jasonvilly

With your license purchase in Montana you get discounted rates at the many FAS (fishing access sites) campgrounds. One such site is in Craig. Right on the river, a stones throw away from Joe’s bar. Stayed at one on the Yellowstone. But can’t remember it’s name. I’ll put a link to all the FAS sites below. Pgs 54-55 if you got the cash reserve a day on Armstrongs spring creek. It is amazing and worth it once in your life if you’re in the area. Need any other intel send me a PM https://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/fish/misc/fas-guide---2017---fullversion.pdf

Added some new prizes from some of our thoughts partners in Conservation.

Link to RSVP: https://bowrivertrout.org Join us on April 28th with Keep Fish Wet where Executive Director and Fishery Scientist Sascha Clark Danylchuk will discuss science-based best practices needed to create better outcomes for our fish populations. Sasha and the team at Keep Fish Wet have worked tirelessly researching this topic, and believe that making small adjustments in how we as anglers catch, handle, and release fish can make a large difference in preserving our treasured fisheries for years to come. All participants in the evening Zoom meeting will be entered for a draw to win some fun prizes. Handmade Cherry Net Growler, Growler Fill and Toque from Bow River Brewing $50 Gift Card to Iron Bow Fly Shop glow green Nalgene bottle from Elements outfitters Patagonia low pro trucker hat from Patagonia Calgary Poster created by SAW Strategic

Hey Fly Fish Calgary, Just thought I would let you know about two fundraisers we are hosting to raise some funds to help conserve the Bow River. 1. Online Silent Auction (Open Now - March 19 @ 9pm) https://www.32auctions.com/BowRiverTroutFoundation Bow River Guided Trips Guided W and W trip for 4 in the Eastern Slopes Red Deer River Guided Trip 3 Day Guided Backcountry Stillwater Trip staying at Northern Lights Lodge in Likely, BC Custom Fly Rod and Flies Gear, Cutting Boards, Hats, Mugs, Some really cool items 2. Virtual Whisky/Wine Tasting Event (Friday, March 19th 7-9pm, $75) https://bowrivertrout.org/virtualtastingevent/ Curated selection of 4 – 1.5oz of high end Whisky samples. Scotch, Irish, Rye, Bourbon: Explore the different styles in the Whisky family Option to substitute a bottle of wine for the non Whisky drinkers. (Will be of equal value to Whisky) Red or White Tasting notes provided by Elliot Hunter Charcuterie box by Great Events Catering Special guest speakers and presentations throughout the evening. A little about what we have done for the Bow River: all funds we raise go right back into the Bow River. We aim to have as little overhead as possible so it all goes into helping.- Improvements and Maintenance of Policeman's Flats- Whirling Disease research in traditional Rainbow Trout spawning areas (working with U of A, hoping for Summer 2021 start)- Engagement on Bow River Flows with TransAlta- Engagement with AEP on Bow River Fish Population Studies- Maintaining relationships with all stakeholders responsible for or with Bow River management and conservation.- Fishing line recycling bins at Strategic locations- Collaborating with City of Calgary to complete in stream and riparian monitoring on Bow with in Calgary.

i learned a bunch about WD attending the virtual symposium. If you would like to watch the symposium, here is a link. It had a bunch of very informative info:

The AEP Whirling Disease task force that produced this report has had its funding severely decreased. Much of the work that they have been doing is going to be discontinued unfortunately. Last year they hosted an online virtual WD conference which I attended, where a lot of the research was presented. It really opened my eyes to the work the task force was doing. Dont get me wrong, work will still be done on this portfolio, but just not same amount or scope. BRTF was approached by the U of A looking for some financial support to do some site specific research on the Bow River. We are now looking into see what help we can provide them. Will get back to you with the progress once I have that info.

Hope they took his gear. One week out from another offence sounds like he needs a stronger lesson this time.

Doesn’t it mean??? You follow General regs June 16 - Aug 31 Then you follow the special regulations listed. Sept 1 - Oct 31 (5 whitefish) The listed special regulation deviates from the general river regulation of 0 whitefish Sept 1 - Oct 31.

I liked the event. Very engaging Biologist willing to share info and their ideas. Liked the come and go format, thought all of the AEP staff were very approachable. They seemed to care and were enthusiastic in talking to the public. Some very good (and weird) feedback on the post it notes at each station. I will be watching with interest to see what happens.

