mkm

Tgo and I got out for one final trip to our favorite summer time trib. We decided to tough it out and parked our cars at two access points and hiked/fished the 15km between. Waders were just extra weight so we opted to freeze our arses off in the early morning. Here's a some pics of the trip. mkm

Gravelman, I witnessed the same thing four weeks ago on the highwood. I wasn't sure about the rules governing this type of behavior and totally forgot about the incident until you mentioned it now. If you do get somewhere with this let me know because I still remember a fairly good description of the idiots and their truck. Keep us posted. mkm

As I was the other half to tgo's fishing party I should probably get my two cents in. Tgo was the person who tought me to fly-fish and most importantly tought me about respecting others while on the river. Last night was the first time I have ever seen him say a word and had it been me I probably would have found a few more catch phrases for this women. The mouth on this women will without a doubt echo in some other members ears this season. In the minutes after the incident I was brainstorming 'how to teach this women a lesson'. However, I don't need a criminal record and will possibly come across her and her friends one day and would hate to be alone (she could take on a rhino). However, had it not been dark I planned to take a picture of her. Who knows what I would have done with it (maybe post it) but I'm sure it would have been enough to keep her out of the area for a bit. I don't how much more I can take of the rivers south of Calgary being closed. The fishing pressure is just being relocated to the Bow. mkm

Almost forgot a pic of me!

Pale Morning Dunce was kind enough to take myself and Tgo on a float last weekend. The day started slow but picked up late afternoon and into the evening. We flaoted from McKinnons to Carsland and were joined but what seemed to be tons of other boats. Lots of fish were lost but a our fair share of healthy rainbows were caught...almost all were 17-18". Here are some pics of the day.

Finally broke down yesterday and bought a new reel from wholesale. The service was exceptional and the guy helping me seemed more excited about the Greys reel I bought then I was. With my new reel I decided to hit the bow and try her out. Third cast...BAM...massive rainbow takes to the air and runs me down the bank before self releasing. I decided to head further down the bank and fish my way back up. As soon as i hit the water I found myself amoungst massive numbers of rising fish - the BWO hatch was on. Stupid me left all my BWO patterns at home so I used a small adams which seemed to work well. As the risers slowed I changed up to a hopper-dropper combo. The first hole I came upon proved worthwhile as I hooked into a wicked fighting brown. Trying to land the fish proved to be quit the task but eventually I netted it...taped at a hair short of 22''. Maybe it was the new reel or just good timing.

2 years ago I went on a horseback trip along the skyline trial just outside of jasper. About 15 minutes into the trip we came across a small lake which was absolutely hopping with good sized trout. I still dream about wetting my line in the lake and will have to make a trip up some time soon. It could easily be fished from shore but a belly boat would be amazing. I will see if i can track down the lake's name. Good luck. Mike

My buddy and I were wanting to float the Bow some time and was wondering if any of you knew of the best price/company out there. I have only done it once before and the experience is what got me hooked on fly-fishing. Any help would be greatly apprechiated. Mike

Lessons for the better half are a great investment. I even took a casting lesson with my girlfriend last year for our 2 year anniversary. Went through Tyson at Troutfitters and he was able to get her casting in no time. We only fish together occasionally but I try to make those trips to small ponds so she doesn't get frustrated with having to manage the drifting line. The first fish she caught on a dry fly was quite the show...she nearly dropped the rod in excitement! Quick question: my gf has miss placed her license. Is there any way to get it replaced? mkm

thanks for all the feedback. I am very excited to spend a weekend fishing the oldman and staying in a great campground. mkm

Hey all, I was thinking of some camping later this month and thought about the dutch creek campground. Has anyone been there before? Is it worth a weekend? Whats the easiest way there? Thanks for any help as i will be with my girlfriend and getting lost on a forestry trunk road does not appeal to her!

SO enough talk and lets get this started. I have been fishing for a few years and had never heard about the fishes eyes pointing down. I try my best every time to release the fish ASAP and revive if necessary but I would love to her some tips and tricks from the wealth of experience which frequents this forum. I'm sure the barbless hooks are a huge step in the right direction but what else can be done or practiced to further increase the successful release rate. Great thread. mkm

I was just wondering what day is the free fishing day (not sure what its really called? I have a few friends who always here me talking about fly fishing and really want to try it out but not sure if they would like it. I keep telling them that there is one day each summer when you don't need a license. Any idea what the day is? thanks

Thanks for all the feedback. I can't wait for the rain to stop so the bow will start dropping a bit. mkm

I have recently started watching the river flow information on the net and was wondering at what level/rate does fishing normally start to pick up? Is there a certain flow rate when the fish become more active and if so does the fishing turn awesome bc the fish have been feeding less during the run-off peak? Thanks mkm

Timing is everything. I also am heading to Orlando next week (June 4-12)....Disney World here I come. I am definitely hitting up that store! Currently I am trying to convince my girlfriend to come bass fishing with me....if i am lucky i wil have some pics to post. Have a great trip. Mike