PlayDoh

I hear there are some nice 28"+ browns at Figure 8 lake.

You can look through the "Calgary Still-waters" sub-forum, on this site. I'm new, like you, (& I'm also a poet), so I can't recommend any lake/ponds yet. Some of the lakes are private near Calgary, Like policeman's outpost is private (I think), but I could very well be wrong about that. There are tons of places to fish, so like TH said, you'll need to be more specific. I was thinking of going to the Kananaskis lakes (upper and lower), since its not too far and has some nice lakers in there, so I've heard. Plus fishing in the mountains is something I know I'd enjoy. You can fish from shore at most places, yet a pontoon boat, or float tube can make you much more effective. Plus I'd think its much easier and more comfortable. I wonder if you can rent toon boat? Might be worth it. As for flies, I usually see people using small midges, micro leeches, wolly bugger variations, and dry flies when the hatch is on. You can use float line with weight, but sink-tip and full sink lines are in every serious stillwater anglers backpack. You'll want to fish steep drop-offs, with very slow retrieves compared to river retrieves. A common retrieve is to use your hand to fold your line around, which should give you an idea of the retrieve speed. The edges of weed-beds are other places to fish, and depending on the lake your on, you might be able to sight fish some unsuspecting trout resting near the bank. I can't wait to do that, all hunched over, whispering "do you see him"?. lol You might also want to post a thread in the "Fishing Get Togethers" and see if you can find someone to bring who can teach you a thing or two. Just a thought. Also if your heading west, remember its bear country. Good luck!

I couldn't agree more with the argument that 'ignorance is not and excuse'. Yet at the same time, placing blame does nothing for the fish. I know its not difficult to read the regs, and any responsible adult is capable of it. However, once again, it doesn't seem to matter or effect the number of people who fish with bait. I really don't think the fish cares at all if they angler gets a ticket, once his gills have been torn from his body. While I agree that selling ammo in a city doesn't give anyone rights to assume they can be used in the city. But that argument can be made both ways, and the more I thought about it, it didn't seem pertinent. Selling bait at Carseland, and selling ammo in a city, is comparing apples and oranges. The bait in Carseland has no realistic 'other' purpose being sold there, since the only water around is the Bow. Its more a kin to selling ammo and guns, at the Banff toll both. The only reason you'd need ammo in Banff is if your poaching, and the only reason you'd be buying bait in Carseland is to use in the Bow. I think a lot of people think of the issue the same as those who replied. Yet I don't see the Onus of reading the regulations, as all that should be done to curb the problem. I honestly think the two little words at the very end of the regs "Bait ban", lack the effect they should have, considering the consequences. Relying on 'everyday people' to enforce the law, is a recipe for trouble. I have no problem RAP, whether it be a friend or not. However waiting to 'bust' people after the fact, is the worst solution to any problem. The best solution is Education, and its hard to go over-board with education. Sure, anyone can say "I didn't see the sign", Or any other excuse. Yet I'd at least like to think that some bait users are just unaware of the bait ban. Where as a simple $3 sign could avoid their poaching in ignorance. Again, I know its the anglers responsibility to read the regs, and I'm not making excuses for anyone. Yet I not only know of one, but I can see there being lots more people who's interest and knowledge of fish/fishing being far less then mine, and them simply not seeing the tiny print "bait ban", in a not so easy to use booklet if your English or reading skills aren't great. Sure, its the ignorant, almost illiterate, person who can barely speak English, who's to blame for his bait using, yet I simply believe that we could do a better job of educating people, and making it much more clear in the regulations book. No one method will cure all poaching, and there will always be people who will poach regardless of their knowledge, but again, I can see much improvement, and the need for it.

I'd like to see you hold that salmon and keep a straight face. I'd love to see more pics, plz. Got any with a Spirit Bear? I'd guess the fishing is good at this spot. You know, your typical Queen Charlotte Islands scenery. lol. Glad to hear you had a good time.

