bloom

Yup, you do need some sort of connection to fish the lakes. They are great people, but I feel that they enjoy the seclusion and 'old fashionedness' of their property. I wouldn't suggest knocking on their door out of the blue. Great lakes, great property, and some really good, down to earth people.

RS2...great fly, or some basic midge patterns with thread bodies, thin wire for ribbing, etc.

Was thinking the same thing, but you should pack the two plaques in with you and pose them besides Earl!

Yup, it's on the road to Bullshead, and you're more than welcome to come even though it sounds like it will be a small group tonight. Always nice to sit around, BS and tie some flies though. Brent's a good guy, but out of the fishing business right now. No one is guiding on the lakes out in the Cypress Hills, and they remain private. People are fishing them though with permission from the owners.

The Cypress Fly Fishing Club in Medicine Hat is now being run on the first Tuesday of each month, instead of the second Tuesday. So, meeting will be tomorrow night (Feb. 5), 7:00 pm at Eagle Butte High School. It will be a fly tying evening where a couple of members will be demoing some flies, and then bringing enough materials for everyone to tie at least one of them up. Bring your fly tying stuff! See you there.

Chronie bodies do have a 'shimmer' to them, but this is most profound closer to the surface, not at the bottom where it's dark. The chronies get more air trapped under their skin as they travel to the surface, and can have a 'chrome' shimmer to them. Chironomids with a silver body (chromies) tend to work well in shallow water. I think anything that stands out and attracts the fishes attention will work though. Keep us informed of your 'research'.

Congrats!

Actually, aren't Caucasians an invasive species? (Damn spell checker )

So ya got me thinking now...what is exactly a spey rod? Is it only 2 handed rods, or something different? Just thinking about Toolman's reference to the European National teams using them on small creeks. I know at the competitions about 4 years ago many were using single handed 10 to 12' light weight rods (I believe a much desired rod then was the GL3 10' 3 wt). Just went with the czech nymphing/dapping technique. This caused me to build my 10' 3 wt for the crow in winter and I love it. So is a spey rod basically any two hander, or a long rod that produces well with spey type casts? Or something different.

I was in LA two years ago around March. I did some research on fishing and didn't find much. Couldn't even track down some decent fly shops that were worth my time to head to.

Shh...keep that under your hat. People start hearing about the "Medicine Hat Advantage" and we'll be turning into another Calgary

ditto

Beer is good...nothing tying together two of my favourite things

Ross reels are great...quality product and their customer service is great. Just used it for the second time this summer as one of my reels was starting to get a groove on the line guard (after 6 years of heavy use). They sent a new reel out (minus the spool).

You're telling me that if your buddy decides to take a seat there that you wouldn't jump in the vehicle and take it for a drive? You may hang around with a better bunch of guys than I do

love it! I would actually buy something like this if I came across it. My two little girls would be huge fans if they came in pink!

The river Hawgstopper is talking about is the Flathead. There's 3 forks further up, with some good fishing. Never fished it in winter, but do some searching on the net for fly shops in Whitefish...they'll help you out.

Yah, a pike is actually attacking his fish while he's holding it for the release. Made me jump first time I saw it.

Check the video out...nice to see he took the proper time to revive the fish. If the above doesn't work, check this out

I've only had the Glenlivit and Glenfiddich in the earlier ages (ie. 12 year old) and found them to be similar (both are speysides). I like them both, but would lean towards the glenfiddich as I feel it has a little more substance/character to it. I've heard some good things though about a glenfiddich 15 (there are differnt types of 15 year olds). Note: I did some research and if you have the Glenfiddich Solera Reserve 15, you apparently have one of the best Glenfiddich's around...and a great whiskey. Smitty, if he's up there in age, he may be old fashioned in his whiskey drinking and stick to the old stand bye's (ie. Glenlivit and Glenfiddich). If this is the case, maybe go with something he's familiar with, but in an order age that he wouldn't usually buy, and would then recognize as a special gift. I did a search in Edmonton for the Glenfiddich 15 Solera Reserve, and it's in many liquor stores...go to superstore for the best price. I usually don't drink Glenfiddich, but may have to pick this one up. Just another idea for you Smitty to confuse you even more

Walker, what did you get? I got some nice additions to the stash, and a flask to carry them in Smitty, is the person new to scotch, or an experienced drinker?

That's a tough one...there's so many different types. I've introduced people to Scotch on all types, but I find that most either like the more subtle ones (ie. Speyside scotches) or those with more bite to them (ie. smokey/peaty Islays). You're best bet may be a Glenmorangie (I think this is what Don is also suggesting). It's not the most expensive, but don't let that fool ya. If you're looking for something a little more expensive go with a Cragganmore, or Talisker if you want a little more kick.

Saw the demo at the fly show last year and was impressed...the increased action has awesome. Bought some and have used them. I like what I've seen so far, but need to use them some more.

Gary...there seems to be a good deal of finality in your post...sounds like a great last trip though.

I'll bring the malt...starting to get quite the collection here now...Christmas is such a wonderful time