Gil

I have a Hyde pro high side and a Fishcat and use them both routinely, but for different reasons. The drift boat is great for socializing with friends. However, if I'm in the mood the really fish, I take the pontoon... With flippers I fish constantly vs sharing rowing with the drift boat. Pontoon is more maneuverable, low profile and quiter. Definitely puts more fish in the net and you can fish alone. There is no way I would give up the pontoon. Next boat will be the pac9000. Low profile four chambers good capacity ....

I love his CDC dun. Think I'll steal the pattern.....

I have seen one on the Bow, within the city. I can't image trying to fish from one, nor do I think it can compare to a pontoon or even a canoe for getting around. Just a novelty in my opinion....

Note: Fishtales had a fantastic sale on Simms G3 and G4 last week... Not sure if they have any left..

For socks I've found those with lambs wool tend to be the warmest. Bought at MEC. I usually go with a thin sock under the thicker lambs wool . I can usually stand a few hours of winter wading without frozen feet.

I'd be fine having it closed during the spawn however I'd like it opened in Dec. I enjoy winter fishing a lot.....Id also be willing to sit out the rainbow spawn.

This outbreak for me suggests we need to be careful in not carrying this to other rivers. Make sure you clean your boots etc. before moving between rivers....

I have a lot of different boxes so I like a clear lid and split foam design so I can see what it contains. On the negative side I recall trying a compartment style (with the little doors) with dries one time. Took it to the Oldman and watched my flies leave with the first wind....

Great idea, creating your own hatch. Now I can fish hoppers in March!

What a moron...

I fully agree... The Bow should be a trophy river. I don't agree however it should be restricted to dry only. That just smells of elitisim without purpose....

I think you might be floating in the dark. Just Police to Mac is a pretty full day this time of the year. Float rate is low so you are moving slow and the days are getting short.

I was out on Saturday on a small river in southern Alberta. Had a tough morning then around noon the fish went crazy on something that was coming off. Wasn't sure exactly what it was, but the #18 bwo was the ticket for me. Put a lot of fish in the net in a short period. As for strategy, a couple of things that I believe have help me include: I'm a fan of long leaders 12 ft min 6x tippet Move slowly when approaching a pool and keep a low profile. Stay as far away as you can from the water of interest and still be able to cast to. Believe small stream fish are very spooky far more so than a big river like the Bow. Pay a lot of attention to your drift and your position to get a good drift. I never stay at a pool too long that isn't working for me. I figure after a few casts The odds of picking up a fish on the next cast keep dropping. If really believe the pool has potential give it a rest and come back to it. Keep moving and cover a fair bit of ground...

Definely time to stop random camping and restrict off road activity. Its already gone way too far....

Thanks I'll try it...

I've been tying a lot of 18/20 BWOs and PMDs recently and have been goofing around trying to do a better job on the tails. For awhile I was using various feathers but didn't quite like the effect. I then tried micro fibrils but at first couldn't get them to flare the way I wanted. Had tried putting a wrap under the fibrils (saw it on utube) but again couldn't make it work. Then i tried tying a small thread ball at the base. Laid the fibrils against the ball and then wrapped thread behind the ball. Got exactly the flare i was looking for. The other thing i noticed was that the micro fibrils a bought looked exactly like the bristles i saw on on of my nylon brushes. I have enough material from one brush to last years. Perhaps these tips are old news for the more experienced tiers but for me it was a mini breakthrough I thought I'd pass along....

I'm really hoping my new granddaughter (born last month) is going to be interested. No luck so far with others in the family...

Very sorry to hear that Brian. That really hurts. One of those situations you just need to swallow hard and move on...

Just to throw another option out there, I've used Louise Shotton Bow River shuttle 403 818-1625. for the past 8 years or so without an issue and I float a fair bit 30 ish floats / season....

I'll give it a try! Thanks

It's the same book that got me started. Yes I'd recommended it as a first book. Note YouTube has great instructional videos for a variety of flies. Have fun....

You guys need to start tying more and paying others less!!

As far a rare goes i have two burbot on the Bow. Don't want a third... Of course burbot are common fish as far as lakes are concerned. Grayling, golden trout and goldeye/mooneye are on the bucket list.

That's the one...

Nicks can be pretty good...