I was at Carseland for bit today, and I remember a friend of mine who was unaware of the bait ban on the bow. His dad was the one who mentioned, or suggested we use Minnows. I thought he was joking, but when I told them about the Regs my friend was all defensive, and wouldn't believe I was right. I remember he mentioned that they sold minnows and bait at the store in Carseland, and I later saw it myself. His argument was that "well if they sell them at the tiny Carseland store, 1km from the river, I'd think bait is allowed". Long story short, he had a point, and I was thinking about it today. They must sell enough bait there, otherwise the fridge and freezer wouldn't be there too long I'm sure of that. I seen it, I'm thinking 3 or 4 years ago, yet it wouldn't surprise me to see it there now. Theres a bait business near Strathmore, which I'd assume is who supplies the local stores with bait. I bought bait at Strathmore for my trip east, but I would also assume that some of the Strathmore bait makes its way into the Bow. I thought of a mandatory label on the bait fridge, informing people of the Bow bait ban. I'd think that some of the "poachers" are like my friend who never bothered to read the regulations. I can't help but feel disappointed at the bait supplier, but I can't blame them for the actions of poacher. Now I know its fundamentally a matter of ignorance about the importance of obeying conservation regulations. I'm afraid that even after my informing my friend and his dad, who consequently is an avid hunter, taxidermist, and half native , I don't have much faith they still don't use minnows. I've been thinking about the regulations booklet, and how it really lacks the clarity and simplicity that could help avoid misunderstanding. I know its not easy to compile every body of water, all with individual regulations, but I think a few of the high importance regs could be made more clear. For example, the second page of the booklet, IMO, should make Alberta's barb-less regs, Bull trout C&R, and the Bow river bait ban, and NSR or Crowsnest high importance regulations crystal clear, in big bold print. I think the bait-ban issue can be construed as a "fly fishing only" rule, that some anglers that only use a spin rod and lack the knowledge of how to fish without bait, find offensive. Why not place signs at all the major fishing spots, and bridges and other main access points (Mc Innons, ect), so you'd have to be blind not to know the regs. I'd think it would be cost effective if you account for the fish, yet I'm afraid that wildlife has little or no monetary value in our current society, and fishing with bait tickets might be the F&W's bread and butter. I'm not suggesting its a F&W 'cash cow' but I know the dont get the funding they should, or used to get. I know this a proverbial 'can of worms' (pun intended), but I'm personally concerned about the number of people who use bait on the Bow. It would be great if they did a bit on the bait ban on the news, if only to increase the publics knowledge of the Bow and its conservation. It would be nice if the average Calgarian knew more, since I can think of all the people my friend and his dad said "hey, you should use minnows" to. I'm dreaming now, I know, but I can't help but think that the regulations booklet, and some basic public awareness (signs, media, ect) improvement could do a lot to curb the problem. I'd venture to guess that at least a portion of the people who use bait on the Bow are simply unaware of the ban. Also nobody likes being told what to do, especially by some guy with a fly rod, aka, Mr/Mrs Big Shot. lol Anyone else share my concerns? This sign is the perfect example. People love big signs, and I'd bet there are people who didn't even bother to look at the regs for this body of water, yet its hard to get away with ignorance with this at the boat launch.

So I was east of Cow town, and got a couple dozen good sized jack/pike, but no Walleye. I got 3 Pike on my 8 wt rod, and it was very cool. Actually made landing a pike interesting, and challenging...... kinda. lol. Heres my first on my 3rd cast Next cast I got all 3 close to the boat, with soft takes. 2 of them swam right up to the boat before realizing they were hooked. Then all hell broke loose. I tried a bunch of retrieves and the water was gin clear so I got to tweak my retrieves and see the effect. I only got the pike on a slow retrieve with a couple quick jerks then a pause. The fishing was pretty slow, but the Jack were hungry so if you put it close to them, they'd probably take almost anything. There were no nice weed-beds yet, so I couldn't toss the frogger or Mouse flies in there yet. My biggest was 28" but he flopped before I got his pic on the ruler, but I did get one of his Gullet. I half expected to see Elvis in there he was so fat. Heres another Fat Bastich. Heres some more pics.

