Transalta, not the government, controls dam outflows). As of this writing we have no more information or reasons for the unbelievably low water levels.
Couple of things you can do to help:
- e-mail your concerns to Paul.Christensen@gov.ab.ca as well as Adam.Rich@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
- Think about the resource you love when you're watering your grass, using water in your house, washing your car, all of the activities that use water.
-Make a phone call to Alberta Environment: Southern Region, Calgary
#303 Deerfoot Square Building
2938 11 Street, N.E.
Calgary, Alberta
T2E 7L7
Phone: (403) 297-7602
Fax: (403) 297-6069
RBOWCALG 2010-08-30 03:45:00 1.066 68.37
RBOWCALG 2010-08-30 04:00:00 1.065 68.22
RBOWCALG 2010-08-30 04:15:00 1.067 68.52
RBOWCALG 2010-08-30 04:30:00 1.066 68.37
RBOWCALG 2010-08-30 04:45:00 1.067 68.52
RBOWCALG 2010-08-30 05:00:00 1.066 68.37
RBOWCALG 2010-08-30 05:15:00 1.067 68.52
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Patagonia Environmental Initiative
This year Patagonia has put out an enhanced electronic version of it's annual enviro initiatives booklet. There are a number of embedded videos and interactive pages well worth checking out.
View a fireside chat with Patagonia founder and environmentalist-in-chief Yvon Chouinard, accompany world-renowned photographer Florian Schulz as he sheds light on the beauty and struggles of the Arctic, and connect with other activists’ stories through powerful videos and images. The new e-booklet does all this without sacrificing a forest full of trees.
The interactive grants map allows you to see all the grassroots groups by region that received grants along with links to their respective web sites. Be sure to check out the groups in your area that received grants.
The by the numbers page has a bunch of stats you can scroll over to see the full scope of what Patagonia does on the environmental front.
In a nutshell:
Patagonia donated $3,444,263 (1% of its sales) to support environmental causes.
433 different environmental groups were the recipient of a Patagonia grant.
$155,000 worth of grants were given out through the World Trout program.
Water and Marine groups recieved $648,989 in grants, the second highest category after biodiversity groups.
You can also download a PDF version of the booklet with its many stories and photos about our environmental efforts. In "Leading the Examined Life Is a Pain in the Ass," Yvon tells how Patagonia came by its environmental ethos. We also break down our mission statement, tell about Freedom to Roam, World Trout and bluesign® technologies, and list the more than 400 grassroots groups we aided this year.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Bow River Fishing Report
Bow River Report –August 25, 2010
Been walking a bunch of banks over the last four days. I can’t believe that there are as many Hoppers as there are (and they’re big). Considering some of the cool, wet weather we have had this summer I pretty much figured the Grasshoppers were not going to be a factor.
Thankfully I seem to wrong (again). We’ve been fishing more Hopper style foam bugs from the boat the last week or so and it’s working pretty well. The real proof came on Monday, sighted fish on a number of banks with a couple of our guides fishing, every fish we sighted that we threw a Hopper pattern at came to the fly. Not all ate (most did) but they all came to the fly (some from a long way).
Long story short, this is good news! Go Hopper fishing.
Bead fishing seems to be getting better, both on Hopper-Dropper and indicator rigs.
Streamer fishing has also been good with cloudy days being silly/stupid and the bright days being pretty good.
Get out there!
Hatches: Caddis, Tricos, Hoppers, Stoneflies
Streamers: Party Boy, Silvey’s Sculpin Leech (Black w/ Olive, White Head), Marabou Clousers, Articulated Leech-Black or Purple
Nymphs: Hogan’s Chubby Cousin, Bloom’s Tung Dart, Chamois Leech, Tung Stud, TB Super Pupa.
Dry Flies: PMD Sparkle Dun, Quill Body Parachute-PMD, Silvey’s Hatching Mayfly-PMD, Bloom’s Parachute Caddis, Bloom’s CDC Caddis, Berrett’s Barred Leg-Golden Stone, Neversink Stone Popper, Chubby Chernobyl.
Been walking a bunch of banks over the last four days. I can’t believe that there are as many Hoppers as there are (and they’re big). Considering some of the cool, wet weather we have had this summer I pretty much figured the Grasshoppers were not going to be a factor.
Thankfully I seem to wrong (again). We’ve been fishing more Hopper style foam bugs from the boat the last week or so and it’s working pretty well. The real proof came on Monday, sighted fish on a number of banks with a couple of our guides fishing, every fish we sighted that we threw a Hopper pattern at came to the fly. Not all ate (most did) but they all came to the fly (some from a long way).
Long story short, this is good news! Go Hopper fishing.
Bead fishing seems to be getting better, both on Hopper-Dropper and indicator rigs.
Streamer fishing has also been good with cloudy days being silly/stupid and the bright days being pretty good.
