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Trout spawn in areas where there is typically upwelling springs. These springs tend to keep the interspacial areas clear of debris in the redd thereby increasing egg survival. These upwellings are transient depending on upstream bottom configuration which may vary from year to year. Don

I tend to spend time along both rivers in Calgary and recently came upon a group of younger people wading down the Elbow. Turns out they were doing a brown trout redd count and I engaged with them and found out that they had not seen many in the stretch they were wading. I know the stretch and personally have not come across many fish there in the past. Then a few days later I was walking by the Bow and had seen redds on that stretch in the past and also observed fish on them. So I stopped to look and saw four big redds and counted 18 fish over top. That is the most I have ever seen in that spot. Nature is truly mysterious and I believe we have a limited understanding of all the factors in play.

Hey folks, No matter how everyone feels about the Euro-nymphing style, the technology has really evolved over the years. I am not someone that calls out a specific brand or manufacturer, in fact I dislike doing it. In this case, I feel I must mention it, but I will not type the name. I will put up a blurred pic. This leader was supposed to be 2X at 30 feet long, or 8.8lbs test. The leader comes with a double-colour sighter piece of mono integrated into the 'front' of the taper, along with a tippet ring. This sighter snapped off within two days of medium fish and a baby snag. Second time, no heavy duty snag, just walking backwards to pull inline, bam! 2 feet up from the old sighters, again, no big deal, lost a couple flies. Today, I did have a fat 20+ Whitey on, then a big fish on with head shakes, but I'd since lost some of the leader already, hopefully I was truly into the 2X...? Nope, lost the whole works, including tippet rings, swivel, two beadhead flies and my sighter mono. The opaque white mono was visibly stretched from 2X to around a 4.5X close to the break. Geez,...I hate losing hooks in fish out there, but the whole rig? Barbless, and smaller...sigh. I was fishing with no drag and was alert for the strike(s). So, if you catch a fish with a bunch of euro gear in its mouth, my bad. I dislike this very much. Sorry folks. But, I didn't think I would have to worry about a friggin' 2x leader from a reputable manufacturer. I have had the same problem with opaque white mono from another manufacturer as well. Here we go: As stated, every situation is different, but over the years. this opaque white mono is just wayyy toooo brittle methinks . I won't post about the other manufacturer. Oh well, nothing I can do, barbless and bigger (Sz 12) so hopefully this fish will be able to work out the hooks and strings. Cheers, -Mike

So I know rainbows in the spring and browns in the fall… other than that have limited knowledge of what goes on. I know some rainbows stay in the bow during spawn but a large percentage head up tribs. i don’t know why some stay or go. I know the waters on the bow below police fairly well as I live down there. I saw many many washed off areas on some flats that I know as reds. This was a month back. At this point a month back are the browns laying their eggs and getting fertilized? Do the trout return to these reds and stay on them for a period of time ? Where are the bull trout spawning ? Ones that live in the bow spawn in the bow ? inquiring minds ….

Once I am settled I intend to do a YouTube channel. Will send you a link at that time.

I've very much enjoyed the journey this forum has taken over the years, and I have learned so many things, not only from its patrons but especially from you. Thank you. Best of luck in BC, and I wish you tight lines, easy wading and happy, happy fish. Thanks, Doc! Mike