I wasn't referring to anyone individual risk probability, or murder rates, yet your correct in calculating it in example. However, in the past 3 years there has been 37 murders of Canadians in Calgary. In the past 3 years there has been 27 murders of Canadians in Mexico. So it is correct to state that more Canadians have died in Calgary as compared to Mexico in the past 3 years. It does not imply that your chance of getting murdered at Mexico durring your 2 week vacation is less then when your home for 50 weeks. Your chances of getting killed are much, much greater in a car accident, as apposed to flying in an airplane. Yet the fact you spend much, much more time in your car means little when the plane your in is plummeting to the earth.

I think this says all. CTV Considering those numbers should put the rare murders in a more accurate perspective. More Canadians are killed in Calgary then Mexico. Central America is not a Disney attraction. Its not called the third world for sympathy either. The police are corrupt, the water is filthy, and crime is high, yet the resorts, which provide Mexico with a good portion of its GNP, are like a little oasis of security. I think its sad how people focus on the 27 Canadian people killed in Mexico in how many years, yet nytimes

Thanks guys. I've heard the same thing about the starter tying kits, so I'll take your advice and go that route. I've gotten Glenbows "bow river essentials" and your right about the great quality. Unfortunately I didn't get to enjoy their quality very long, so until I stop losing flies so often, by either skill or bankruptcy, lol, the buck and a quarter flies are all I need for now. However I'll look in to it anyways, since I would like some high quality dries for later in the year.

Hi, I'm heading in to the city in the next couple days and I'm gonna stock up on some more flies. I'm going to pick up some hooks and supplies to try my own BAW's, and if I had to buy them now I'd pick lots of small BWO's since I have only a couple. I have lots of hare's ears, but I need some prince nymphs and some PT's. I have lots of little midges, but I lose them more then I'd like, so getting more never hurts. I have a half dozen larger black and gold stones, and a small assortment of streamers. I know where to get what I need, yet I always seem to forget what I 'should' get. I'm still a beginner, and I'm still building my fly collection and I'm far from having 'one of each'. I want to have all the main, reliable flies, and they don't have to be high quality since I lose them too quickly still. Anyone own a cheap $100+/- Fly tying starter kit and able to make 'decent' fly's? I don't plan on making elaborate flies anytime soon, and I don't expect to get more then I pay for, but sometimes the 'starter kits' are just a waste of $. So, other then BWO's, PN's, PT's, BAW, Hares ear, stoneflies, midges, what should I get? & When do you start using a hopper-dropper?

Great tip JV, there are so many tools out there now its crazy. Digital music is my savior, I used to ping pong tracks with 3, $20 cassette tapes for hours and hours, and be left with such degraded quality it was depressing. Now, Point & click. I also recommend Adobe Audition, any version if your in to recording. It makes recording as easy as solitaire, well after you spend a year learning how to produce and engineer music, that is. Its almost as complex as Photoshop, that might be cause I'm still learning with graphics. I think there is great value in 'noodling' occasionally, as apposed to only learning someone else's work. Obviously you can't create good music unless you learn to play good music, but I find some people only focus on their skills, and proving them to others by nailing a cover tune. I'm the small minority when it comes to guitar players, I'm a born rhythm player. I'm not in anyway suggesting that I'm 'too cool' to play other peoples songs, its just I've always been more interested in writing. I've met so many guitar players that can play 100's of songs by someone else, but are completely stumped when it comes to original music. I've noticed that they fall in to a groove, and don't develop their own sound and style. I've found that most guitar players play for 2 reasons. 1 they like to listen to music, new, old, classic, original, or whatever. 2 They like to share their skill for others to enjoy. Now most people have a healthy balance of the 2, but some, like Pipes past instructor, get way to focused on showing off. To me, playing on a street corner is 'showing off', but I'm modest and I don't play to impress at all. Also, everyone has their niche I suppose, and if it wasn't for flamers, who else would climb equipment and spit out 'sick licks'? lol If I was starting all over again, knowing what I know now, I would have taken music lessons first and learned more of Musical Theory. My sisters a music major, and can write music like Beethoven (with her fancy software of course) but her hands don't last more then a few minutes with a guitar in them. Wimp!, lol. I wouldn't want a classical guitar instructor who's complete focus was on notations and boring crap, either. I'd simply ask if they can read and write in notation and knew the structure of musical theory. I think the point I've been trying to make, is that you should remember that an instructor will only show you what to play and practice so that you can develop the skills needed to play what you want to play. Its up to you to practice them enough to build the strength, muscle memory, song/note/chord/timing- memory, and the nice calluses on your fingers so they don't bleed. I betcha that G & D feel great on your 'green' fingers after you hold them for a few mins, eh? In time, it won't even bother your finger-tips, but your hand strength will alway limit your ability. Until I get a bionic hand to replace mine when it finally gives out. Wow, it feels nice to be able to give advice and talk about something on this site that I know something about. Chords; G, D, C, A & E are the bread and butter chords. F, B are less used of the common chords. Play a G chord for say 3 strums (up & down), then switch to a C for twice as many, and thats the guitar for "Wheat Kings" by the Hip. The Chorus is just a D note. Just a cheap & easy tune for ya to learn. Switching from note to note and how to move your hand is one of the biggest lessons to learn, after you learn the chords themselves. Well, that concludes our Guitar 101 lessons for today. lol p.s- There are also online guitar lessons, for free and for fee. & Rock on Fisherwoman!

