FishTales

Stop by Fish Tales this Friday, July 16 for a free in-store discussion about fly line design presented by Simon Gawesworth. Presentation will begin shortly after 7 p.m. and is available to anyone interested in attending. We still have a couple of spaces available in Saturday's Spey Casting clinic with Simon. Contact the shop for more information. From his website: "Simon is acknowledged as one of the world's leading authorities on spey casting and has taught and demonstrated spey casting around the world. His video "International Spey Casting", produced with Rio Products, is recognized as one of the finest instructional videos on casting." Fish Tales Fly Shop #626, 12100 Macleod Tr Calgary, AB 403-640-1273

Effective May 1 Fish Tales is open for summer hours as follows: Sunday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Holidays 8 a.m - 4 p.m. Please join us in welcoming a couple of new faces to our team. Kurtis Giles - a familiar face to many of you - is now at Fish Tales full time. Kurtis has several years of retail experience and a passion for fly fishing and tying. He spends a lot of time on Alberta watersheds and has extensive knowledge about fishing our local waters. Graeme MacDonald has joined the Fish Tales team for the summer. Graeme is a keen fly tyer and angler. He's from Ontario where he's fished the Grand River and area lakes. This summer he'll be experiencing the Bow River and surrounding waters. We're pleased to have both of these guys as part of Fish Tales. Stop by to say hi! We have a couple of spaces left in Chris Seipio's single hand intermediate/advanced casting course this Saturday (May 8). Contact the shop for more information or to register. Cloudveil on Sale Stop by to check out the reduced pricing on our Cloudveil clothing, and boots. Mark downs of 25% to 50% on everything Cloudveil. Great sun protective clothing, rain gear, base layers and more.... Fish Tales Fly Shop Ltd. #626, 12100 Macleod Tr 403-640-1273 or 1-866-640-1273

Join Terry Johnson for a three-hour bug ID course on the banks of the Bow River. This course will let you “revert to childhood” as you spend part of the session turning over rocks and collecting bugs you see along the river’s edge. You’ll learn how to identify some trout food and about which flies best represent these bugs. Course is limited to eight. Class runs from about 10 am to 1 pm (rain or shine) Plan to meet at the shop at 9:30 am. Course cost is $35.00 plus GST. Please contact the shop at 403-640-1273 to register. We will be having a couple of other Bug ID courses this season. Watch here or on our website for future course information. Fish Tales Fly Shop Ltd. 626, 12100 Macleod Tr Calgary, AB www.fishtales.ca

Join Maxwell, Chris, Kevin and other speycasters on the banks of the Bow for this hands-on session. It’s a great opportunity to cast demo outfits and discuss line setups with Fish Tales representatives and other attendees. We’ll have a range of spey/switch rods as well as the Scandi and Skagit kits on hand. Location: Bankside Time: 1 – 3 This is our final Sunday seminar until fall. Check out our courses page for information on Levels I and II fly fishing courses, Bug ID classes, spey lessons, private lessons, and more. Our first Bug ID course of the season is on Saturday, April 24. Join Terry for this three-hour hands-on session. Courses are limited to eight participants. Cost is $35.00. Contact the store for more information or to register. Fish Tales Fly Shop #626, 12100 Macleod Tr 403-640-1273

I saw this thread and thought I would let people know that we just got a shipment from Brodin with several of the ghost nets and the replacement bags. So for any of you who would like to replace your current net bag with the rubber then bring your net into the shop and see if one of the four sizes will work for your net. The bags range in size from the typical trout size all the way up to larger boat net sizes. The rubber nets are WAY better on the fish and WAY easier on the multi fly rigs as the hooks don't get snagged. David Fish Tales

Dates: July 17 & 18, 2010 Two separate one day Spey Improver courses Maximum of six people per day Simon's only 2010 Canadian course date Course Fee: $325 Let Simon's teaching experience take your spey fishing to the next level. For more information about Simon click here. Contact Fish Tales to book your spot 403-640-1273 or toll free 1-866-640-1273

We're closing in on our final seminar until fall. This Sunday join Wayne with this discussion focused on ways to improve your catch rates. Wayne promises something for everyone no matter your experience; beginner to expert for lakes and streams. This seminar starts at 1 p.m. and will last one to two hours. Seating is limited - first ones in the door get the first chance at chairs. Hope to see you there! Our final 'seminar' of the season is the 'Spey-O-Rama' on April 11. Fish Tales Fly Shop #626, 12100 Macleod Tr 403-640-1273

