bcubed

Flytrapper. Good first shots, however I'll make a comment on your hook rigging before you have a bad experience with a wild steelhead. Those are bound to hook fish deep, as the hooks are so far back from the actual hook of the fly. In addition, the way you have rigged the wire, you can't change out the hooks. Instead of threading the hook on there, you should push the loop through the eye of the hook, and over the shank. This will hold the hook in a better spot (not just wildly swinging), as well as allow you to change out hooks. Here's a good link: https://www.deneki.com/2015/11/stuart-foxall-on-tying-trailer-hook-loops/ Most of the flies you've been tying with a trailer, don't need them. They'd be better off on a tube, or just a regular hook. They're not big enough to worry about the lever-action that can occur with really large flies.

Graves used to be like Fish Creek prior to the flood. Shouldn't be an issue at Quarry and 17th, right now anyway

Think you misunderstood me, was more of a reference to the fact that where the 'good' winter runs are, most guys tend to start growing roots and never move.

try new zones... If you're not finding fish, it's more likely due to location then technique this time of year.. get those elbows high and dont be afraid of a little hip check action to get into the 'good' zones

http://fwp.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/environmentalAssessments/developmentImprovementsAndEnhancements/pn_0352.html Montana works hard to supply good access. We need the same mentality within our government

It's more of a fixing fish habitat harmed by the second step. Will be cool work and have good opportunities for stakeholder engagement

I think it's a mix of both. Photoperiod apparently has an effect as well

Just know that with that expensive hackle, you don't need much. Literally called a 100 pack as you should easily get 100 flies out of it. Back your hackle up with small wire and you'll definitely get your money's worth

If a bit of time and money get put into it, you can do it right and be allowed to work in the river. You'd need engineering specifications, and a Water Act and Public Lands Act approval, but that's not an impossible (or even hard) task. Ideally you find someone who would be the Owner, like AEP or the county.

Myabe a go-fund me would be a good idea, hell FFC raised 10K plus for the Streamwatch program with just a casual online auction.

So really, if someone wants something done, get a group together, raise funds and approach the government. Do all the footwork and the fundraising and they won't say no..

Suspect your bobbin is screwed if you're breaking UTC 70 that easily. That stuff is tough, and should easily handle any trout fly. Also, dig through your saddle and find any of the real small fibres. Otherwise it sounds like you ended up with a bit of a wooly bugger version. You'll want to make sure you buy 'dry fly' saddles, or something similar, otherwise you'll have issues. You can trim the fibres, but it's not going to look as good. Also, don't be afraid to tie them with Deer hair. I find they float better and easier to tie

Ah i love it when someone joins the board, and immediately starts pointing fingers. Doesn't take much to figure out the tone to get a sense of who it likely is. Go talk to the AOAA, and see what they're doing for the resource. To confirm, TU isnt making a profit off the resource, while the guides are. Perhaps if they want to keep using the infrastructure that everyone else is paying for, they can step up to the plate and put something to the resource such as this. Let me be fair. I used to bitch about TU not doing stuff for the fishing community. Now I'm helping them with projects that actually meet their mandate. Plus, i prefer fish to fishermen..

I agree with both of you. Some massive fish come check out the big bugs, like dungeons or the like, however I think my biggest issue with the double hook with the dungeon (or any large fly), is the number of fish that get foul hooked. I've watched enough of the guides who seem to think this is the greatest technique on the river, and fish after fish is getting nailed in the ass, eyeball or dorsal. Pulling a 2 foot brown backwards through the water isn't my version of sporting. Too many look like they're pretty well drowned by the time they're landed Back to Mousin'. I've gotten a few on the doing it out of the drift boat, but pretty site specific. you put a hell of a lot of time in for not a lot of success

ha!

Think it needs some signage. Most guys just have no idea whats going on there. Something that could be easily achieved.. Something the guide group could look at doing... Also, work in that area isn't as easy as most people are thinking. It's all within the Bow itself, so will require a Water Act permit for any work. Permits arent a big deal, but getting the necessary items (engineered drawings, etc), take a lot more motivation.

Personally I think most guys are launching out of the wrong spot. There's a much better launch if you head straight over the berm, rather then into the eddy, it's just 90% of the people have no idea and park in front of it. Pretty similar to where the original launch was. Was way better when we had the low water last year.

go talk to Adam at CPs. he's done it probably more then anyone in town

but if only we could get rid of those pesky otters

Don, i'll play ball. Lots of tarpon flies are a hell of a lot smaller and less heavy then what guys are throwing for trout (clousers, etc). Easy to throw a tarpon toad on a 5 weight, but I don't want to be connected to the thing on the other end that eats it with a 5 weight!

adventurous tiger salamander?

Lots of good guides out there, but doubt you can find a friendlier one (or more knowledgeable) then Kevin Peterson out of CPs.

Have had it on the Crow, sadly the water was maybe 2" of vis, so the fish didn't take advantage. Only seen it once

I used to feel the same way, but rather then bitch at it from the sidelines, I'd rather help it do work from the inside.. Give it some time, you'll see more volunteer events this year.

In summary. No more fees, but donations to be a member. All donations go to on-the-ground work rather then sucked up in OH. http://www.tucanada.org/index.asp?p=2055&vn=405 Also, the Bow River Chapter is going to be far more active then the past, so keep an eye out for events (and like em on the FB)