Get out there!
Hatches: Caddis, Tricos, Hoppers, Stoneflies
Streamers: Party Boy, Silvey’s Sculpin Leech (Black w/ Olive, White Head), Marabou Clousers, Articulated Leech-Black or Purple
Nymphs: Hogan’s Chubby Cousin, Bloom’s Tung Dart, Chamois Leech, Tung Stud, TB Super Pupa.
Dry Flies: PMD Sparkle Dun, Quill Body Parachute-PMD, Silvey’s Hatching Mayfly-PMD, Bloom’s Parachute Caddis, Bloom’s CDC Caddis, Berrett’s Barred Leg-Golden Stone, Neversink Stone Popper, Chubby Chernobyl.
Simms Wader Rebate Program
Save some money on those new waders?
Starts September 1. Details coming to the Blog soon!
Call the shop for details.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Mend Smarter, not Harder!
We've been having some very, very good foam fishing lately, but only if you're getting your fly in the zone, and more importantly, KEEPING it there! Big fish are lazy, and the longer your fly hangs in the zone, the better you're going to be.
Especially out of a drift boat, your mend is just as important (if not more-so) then your cast. You want to be mending the line all the way up to the bug, without pulling the fly out of the zone. This takes a lot of practice, but is pretty much a requirement to land the truly big fish on foam flies.
A couple tips (in essence, this is from a Drift-Boat point of view):
1. The line & leader closest to the fly is the stuff that matters! They'll be the quickest to pull out of the zone, and if you have these lined up immediately after your cast, you fly will sit a lot properly a lot longer. Mend the instant your fly lands. If you wait, you'll be too late.
2. You are allowed to mend more than once per cast. Typically you should throw your bug, do a big mend to line the leader and fly line closest to the fly upstream. Your next mend should work on the line closest to the rod tip, and align that with the fly.
3. More line, more problems. Don't add more line into your system when mending. The more line on the water, the more that can drag in the long run.
4. Master the reach mend, it will throw a mend in the cast before the line lands on the water setting you up for a great float. A reach mend can be achieved by casting as normal but when you have stopped your rod and your line is beginning to head to it's target, sweep your rod in the direction you would have mended to reposition the fly line without effecting where the fly lands. Trust me, this one takes some practice but is extremely valuable.
But how do I mend more efficiently you ask?? The most common mistakes we see are anglers that like to mend with the rod tip. A flick of the rod tip in a semi circle motion will rarely get the job done. Mending is a full body motion, well, almost. Use your arm to extend and lift the rod in an arcing motion, lifting as much line up and off of the water and repositioning where you want it. The key here is that too much and you can hank your fly off the bank or out of the "sweet spot" ie. mend smarter not harder.
Lazy trout like their bugs to hang around before committting.
Especially out of a drift boat, your mend is just as important (if not more-so) then your cast. You want to be mending the line all the way up to the bug, without pulling the fly out of the zone. This takes a lot of practice, but is pretty much a requirement to land the truly big fish on foam flies.
A couple tips (in essence, this is from a Drift-Boat point of view):
1. The line & leader closest to the fly is the stuff that matters! They'll be the quickest to pull out of the zone, and if you have these lined up immediately after your cast, you fly will sit a lot properly a lot longer. Mend the instant your fly lands. If you wait, you'll be too late.
2. You are allowed to mend more than once per cast. Typically you should throw your bug, do a big mend to line the leader and fly line closest to the fly upstream. Your next mend should work on the line closest to the rod tip, and align that with the fly.
3. More line, more problems. Don't add more line into your system when mending. The more line on the water, the more that can drag in the long run.
4. Master the reach mend, it will throw a mend in the cast before the line lands on the water setting you up for a great float. A reach mend can be achieved by casting as normal but when you have stopped your rod and your line is beginning to head to it's target, sweep your rod in the direction you would have mended to reposition the fly line without effecting where the fly lands. Trust me, this one takes some practice but is extremely valuable.
But how do I mend more efficiently you ask?? The most common mistakes we see are anglers that like to mend with the rod tip. A flick of the rod tip in a semi circle motion will rarely get the job done. Mending is a full body motion, well, almost. Use your arm to extend and lift the rod in an arcing motion, lifting as much line up and off of the water and repositioning where you want it. The key here is that too much and you can hank your fly off the bank or out of the "sweet spot" ie. mend smarter not harder.
Lazy trout like their bugs to hang around before committting.Saturday, August 21, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
THEY"RE FINALLY HERE!
Sage DXL Typhoon Boat Bag
-21" x 12" x 13" / 1953 cu. in.
-Welded construction
-Hybrid magnetic/zipper closure
-Modular interior compartment
-Molded tool patch and fly patch
-Adjustable carry handle
-21" x 12" x 13" / 1953 cu. in.