Join us for our annual customer appreciation/anniversary (13 years) tomorrow - Saturday, March 20. Stop by for a coffee and a midday snack. Enter your name for the hourly draws for prizes like in-store gift certificates, DVD's, T-shirts... (you have to be present to win.) Enter your name for a chance to win one of the doorprizes at the end of the day (you don't have to be present to win.) Enjoy in-store savings of 10% on all in store inventory. 2010 Alberta Fishing Licenses now available (no discount!) Visit with other anglers. Start planning your 2010 fishing adventures. Hope to see you there! Fish Tales #626, 12100 Macleod Trail Ph: 403-640-1273

OK so maybe we aren't in prime "lake country" but figure out some secrets to area lakes and you can definitely extend your fishing season. Wayne is a passionate lake angler who has spent years fishing Alberta's lakes. He wil discuss many things you can do to increase your lake fishing productivity. For a taste of what he might discusss check out his November 14th tip on our website. Stop by to hear what else he has to say. Date: Sunday, March 14 Time: 1 p.m. As always our seminars are free for anyone who wants to attend. Seating is limited - first ones in the door get the first chance at chairs. Hope to see you there! Fish Tales Fly Shop Ltd. 626, 12100 Macleod Trail 403-640-1273

We are happy to let everyone know we have received our initial shipment of Loop Tackle. Only a few rods and reels to start with, but once some of the new products and inventory is available we will be getting more. We will be stocking a selection of Loop Multi Single and Double Handed rods, Opti Single and Double Handed rods, and be able to special order any of the other rods/reels/clothing/gear, etc. available from the Canadian distributor who many of you met at the Fly Fishing show in January. We have also received a selection of Eumer tubes, monster cones, etc for those who are now hooked on tube tying. Also new to the shop is a selection of Rhea and top grade Ostich that hasn't even made it on the wall yet (and already some material "hogs" have cleaned us out of a few colors.) We will be getting more and there is still a good selection at the moment. Sticking with the tube theme we have also received a selection of Owner hooks for tubes as well as string leech and Intruder style of flies. These are some of the best hooks we have seen for this. They even come with a warning on the package!!! Speaking of hooks we also got our resupply of Dohiku hooks from Slovakia. These are the competition style barbless hooks which have become popular. We have the "Czech" scud hook style, standard nymph, dry fly, and streamer hooks from them. There are also a few new products from Hareline and Wapsi that are either already in the store or on the way so if you starting to crank out the flies for the fast approaching season and need materials we are well stocked to supply your needs. Happy "soon to be spring"! Keep praying to the snow gods to fill up those mountains over this next 6-7 week period as this is our most critical snowpack time. David Fish Tales Fly Shop

We are postponing Chris' fly tying seminar that was scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday, February 28) at 1 p.m. The store will be open for regular Sunday hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Go Team Canada! Fish Tales Fly Shop #626, 12100 Macleod Tr Calgary, AB T2J 7G9 403-640-1273

Join Aaron Caldwell for this tying seminar that will focus on tying traditional patterns with newer materials. During this session Aaron will tie his "Imi-truder" (see it on our feature fly page), and the DNA Clouser, among other patterns. Aaron takes great enjoyment from tying all styles of flies and sharing techniques with other fly tiers. Stop in Sunday to learn uses for some new synthetics like baitfish emulator and DNA. Fish Tales' Sunday afternoon seminars are free and open to anyone interested. Chairs are limited and available on a first-come first-serve basis. Seminar starts at 1 p.m. Next week's seminar: Chris Iskiw ties some of his go-to Bow River flies. Fish Tales Fly Shop #626, 12100 Macleod Tr. Calgary, AB 403-640-1273 www.fishtalesflyshop.com

Several folks have been asking about the latest issue of The Drake. It arrived this morning.... Fish Tales

Join Aaron Caldwell for a discussion on fly tying vises that will include: an overview of fly tying vises; price range, dependability, quality, and hook-holding power. benefits of rotary style vises. differences between a bent shaft rotary and (his personal favorite) the Norvise. tying techniques with the Norvise. Aaron takes great enjoyment from tying all styles of flies. Stop in Sunday to pick up some techniques you may be able to use in your tying. Fish Tales' Sunday afternoon seminars are always free and open to anyone interested. Chairs are limited and available on a first-come first-serve basis. Seminar starts at 1 p.m. Next week's seminar: Aaron Caldwell tying traditional patterns with new materials. Fish Tales Fly Shop #626, 12100 Macleod Tr. Calgary, AB 403-640-1273 www.fishtalesflyshop.com

