monger

Ice fisherman at BH will probably get lots of days in this year

Mine is 21 years old and I'm starting to get nervous....

Anyone have a recommendation for a 50gal. tank? Installation company?

Thanks for the info Al. Hopefully the regs can hold on as the fish have finally had a chance to grow a bit.

Great camera work. Heads pushing water is always a rush. Fishing doesn't count cause it's on private water..............right, no fun at all!

Flyfisher...you didn't like my "enhancement by leaching" statement. I think I can agree that blowing up mountains isn't the best way to improve fishing. Why do you think the productivity is so high in Elk tributaries that haven't been affected by mining? There seems to be far greater numbers of bugs there compared to Alberta.

The Highwood rebounded quite nicely once it got changed to catch and release. It was awesome in the '60s and '70s, but crashed in the 80's due to years of angler abuse. Today the numbers of fish are getting respectable again. Hopefully Didymo doesn't cover up too much bug habitat.

Years ago a study was done on Lynx Cr (Ram trib). I believe Green Drop fertilizer was used to boost the productivity. More bugs, better condition factor for the fish. BC creeks that drain to the Elk are definitely more productive than most of our creeks. Nitrogen from explosives is a unique way of enhancing fisheries. Both Sundancefisher and the naysayers raise good points. True, lots of biomass has been removed by anglers, but there are always concerns when men monkey with the natural system. Perhaps habitat enhancement and stricter regulations could help things out in a slower/more controlled manner. In the past, the creeks were only open every other year. The year off would decrease the stress and mortality on creeks. Maybe the poachers would stand out more when they were snagging bull trout on closed tributaries ( I guess someone would still have to see them). After we did a bunch of enhancement on Dogpound Cr ( to increase cover and exclude range maggots, decrease water temps and clean up some spawning habitat) the fish numbers climbed significantly. The biggest problem happens when too many people show up later and bonk the fish. Us humans are getting way too efficient at removing critters from the environment.

Thanks guys. Lots to learn on my end.

I'm thinking of getting an 8wt, 13ft rod to take to Skeena country. Skagit head and sinktips ? Then some kind of running line...slick shooter, SA shootiing, Airflo ridge running line? Am I on the right track?

Skagit head to dragontail seems like a good idea. Just wondering if the tapered running line makes a difference. I don't even own a rod, but am gathering info

Anyone try this running line?

I only use Mule deer fur and fish don't even know

From another forum: If you are only going to take one fly line, I would go with an intermediate. I have been down there several times and always fished tarpon intermediate lines. I have friends who fish down there that like a faster sinking shooting head. It is kind of a matter of personal preference and fishing style. I like the intermediate because it can allow the fly to "settle" before the fish is on it and when you pause it, the fly remains neutrally buoyant and doesn't sink (which a real baitfish does). That is if you fish unweighted flies (which I mostly have done for roosters). You can fish weighted flies and many roosters are caught that way, but I have always fished unweighted. An intermediate also allows you to fish very shallow areas which there are a lot of down there. There are many situations where the faster sinking line would be an advantage though such as in drop offs, rough surf and windy conditions. If possible, I would bring both lines. As far as floating, that would be my last choice. There are scenarios where they apply, but I wouldn't bother with it. Realistically you are taking a big risk if you only take one fly line anyway. If it gets cut, stuck on coral, a fish takes you into your backing and it cuts off etc. you can't just stop in the local fly shop....As far as a casting adjustment, the intermediate would be a lot more similar to a floater than the fast sinking shooting head type line. Shooting heads and fast sinkers load very far forward in the line and won't cast if you have too much line out so they take adjusting. Hope this helps. Good luck, and let us know how you do!

It seems most of the clear lines don't like the cold weather....shooting a slinky can be challenging

Taco....on a lake....this is craziness. Mid-April usually shows some water to cast in around Calgary. I used a 4wt Rio line last year, nice and slippery. Casts well and not too much memory

Cabelas has 6wt 2 piece RS4 on sale for $79. With shipping and tax comes to $132 US. Good deal for a fast rod.

I casted the 5wt BVK, it's a sweet rod. I don't think you could gone wrong with the 6wt. A pflueger trion or president reel would work great for you. Amundson TXS or Trend also in your price range. Orvis mid arbor reels

Check it out http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradv..._100469284.html

I find it helps to have a heavy fly above the chironomid when bobber fishing. You can then set the depth perfectly with your forceps and the line will be straight down. If you plan on swinging the flies in a wind, over an arc, your depth will be less precise but if the fish are active it may not be a problem. Anchors are essential.

Great show, thanks for that. Darn rocks!!!

It is a sport if you zip across the lake, push Sundance out of the way and then cast over his line to intercept the rising fish. Once you net the fish you get 2 points....definitely a sport!!!!

You mean I can't just put my boat in the middle of the river, drop a worm in, and float down without ever touching the oars???? I thought this was the new way to guide.

Sundance only gets quiet while he is landing one of these....until it is in the net

Here's a couple to look at: Nautilus Orvis mirage