-Welded construction
-Hybrid magnetic/zipper closure
-Modular interior compartment
-Molded tool patch and fly patch
-Adjustable carry handle
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
FISHING REPORTS
Bow River Report –August 17, 2010
Dry fly fishing has been good on Tricos and Caddis, particularly on the cloudier days. Still getting some eats on the Stoneflies.
Nymph fishing remains good, both nymph and indicator, and Hopper-Dropper.
Streamer fishing is very good when it’s on but a little like work when it’s off. Thankfully it’s been pretty good most of the time.
Hatches: Caddis, Tricos, Stoneflies
Streamers: Party Boy, Silvey’s Sculpin Leech (Black w/ Olive, White Head), Marabou Clousers, Articulated Leech-Black or Purple
Nymphs: Hogan’s Chubby Cousin, Bloom’s Tung Dart, Gob-O-Worms, Chamois Leech, Tung Stud, TB Super Pupa.
Dry Flies: PMD Sparkle Dun, Quill Body Parachute-PMD, Silvey’s Hatching Mayfly-PMD, Bloom’s Parachute Caddis, Bloom’s CDC Caddis, Berretts Barred Leg-Golden Stone, Neversink Stone Popper, Chubby Chernobyl.
Crowsnest River Report – August 17, 2010
Just got back from a couple of days on the Crow. If you like cool rising fish, sighting fish, and small bugs then the Crow is right up your alley right now.
Very clear and around normal water levels.
Hatches: Few Stoneflies, Caddis, Pale Morning Duns, and Quill Gordon Mayflies
Streamers: Brunette Leech, Chamois Leech.
Nymphs: Pheasant-Tail, Hare's Ear, Copper John, Tung Stud, and San Juan Worm
Dries: Berrett’s Barred Leg Stone, Neversink Caddis, Fat Albert-Black, ParaTrooper-Green Drake, Spun Hair Dun-PMD, Berret’s Emerging Green Drake, Etha-Wing Dun, Etha Wing Emerger
High Country River Report – August 17, 2010
Overall, the high country streams are fishing very good right now. Only bad part is some of them tend to be a little busy.
Hatches: Few Stoneflies, Caddis, PMD’s, Quill Gordon Mayflies, Green Drakes, and Flav mayflies.
Streamers: Brunette Leech, Chamois Leech, Large, olive or white streamers for Bull Trout.
Nymphs: Pheasant-Tail, Hare's Ear, Copper John, Tung Stud, and San Juan Worm
Dries: Berrett’s Barred Leg Stone, Neversink Caddis, Fat Albert-Black, ParaTrooper-Green Drake, Spun Hair Dun-PMD, Berret’s Emerging Green Drake
Dry fly fishing has been good on Tricos and Caddis, particularly on the cloudier days. Still getting some eats on the Stoneflies.
Nymph fishing remains good, both nymph and indicator, and Hopper-Dropper.
Streamer fishing is very good when it’s on but a little like work when it’s off. Thankfully it’s been pretty good most of the time.
Hatches: Caddis, Tricos, Stoneflies
Streamers: Party Boy, Silvey’s Sculpin Leech (Black w/ Olive, White Head), Marabou Clousers, Articulated Leech-Black or Purple
Nymphs: Hogan’s Chubby Cousin, Bloom’s Tung Dart, Gob-O-Worms, Chamois Leech, Tung Stud, TB Super Pupa.
Dry Flies: PMD Sparkle Dun, Quill Body Parachute-PMD, Silvey’s Hatching Mayfly-PMD, Bloom’s Parachute Caddis, Bloom’s CDC Caddis, Berretts Barred Leg-Golden Stone, Neversink Stone Popper, Chubby Chernobyl.
Crowsnest River Report – August 17, 2010
Just got back from a couple of days on the Crow. If you like cool rising fish, sighting fish, and small bugs then the Crow is right up your alley right now.
Very clear and around normal water levels.
Hatches: Few Stoneflies, Caddis, Pale Morning Duns, and Quill Gordon Mayflies
Streamers: Brunette Leech, Chamois Leech.
Nymphs: Pheasant-Tail, Hare's Ear, Copper John, Tung Stud, and San Juan Worm
Dries: Berrett’s Barred Leg Stone, Neversink Caddis, Fat Albert-Black, ParaTrooper-Green Drake, Spun Hair Dun-PMD, Berret’s Emerging Green Drake, Etha-Wing Dun, Etha Wing Emerger
High Country River Report – August 17, 2010
Overall, the high country streams are fishing very good right now. Only bad part is some of them tend to be a little busy.
Hatches: Few Stoneflies, Caddis, PMD’s, Quill Gordon Mayflies, Green Drakes, and Flav mayflies.
Streamers: Brunette Leech, Chamois Leech, Large, olive or white streamers for Bull Trout.