So thats where you went. lol. Have a great time Tiana. Don't forget Ed in Mexico. Cerveza Senior? Damn beach-bums. lol

Classic.

If UFA bought them, then I'd think they sold for cheap. Low inventory in a store that just sold, aka was going bankrupt, makes sense to me. I've shopped at UFA for years, and the past 6 years or more they don't even come close to prices in Calgary at Canadian tire, Home Depot, Rona, ect. Thanks China. I bought a oil filter at my local UFA one year, he had it in stock and cost $6. I figured I'd get one a couple years later, she said it had to be ordered, and they wanted $20 for it. Their $5 at Canadian tire. That could mean absolutely nothing to Wholesale sports prices, but UFA seems to be run with 'old money', and I'd guess its bread and butter is from farmers who don't have many options. If you want a large fuel order, and a bunch of lumber and you live in the country, then UFA is the place to call. Learning their now in to Outdoor sporting goods is odd, and it could mean they have some modern management who are looking to diversify and take some ventures outside of their market place. Either way, its good to see some local companies entering the market.

Heres a trick to remember the string notes. Guitar notes (for tuning) E-A-D-G-B-E Eat All Day, Get Big Easily or Earl's Bible Gets Dusty After Easter which is bottom up.

I've played guitar for 15 years, and you should first know that learning guitar is not a quick easy process. Its not particularly difficult, but it takes time so don't be in a hurry. I always tell people who tell me "I don't know how to play guitar". I tell them that they 'don't know how to play guitar' because "They don't play guitar, or haven't for very long". Anyone can play a guitar, its playing in harmony and with organization. If you just got your Axe, then just play guitar hero for a few months. Lessons will help, but don't expect the same results as say, driving lessons. I can take fly fishing lessons from Max and in hours be catching fish. Yet if you put me out on unfamiliar water where the tactics and methods I learned were useless, I'd probably suck. You can take driving lessons, and 8 weeks later be a competent driver, but it will take you years to master the mechanics and physics of handling a car, and to be aware of all the hazards. Same with guitar, yet the process is much slower. Playing the guitar well will require you to learn to contort your hand, and build the necessary hand strength. You will also have to learn to distinguish tones with second nature. There are only a limited number of chords, and an essential handful that most songs use. Remember that there is always more then one way to make the same note. Get yourself a $20 tuner, and ask the store guy to show you how to use it. Tuning open G is a very, very, very rare tuning. you want your guitar tuned to 440 which is E ---- fattest string A D G B E <----- thinnest string Those are the notes played without putting your finger on the fretboard (Open). A cheap trick is to use the dial-tone, which is the Note F. F on a guitar is the 1st fret on the top (fat) string (E). That might be too difficult, but if you manage, you can tune the rest using the one string you know is in tune. If your really in Open G then that just means your top E is tuned to G, and the rest are find. So if you play a note with your finger on the 5th fret, it will play the note that the string below it should be with no fingers on the string (open). do this until you get to the last string, do a wammy or string pull, then re-tune it again and it should stay in tune better. So... if your in open G, then put your finger on the top string 5th fret, and strum that string, then right after strum the open one below it. You will hear a "harmonic wobble" thats how I explain it. Now tune the top string till you hear the wobble goes away. A string will tighten and losen its tension quite a bit unless its in a completly stable enviroment. Your lucky that you have the internet to help you learn, but don't become dependent on others to teach you all you know. I never took lessons, and learned to play with a few books and a lot of time. Thats not to suggest I'm above lessons, or have nothing to learn. Thats the beauty of guitar is that theres always something to learn or discover. By the way, the wammy is cool, but it will put your guitar out of tune in a hurry. Thats why I suggest just flaming out and just get used to holding it and strumming. Strumming is always under-appreciated by beginner's. Listen for the guitar in the songs you listen to, and play air guitar with it. You don't have to stand on top the desk and flail around, lol, just let your wrist play along. This will develop your timing which in music is everything. Van Halen "Miss a beat, lose the rhythm". So very true. Go on the net, and learn the G, A & D chords. You'll be amazed at how many songs you can play with those and a few other notes just by rearranging them and playing them with different tempos. I'm not the type to involve people in structured lessons, but I could show you some tips and pointers. I live outside of the City so it will have to be when I have the spare time. If you'd like I could invite you to a Jam session with my bandmates when we get together. I also know of guy who lives in Martindale who would have an open jam every night if he could get people to come play with him. He's a guitar god also. Be warned, we don't play quiet and ear plugs are good to bring if you have virgin ears. lol

