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Showing content with the highest reputation since 03/29/2023 in Posts

  1. Now they try and “guilt you” into not fishing flowing waters by saying it’s much better fishing stocked ponds and lakes. Ahem, pine coulee reservoir, lol. Yes, agreed all the fish I have hooked were rockets as well on the bow. Now I can potentially agree that small foothill freestone creeks could be potentially closed aka sheep river, Highwood below Longview, yada yada, but to put on a carte Blanche on all southern Alberta streams is extreme laziness at its worst. Rivers like the bow have enough deep water and shady banks to provide all the shelter a fish could/would need. Fish alter their habitat during the day by moving out to deeper water then slide back into pockets and deflectors as the sun goes down. I am going to go out tomorrow morning and shut down at 2 and not feel guilty. The minute I see distressed fish is the minute I shut it down. To date this year, I have not seen a distressed fish unless it is a fool fishing a 3 wt with 2 lb tippet and taking 10 min to drag in a fish and take multiple pics….
    6 points
  2. I fished the Bow yesterday. At 2:00 pm, the water temp was 63.7F and the fish were rising to the abundant spent, egg laying Caddis. The trout hooked in the previous hour (3), were rockets and next to impossible to land. The last trout hooked at 1:40 pm, a 18"-19" Rainbow, broke off 6 lb. tippet as it raced out to mid-river and upstream. Heat stressed trout were nowhere to be found. TOD restrictions are an unnecessary disruption to the short fishing season and have no conservation benefits. In fact, there are numerous scientific papers on the topic which clearly show that C&R angling has no population level effects. C&R angling in low flow, high water temperature also have no measurable population level impacts. So, would one of the "Hooters" please provide scientific evidence that TOD restrictions have population level benefits.
    6 points
  3. Just thought I would post a few of my favorite pictures, post if you have some favorites. Love Cutties on dries. Leftovers from tying orders. Dads tackle, still in occasional use.
    6 points
  4. Arctic Grayling a delicate beauty whose iridescent sail-like dorsal fin leaves me awe every time I see one.
    5 points
  5. I understand @matt1984 it probably was a perfect water day for the fish. We cannot have it both ways! Obviously, there is more to the closures than just making life inconvenient for Bow River anglers, one example is dead fish on the Crowsnest...another is an angler (me!) getting a 66ºF / 19ºC at 9:30AM in a riffle ,which was a shocker for the NW! One more example is a person coming into the shop and bragging about a football Bullie, showing bloody TikTok videos, fought for 30+mins on a 5 weight, then breaking the rod...? I asked if they knew the water temp... The examples are endless, and IMO the Daytime was at least 10 days too late. Is the temperature measuring station at Carseland the only way to shut down an entire region? As anglers, do we need to push for a separate 'Eastern Alpine Slopes' region that is based on another few stations out in the woods? As anglers, do we shift to lakes and other regions, if possible? This year has been epic, and hopefully the Daytimes won't have to be extended with hot weather on the horizon again. I had called a CO already, @matt1984 and I don't call in on a whim. I thought the CO folks were probably super busy, so took a short walk to speak with the angler. IMO, it was the right move. Fish on everyone! If the local Calgary shops can adapt to the early-bird hours, I'm following suit..now where's the coffee grinder that doesn't have dubbing in it!
    4 points
  6. Just read the email notice I received over again, and all the reservoirs on the Bow River are also affected, so Ghost - Bearspaw - Glenmore - Bassano and the St. Mary's bodies of water are also under the TOD restrictions. Sheesh...we need a lot more manpower to cover all of those as well! I noticed someone casting in the Bow on the way home from work, I parked and took a quick walk down to the angler. He was an older gentleman, that didn't need to buy a licence anymore, and didn't sign up/wasn't aware there were emails or forums that would notify him of shutdowns. He mentioned he had enough fishing/tying materials to last his life and hardly ever went into a fly shop anymore...so how do anglers such as this ever find out about closures? At any rate, I saw him walking along the bike path with his rod broken down, probably heading back to the car - turned out for the best on this one.
