seanbritt

This is the problem when there are only a few providers. When I was in the states I used to get the best packages and, for the most part, not many hassles. Okay folks, lets start populating the country so we can create a market big enough for a few more providers!

Looks like your project is already complete, its a map of all stocked ponds in AB: http://www.srd.alberta.ca/FishingHuntingTr...tockingMap.aspx Map has a road overlay and everything, so no need for GPS unless one can't read a roadmap, and if they can't they have bigger issues than trying to find a place to fish.

Data has actually been collected on this topic and is in the hands of the govt., they just elect not to do anything about it-likely due to the lobbyist pressure from quadding groups. My wife did here Master's thesis on planning for recreational use in the area of the Liv. In addition to doing fieldwork and "mapping" the recreational use and other impacts of the area, she also conducted a user survey in the Liv that included quadders, fly-fisherman, campers, horseback riders, etc. The overwhelming majority of individuals surveyed are IN FAVOR of a recreational plan for the area that would limit areas for motorized recreation and random camping, in order to preserve the resource for future generations. A copy of this work is with the govt. It comes down to who yells the loudest, who has the most money, and who has the most friends in govt. Look at the grizzly bear hunt as a prim example. It took the animal's population to reach near extinction in AB for the hunt to be suspended-due to lobbying by hunting groups. Perhaps we need our fisheries to be fully decimated for anything to happen and for anyone to listen.

I see where you are going with this and see both sides of the argument. Many maps already have the "public knowledge" areas you suggest. Just curious as to what additional benefit you see this adding to what's already out there, if you are truly just seeking the "public knowledge" areas?

siverdoc has the perfect answer. the best way to catch fish is develop a relationship with the water you are fishing and the only way to do that is log on many hours and try everything and anything. eventually you'll find something that works for you.

Also, if you just want to catch fish, rig san juan to san jun to san juan. You might get a hit or two.

Jim McLennan has a hatch chart in his book, Fly Fishing Western Trout Streams. You can buy it in local shops or visit his website: http://www.mclennanflyfishing.com/flyfishi...routstreams.htm Very informative book. Also, have you done a search on this site for popular flies? I know this is a common topic that comes up again and again. Best bet if you're struggling is to hire a guide either from the board or a local shop for a few hours or a day. That way you can get some one on one time with an expert and get into some fish!

Hey all, I know the recent rain has likely dampened many folks' outings, but as your heading out to your favorite streams just a reminder that our furry friends are out as well. Here is an accurately informative, and pretty funny, short video reminding folks of dos/donts: http://www.howcast.com/videos/100020-How-T...e-a-Bear-Attack

Gorgeous fish, congrats!

FNG and others make a good point, if people get written up but never convicted, how will that deter them from doing it again? While I'm all for education, I believe the best kind is one that kicks you in the a*&, whether it be your wallet or gear. How many of us know when to do/not do something, but until we actually mess up do we learn our lesson (e.g. speeding tickets, etc.). I would be all for paying extra $$ for my license (we have the cheapest deal in Canada!), as long as 100% of those extra funds go into enforcement and protection of our rivers. Also, perhaps we need to look at the system. I'm not sure what the process is, but perhaps once a CO catches someone they hand out a ticket and take their gear away (like a drunk driver). Then, the only reason why a person would not pay the fine is if they contested it in court-like a traffic ticket. Make it more CO favorable and less poacher favorable.

Well said. Its like any relationship, it has its ups and downs, but in the end the ups far outweigh the latter!

I'll echo what Ulmo and Fred said about Amundson, absolutely great rod for the price point. When our shop started carrying them, I tested out the Wind Warrior in nasty conditions. The type of day where I saw folks come to the river, try casting for about 10 minutes, then leave. It performed very well. Here is a little review I wrote up: The Amundson 5wt, 10ft, Wind Warrior is a great introductory rod for individuals who are fishing medium-big water and are looking to spend time nymphing or throwing streamers. The extra foot makes mending line quite easy, however, this extra length also adds some weight and stiffness to the rod from the reel seat to about the second or third guide. Not to worry though, there is plenty of flex in the upper third of the rod making it quite enjoyable when fighting a Bow River brown or rainbow! Although I didn't test it on dry flies, the third of the shaft should provide sufficient flex for presenting a tasty dry fly when the opportunity presents itself, making it a great all-around introductory rod. When working it this fall, I had the opportunity to test it in windy conditions and it proved to slightly outcast my Sage FLi 9ft 6wt, likely due to the extra stiffness and length. Thus, the Wind Warrior truly held up to its name and performed when other anglers gave in to the elements.

I think the main thing is realizing the situation and keeping it in mind for the future. I'm fairly new on oars and during a float one day was coming down a side a bit close to where I fish with a friend/fishing buddy. In fact, it was a spot he introduced to me. Anyhow, as I'm rowing by I realize I'm too close to the folks on shore and begin to move away. Little did I realize that my buddy was on shore and prompted to joke and give me sH*&. Anyhow, realizing what I had done and not wanting to ruin the friendship I called him the next day and apologized. In the end, we didn't loose sleep over it and remain friends and fishing buddies.