You can cut the steering wheel with a $5 hack saw and remove a 'club' in seconds. I seen it on Dateline or something. I have a $150 Alpine alarm, and unless your familiar with my particular wiring harness and have the tools to access my ignition switch and circumvent the alarm, your not driving away with my truck. 99% of car thieves are scumbags who need a ride, want stolen property for usually drugs, or are more likely punks who are joyriding. Professional car thieves are an urban legend aside from the vary rare organized chop shop operation. Don't leave anything in your vehicle or I'm afraid to say your asking for it. I don't take my face-plate off if I'm going to be quick or near my truck and if it was stolen then I'm only out a couple hundred. If you pimp out your ride your advertising to crooks so be aware that your a target. I had a friend who had a crazy stereo and lived in a high crime area. Yet everyday he'd have his stereo blasted as he drove up his street and park in a dark corner. You can guess where his crazy stereo is now. I had 2 speakers stolen from a friends truck and the thieves triggered the alarm like 4 times until my friend went out and checked, seen nothing, then left the alarm off for the neighbors sake, as it was late at night. So be aware of that cheap trick. Its retarded how high the insurance rates are, and how it seems that so many victims are always out something when its all said and done. Maybe its all the lawyers, and ridiculous lawsuits? Sorry to hear about your truck Din. I'm glad the jerks got caught, and you got your ride back.

I'd rather have a bottle in front of me, then a Frontal-lobotomy.

Are there Dolly Vardens in the peace river?

You mean like a San Jose Shark? lol Go Flames Go ! Headscan, you make a very good point, landing trout is a skill that requires experience, which comes at the expense of the fish. sportsmanship is a much better term for I think the original posters inquiry. It may have not been perceived as derogatory to those who fish at the specific staging locations of any river, as opposed to 'Ethical' which could imply criticism. Another irony is how you can ask a question or add your opinion with the best intentions, and involuntarily offend people.

Amen brother, I wear my Raps everywhere. However the Rapalas are the ONLY cheap polarized shades that actualy work, based on the 5 different ones I bought.

