[Fishing For Bull Trout]

14? I am just getting into it myself and I'm 36 as of next month.

 

Talk about a late bloomer.....

[Advice For A New Fly Guy]

Best advice yet.

[Waders?]

Read this thread then decide if you want to wet wade the Bow

 

Waders it is!

 

I think I was just convinced of two things. 1. Buy some waders and wading boots. And, 2. Don't eat the fish that come out of the Bow.....

[Advice For A New Fly Guy]

Good boots and waders for sure... There are also alot of good books available, especially those by Jim McLennan, that discuss techniques, and how to read the water. A book or 2 on basic entomology is also a good idea to get a bit of a handle on exactly what you're trying to imitate. I have a well used copy of one that fits nicely in a vest and is very detailed with pics of artificials to imitate the insects in different stages. Its called Hatch Guide for Western Streams (I think...)

I do believe that the dude that I was talking to at Fish Tales told me about that exact book this morning.

[Advice For A New Fly Guy]

That is a very true statement honestly taking up crack smoking might have been a cheaper hobby.

 

I am going to recommend that you take a basic course in flyfishing. All of the shops in town offer some form of introductory course. It might be getting a little late in the year for one of the classes as they tend to be in the spring. If you can't find a course you might be able to get one of the pros on the site to help you out for a few hours. I checked fishtales website and it indicates that they have one more intro session advertised this year Fish Tales Level 1 Fly Fishing Troutfitters seem to be done for the year. Hansons boot camp has also been highly recommended.

 

Also check out the fly fishing get togethers section a lot of people post where and when they are going and most wouldn't mind a companion.

I actually did take a basic fly fishing course through Country Pleasures. It was fantasitc. The class was realatively small as there were only about 10-12 of us and with the two instructors, they were able to give a lot of one on one instruction. Also taught us about what to look for in the characteristics of the water, where the fish would be in the water, what kind of flies are about and what to use. Really did a thourough job.

 

I have always wanted to learn ever since I moved to Calgary, particularly when my wife and I bought a home in Cranston in the SE just off of South Fish Creek park. I thought "What a great location for fishing!" but figured it was damn near impossible to cast fish in the Bow, and after trying on many an occasion, I figured that I was right. Then my wife bought me that introductory course from Country Pleasures, and now I am PUMPED to get my feet wet.

 

Already practised castig in my back yard (even if it isn't big enough) with the new rod and a buddy at work has offered to take me down the Elbow and show me the ropes. I just feel that there is so much more to learn. I can't wait!

[Bertuzzi]

Wow, good to see that the Battle of Alberta still has the strength to take over even on a Fly Fishing Board. lol

 

So far as Bert goes, my opinion is pretty much the same as most peoples. His best years are behind him, but he is still a big dude. Get his ass in front of the net on the PP and he can still do some good. Will he snap and cold cock a guy? Who knows. I honestly think that it was a brain cramp that lasted a fraction of a second and he made the wrong decision. It's in the past, the guy paid his dues, let him live his life.

 

One poster mentioned his 40 points from last year and compared them to a number of current fLAMES. Keep in mind that Bert was injured for a great deal of time last year with a concussion, so the fact that he was able to put up those points in, I think it was 69 games, is still pretty good.

 

I am fairly sure that you will see him get at least SOME time on the top line. It will likely be where he spends the pre-season. Iggy has pretty much said that he wants him on his wing, and we all know, what Iggy wants, Iggy gets.

 

As an Oiler fan, I still like the aquisition of Camalleri more than Bertuzzi. The game is getting faster again. The fLAMES needed the speed. Camalleri has it, Bert doesn't.

 

Anyway, just my two bits.

[Advice For A New Fly Guy]

Don't yank on your TFO when you get it stuck in the trees, they break easily, LOL

Yeah, I've discovered that already. I took it out of it's case to show to my four year old daughter, and the tip had broken off! Thank God for the lifetime warranty. The shop I bought it from (that morning) swapped it no problem however, so it's all good.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I was considering the waders/wading boots, but wasn't sure if that was something to invest in so early in my "career", but from what I have heard so far, it surely is a worthwile investment. Even some of the articles I have read basically reccomend them, one mentioned the Bow in particular as the rocks in the Bow can get pretty slick.

 

I guess I'm not done spending money just yet.......

[Caddis Conundrum]

Hi,

I'm not from Calgary but I was down for a few days helping my brother-in-law drywall (He owes me so big!) and was able to sneak out a few evenings. On Friday night I went out to fish creek park and found a beautiful spot with monster browns porpoising 6 feet off the grassy bank. Walking past the lone willow tree next to the water I couldn't help but see it swarming with small caddis flies.

 

"Too Easy!" I thought as I tied on the smallest deerhair caddis I had and threw it out into the boil. 2 hours later, MANY caddis and caddis-like flies (had no emergers) tried and I still had no takes while the fish continued to steadily rise. What's the deal? Maybe I just need a refresher in caddis hatching? Were they eating emergers? Or were they eating the caddis as they went back to the water to lay eggs and I just didn't have the right size/color, etc?

 

Also, what do you think the conditions are going to be like in a week for a personal float-trip? Is it still going to be humming?

 

Cheers!

Where in Fish Creek Park were you?

[Advice For A New Fly Guy]

Hi Everyone.

 

My name is Darrin and I am pretty new to the sport of fly fishing. I recently picked up a nice new TFO rod that was recommended by a fellow co-worker as it was a real good value, and picked up a few flies while I was there. Just some basic stuff to get started.

 

I only have a few questions to ask of the more experienced, like what else would you consider as important for one to invest in during their rookie year?

 

Where are some of the better places to go in and around the city? Where is the best place for a rookie to go to thier thier feet wet, no pun intended.

 

Thanks for all the help guys, any advice would be fantastic!

[Best Fly Fishing Shop In Calgary]

That's awesome. Thanks for asking the question outkast!

 

I am a fairly new (brand new) fly fisher and was wondering where the best place to go would be, I was planning on checking out the local shops in hunt of the best one, but at least I now know where most people's favorite is!

 

Thanks guys!