    4 points
  7. https://www.fieldandstream.com/conservation/fishing-high-temps-doesnt-harm-trout/?fbclid=IwAR1z7Z1LNjPtfUpdoUyqFGS6dLKk7E-ojNfDUA5LRVotrxYsy9W6H6dK3S0 https://www.idahopress.com/emmett/sports/fishing-during-low-water-and-high-temps-does-not-harm-trout/article_c9617870-1898-11ee-a216-671027bf6636.html?fbclid=IwAR1z7Z1LNjPtfUpdoUyqFGS6dLKk7E-ojNfDUA5LRVotrxYsy9W6H6dK3S0
    4 points
  8. Just a heads up .We have a New contact For S AB fisheries. here's some of my questions Good Afternoon Mr.Rousch, Thankyou for your inquiry and observations regarding a number of Southern Alberta stocked fisheries. As Fisheries Manager for Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Fish and Wildlife Stewardship Branch South Region, I’ve been requested to reach out to you regarding your inquiry. Since the early 1900s, fish have been stocked and transferred into Alberta’s waters to enhance populations, re-establish collapsed populations, provide new sportfishing opportunities and diversify angling experiences. Alberta Environment and Protected Area’s (EPA) Recreational Trout Stocking program stocks approximately 2.1 million trout into over 240 waterbodies annually; for more information on this program and stocking records please visit: https://mywildalberta.ca/fishing/fish-stocking/default.aspx. Most of Alberta’s stocked trout waterbodies are managed as Put-and-Take trout fisheries with a daily 5 trout limit, and are stocked frequently with catchable-sized trout (~20cm). However, some stocked waterbodies are managed as Quality Stocked Fisheries using more restrictive regulations (i.e. minimum size limits, catch and release only, bait bans, closure periods), with the goal of creating larger sized trout and greater abundance, resulting in promoting a more diverse angling experience for Albertans. I can assure you that EPA is committed to providing Alberta anglers with a variety of angling opportunities. To that end I am providing you an update on the waterbodies mentioned in your correspondence. Police Lake: In the 2020/21 season, EPA and the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) jointly decided to discontinue the aeration of Police (Outpost) Lake due to a number of factors. In the last 30 years, Police Lake was aerated for 15 seasons, with two recorded partial winterkill events and two partial winterkills during years of no aeration. This past winter marks the third partial winterkill event which occurred without aeration in place. Mandatory safety mitigations required actions such as maintaining fencing around the open water section of the lake and signage at access points were not feasible due to high winds and chinook conditions. In addition to challenges with signage, maintenance costs associated with of the aeration equipment in this remote area were significant. You’ll be pleased to know that the 2023 provincial fish stocking program is underway replenishing the opportunity at Police Lake for this season. In order to speed up the return of this fishery to it’s Quality Stocked Fishery management objective; you’ll note that in this year’s stocking records that both a higher number of fish have been stocked as well as some larger sized fish. Dipping Vat Lake: EPA discontinued the stocking of Dipping Vat Lake in 2009 in response to erosion concerns raised from landowners with properties adjacent to reservoir. Managing water levels to address concerns of bank erosion and property damage resulted in insufficient water levels to sustain a stocked fishery through both winter and summer. Until these matters are addressed, Dipping Vat lake water levels are insufficient to support a stocked fishery. Bullshead Reservoir: In 2018, EPA began monitoring water quality at Bullshead Reservoir in response to both summer and winterkill events as well as reports received from anglers of poor catches. Water quality testing was completed and determined that dissolved oxygen and ammonia levels would not support the survival of trout in this reservoir. Unfortunately, ammonia levels are not typically improved by aeration. EPA continues to monitor Bullshead reservoir water quality with the most recent water quality testing conducted in February 2023. The result, ammonia levels were very high and dissolved oxygen levels were quite low – both at levels likely to be lethal to trout. If monitoring results demonstrate significant and sustained improvements in both ammonia and dissolved oxygen levels throughout the 2023 season, re-stocking of the reservoir would be considered. EPA continues to work with partner groups such as the ACA to develop new and diverse angling opportunities throughout Alberta. If you would like to discuss fisheries management issues or identify potential opportunities, please feel free to reach out to either myself or the South Region Fisheries team through the