toolman

I think these proposed closures to protect redds and spwawning/staging area's, really appeals to most anglers, but is it really based on science? This topic has been researched many times and the science I have seen reveals that catch and release angling has very little impact on the reproductive cycle. The section of river now being considered for closure, from the Deerfoot Extender upriver, has many spawning areas that have been fished over for decades, yet historically, the Brown trout populations on this stretch have been prolific. Actually incredible numbers, as in as good as almost any river on the planet. Personally, I feel there are other conservation issues that need to be addressed on the Bow, such as adequate flow rates and riperean habitat alteration/destruction as human developement continues. Really loving the rip rap banks. Can't have enough of those eh. Golf courses and new housing/condo developements along the flood plain are a higher priority I guess. Just my thoughts.....

The flycasting/line science between line size and fly size is: "The mass of the fly should not exceed the mass of the line preceeding the fly." So use the right line as there are many specailized lines available today to cast just about any fly on a 4 wt. Increase the rod weight and you can cast farther and create higher line speeds, especailly important when the wind comes up Yes, you can chuck an oversized fly/nymph rig on a light rod with a general taper line and "get it out there", but you don't really need a fly rod to do that, as you could just use a stick and some twine. In fact, from what I see out on the water, most anglers would be better casters if they did. Although, it's kinda fun to watch the infamous "Bow river chuck and duckers".(unless I'm on the oars, that *hit I take seriously) It's no wonder they go home complaining of sore elbows, shoulders and backs... Rod/Line/Fly imbalance + Poor Casting Technique = Bow River Chuck & Duck technique. All kidding aside, Don points out the obvious, Nothing beats having your favorite, appropriate weight rod, dialed in with the right line for the task. So effortless and efficeint and essential when the wind starts to howl.... And now I return to my winter state of "torpor", until river snouts re-appear for further examination... Fin.

Might simply be late hook sets. When nymphing, set on anything and everything that changes your indie's drift speed or direction. Add more weight to your rig until you start stalling frequently on bottom. Then set man... set... quickly.

Now that's funny....hahahaha

Very nice spey's. Thanks for sharing the pics.

Dry fly only, no cheatin'...

In recent correspondence with biologist at SRD Fisheries Management, I was informed that the current situation is being "monitored" by TransAlta, with the "involvement" of the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans and that there will be on going monitoring, even after the event, to try and gain a better perspective on the impact to our fishery. I was also informed that SRD Fisheries Management is not the lead agency involved in this situation, although they have been kept informed by TransAlta since the end of May. They have forwarded my concerns and observations too biologists at the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans. I will be speaking with SRD Fisheries Management on Monday (missed their call today). Check out the recent flow rates on the Bow through the city. From a low of 95 c/m/s, too a high of 227 c/m/s in a 28 hour period. http://www.environment.alberta.ca/apps/Bas...tionID=RBOWCALG

This water diversion has caused major damage to the Bow rivers ecology. Just take a look at the river here in the city and you will see that the entire stream bottom is covered in silt with very little aquatic vegetation growing. I'm not a biologist, but I am very concerned about what I am seeing. Emergences of many species of aquatic invertebrates have been unseasonably late, sparse in numbers and I wonder if stream conditions, in the current state, will allow for a successful reproductive cycle. Extended high, turbid flows, reduces dissolved oxygen levels in the water and also the amount of sunlight reaching the stream bottom. No aquatic vegetation = no food for the aquatic inverts = no food for the fish. Scary stuff! I'm hoping a real biologist (maybe Harps), jumps in here and tells us that we've got nothing to worry about...

I've been using an Amundson reel bag for the past year and a half that has been to hell and back and it's really holding up well. Can't say I've used the reels in question, but I do know that the local pro staff for Amundson in AB, are first class folks.

Uni knot...

I agree, and those drifters, tubers and tooners keep floating through my water too. They really suck. Jet boaters are always courteous and wave when they pass on the other bank. Ever notice that...

I love Jetboats.....

Update on the Elbow search and rescue. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/stor...very-elbow.html

It was on the Elbow river. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/stor...ter-rescue.html

Nice hen in really good shape and looking like she might have a belly full of eggs.

Congrats on the completion of your MD. All the best for the future. Good Luck and good fishing! Greg

Where have all the Speycasters gone? Some of them have gone fishing! Dutchie and I were out with the two handers on the Bow today... Here's a little fish porn for ya Gordon, so you can see all the fun you are missing. Dutchie lands a nice buck... Then I got the hen... Gorgeous Rainbow...

I had a great time this afternoon. Thanks to everyone for coming out and we'll see you again next time.

Happy Birthday Clive, Many thanks for all of your contributions to our fly fishing waters and community. I'd write a list but it would be hundreds of pages and a life time long. The fishies also thank you. Greg

Looks like we will have a big turn out, with about 20 people already confirming that they will be attending, so far. It's going to be a Spey party! Spread the word...

We usually wrap it up around 5:00 pm. I think there will be a good turn out and it's always a lot of fun.

We'll be hitting the Bow again this Sunday afternoon, April 10, to play with the Spey/Switch rods/lines. We'll be on river left (east side), across from the Fish Creek Boat Launch, starting around 1:00pm. (just upstream of 22x bridge) These informal Spey gatherings are a lot of fun and a great opportunity to try lots of different rod/line combo's and meet some of the nice folks in our Spey community...The weather forecast looks good... Everyone is welcome to join us... Hope to see you there. Greg

Happy birthday buddy, I even got you a gift, a dozen shiny new worms for you to remember this special day. You can pick them up next time we hit the river. (hopefully soon!) Greg

And, you can't spey cast with it? ... Worst rod design, ever.

Yeah flyfishy, I think we're all have'in a bit of fun... You can come fish'in with me anytime, buddy... Rule #99 No bananas allowed in the boat...