Clean your gear!

Anglers,
It's time to get serious, we all love fishing and we love traveling to fly fish but with the discovery of Didymo (also called rock snot, that toilet paper looking goo infecting many of our rivers including the Bow River) in Chile's Patagonia region we need to start paying more attention.
http://www.santiagotimes.cl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18963:invasive-algae-species-discovered-in-chiles-patagonia-region-&catid=44:environmental&Itemid=40

If you don't know how to properly clean your gear, check it out: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests/didymo/cleaning-specific#felt

Keep in mind, you don't have to travel to New Zealand, Alaska or Patagonia to transfer invasive species, it could be as simple as transferring something from the Oldman River (vast amounts of Didymo below the Dam) to the Crowsnest River or another unaffected watershed.

Protect our rivers, they are our future.

Bow River- June3

Bonefishing at Cayo Largo

Video of a group of Bonefish coming across the sand at Largo.

Caitlin fishing with a really bad guide (her dad).

The dark mass coming across the sand are all Bonefish.

Bonefishing at Cayo Largo from Mike Gifford on Vimeo.

Fishing Reports June 2

Bow River Report –June 2, 2010

Well, the winter weather seems to have finally left us. The river came up with the rain and snow last week but is still not that high. Visibility remains at around 2 feet.

With the push of colored water now is a good time for the larger nymphs like Stones and Worms.

Streamer fishing should get hotter as the water temperatures come up with warmer weather.

There are still lots of Caddis around with rising fish as well as fish eating larger caddis fished blind.

Remember to get your Angling License online at www.albertarelm.com
Takes about 2 minutes.

Hatches: Caddis

Streamers: ¼ Pound Bugger, Geek Leech, Marabou Clouser, Party Boy, Witch Doctor

Nymphs: B/H Wire Worm, Conestone, Tung Stud, Tungsten Soft Hackle, TB Super Pupa, Conestone, WMD Golden Stone.

Dry Flies: Bloom`s CDC Caddis, Bloom`s Parachute Caddis, Slackwater caddis Parachute Adams

Crowsnest River Report – June 2, 2010

Runoff has gotten started at the Crow with last week’s rain and snow. River levels should stabilize with the drier weather coming.

This is normally a good time to do well on large nymphs and dry flies.

Hatches: Stonefiles, March Browns, BWO

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, Film Critic-BWO

High Country River Report – June 2, 2010

All of the High Country Streams are now closed until June 16, 2010. Check your regulations as to exact openings. ALMOST THERE!!!!

Upcoming Fly Fishing Vacations Part 3

Machaca Hill, Belize

Machaca Hill is located on the Rio Grande just minutes from the Caribbean Sea. While world class permit fishing is the main attraction for most anglers, Machaca Hill guides specialize in the big three; bones, permit and tarpon. In 2008, all three of these species were made catch and release only.
The flats, lagoons, and river channels around Machaca are among the best permit fisheries in the world. Large migratory tarpon are seen May through September and small (under 20 pound) tarpon are found year round in the mangroves, brackish estuaries, creeks and lagoons. Among these targeted fish are bonefish, snook, jack crevalle and mutton snapper.

In addition to fishing, anglers or their non fishing companions can enjoy bird and wildlife watching, jungle excursions by foot or mountain bike, caving adventures, river/sea adventures, diving and snorkling.

Upcoming Trip: April 30-May 7, 2011
Please contact us if you'd like more information or are interested in dates other than those listed.

Upcoming Fly Fishing Vacations Part 2

Pez Raton Lodge
Los Roques, Venezuela

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With over 350 cays and little islands that make up the archipelago, Los Roques is a bonefishing paradise. Often thought of as the "Christmas Island of the Caribbean" due to the predominance of wading and the average size of fish. With many productive flats within minutes of the lodge and a maximum run of 50 minutes, your guaranteed a busy day of fishing.
Most flats are waded, stalking schools, pods or singles with the guide at your side. The Bonefish at Los Roques average 3-5 pounds and anglers can have realistic expectations for fish 7-10+ pound fish. In addition anglers may encounter barracuda, baby tarpon, the occasional tarpon up to 100 pounds, jack and Spanish mackerel.
The airy feel of the Mediterraneo Lodge has a simple and relaxed elegance, perfect after a long day of fishing. Each room contained a private safe, plasma TV with cable, hairdryer, wifi, en suite with shower and is equipped with air conditioning.
Anglers are thrilled with the complete package - a lodge with an allure of its own, accommodating hosts, delicious meals, superb guides and productive flats teeming with big bonefish all add up to an appealing experience sure to captivate your heart!
Upcoming Trip: April 2-9, 2011
Special Rate for Country Pleasures trip, contact us for more details.
Please contact us if you'd like more information or are interested in dates other than those listed.

Upcoming Fly Fishing Vacations Part 1

"River X" Brazil

The Amazon offers a level of fish and wildlife diversity seen no where else on earth. Located in Brazil, "River X" offers incredible Peacock Bass fishing, leaving anglers stunned by their explosive strikes and saltwater speed. "River X" is a backcountry adventure, the camps are located on sand bars along the river banks. Air conditioned, tented barges are moved up and down the river as needed resulting in more angling time.
The fisheries revolve around the lagoons, inland lakes and river channels. Peacocks are numerous and take poppers and streamers greedily, fighting hard and jumping often. Throughout your fishing adventure you'll also get to experience the biological diversity that exists in the pristine portions of the rain forest.

Upcoming trip: February 26 -March 5, 2011
Please contact us if you'd like more information or are interested in dates other than those listed.

Abstract Permit and some grip n' grins

John Bonin with a Cayo Largo Permit

Dave Byler with a Cayo Largo Permit

Bob Grill with a Cayo Largo Permit

Want to know more about Cayo Largo??
Check out: http://www.countrypleasures.com/cayo_largo_cuba_vacation.htm

Fishing Report May 25

Bow River Report – May 25th, 2010

Fishing on the Bow has been hot and cold just like our spring weather.

The caddis fishing has been off the wall lately, with the fish being less then picky over most presentations. A simple elk hair caddis seems to get the job done.

The fish are generally in a good mood right now. Nymphs are certainly producing well and the streamer fishing has been better over the last week.

You should probably get out there before run-off hits us!!


Remember to get your Angling License online at www.albertarelm.com
Takes about 2 minutes.

Hatches: Baetis, Midges

Streamers: ¼ Pound Bugger, Geek Leech, Marabou Clouser, Party Boy, Witch Doctor

Nymphs: B/H Wire Worm, Conestone, Tung Stud, Tungsten Soft Hackle, TB Super Pupa, Tailwater Tiny, Tungsten Zebra Midge, Ice Nymph.

Dry Flies: Griffith Gnat, Neversink Gnat, Transitional Midge, Parachute Adams, Micro Mayfly-BWO, Micro Midge, Film Critic-BWO

Check our blog for current updates:
http://countrypleasuresff.blogspot.com/

Spring Steelhead Fishing

Brent managed to sneak away from the shop for 9 days of steelhead fishing in Northern BC. While the drive up was anything but predictable (a 16 hour drive turned into a 36 hour drive with a trailer bearing exploding, followed closely by a brake caliper seizing), the weather was amazing, and the fishing was great.

Here's some photos from the trip






Gotta love water spots to ruin a great fish!


Sea Run Cutty