For those interested: Bow River Trout Foundation is hosting a Fall Fishing Festival on Sept 28th. At the dinner portion of the event some of the issues mentioned above will be presented and discussed: Further synopsis below: Paul Christensen, Senior Bow River Basin Fishery Biologist, will be presenting the population update. He will touch on the following topics during his presentation: How a population estimate is accomplished. The 2018 population summary from the survey completed in September 2018. A short summary of the 2019 fishery population study (took place from September 9-13th.) Age Growth for the Bow River trout how quickly they grow how large a certain age fish is how large/old when they start to spawn Summary of 2018 Creel Survey including a look at angler effort and where anglers are from. Some projects that have been happening within the Bow System. Some thoughts on what the Bow Fishery looks like into the future.

Tons of logging trucks on that road as they are pulling logs out of fire zones 7 days a week, tread carefully in the tight spots, and watch the corners. Enjoy! Bigger isn't necessarily better when choosing your fly in this area.

My experience with the copious amounts of kids I teach is that he probably picked up this bad habit from some shady friend on some sleezy backcountry stream. Hopefully they don’t introduce him to other bad habits like slough sharks. Everyone knows rainbows are just the gateway.

Don’t forget upper bow. Banff - Canmore (lonnnnggg float in very beautiful country) Canmore - Exshaw (bring a trolling motor for last slow section)

awesome! Thanks Walton!

With the online reservation system for front and back country camping I thought it would. Plus you can buy your park pass online. Tech would be the same I don’t understand why they haven’t.

Yep thats where I started, found the local fly shop online. Also found a blog article and good Yukon online resource. Was just looking for some more intimate or personal experiences.

No section below for this I guess...so put it here. Headed to Whitehorse Aug 2-9 Will spend a few days there, then touring to Dawson and Skagway. $25 license is appealing. Will bring rods. Can only walk and wade and I’m not afraid to hike and explore. Looking for some general guidance to cut down on searching time. Looks to be lots of grayling, what else?

Man that is pretty cool...love the renderings you did. Pretty solid skill set you have there! I taught my students a little AutoCAD and Revit, takes a lot of work to make something as nice as you did. My skills are no where near where yours are (or my students) Nice design, like all the different fish on the casing. Drag looks pretty solid! awesome post all around!

I think a lot of these projects are on hold until the BRAP is released (Bow River Action Plan). From my understanding it should be released shortly, which will hopefully provide the direction and timelines that many of these projects will take.

Delayed.....no update given as of yet as to when the project will move forward.

It will be a full day kinda deal. No end time given. But since it is a government job, I am sure that there will be ample coffee breaks and a long lunch. My guess is you should be done by 4 or 5.

From the Bow River Trout Facebook page: If you are interested in volunteering to assist with the AEP fish population surveys next week, please send me a PM and I will pass on our presidents contact info. Will keep his phone number off a public site. Two volunteers are needed on Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, Sept 11, 13 &14 One volunteer is needed on Monday or Wednesday Sept 10 & 12 Meet at Fish Creek Boar Ramp 9.00 AM each morning New info: The 2018 Bow River Fish Population Study will be expanded to include 12 new sites within Calgary and the Lower Bow stretch of the river the week of September 17. 3 sites between Bearspaw and Harvie Passage 4 sites between Harvie Passage and Policeman's Flats 3 sites between Cottonwoods and McKinnon's Flats 2 sites below McKinnon's Flats and Carseland. When the final analysis come out of these new locations and compared to the historical sites used below Policeman's Flats, it will be interesting to see what the trout population estimate will be for the entire Blue Ribbon Bow River

As you read the article, should you have any input, BRT would love to hear it. The more voices and perspectives we have the better!

In addition to winter operations, trap lines need to be maintained in the summer for winter use. Brush removal, trees cut, new lines cut. Not an easy job. Looks to me like he is following the rules. Primary Structure must not exceed 576sq ft. Must not occupy more than 1 acre, shed should not be larger than 12’ x 12’. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/66f7d3b9-2af4-4970-9bb3-1a09462adfbf/resource/ec35975c-06f7-4568-aa0f-2157a8141a31/download/5005551-1994-trapper-cabins-a-policy-for-use.pdf Looks like he puts pride into the property to make it look good. Nice cabin. I would spend time there, as I’m sure most who love the area would. He probably paid a hefty price for those trapping rights. I find most trappers to be salt of the earth types, with a plethora of info about the area. Stop in and say hi next time, I’m sure he will chat your ear off.

