jasonvilly

My intent on starting the topic was not to be an alarmist, merely I was hoping to start a discourse on the observations of many anglers. From my point of view I have learned a lot from reading everyone's responses and appreciate the input. I feel it is good that we are creating awareness of the issue, something that can be watched and if it "were" to get worse than at least there would be some preparedness. Overall hopefully those who read the responses will take something away from it. How we as the consumer of the resource can help to protect and maintain the resource that we all love.

Maxwell You are probably right, we are own worst enenmy in some cases.

9am That either shows a lot of balls or incredible stupidity. Thinking the later. Check kijiji and Craigslist he could continue being dumb.

Excellent point, I was just using the forum as a tool as to when people started noticing the infected fish. Question for those who have been around the bow for much longer than I. Would you consider in your opinion the rate of infected fish to be the same as previous years or greater?

Love the discussion....truly what I was hoping for and appreciate and value both your comments Dutchie and Jayhad. It is more my brain trying to process what I am witnessing. I am not of the type to shrug my shoulders and pass it off, I like to know what is happening and I find it intriguing to delve deeper into topics that interest me.

I was thinking a lot about Sapro the last couple of days. I think it is all too convenient to blame all of our problems on global warming. As we all know global warming is having far reaching effects on our climate and environment and we are seeing a loss of species. But to simply blame global warming on this "outbreak" of Sapro, to me seams too easy. If you step back and look at the bow river as a whole, then it is easy to say that it is healthy. But that is like looking at a cancer patient and saying that most of him/her is doing okay, its just this little bit of cancer that is the problem. If Sapro is the cancer, then what other effects on the system will it have? I realize that sapro is a naturally occuring fungi/algae/diatom in our river system, but this poses many questions that I dont think globabl warming can solely explain. Why the sudden prevalence of it all of sudden? Up until last September (according to when posts started popping up) Sapro and affected browns were not being seen on the Bow River. So what is it that has changed? When you look at other outbreaks in the world there is usually a patient zero, so what is the patient zero on our Bow River? I thought long and hard about what changes have happened in recent memory that could have had an effect on changing the ecosystem. At this point it is all conjecture and just my rambling thoughts, as truly I have no empirical data to support my thoughts. A prolonged Runoff/highwater event in 2012. Sapro is capable of reproducing asexually via spores. Spores are amazing in their ability to remain dormant for a long period of time. As the water gets higher spores laying dormant in the riparian zone would be washed into the river increasing the contact between spore and fish. At the same time, during highwater, fish tend to congregate closer to the shore where the spores would be released thus increasing the likelyhood that the two would meet. A longer runoff and increased exposure to the spores could be the culprit. Harive passage Was the weir acting as some sort of barrier? Preventing spores from moving down river? I only mention this because in my observations I am seeing more didymo downstream of Harvie this year than I have experienced in the past. If there is more didymo moving downstream could there also be an increase in more Sapro as a consequence of removing the weir. I am not sure? So why my concern and thoughts. I do love catching browns, but moreso my concern is that if we see the reduction of even one species on the river, then what other interdependent species will be affected? I know nature will do its magic and browns will survive and pass on their "stronger" genes, but in the interim what other effects will this have on the aquatic ecosystem of the bow river. So many questions so little answers.

Maybe you should consider bringing a snorkle, mask and fins. Flydiver might be a good new name.

Closed, never open. Elbow River from headwaters downstream to Elbow Falls (16-22-6-W5) & tributaries except Quirk Creek. June 16 to Oct. 31 – Brook Trout limit 2; Other Trout limit 0; Bait Ban. Nov. 1 to June 15 – CLOSED from Elbow Falls downstream to Canyon Creek – CLOSED from Canyon Creek downstream to Hwy 22 - River only June 16 to Oct. 31 – Trout and Mountain Whitefish limit 0; Bait Ban. Nov. 1 to June 15 – CLOSED from Hwy 22 downstream to Glenmore Reservoir and tributaries June 16 to Oct. 31 – Trout limit 2; Cutthroat and Rainbow over 35 cm; Mountain Whitefish limit 5 over 30 cm: Maggots are the only bait allowed and only in the river from Aug. 16 to Oct. 31. Nov. 1 to June 15 – CLOSED from Glenmore Reservoir downstream to Bow River CLOSED Apr. 1 to May 31 and Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 June 1 to Sept. 30 and Dec. 1 to Mar. 31 – Trout limit 1 under 35 cm; All Trout over 35 cm must be released; Mountain Whitefish limit 5 over 30 cm; Maggots are the only bait allowed and only in the river from Aug. 16 to Sept. 30.

