GreenPeter

My two daughters have somewhat impatiently watched me leave to go fishing mountain streams, during our 3 week holiday here in Canada. Promises had been made to take our 3yr old and 6 yr old fishing. Plenty of "Can we go fishing today Daddy" requests were made. Their enthusiasm grew, and the day approached. Anticipation is, I think most important for kids(of all ages!), even if the actual fishing is limited to a short time. I personally favor the Dora the explorer range, as we can count the fish they catch in Spanish. The rig also comes with a heavy plastic fish, which we have been using for casting games. We set off for a stock pond, rods in hand, and they had a great hour and a half, catching suicidal stockies. It was a great day, even the bites lost were very exciting for the girls, at times. Other times they have the potential for I agree with a previous sentiment; don't think that this is a fishing trip for you, as it will take away from you ability to observe and enjoy the kids excitement and discovery! I wonder what the next generation will teach us all about fly fishing? Dirk

I signed up too. I don't know if I'll ever make it to NZ, but if I do and the wild rivers are all gone...you'll see a grown man cry. I see the beverage of choice in Ireland mentioned in this thread(Guinness). In Alberta you have excellent trout fishing, and alright Guinness. In Ireland we have excellent Guinness, and not so good trout fishing. So, as long as you've had a good day on the river, the Guinness will be fine. And if you visit Ireland, make sure you've had a good day in the pub, and the fishing will be something you forget to do. Slainte(Cheers in Irish) GreenPeter

I travel from Ireland to Alberta regularly as my wife is from AB. I didn't vote because as a visiting angler I feel privileged to fish these great waters, and don't feel that I have any rights in this matter. I would echo the point that ,fishing magazines are somewhat responsible for the increased numbers traveling, Many of the mags. in Ireland and the UK regularly feature Alberta's rivers and streams! I have them all saved! Visiting anglers returning home with tales of many wonderful tails, also contributes. As a foreign visitor, I think it is reasonable, if not good sense, to ask us (foreigners)to pay the most for the fishing. In Ireland we have to pay an annual license, and then day tickets to who ever owns the Game fishing rights. The prices vary, but be aware that this has caused many problems. most of the best water is totally exclusive, with rich anglers from continental Europe flying in for the best fishing. this excludes locals, casual anglers. Causing some animosity, and at times I have paid the big money, and it took away from my ability to enjoy my fishing. So may be it's time to revisit the whole area. I was at an agricultural show in Ireland, where I met a fisheries official. He told me he was visiting family in Calgary, but he went south to Montana to pay over $3000 to fish for 5 days at a lodge. So, how do encourage this angler to spend his money in your economy, next time he is here? I recommended a guide I've used 3 times to him, so who knows? Again it is my privilege to fish here when I visit, so I hope the best decision is made for LOCAL anglers. The rest of us believe it or not will be happy with what we are given, as no one wants to see paradise lost. Dirk

Fly rods are like beer, one is never enough! They are also like a lot of flies, made to catch the fisherman, not the fish! I do think a lot of rods are overpriced. The makers have a captive buyer in the winter, reading magazines, and dreaming of the perfect, effortless cast. How come last years "next best thing", quickly changes to this years dust collector? I have struggled to get a rod that I like to cast as much as 2 piece Dawia Whiskerfly #5 wt. I bought in the early '90's. I have bought other rods for lake, Travel etc, and have been disappointed with the results. So the question is how many favorite rods does one need to cover all situations(stream, big river, lake, streamer, saltwater, pike .......) and how many dust collectors will we need to buy to find them? Cheers, Dirk Cheers,

Hey Guys, "So long and thanks for all the fish." Douglas Adam,; Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy I joined this forum before I left Ireland in July, as I wanted to do some homework on the area I have been visiting (Sundre). I had immediate response and advice from some of you guys, and some of it was critical. Thanks. I had previously pulled out a map of Alberta and decided to stick with a stream that I later was advised doesn't fish well, but I was put right! I also heard of "Fishing the Forestry Trunk Road", a most enjoyable read, and again great advice. While in Alberta I managed to fish the Fallen Timber, Red Deer, North Ram, South Ram, North Raven, some of these several times. It was amazing!! I didn't catch the big ones this time (I have fished the Bow and Crowsnest on previous visits for the big ones), but I did catch my first Brookie and Cutthroat trout. I also stopped to inspect more streams than I could expect to fish! This wouldn't have been possible but for the goodwill of the fly-fishing Gentlemen and Lady that I had the pleasure of sharing the beautiful streams of Alberta. I've learned more than I could have expected! A special thanks to Mikefromsundre and his wife! for sharing more than a stream!, to "Air" from Edmonton for turning a 4-hour blank on the North Ram into Cutthroat action! To the Sundre Fish and Game folks for allowing my 5-yr-old daughter to fish their pond; she caught her first fish on her first cast! How do I follow that act??? I'm grateful to the flyfishers of Alberta for sharing my dream, and I can't wait until I visit again! I had a blast! Tight lines, Greenpeter (this is a popular Irish Caddis pattern) AKA Dirk PS I also hired a guide in Maple Ridge, BC, for a great day on a small but beautiful stream, the South Allouette. If you need a guide that enjoys fishing and is great value, check out http://www.flyfishingwithjohn.com - $225 for the day! He fishes for trout and salmon on the Harrison; I'll try him out next time I'm back, if the fish are running.

Hey Teck, thanks for the reply, will pick up those publications for sure! Making noise whille stalking that big trout?? how does that work? GreenPeter

Hey folks, This is my first post! I'm travelling from Ireland in July to spend some time in the Sundre area. I have stayed in Alberta before(my wife is from Alberta!), and had the pleasure of fishing with "Bowcrow" guides, on The Bow and Crowsnest rivers. Great trips! As I'm fishing alone, guided trips are very expensive. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced guide in the Sundre area? Also, I'm interested in any links to info. on fishing the mountain streams in the area. I have Jim McLennon's books, but Im interested in more detailed local info., as I hope to get to know the area better, and fish alone. Although, as I'm a city dweller form Dublin, that wouldn't know one end of a bear from the other, one may reconsider! My preference is to fish smaller waters. Tight lines, GreenPeter