If its not poaching, I'm not against it. Thats really the only fact that matters, at least for those like me who don't know more then the professional biologist who regulate our fisheries. Since I've never fished it, I can't comment on whether I'd would personally find it either, too easy or unfair. or even notice how many were stacked and exactly where. That was my point about novices (whom I incorrectly assumed were the majority there, likely), but a novice would pose less of an impact to fish mortality. I hope I didn't offend anyone, rickr included. I most certainly wouldn't classify you as a novice. I honestly don't see why the debate heats up. I don't really care if people would condone my fishing if I felt good about it. Its completely possible to find something unethical or immoral, and yet discuss the matter with those who do not. I also don't see how discussing a potential negative impact, whether its falsely perceived or not, is wrong, a web forum is designed for discussion. Actually I think the same reason some topics get hot, is what makes this site great,..... passion. If you find fishing so enjoyable that you spend hundreds or thousands of dollars towards it, and you like studying little bugs, and tying crazy knots, ect, you qualify for being passionate about fishing.

Twice I've had people walk right up and start fishing no more then 20' away from me. Both times I had to move upstream just to see them both catch fish right away. Next time I'm going BBB on them and chewing a strip off them. lol I by no means feel I own the river, but you should, IMO stay say 50' away at least, I'd prefer more myself as I like to throw out a Mega-drift once in a while. I also like to move up or downstream almost constantly, so the crowds are not for me. In my case, both times were at a relatively short run, and the fish stack up there, yet its a big river and theres no need to be rude and plop down half way between some guys drift.

It sounds like the term 'Ethical' could be replaced with 'Moral", or better yet 'personal moral beliefs'. I share the view of most of you that I'd like to give the fish as much of a fair chance as possible. Yet there are lots of people who have little concern, or an abundance of ignorance, or something in-between. We all like to catch fish, yet the avid FF'er who engages in open discussion via FCC and loves the sport and the fish passionately obviously will have high morals and a complete understanding of the implications of fishing at a location at a certain time. Yet I wouldn't expect everyone who fishes the Bow to obey these same morals. As was stated, those who fish the confluence or more likely to be novices and either don't care or don't know, (to a degree), the implications. Being a novice myself, fishing the confluence maybe an opportunity to 'find what works', and give a brief opportunity to experience a day of multiple catches. To the expert, its fishing in a barrel, but to those with limited experience its far from it. I'm sure. I figured I'd balance the debate, and make the defence of those who do fish it, regardless of what I believe personally. I still don't feel I have enough knowledge on the matter to debate or challenge the facts and findings of research, yet I'm glad to be in the company of those do.

I'm still learning the ABC's of FF'ing, and I had no idea about there being an issue about fishing near spawning or pre-spawning trout. Yet I did ask myself the same question when I learned all the browns moved up the city, and stack up on the south end. As for the arguments on here, I'm not surprised. Yet after all the fish that were caught (see the million beauty pics here at FFC) during their spawn or pre spawn, theres still a butt load of them in the river. I know the people who's job it is to understand and regulate the river know what their doing, and I'd think 99% of FF'ers could see the potential impact if your fishing & your #30 at the same run during spawn. That is unless you just bought a fly rod in Sep, like me and pose no threat to the fish population what-so-ever. lol I think I recall being told that trout have a 4% mortality with de-barbed flies, which if thats correct, is pretty nominal. Personally I believe most of the fish I've seen caught near me, were WAY over-played. I mean I grew up fishing giant jack-fish, so I know how to 'pull'em in, so its hard for me to understand why it takes someone 5 mins to land a 5lbs trout. I have a side 'ethical question', which I plan on learning the definite answer to before I did it. But, this may sound odd, but I thought about giving, say a minnow to a fish I land. (If I ever get to see a Bow river trout again, sneaky bastards). What made me think of it is seeing people pump the stomaches of trout, & I wondered if they put the food back in the trout. I mean it probably took the fish some time to eat all that, then has to fight your line, then maybe even suffocated while you fumble for the camera. Then after all that, you steal his lunch. I know its a slippery slope, where you wouldn't advocated it to anyone who didn't fully understand the importance of doing it correctly. As in, not over-feeding or using spoiled feed, ect, ect. And again, I'm not feeding fish, advise anyone else to, or plan on doing it anytime soon, if ever. Just a curiosity. I'm sure most veterans will only roll their eyes at poll question, simply because its been over and done with I'm sure. However I think its a good question for those who are learning like me. I'd love to catch the nicest, biggest fish like anyone, but I'm truly more interested in having a low impact of the entire environment while I practice fly casting, er, um, I mean Fish.