contact information provided below. Stuart M. Nadeau | Fisheries Manager - Southern Region Resource Stewardship Division | Fish &Wildlife Stewardship Branch Alberta Environment and Protected Areas Ph.780.918.0757 https://www.alberta.ca/fish-wildlife.aspx https://mywildalberta.ca/fishing/default.aspx Regional Fisheries Contact Map Get involved at www.alberta.ca/public-engagement.aspx Answers . Hello – Thank you for your comments, I can assure you that there is a commitment to resolve the issues that you raise. I’d appreciate a discussion to expand further on your thoughts as well as to share with you in more detail progress on some the very issues you raise. This is after a couple of phone calls..You'll see that there is a F Book link,He mentioned to look here for updates. Hi Brian - Thankyou for making time to discuss a number of fisheries items. It always a pleasure speaking to someone that’s been involved with Alberta’s fisheries for several decades. As discussed, from a communications standpoint, our MyWildAlberta Facebook site, with over 30,000 viewers is proving to be a very effective venue to share information. Have a great weekend! Stuart My thoughts: Well he mentioned that he is committed to look into,some very long dated issues.Personally i'll give him a chance to walk the talk. Tight lines Guys & Gals Brian Rousch I appreciate both your patience and commitment to Alberta’s fisheries resource. Respectfully, Stuart Nadeau (780) 918 0757 Classification: Protected A
    4 points
  9. Favorite fishing buddies
    4 points
  10. Thanks for all your input SD. Enjoy chasing the fish out west
    3 points
  11. Once I am settled I intend to do a YouTube channel. Will send you a link at that time.
    3 points
  12. Our government can't/won't afford another temperature monitoring device other than the one at Carsland. That would take some investment into the environmental sphere which is certainly frowned upon. Next thing you guys would demand some biologists and technicians actually out in the field collecting real data on populations and such.
    3 points
  13. I have seen distressed fish a month ago so totally disagree with Toolman and Passrat. Surely giving the fish a break for 1 month isn't going to cramp your style too much? Come on, do what's best for the fishery or soon it will end up like the atlantic cod fiasco in the east and the steelhead debacle in the northwest. Be a big boy!
    3 points
  14. I took a look a look at the link provided by Toolman and it was interesting see that there is some empirical evidence for catch and release mortality to be somewhat offset by reduced angler success. That said, there are a couple of things that the numbers didn’t touch on that still give me pause - the first is that it seems that there is an assumption that angling (for trout) is always going to be less successful when the water is warmer. Thats probably fair in general, but exceptions are possible. The second is that it doesn’t touch on which fish are most adversely affected - if it’s anything like winter and/or summer kill events, it will be the larger fish that suffer the most. At the end of the day, it’s hard for a one size fits all rule like this to be meaningful and/or effective over such a large and diverse area as the one it’s being applied to. That said, I read a quote once (and I may be paraphrasing) that said “a true sportsman does more than is required and takes less than they are entitled to”.
    3 points
  15. Interesting. The 70’s and 80’s were as hot and water levels as low or even lower. The was no such nonsense. Albeit a lot less of us as well. I have never seen a fish die unless it was played too long, took too many photos and not returned to the water or resuscitated properly and this applies to any time of the year. High water temps def affect the fish. I would argue it makes them lethargic and not eat as much. I feel the same way when it’s warm.
    3 points
  16. These are the water temps I got today between 1 & 2pm at three locations in Fish Creek Prov Park. Outside temp 26C. Sunny. Bow river: 200' upstream of the Fish Creek boat launch.Taken in two feet of fast moving water. 16.9C Bow river: downstream of Bankside. Taken in slower moving water. 19.3C Fish Creek: Between Bow Bottom Trail SE bridge and where it drains into the Bow. Taken in a 10'' deep fast riffle. 21.1C
    3 points
  17. 3 points
  18. Alberta resident Canadian Armed Forces Veterans are now eligible for a free sportfishing licence.
    3 points
  19. Like Don said the fish are searching for places where the water is moving UP through the appropriately sized cobbles to provide the oxygen and favorable temps for the eggs to hatch. There can be a lot of competition for these high quality spots, especially in smaller streams. Hopefully folks can respect what is happening and NOT fish for them.