This seminar is a great introduction for the newer saltwater angler. David will provide suggestions on planning for your tropical saltwater adventure whether you're off for a week of fishing, sneaking away for a couple days of fishing during an upcoming family vacation, or spending a couple of hours wading with rod in hand near your hotel on the Mayan Riviera. Learn tips for packing for your next trip, what gear - rods, reels, sun protection - you should be bringing for any saltwater adventure. You’ll also hear about our 2010 destinations. Fish Tales' Sunday afternoon seminars are always free and open to anyone interested. Chairs are limited and available on a first-come first-serve basis. Seminar starts at 1 p.m. Next week's seminar - Vises by design - Discussion to include benefits of rotary vises and base vs c-clamp models. Fish Tales Fly Shop #626, 12100 Macleod Tr. Calgary, AB 403-640-1273

Please follow this link to see the winning entries for Fish Tales Mystery Fly Contest's #3 & #4. Thanks for the reminder to post the results.... Expo preparations and recovery have kept us pretty busy the last few weeks. Nancy - Fish Tales

Knots... Not sure whether to do a bimini or a double surgeons? This seminar will get you tying the right knot for the job. Learn which knot is stronger and what knot to use for fluorocarbon tippet, wire bite tippet, and more. Fish Tales' Sunday afternoon seminars are always free and open to anyone interested. Chairs are limited and available on a first-come first-serve basis. Seminar starts at 1 p.m. Hope to see you there! Next week's seminar topic - Saltwater Flats 101 - a great introduction or refresher for saltwater anglers. Fish Tales Fly Shop #626, 12100 Macleod Tr. Calgary, AB 403-640-1273

Stream Watch tickets available at Fish Tales. It's a great cause and the $5 investment could get you a new fly rod or on a flight to the tropics - think flats fishing for bonefish.... Stop by to purchase your ticket today.

The eighth annual Western Canadian Fly Fishing Exposition starts at noon today. Fish Tales is at the show again this year and we’ll be busy with in-booth sales, presentations, demonstrations, and more. Fish Tales staff members are involved in the following activities away from our booth. Youth Casting - Register your kids (6-15 years old) for a free 15-minute one-on-one casting session with one of Fish Tales’ Certified Casting Instructor’s - David Blair or Terry Johnson. Schedule as follows: Friday, January 22 from 5 - 6:30; Saturday, January 23 from 10:30 - noon and 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, January 24 from 10:30 - noon and 3 - 4:30. Pre-registration is required through show organizers. Saturday, January 23 - 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Terry Johnson will be presenting “Bow River Entomology.” Saturday, January 23 - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aaron Caldwell is presenting a tying workshop on “Grand Slam tying.” Preregistration is required for this workshop. Cost $50. Limited spaces available. Sunday, January 24 - 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Aaron Caldwell - Tying with DNA We have also scheduled the following in-booth activities: Friday, January 22 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Dick Seymour (BowBiker) will be discussing how to build a custom grip. 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Ray Buckland tying articulated streamers. Ray and these flies only target big fish! 4:30 – 6 p.m. – Sean Britt demonstrates how to replace a missing/broken rod guide. 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Aaron Caldwell tying the Morrish’s Mouse Saturday, January 23 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Rod building demonstrations by various enthusiasts. Demos to include decorative rod wraps, feather inlays, simple wraps, and more. 11 a.m. – noon – Chris Iskiw “Nymphing the Bow.” 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Ray Buckland tying articulated streamers. 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Knots with David Blair 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Tying with Terry Johnson Sunday, January 24 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Rod building demonstrations by enthusiasts. Demos to include decorative rod wraps, simple wraps, and more. 11 a.m. – noon & 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Doug McLean ties freshwater and saltwater minnow patterns. 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Knots with David Blair 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Fly Fishing in Cuba with Terry Johnson. We’ve taken a selection of new and innovative products to the show – we can’t take everything. We have taken a selection of new fly lines, hooks, tying materials, boxes, bags, and more. Plus, we just received a shipment of books including some great-looking new titles like “Bug Water” by Thomason, “20 Salmon Flies” by Radencich, “Single Hand Spey Casting” by Gawesworth. There’s a new Henrik Mortensen DVD, Ed Ward’s “Skagit Master,” Lani Waller’s “Steelhead Legacy,” and the staff favorite “Nervous Water.” We have a selection of products on sale at the show. Sale items include: Select S.A., Rio, and Airflo fly lines $40.00 Red Dot Books at 25% off Ross Evolution & Rhythm reels Wardell Waders (limited sizes) Select Fly Boxes Rods by G-Loomis, Sage, TFO, and Redington priced to sell... The store is open for regular business hours throughout the show weekend. Enjoy the show! – We encourage you to take advantage of the collective knowledge of everyone there. Fish Tales Fly Shop - Calgary's friendliest fly shop.... #626, 12100 Macleod Trail 403-640-1273