Dalhousie/Varsity would be 10 minutes from my work and on my way home, that sounds dangerous. Has there ever been a fly shop in the NW?

Pretty interesting read, been a fish we have talked about driving the some 25 hours to go and experience. I wonder how they get those ladders out there without getting water in their waders? http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/24/us/lahontan-cutthroat-trout-make-a-comeback.html?_r=0 Cheers J

Here is a new clinic in Calgary: Link: http://www.calgaryherald.com/health/Dizzy+clinic+helps+patients+cope+with+vertigo/8284954/story.html

Contact Smitty from this board. He was looking for gear last year to run an afterschool program for his students. He is probably still looking for gear. J

Think you are thinking if this Brian: http://www.shorelinecleanup.ca/ I think Bow River shuttles also organizes a Blue Ribbon bow cleanup in conjunction with the aforementioned national cleanup. City of Calgary also does a spring pathway and river cleanup. But I think you're onto something, no reason there couldn't be more.

Why not just move the topic over to the appropriate section instead of passively aggressively scolding him? People have posted in the wrong section before and they were simply moved, I am sure a PM about his mistake would have sufficed. I get that there is a general trend of trying to "clean" up the site, fine, but adhere to your own set of principles.

Me too please. J

Channel 20 on Telus is Spokane ABC, scrolled forward to Sat and Sun but didn't see it. If anyone else finds it on Telus please let me know.

What channel was it on? I did a search on my PVR but nothing came up. Google didn't tell me either.

I have recently been researching my trip to duck mountain in Manitoba. (also within two hours of the parkland and the FLIPPR lakes) Within an hours drive you would have: Lakers Splake Whitefish Rainbows -trophy Browns - trophy Tiger Trout Brookies Walleye Pike Bass Beautiful country up there, and from my research quite affordable if you live in a small town. With your mentions of Kimberly and kamloops though I think the Manitoba weather may be a detractor for you. Wife's family just built a brand new cabin there, and I plan on heading there for a couple weeks each summer.

Found this today. http://www.ab-conservation.com/go/default/index.cfm/aca/proposed-levy-increase/background/ Your chance to have your say before it's too late. J

Nice fish, bet that was a heart skipping moment waiting for the take.

I hear Revy is where it's at, they keep getting pumped daily with snow. But much too far for a day trip.

How does one compete in the nationals? Is there a regional qualifier or something of the matter? I would hope it would be a local or board member who wins. Please keep us informed of how we can volunteer, I would be willing to help.

Headed cat boarding tomorrow, excellent surprise Christmas present from the wife. I will be with only the second group to head to the area in the cat, so should be really good. Can't wait! Then off to whitefish for 5 days on Saturday with a stop off in fernie on the way back.

Like Tungsten said, fly fishing is very personal and choosing a fly rod, reel and line is different for everyone. My suggestion: If they have shown some interest in fly fishing then why not purchase them a 1 day fly fishing course at one of the local fly shops (CP, fish tales, hansons etc?) These usually run all day, and go through all of the basics. In addition you also get to try out many different fly rods, to get a better feel for what you like. These courses usually run about $125, if your goal is to spend $300 then you could also get them a gift card for $100 at the same shop for the purchase of thier future fly rod. Most shops will usually give you a discount on your first setup as well.

Awesome photos, in fact so good I went back and looked at mine and they all look like crap now. You were able to capture so much more than the typical grip and grin. You should consider doing a workshop....seriously....something I would definitely sign up for. Is that a Yellowstone cutt or golden in series 6?