Leaderboard

Here are a few of the reels that I've made over the past 10 years. Anyone else interested in making reels?

I think that mature adults are quite capable of making their own choices on whether to fish, float or guide on the Bow this season. Seems pretty ironic that the rules for physical distancing are not equally applied in our society. But obviously, guides are an easy, favorite target of many in the flyfishing community so this thread should attract the usual mob of haters.

I think the criticism of the poor boat launch design is valid and reasonable since it's paid for by the tax payer. To suggest we should not complain and act like a bunch of ignorant peasants, is invalid. The city needs to engage all users to get it right or expect the obvious criticism that will ensue if they dont. The fishing community has been asking the city for improved boat access for many decades.

Thanks for the update. If the folks in charge are looking for suggestions for future improvements, I think some signage or other indication of what route is meant for the ramp might be a good idea.

It is certainly interesting to see the comments here!! Classical fly fishing community - bitch about everything and not appreciate what has been done to allow the city reach of the Bow River to be fished from a drift boat. A few facts: St. Patrick's Island is not a part of Calgary Parks Department. It is operated by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation who spent $$20,000 to make it possible for drift boat access. Be thankful- without this access the upper city reach of the Bow River would not be accessible to drift boats. The upper and lower concrete "roadway" are approved for vehicle use. Access is better from the top, down across the gravel based driveway in a wide approach and straighten up on the bottom roadway and you will be able to back straight into the lagoon. Avoiding the light bollard is a challenge, but will test your driving skills. There are proposals for improvements this year. Some will most likely be volunteer based. Others will more likely need a financial commitment from river users. Keep in touch with this post to assist with improvements. Parking is payer use. Park in the north-west area of the parking lot -pay for 2 stalls (truck and trailer) and you won't get a ticket. And finally keep a positive viewpoint on the boat ramp. We were fortunate to get access last year. I know of a dozen drift boat users from last year who used the ramp on a regular basis. Both as a take out and put-in to run through Harvie Passage. To run through Harvie Passage Low Water Channel the Western Irrigation Districts water diversion gates need to be closed. That was completed last week. And will be closed until mid October or later if the weather holds up. .

And another one... My version of an Aerial centrepin reel... Here's a link to the spin/runout test. https://youtu.be/AeLMiKEcihU

fly boxes and holders have changed through the years. Here is Grandpas Fly wallet, these leather pouches where incredibly versatile with a big variety parchment of compartments for leader and fly storage. In the middle is a couple of pages of absorbent drying sheets for wet flies. Both outside pages have flapped pockets also.

I just picked up this gorgeous bridle leather case for one of my reels - compliments of Robert Cochrane - thanks Robert http://www.robertcochrane.com/ --> no commercial interest

Roast Good idea - anything to promote cane rods / silk lines / homemade reels is worth doing.

Perfect style spey reel drum drag... Planetary gear multiplier trout reel...