Nymphs: Pheasant-Tail, Hare's Ear, Copper John, Tung Stud, and San Juan Worm
Dries: Berrett’s Barred Leg Stone, Neversink Caddis, Fat Albert-Black, ParaTrooper-Green Drake, Spun Hair Dun-PMD, Berret’s Emerging Green Drake
Monday, August 16, 2010
Videos from Mongolia
Our friend 'Big-Fish' Bayaraa sent us a few links to his videos from Mongolia.
And apparently it was a very long, cold winter in Mongolia!
And apparently it was a very long, cold winter in Mongolia!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Sale Items and Specials
Summer Savings Time!! Check out the sales and specials we have on now.
Limited stock so don't wait!!!
Sage ZXL Fly Rod. 690-4
Demo, full warranty. $450 (regular $800)
Limited stock so don't wait!!!
Sage ZXL Fly Rod. 690-4
Demo, full warranty. $450 (regular $800)
Sage 99 Fly Rods. 599-4 and 699-4
Demos, full warranty. $450 (regular $805)
Demos, full warranty. $450 (regular $805)
Sage 4500 and 4500CF Reels.
Buy a reel and recieve either a SA Mastery Sharkskin Line or a Orvis Wonderline (W3) Trout Line plus backing for FREE.
Redington WOMEN`S Shasta Hoody.
40% OFF. Now $39 Was $65
Redington WOMEN`S Ruby Long Sleeve Shirt.
40% OFF. Now $39 Was $65
40% OFF. Now $39 Was $65
Redington WOMEN`S Madison Capri.40% OFF. Now $42 Was $70
Redington WOMEN`S Kenai Full Zip Jacket (Soft Shell).40% OFF. Now $62.97 Was $104.95
Applies to in stock items only, no special orders. Cannot be used with any other coupons or offers. Prices and items are subject to change without notice.Kevin Peterson Being Pissy Video Series
Kevin Peterson and a Caddis fish. First of three video showing Kevin getting more and more pissed off at the grass behind him, the deep holes between the rocks he'd wading on, and two missed eats.
The pissy girl hand on his hip when he lands the fish tells it all.
The pissy girl hand on his hip when he lands the fish tells it all.
Kevin Peterson Being Pissy #1 from Mike Gifford on Vimeo.
Kevin Peterson Being Pissy #2 from Mike Gifford on Vimeo.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Getting Ready for Steelhead?
I know it seems a little early to think about it but Steelhead season is coming fast. In the last week or so I've been thinking more and more about the upcoming Fall and Steelheading.
For those of you who are going for the first time, or just replacing worn out stuff, here's a selection of stuff (inside to out) that I've found to be absolutely bulletproof for the conditions of Fall Steelheading.
Simms ExStream Socks-Haven't ever found anything warmer.
Rivertek Midweight Bottoms - Comfortable, warm, easy to wash.
Simms Guide Fleece Pant - Wear a pair. We won't need to say more. Great for cool days here too!
Simms Rivertek Top-Just like the bottoms, really warm, breathe great, can was them in the sink.
Guide Fleece Top-Great breathability so you stay comfortable, even when it warms up in the afternoon.
Simms guide Windstopper Jacket-The perfect layer before your Storm Jacket. And the look really good!
Simms G4 Pro Jacket-If there's a better fishing storm jacket out there, we don't know about it.
Simms G4Z Wader-Been using this wader for 4 seasons now (flawless). After the morning 4 cups of coffee the zipper rocks! Means you don't have to strip off your top layers. Awfully nice when it's raining or snowing.
Simms G3 Guide Wader-If you want to save the expense of the zippered wader the G3 is for you. Basically, in the wader market, there's the G3, and there's everybody else who wishes they could be the G3.
Simms G4 Boot- Very stable, very comfortable, very warm!
Hardbite Boot Studs-A must on the Bulkley, Babine, Kispiox, you get the point! And you can take 'em out in minutes so your buddy with the drift boat doesn't kill you!
Like always, the stuff we recommend is the stuff we use. All of these items have been tried, and proved to be excellent, in the field.
Have fun, stay warm, get yanked!
For those of you who are going for the first time, or just replacing worn out stuff, here's a selection of stuff (inside to out) that I've found to be absolutely bulletproof for the conditions of Fall Steelheading.
Simms ExStream Socks-Haven't ever found anything warmer.
Rivertek Midweight Bottoms - Comfortable, warm, easy to wash.
Simms Guide Fleece Pant - Wear a pair. We won't need to say more. Great for cool days here too!
Simms Rivertek Top-Just like the bottoms, really warm, breathe great, can was them in the sink.
Guide Fleece Top-Great breathability so you stay comfortable, even when it warms up in the afternoon.
Simms guide Windstopper Jacket-The perfect layer before your Storm Jacket. And the look really good!
