SkwalaStonefly

I would put the money aside towards a trip to an exotic place (Patagonia, New Zealand) and guide fees while you're there.

I have used Maui Jims for years - first as single vision and now as a progressive bifocal. They have a high degree of wrap (at least the frames I have) with a high curvature lens (base curve 7 I think) and really keep the sun out. I have the gray, which is perfect for bright sunny days, but a bit dark for cloudy days. Bronze is a good compromise for all conditions, but not as good on really bright days. If you get Maui Jims I do NOT recommend the polycarbonate lenses - you lose visual acuity with them and when looking for fish you want to see as well as possible. The Maui Jim Evolution lens is the one you want. I cannot imagine fishing without them.

Oh boy - I think I opened Pandora's box. Maybe time to switch subject matter. Since Lady Slippers seem to be appreciated here is a shot from a trip to Patagonia a few years ago.

Hey Doc - you forgot to post this one

You may want to consider that the flood of last June had a pretty devastating affect on the Bow and many rivers in southern Alberta. I know we all hope to see the rivers here bounce back quickly, but it may well take a few years before the Bow is fishing at pre-flood levels. I have not been to southeast BC since the flood so I don't know if the Elk has been impacted to the same degree as the Bow. Perhaps others on the forum can comment on that. If it has not, the fishing may be much better on the Elk. Bear in mind that in BC they will rip you off $20 a day to fish the Elk, plus the cost of your license.

Fantastic news Lornce! Don't forget to tell them that starting in the spring you need to have Wednesdays off to go fishing

Thanks for sharing your misery! I thought you might like to know that today is Opening Day for fly fishing in Patagonia, Argentina - http://www.flyfishinginpatagonia.com/ Maybe we can all get together and charter a bus....

Here is a link to a new article of interest: http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/2013/10/31/Fisheries-Act-Gutting/

I have a Winston Passport 4 weight rod (they come in 8, 81/2 or 9 foot). The Passport is an amazing rod that is is actually cheap and casts like the high end Winstons. The 4 weight is great for SW AB streams, which is where I like to fish. At about $225 this rod is the best bang for your buck and performs like much more expensiive flyrods, in my opinion. I love it and it has had great reviews. I have the Passport coupled with a Hardy large arbor DD4000 reel. Lightweight and well balanced with the rod. Holds a fair bit of backing and coupled with a drag that can stop a submarine (but not on 5x tippet , good for big fish or small .