    2 points
  20. 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
    2 points
  21. 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
    2 points
  22. Thanks Doc ! Enjoy the next chapter and many thanks for keeping the forum alive. Have fun digging around and finding new waters. Dave
    2 points
  23. Our Signing Party and Book launch is coming up on Monday, September 25th, 7:00pm, at the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area. Wisdom River: Meditations on Flyfishing and Life Midstream is a collection of stories, essays, poetry, photos, art and recipes that celebrate the wonders of flyfishing and the wisdom that can be gained from spending time on the river. Contributors from Alberta, Montana, and Nova Scotia each bring a unique perspective and voice as they share adventures and memories from times they have spent riverside and midstream. Local authors attending include, Jim McLennan, Larry Kapustka, Greg Allard, Chris Pibus and Greg Shyba. There will be music, readings, snacks, beverages, book sales and signing. Author/photo royalties and a percentage of book sales will be donated to the Oldman Watershed Council and Montana's Clark Fork Watershed. We hope you will join us in support of these great Conservation/Education organizations! Book Info: https://www.durvile.com/books/Wisdom.html
    2 points
  24. I've bought a few from Mike's Reel Repair for homemade reels, they install pretty easily into a hole in a reel. https://www.mikesreelrepair.com/reel-tuning-upgrades/handle-upgrades/
    2 points
  25. It was a fabulous evening and we had a full house. Congrats to the incredible Lorene Shyba for getting this book across the finish line and hosting such a memorable launch party. Bravo! As of today, Wisdom River is the top selling fishing book in North America. Pick up your copy before it sells out. Also available on Audio book. https://www.durvile.com/books/Wisdom.html
    2 points
  26. As a veteran, I was pleased to find out about the free Alberta CAF Veteran Resident Sportfishing License. I thought because we now have a digital WIN card and a digital License it would be easy to get a refund for my Resident Sportfishing License purchased through their auto renewal program. Unfortunately there are a few hoops you have to jump through first in order to get your free AB Veterans Sportfishing License. If like me, you were on the auto renewal system and you’re a Veteran, after contacting the Alberta Fish & Wildlife district office, the following is what you have to do: Print out your digital Resident Sportfishing License Take the license to your local AB Fish and Wildlife office and fill out the form for voiding a license (The Admin office will then send the form and printed license to AB Licensing who will process your refund)) Once the void and refund is complete you can then go online to purchase your AB CAF Veteran Resident Sportfishing License.
    2 points
  27. Just when I thought we'd broken the back of the heat wave ... These take effect on Wednesday - tomorrow - 26 July as at 2:00 pm, for a minimum of 14 days. All streams in ES1, no angling from 2:00 pm til midnight. https://mywildalberta.ca/fishing/advisories-corrections-closures/time-of-day-angling-restrictions.aspx ps Thanks to the folks at Iron Bow for the head's up on this.
    2 points
  28. Fished today from 11-1, down south, water was very cold, almost too cold for wet wading, fish were all very eager and happy to take my hopper, lots of energy, 6 lb fluoro and the fish were in to the hand, and then quickly released with no apparent immediate effects. Yes, agree with not using a monitoring station at Carseland and applying across the board. Likely agree with having another station in the mountains and basing mountain streams on those parameters and foothill streams on foothill monitoring stations. Again, my opinion…
    2 points
  29. dwday... Meaning, release mortality goes from 2% too 3.5% (at 73F, and it rarely gets that high), which will have zero population level impact on the fishery. And should we restrict angling in all of S. Alberta even if water temps are not high in the Alpine streams? Seems a bit much to me and quite frankly, ridiculous. Fishery conservation policy needs to be driven by scientific fact and evidence, not opinion polls.
    2 points
  30. The science would say that even though you are catching 77% less fish at higher temperatures you are still killing 69% more fish than at lower temps. I choose not to fish and give them a break
    2 points
  31. What does the science say? https://idfg.idaho.gov/blog/2022/06/some-perspective-trout-fishing-during-low-water-and-high-temperatures
    2 points
  32. I think common sense is the best action in this case. I went out to a foothills stream, beforehand I checked water level and when I got there took the temperature. The level was in the normal range for this time of year and the temp was 55 F. So caught plenty of feisty fish. When I shut it down at 1:45 the water temp was 60 F. A couple of years ago I tried to fish a different stream. When I got there the level was really low and the water temp was 70F. I did not fish and as I was leaving saw a small trout float by belly up, maybe someone fishing upstream.