Simms G4 Pro Jacket-If there's a better fishing storm jacket out there, we don't know about it.
Simms G4Z Wader-Been using this wader for 4 seasons now (flawless). After the morning 4 cups of coffee the zipper rocks! Means you don't have to strip off your top layers. Awfully nice when it's raining or snowing.
Simms G3 Guide Wader-If you want to save the expense of the zippered wader the G3 is for you. Basically, in the wader market, there's the G3, and there's everybody else who wishes they could be the G3.
Simms G4 Boot- Very stable, very comfortable, very warm!
Hardbite Boot Studs-A must on the Bulkley, Babine, Kispiox, you get the point! And you can take 'em out in minutes so your buddy with the drift boat doesn't kill you!
Like always, the stuff we recommend is the stuff we use. All of these items have been tried, and proved to be excellent, in the field.
Have fun, stay warm, get yanked!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Rising Fish On Tricos Video
Unedited video of Kevin Peterson fishing to a Trico fish. Jeff Petersen and I providing invaluable insight into how best to catch the fish and the world's quickest breakoff!
Rising Fish on Tricos August 14, 2010 from Mike Gifford on Vimeo.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
FISHING REPORTS
Bow River Report –August 10, 2010
Trico fishing is getting into full swing. Last few days we’ve sen fish doing some pretty cool things while feeding on these bugs. You might want to try a low profile CDC Caddis pattern like the Bloom’s CDC Caddis or a Glo-Ant on these fish (a lot easier to see , and they eat it). Caddis continue to be around in good numbers and again, fish are eating them. Pseudos (little Blue-winged-Olives) are around in the afternoons, especially on the cloudy days. Oh, and there’s still fresh Stonefly shucks on a lot of banks!
Nymph fishing has been good, as usual. The standard techniques with a San Juan Worm or variation will produce a bunch of fish. Hopper-Dropper techniques using small to mid-sized bead head nymphs seem to work very well in somme places, not so hot in others (???). One of our guides pointed out his go-to bead head, the Chubby Cousin-Peacock the other day. Maureen fished it under a foam bug and lo and behold, it works like a darn!
Streamer fishing has been quite consistent and the water level is low enough that floating lines will cover almost everything.
Hatches: Caddis, Tricos, Stoneflies
Streamers: Party Boy, Silvey’s Sculpin Leech (Black w/ Olive, White Head), Marabou Clousers, Articulated Leech-Black or Purple
Nymphs: Hogan’s Chubby Cousin, Bloom’s Tung Dart, Gob-O-Worms, Chamois Leech, Tung Stud, TB super Pupa.
Dry Flies: PMD Sparkle Dun, Quill Body Parachute-PMD, Silvey’s Hatching Mayfly-PMD, Bloom’s Parachute Caddis, Bloom’s CDC Caddis, Berretts Barred Leg-Golden Stone, Neversink Stone Popper, Chubby Chernobyl.
Crowsnest River Report – August 10, 2010
Conditions are very good on the Crow right now. Zach was down a few days ago and came back with glowing reports of dry fly fishing with foam bugs.
Hatches: Yellow and Lime Sally Stoneflies, Caddis, Pale morning Duns, Quill Gordon mayflies, and Flav mayflies.
Streamers: Brunette Leech, Chamois Leech.
Nymphs: Pheasant-Tail, Hare's Ear, Copper John, Tung Stud, and San Juan Worm
Dries: Berrett’s Barred Leg Stone, Neversink Caddis, Fat Albert-Black, ParaTrooper-Green Drake, Spun Hair Dun-PMD, Berret’s Emerging Green Drake
High Country River Report – August 10, 2010
Fishing is good! With the exception the odd restart caused by rainstorms the high country streams are fishing very good. The Castle is fishing as good as it gets right now.
Hatches: Golden, Yellow and Lime Sally Stoneflies, Caddis, PMD’s, Quill Gordon Mayflies, Green Drakes, and Flav mayflies.
Streamers: Brunette Leech, Chamois Leech, Large, olive or white streamers for Bull Trout.
Nymphs: Pheasant-Tail, Hare's Ear, Copper John, Tung Stud, and San Juan Worm
Dries: Berrett’s Barred Leg Stone, Neversink Caddis, Fat Albert-Black, ParaTrooper-Green Drake, Spun Hair Dun-PMD, Berret’s Emerging Green Drake
Monday, August 9, 2010
Build your own Lie Detector
After seeing Jason (one of our guides) new fish measuring device, I knew I had to make my own.
With the help of Jay having pre-cut tubing, and Zach (@ Idylwilde) supplying me with some SWAG, the solution was obvious.
Here's my build of a fish measuring device. No more guessing the size of the big fish of the day
Get yourself some 4" plastic tubing and get it cut. Jason Eggleton hooked me up with some of his PVC after he had a bunch cut for his own fish measuring device. Sand all of the edges and the the entire surface of the tube to get a good grip with the stickers, varnish and applying the cap.