Got the opportunity to head up to Aniak River Lodge in Western Alaska. Home to 12 species and some of Alaska best mousing for big Rainbows. We were pretty lucky weather wise, only 5 minutes of rain on one of the days, rest of the days were very comfortable. We got a goldilocks week, as we were the only paying guests, there was the dad of one of the guides and Todd Moen and Brian O'kiefe were up there doing some filming for the next issue of Catch Magazine and IF4. If I am lucky, the back of my head might be in one of the videos....hahaha But what this meant is that we had the 50 miles of Ania river to ourselves. No other lodges, no floaters. Just us, a guide, the wildlife and copious amounts of fish per mile. The welcome committee: When you get off the plane you are greeted by the guides, and taken to the welcoming lodge in Aniak. You quickly wader up, get on your jet boat and head up the river for an hour or so to the main lodge. The lodge is well appointed with a big dining hall. Heading up the kuskoswim to the mid lodge: The Aniak river is a tributary to the MUCH larger Kusko. Was worried when we were flying in at the color. But the Aniak itself is crystal clear. The Mid River Lodge: We spent 4 days fishing out of this lodge: Walking up to the dining hall View from the lodge, looking at the Aniak The Cabin: Outside The Cabin: Inside Up River Tent Camp: We spent 3 nights fishing out of the tent camp Tents. Very comfortable, and gives you more of that camping/rugged alaska feel. Waiting on Supper, Chillin by the fire Supper Time!!! Breakfast and Suppers were amazing. Chef Corey preparing the nights suasage, tri tip and brisket. Every night left you fully satisfied! Lots of wildlife around. Guides are packing the heat. But we only saw one juvenile bear the entire time, and he was none to interested in sticking around. The Daily routine. Coffee is ready at 7, breakfast is served at 7:30, 9 you meet your guide and head off for the day. Get back to the lodge around 6:30, supper waiting for you at 7:30. Your Chariots waiting for you: The fishing: Its not really fishing, but more like catching. We caught UNGODLY numbers of fish, if I threw a number out there, you probably wouldn't believe me. Most of my fishing was done with single handed 6 or 7wt rod. No need for two handers or light tippet here. You primarily fish from the boat, as they back drift with the motor. We fished most methods that they use up there: Streamers, beads and mousing. Mousing is by far my favourite, but conditions arent always optimal for it. Had one really spectacular day on the mouse, with about 15-20 big rainbows landed on the mouse and bunch of grayling in the mix. When I wanst mousing in the front of the boat, you would kill time by catching dollys, chums, or grayling on every cast of your streamer. They get get returns of all 5 species of pacific salmon ( everything except coho was in the system when we were there), leopard rainbows, grayling, sea run dollys, artic char, sheefish and pike. Most days you caught 6 or 7 differebt species of fish. Sheefish and Coho were the only ones that we were unable to catch while there. Rainbows (These girls are the prettiest rainbows I have ever seen. Their colors are just WOW. That red streak....amazing. They pull like tanks, get them up top of water column or you arent landing it. They are all over, and when you got one on you know it right away. We caught so many over 20" that I stopped counting the first day. Getting out of the wood and on top on mouse patterns was my favourite way of targeting them) Sight fished in a flat water spring. Beautiful colors, and those shoulders are meant for pulling. Hydroman with a a chunky Bow! Double Rainbow......But what does it mean? Sea Run Dolly (these girls are super abundant, you have to get past them and the grayling to catch the big bows. They are in feeding heavily on eggs being dropped by the Chum) Double Dolly Duty!!! Look at those dorito mouths...... Lots of color variation in the Dollys, some are really light, some very dark King Salmon ( you cannot target them, but you catch the odd one accidently. Must stay in the water and be let go as soon as possible. This was a little 15-20 pounder in her spawning colors) Grayling (rub his head to get his fin up......lots of these guys, like the Dollys, they eat your fly as fast as possible, caught many the beat my PB grayling. Ranged in colors from very light to very dark. They will eat mice, streamers, eggs whatever) Chum Dog. Catch lots of these guys, awesome pull on the line. They get a run of about 800,000 of these guys in the river. As you jet up, it is a parting of the Chum. But these guys provide a ton of nutrient for the entire ecosystem, whether that is their eggs or decaying bodies. Everything feeds on them. Which is why the Dolly, Bows and Grayling are so big. Watch your fingers with this set of chompers. Artic Char: Tough to tell them apart from the Dollys sometimes. But this is a good example of a more typical Char. In the lower stretches and a trib called the Doestok, you can catch some very nice Pike.. Everyone should try to experience Alaska at least once. Whether it be this lodge or somewhere else. The time and money is worth the adventure that awaits you.