Jigsaw and others made some great points. First, no matter what river it is, the more you spend time on the water to develop a relationship to the river the better you will become at getting to know it, the hatches, and hopefully improve your skills in the meantime. Also, it totally depends on the style of fishing. I nymph 95% of the time, and fish predominantly fish under the water, therefore my chances increase. When I first started I was VERY overwhelmed. I went with a guy who essentially caught a fish every dozen or so casts. Granted, he's one of the best anglers I know and has written articles and a book on fly-fishing, but nonetheless, it made me feel a bit out of place, frustrated, and bummed. But then I began reading some things on this board, learning from others, and simply spending LOTS of time on the water (50-100 days/year, depending on work schedule). This not only helped my skills, but my confidence as well. I almost ignored this thread because of the effect that it may, as well as many other threads (specifically the "river reports") has on folks: creates a sense of competition. While some folks have that point of view of our sport, I believe most of us here will say that isn't the primary reason we go out every week. Its not about the number and size of fish, what gear you own, who your fishing buddies are, how many days you go out, how many flies you own, what fancy trick you can do with your stick, etc. Its about the river, the fish, and the experience.....

Looking at the log books I would say about 2-3/hr on an avg. day. A good day would be 4-5/hr and a phenomenal once a year day would be anything over that. That said, the ratios change depending upon a 2 hour day or a 6 hour day. Best day of the year was landing 10, hooking 12 in 1.5 hours.

Has the province ever tried some type of volunteer ranger program? I know there are legality issues, but there are countless numbers of us on the river every day. In essence, we are the "frontline" encountering poachers, etc. and it makes reasonable sense to provide some type of outlet for us to be able to help conserve our resources.

I think choice of leader will also depend on how often you fish/style of fishing. For example, if you happen to nymph a lot, a high # of days per year and change flies often, you may want to consider making your own with P-Line or going with a good quality, but lesser expensive option like SA. Perhaps a more relevant question is, when it comes down to hooking up and landing the fish, how much does the leader really factor in? If your skills are up there, I'm sure the leader doesn't matter much. If you're new to the sport, perhaps it does? I would imagine the strongest factors would be how you play the fish and your knots. All other factors are, relatively speaking, a minute detail.

My draw to the water seems to ebb and flow with other aspects of life. Some days, the draw is simply time alone. Then, once alone, all those aspects of the beauty of the sport-which have for the most part already been spoken of, kick in. However, the one constant seems to be "the one that got away." When I first started fishing, this was a spot of anxiety and frustration. Now it is simply a moment of wonder and curiosity. Its not a matter of "what did I do wrong" and "what should I do better next time" but rather, I wonder what he/she looked like. Was it one of those beautiful golden browns or a beat up 'bow. Perhaps an elusive pike or bull. All in all, nothing truly needs to act as a means for "getting me back to the river" because I'm always there in my mind.

x3 Not only have I personally used macs since 1996 with no issues, but have been at 2 companies (and no, I'm not a graphic designer) that only use macs.

I have a lot of stuff sent to me by friends/family in the US. I simply have them put on the declaration form "gift" and under value "$50" even if its over. If I order something, I'll have it shipped to them, then on to me. Often much cheaper, even going through a middle person, as the shipping is cheaper from US to US vs. US to Canada.

I second what Colin said. There is a variety of quality out there and any of the local smaller shops should have the higher quality stuff. I've had flies come undone before when I've bought less than quality stuff. Its funny, no matter what the product the old saying of "you get what you pay for" is typically a good rule to go by.

I have last year's version of the Cloudveil jacket and love it. The angled cuffs are nice because it doesn't interfere with casting. The neoprene cuffs cinch up and allow you to stick your arm under water without getting wet. I can easily fit wallet/keys/camera/phone and fly boxes in the four waterproof zippered pockets. The d-ring is perfect for hanging your net, and there is an extra zipper in the back that allows you to stash another layer if you're traveling light. Also, the hood has a small brim that acts like a hat when raining and sheds water nicely off your head.

Here is the chart I use: 1/16=size 18,20,22 5/64=16,18,20 3/32=14,16,18 7/64=12,14,16 1/8=10,12,14 5/32=8,10,12 3/16=6,8,10

I would agree with cardinalfan that if you take a beginner course, you can test out some different set ups and the instructor can help point you into the general direction that is best for you (fast action, medium action, etc.). Then, the good local fly shops will take the time and cast a range of different setups in your style, often picking ones at different price points, etc.. Then, whatever feels the best and works the best you should go with. Its a heck of a lot better than buying something without testing it first. This is THE tool you use in fly fishing and it is very important to get the one that is best for you...just remember, it doesn't have to be the most expensive or the best name!

I have to support the pie is better club. $50 on the pie.