Fish Tales Mystery Fly Contest We put together 24 materials packages which we provide to tiers. Materials can be picked up at the shop (first come first served.) Tiers have some time to finish their creation and return it to the shop. There is no cost to participate. Flies will be judged by Fish Tales staffers. The creator of the winning fly receives a prize. We did a couple of these before Christmas and are on our second round of 2010 - Round 4 materials are ready for pickup with finished flies due back on Sunday, January 24 (can be dropped off at the Fly Fishing Expo.) We'll have materials packages for Round 5 ready to go on Friday, January 22. They will be available at the shop and at the Fly Fishing Expo. Finished Round 5 flies will be due back on Sunday, January 31. Round 5 will be open to more participants because of the show. Stop by our booth at the Expo to check out some of the previous entries. Fish Tales Fly Shop #626, 12100 Macleod Tr Calgary, AB T2J 7G9 403-640-1273

Join Fish Tales staffer and commercial tyer, Calum MacKay, for a demonstration of some of his specialty flies. Calum ties selected flies for the shop including the Skid Bitch, Dazzle Leech, Peacock Leech, and Chenille Stone. Fish Tales' Sunday afternoon seminars are always free and open to anyone interested. Chairs are limited and available on a first-come first-serve basis. Seminar starts at 1 p.m. Hope to see you there! There will not be an in-store seminar next weekend. We will be providing in-booth tying and rod-building demonstrations during the Western Canadian Fly Fishing Exposition at Spruce Meadows. Fish Tales Fly Shop #626, 12100 Macleod Tr. Calgary, AB 403-640-1273

Everyone, We've had the question come up in the shop the past two days regularily so I thought I would put something up here to help answer questions. On Jan 5th the rules for carry-on bags changed so there have been questions about what that applies to. There has been some misinformation in the media as well. Here is a link to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority with a FAQ about the new rules. Basically, if you have a flight that is touching down at a US airport whether or not your final destination is in the US you will be subject to the new rules which are basically NO carry-on items except personal stuff. That means absolutely no rods, reels, you can't even carry on your brief case!! Look at the list of items that are ok on the site. The information that was wrong in the media is that it was also going to appy to flights flying through US airspace. That is NOT CORRECT. If you are flying from Canada directly to another country over US airspace the standard carry-on rules apply that have been in place for awhile now will apply. I hope this is helpful to anyone lucky enough to be heading south for some fishing in the next while. David Fish Tales

Here's the requested update with apologies for the delayed notice. Last fall we forwarded a great selection of flies donated by members of FFC in boxes compliments of Amundson to Brenda. The package went expedited Canada Post but still took several weeks to get to her in South Africa. Once she received the flies she responded with this email. "I have just taken delivery of a stunning collection of fishing flies. I cannot tell all of you who contributed to the fly collection for me, how overwhelmed I was by everyone's generosity. It was like Christmas as I opened box after box of flies all with at least fifty flies in each, and some with many more. All of yesterday I kept looking at them as they were so stunning. I have also told all of my friends and family about it.... and yes it does take away the aftertaste of security company's poor handling of my departure from Calgary. Of course that was why it was so surprising because ordinary Canadians are very friendly and warm. How will I use them ... well by fishing them of course, but also my friends in Calgary are planning a trip back here next year and we shall make great sport with them up in the streams of the Drakensburg mountains." In seperate emails to the shop she commented how excited she was to be able to share with her fishing friends the flies that are used in Canada and how much she was looking forward to trying the "plastic" grasshoppers during South Africa's summer/terrestrial season. She provided contact information that we can pm you if you have upcoming plans to travel to South Africa. Thanks to everyone who contributed and to BigBowTrout for the reminder to provide this update. Nancy & David Fish Tales

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to a new decade. Starting Sat Jan 2nd the material packages are available for pick up for round three of our mystery fly contest. Round three's prize is a pair of titanium 4.5 Dr. Slick scissors. Flies we be due back to the shop by 4pm on Sunday Jan 10th. Have fun everyone. David Fish Tales

2nd Mystery Fly results now on the Fish Tales website. In the spirit of the season we supplied a selection of red, green, and gold materials and waited to see the creations. Here is what folks came up with. This time David S takes home a new fly line for his efforts with the Shrimpy Santa. The next mystery fly contest will be early in January. Watch here for details. Enjoy the holidays and time with friends and family. The shop is closed until Monday, December 28. Fish Tales Fly Shop 626, 12100 Macleod Tr Calgary, AB T2J 7G9 403-640-1273