    2 points
  33. I was camping down south and they had just put in a fire ban. The conservation officers came by a couple of days later. I spoke to onw of them and she told me that when there are closures of any kind imposed that there is a grace period that they use discretionally. Probably for people like the older gentleman mentioned.
    2 points
  34. Couldn’t agree more. Although I saw a guy playing a 20 inch rainbow with what looked to be a 3 weight and light tippet. Me, I use 8 lb fluoro on a 7wt and yard ‘‘em in…..education is def needed….
    2 points
  35. These TOD restrictions have no conservation benefits and causes unnecessary disruption to the majority of anglers in S. Alberta. It also damages the Bow rivers long standing international reputation as a reliable Blue Ribbon trout fishing destination.
    2 points
  36. In fact, I did a successful conversion myself with the help of several knowledgeable members: it took less than 10 minutes to go from LH --> RH and it works perfectly - no special tools needed and no surprises. ARI was visionary and his designs took into account ability to make most (if not all of his reels) easy to convert from LH--> RH and vice versa. No need to run away! Now I can use this beloved reel, and it no longer sits on my shelf as simply a work of art - it remains both a work of art as well as a highly utilitarian tool, to use as intended by ARI.
    2 points
  37. Float tube buddy in BC complete with a blue-green tattoo
    2 points
  38. 2 points
  39. Olive pheasant rump / peacock eye nymph with a rubber band abdomen. Sz 10, using a new brand of hook.
    2 points
  40. have not caught one since I fished them for the last time in Northeastern B.C in the 1980s. . An absolute joy on the fly and gorgeous to the eye. I miss those simpler times
    2 points
  41. Use an old floating line for sink tips because the extra mass will cause line stretch in the tapered end of the fly line causing cracks and your line will be kaput in no time. You can cut 10' or 15' off the end of an old floating fly line and make a loop to attach 10'-15' tips as well. Casts much better. As SilverDoctor mentioned, a Full sink type 6 for the boat is nice to have aboard for when the fish are not hugging the bank and are glued to the bottom, which is more often than not.
    2 points
  42. Saturday soft hackle. Sz 12, purple holo tinsel, peacock herl and Partridge feathers from a local Alberta hunt. Caught a couple with this guy today. Cheers!
    2 points
  43. I trust we can get to this sort of place for our beautiful Alberta streams and rivers. Here's hoping.
    1 point
  44. Shout out to Iron Bow and Gianni who took care of me! Smoker bandits on order!!! Come on BOW!!!!!
    1 point
  45. Thanks for all you have offered over the years and all the best in your future endeavours. A bad day fishing is better than staying at home.
    1 point
  46. Thanks for the years of sharing your wisdom Doc...and now no out of province classified water fees for you!
    1 point
  47. This is a new change/correction that involves ES2, PP1 and NB3. Angling advisories remain in place for parts of Alberta including southern portions of ES2, PP1 and NB3, where declining river flows and hot weather can result in warmer water temperatures that can cause stress to fish. Anglers can help support the health of our fisheries by following angling practices that reduce impacts to fish: Fish only in stocked ponds and lakes – avoid fishing in creeks and rivers Fish early in the morning when temperatures are cooler Using slightly heavier tackle can help you reel in a fish quickly, which helps reduce exhaustion and improve recovery Keep fish wet at all times and minimize handling time Use single point, single hook lures or flies (example: no treble hooks or multiple hooks on a single lure or fly). https://mywildalberta.ca/fishing/advisories-corrections-closures/default.aspx
    1 point
  48. Other than he's breaking the new "rules", what harm would he have been causing fishing yesterday? Water temps are good, flows are reasonable. To be honest, I'd be more worried about the people fishing the river in winter causing damage to trout from the cold. Over the next two weeks if someone chooses to fish on days like today where its raining and cool past 2PM good on them. Two weeks ago the river was full of people fishing all afternoon when the water was bathtub warm. We should be making our decisions based on the health of the fish, not what an email says.
    1 point
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