I went with 31" long, so my measuring tape will go to 30" with a bit to spare.
I got a 4" ABS end cap and glued it on using ABS cement. Use lots of pressure and let it rest before playing with it.
I affixed my first measuring device, courtesy of Idylwilde Flies
Added a few more stickers for good luck!
.
Finished both ends of the tube with another sticker, I'll be adding my own measuring marks into the Brown Trout sticker later. If you're satisfied with 26", you obviously don't have to go this far. I also cut off the lip of the end cap, and sanded it down.
.
Varnish like hell and recoat numerous times. The more coats, the longer it will last in the sun, as well as keep your stickers from peeling.
With the help of Jay having pre-cut tubing, and Zach (@ Idylwilde) supplying me with some SWAG, the solution was obvious.
Here's my build of a fish measuring device. No more guessing the size of the big fish of the day
Get yourself some 4" plastic tubing and get it cut. Jason Eggleton hooked me up with some of his PVC after he had a bunch cut for his own fish measuring device. Sand all of the edges and the the entire surface of the tube to get a good grip with the stickers, varnish and applying the cap.I went with 31" long, so my measuring tape will go to 30" with a bit to spare.
I got a 4" ABS end cap and glued it on using ABS cement. Use lots of pressure and let it rest before playing with it.
I affixed my first measuring device, courtesy of Idylwilde Flies
Added a few more stickers for good luck!.
Finished both ends of the tube with another sticker, I'll be adding my own measuring marks into the Brown Trout sticker later. If you're satisfied with 26", you obviously don't have to go this far. I also cut off the lip of the end cap, and sanded it down..
Varnish like hell and recoat numerous times. The more coats, the longer it will last in the sun, as well as keep your stickers from peeling.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Second Season On The Bow
This year makes me wonder about inconstencies at several levels. The weather keeps switching from Summer to Spring, sometimes even acting like Fall. Fish happy as I've ever seen for a number of days, followed a river full of lockjawed residents. One of the things that make me wonder most is what happened around the first few days of August. All of a sudden, after perhaps the highest level of angler insanity ever seen on the Bow, the people have all but disappeared.
What happened? The fish are still there. There's bugs around. Lots of Caddis, Tricos just getting started with some fish eating them, and even some fresh Stonefly shucks kicking around.
Last weekend I fished the river on both Saturday and Sunday (the long weekend I should point out) and it was almost eerie. During two days on the river we saw but a handful of boats. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I just don't get it. For about 28 days in July (any copyright infringement is accidental) those of us who enjoy the fruits of the Bow were in a frenzy. 30 or more boats every morning at Policeman's, anglers getting on the river to fish nymph and indicators in the dark, two dozen boat trailers in parking lots before 6 AM, driftboat/jetboat fights, it was anarchy. I'm pretty sure that there were fish on Police to Mac that did not see sunlight for days on end as they were constantly covered by a drift boat hull.Now, nothing, and not a slow transition, the river went from Loony Bin to Ghost Town in a matter of days. What the heck? Has everyone who fishes the Bow forgotten the Caddis?, Tricos?, really good streamer fishing?, all that other stuff. I'm very perplexed.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
A Getaway That's Close
Want to get away for a weekend? Do a little fishing on your own or with a guide? Why not try the North Bow Lodge? A secluded, scenic getaway only 30 minutes from south Calgary on the banks of the Bow River. Dry fly fishing within sight of your room. Pretty cool!
Great place to take a fishing or non-fishing companion.
Check them out at www.northbowlodge.com or contact them at info@northbowlodge or 403-774-4104
View of the lodge from the river.
North Bow rooms.
Lounge area.
Fly Shop.
Great place to take a fishing or non-fishing companion.
Check them out at www.northbowlodge.com or contact them at info@northbowlodge or 403-774-4104
View of the lodge from the river.
North Bow rooms.
Lounge area.
Fly Shop.
Friday, August 6, 2010
A Few Tips to Night Fishing
First a word of caution. Night fishing is not for everyone, hell it's nearly for no one. Tangles increase 10 fold if you are not careful, and untangling lines or retying flies (even with your lamp) is a trying situation.
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Here's a few tips for more successful fishing when the sun beings to set.
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- Bug Spray and Clothing Choice
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- Bug Spray and Clothing Choice
Even on the warmest nights, I'll always wear a long sleeve shirt and my waders. This is less for the temperature dip that is sure to occur, but more for the simple masses of mosquitos and caddis. Getting a buff to pull up over your face is also suggested if inhaling caddis through your nose is not your forte. The new Simms Bugspray is also very useful in getting rid of the mosquitos, without ruining fly lines or melting your sunglasses.
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- Light
To put it simply. Don't use your headlamp unless you absolutely have to. If you can get away with never turning it on until you're walking back for the night, you will do much, much better.
Not only have I seen fish spook at the sudden shining of a light, but the loss of night vision is never worth it. One shot of your headlamp and you'll be feeling blind for a good 10-30 minutes when you've turned it back off. Plus, you can't legally be fishing when your headlamp is on.
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- Flies
Black is best. While the insects may not be black, a black silhouette will stand out to the fish, as well as yourself. Just makes life easier in general. A few good bugs that i'd recommend are the Bloom's CDC Caddis, as well as Yeager's Neversink Caddis. They float well, and just plain work.
Oh, and change your bug if you don't get eaten on a legitimate chance. If it doesn't eat on a good cast, it probably won't eat it on the 100th good cast.
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- Casting
Practice practice practice! You can't see your fly line in the night, you can't watch your loop unfold, and therefore knowing where your fly is going without being able to see it is key to success. To save yourself breaking fish off, my night time hooksets are about as light as possible, just as if i was lifting into another cast. Plus, if it was not you that was eaten, you can always re-cast right away.
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- Light
To put it simply. Don't use your headlamp unless you absolutely have to. If you can get away with never turning it on until you're walking back for the night, you will do much, much better.
Not only have I seen fish spook at the sudden shining of a light, but the loss of night vision is never worth it. One shot of your headlamp and you'll be feeling blind for a good 10-30 minutes when you've turned it back off. Plus, you can't legally be fishing when your headlamp is on.
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- Flies
Black is best. While the insects may not be black, a black silhouette will stand out to the fish, as well as yourself. Just makes life easier in general. A few good bugs that i'd recommend are the Bloom's CDC Caddis, as well as Yeager's Neversink Caddis. They float well, and just plain work.
Oh, and change your bug if you don't get eaten on a legitimate chance. If it doesn't eat on a good cast, it probably won't eat it on the 100th good cast.
.
.
- Casting
Practice practice practice! You can't see your fly line in the night, you can't watch your loop unfold, and therefore knowing where your fly is going without being able to see it is key to success. To save yourself breaking fish off, my night time hooksets are about as light as possible, just as if i was lifting into another cast. Plus, if it was not you that was eaten, you can always re-cast right away.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
FISHING REPORTS AUGUST 4
Bow River Report –August 4, 2010
Cooler, cloudy weather provided some very good fishing over the long weekend. Foam bug fishing turned back on and streamer fishing was very good. There are fish starting to work on Tricos here and there. A little bump of dirty water Sunday night and Monday cleared by Monday afternoon.
The Sheep is still a little dirty but the Highwood is clear so it’s not really having any effect on the Bow.
Nymph fishing has been good. A small tungsten bead fished in the riffles has been pretty awesome.
Hatches: Caddis, PMD’s, Stoneflies, Tricos(just starting)
Streamers: Bush’ Witch Doctor, Silvey’s Sculpin Leech (Black w/ Olive, White Head), Marabou Clousers, Articulated Leech
Nymphs: Hogan’s Chubby Cousin, Bloom’s Tung Dart, Gob-O-Worms, Chamois Leech.
Dry Flies: PMD Sparkle Dun, Quill Body Parachute-PMD, Silvey’s Hatching Mayfly-PMD, Bloom’s Parachute Caddis, Bloom’s CDC Caddis, Berretts Barred Leg-Golden Stone, Neversink Stone Popper, Chubby Chernobyl.
Crowsnest River Report – August 4, 2010
This past weekend saw some wild weather in the Crowsnest. A short burst of dirty water cleared up by Monday PM. Stoneflies, both wet and dry, are fishing really well right now.
Hatches: Golden, Yellow and Lime Sally Stoneflies, Caddis, PMD’s, Quill Gordon Mayflies, Green Drakes, and Flav mayflies.
Streamers: Brunette Leech, Chamois Leech.
Nymphs: Pheasant-Tail, Hare's Ear, Copper John, Tung Stud, and San Juan Worm
Dries: Berrett’s Barred Leg Stone, Neversink Caddis, Fat Albert-Black, ParaTrooper-Green Drake, Spun Hair Dun-PMD, Berret’s Emerging Green Drake
High Country River Report – August 4, 2010
This past weekend saw the high country roller coaster of 2010 continue. Heavy rains blew several of the east slope streams out for at least a day and water temperatures dropped down again. Things have cleared up now and everything will start over with this week’s warm weather.
Reports from the castle have been very good!
Hatches: Golden, Yellow and Lime Sally Stoneflies, Caddis, PMD’s, Quill Gordon Mayflies, Green Drakes, and Flav mayflies.
Streamers: Brunette Leech, Chamois Leech, Large, olive or white streamers for Bull Trout.
Nymphs: Pheasant-Tail, Hare's Ear, Copper John, Tung Stud, and San Juan Worm
Dries: Berrett’s Barred Leg Stone, Neversink Caddis, Fat Albert-Black, ParaTrooper-Green Drake, Spun Hair Dun-PMD, Berret’s Emerging Green Drake
Cooler, cloudy weather provided some very good fishing over the long weekend. Foam bug fishing turned back on and streamer fishing was very good. There are fish starting to work on Tricos here and there. A little bump of dirty water Sunday night and Monday cleared by Monday afternoon.
The Sheep is still a little dirty but the Highwood is clear so it’s not really having any effect on the Bow.
Nymph fishing has been good. A small tungsten bead fished in the riffles has been pretty awesome.
Hatches: Caddis, PMD’s, Stoneflies, Tricos(just starting)
Streamers: Bush’ Witch Doctor, Silvey’s Sculpin Leech (Black w/ Olive, White Head), Marabou Clousers, Articulated Leech
Nymphs: Hogan’s Chubby Cousin, Bloom’s Tung Dart, Gob-O-Worms, Chamois Leech.
Dry Flies: PMD Sparkle Dun, Quill Body Parachute-PMD, Silvey’s Hatching Mayfly-PMD, Bloom’s Parachute Caddis, Bloom’s CDC Caddis, Berretts Barred Leg-Golden Stone, Neversink Stone Popper, Chubby Chernobyl.
Crowsnest River Report – August 4, 2010
This past weekend saw some wild weather in the Crowsnest. A short burst of dirty water cleared up by Monday PM. Stoneflies, both wet and dry, are fishing really well right now.
Hatches: Golden, Yellow and Lime Sally Stoneflies, Caddis, PMD’s, Quill Gordon Mayflies, Green Drakes, and Flav mayflies.
Streamers: Brunette Leech, Chamois Leech.
Nymphs: Pheasant-Tail, Hare's Ear, Copper John, Tung Stud, and San Juan Worm
Dries: Berrett’s Barred Leg Stone, Neversink Caddis, Fat Albert-Black, ParaTrooper-Green Drake, Spun Hair Dun-PMD, Berret’s Emerging Green Drake
High Country River Report – August 4, 2010
This past weekend saw the high country roller coaster of 2010 continue. Heavy rains blew several of the east slope streams out for at least a day and water temperatures dropped down again. Things have cleared up now and everything will start over with this week’s warm weather.
Reports from the castle have been very good!
Hatches: Golden, Yellow and Lime Sally Stoneflies, Caddis, PMD’s, Quill Gordon Mayflies, Green Drakes, and Flav mayflies.
Streamers: Brunette Leech, Chamois Leech, Large, olive or white streamers for Bull Trout.
Nymphs: Pheasant-Tail, Hare's Ear, Copper John, Tung Stud, and San Juan Worm
Dries: Berrett’s Barred Leg Stone, Neversink Caddis, Fat Albert-Black, ParaTrooper-Green Drake, Spun Hair Dun-PMD, Berret’s Emerging Green Drake
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The Easiest Streamer Fishing tip
We get this a lot at the shop:
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"When fishing streamers, i get lots of hits and grabs, but don't get a lot to hand".
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The quickest conclusion is that most people are setting the hook just like they would had they been eaten on a dry fly. Tip Setting (yanking your tip to the sky) is one of those things that will kill your success rate while streamer fishing. Not only will it rip the fly out of the fishes mouth, it will usually rip the fly right out of the water, eliminating any further opportunities for that fish to continue pursuit.
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A very simple solution that solves both the ripping the fly out of the fishes mouth, and keeping your fly in the water even after being grabbed and missed is doing a Strip Set.
With your rod tip low to the water and pointed directly at the fly line (any slack in the system will make you lose fish), strip the fly line in a hauling motion without raising the rod tip. The rod hand should also pull back and away from the fly line hand for more force. This is virtually the same as the set for tarpon, bonefish, etc etc.
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Do it all right, and you'll land more fish!
.
"When fishing streamers, i get lots of hits and grabs, but don't get a lot to hand".
.
The quickest conclusion is that most people are setting the hook just like they would had they been eaten on a dry fly. Tip Setting (yanking your tip to the sky) is one of those things that will kill your success rate while streamer fishing. Not only will it rip the fly out of the fishes mouth, it will usually rip the fly right out of the water, eliminating any further opportunities for that fish to continue pursuit.
.
A very simple solution that solves both the ripping the fly out of the fishes mouth, and keeping your fly in the water even after being grabbed and missed is doing a Strip Set.
With your rod tip low to the water and pointed directly at the fly line (any slack in the system will make you lose fish), strip the fly line in a hauling motion without raising the rod tip. The rod hand should also pull back and away from the fly line hand for more force. This is virtually the same as the set for tarpon, bonefish, etc etc.
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Do it all right, and you'll land more fish!
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