Rapman

Thanks guys, great info. Guess I should have listened to my wife when she told me to tie her up some parachute Adams.

Hey guys - I'm going to be in the Crowsnest and Fernie areas in a couple weeks. I've never fished the Crowsnest before, so I'm turning to you guys for some general info on the area. I've fished the Elk/Michel a number of times, so I think I've got the BC side kind of figured out. Not looking for hotspots, but would appreciate any info on jumping off points, recommended general patterns etc. I assume I'll have to work harder/smarter for the 'bows than the cutts on the other side of the divide. Time will be kind of limited so some short walk and wade areas would be ideal. I'll stop in and check with the guys at the Crowsnest Angler and maybe the Fernie shops but any info would be appreciated. Feel free to pm if you don't want the lurkers to benefit. thx Bruce

Yes, it's for the EXACT SAME REASON as an hour previous when you said,'Banning OHV is just useless and will achieve nothing other than making those who ride angry...' So which is it - useless or reasonable? Is it possible that 'snotty high end government official' knows what they're talking about - and you don't?

Umpqua just released the Surveyor 2000 pack. 2000 cubic inches (33 litres) of storage vs. the 1100 ci of the previous model. Has straps for at least 2 rod tubes and integrates with some of their chest/hip packs. Might be worth a look. https://umpqua.com/products/packs-and-bags/packs-bags/new-surveyor-2000-zs-backpack

Umpqua has some nice gear too. Vests you can use alone or incorporate with their backpacks that are designed to take the load off your neck and shoulders. They also have hip packs and slings.

Pretty decent wader for the price. Had one pair that leaked, Redington warranty dept. got ahold of the store where I purchased them and I was immediately given a replacement pair. They were very helpful when I explained the hassle and expense of shipping them to the States for replacement/repair. Gave the replacements to my son, and bought Sonic Pro's instead.The Palix are now on their third season and still dry.

I've got an outbound short on my 7 wt BVK, and you're right - it throws big stuff like a cannon. And it does it effortlessly. Especially nice for throwing big stuff into the teeth of a wind or if you're limited on room to back-cast. Then again, Ive got a streamer-tip (type 6) and it throws pretty well too. Can't really go wrong with either - just depends on how deep you need to get and how much flow you're dealing with. Outbound with a versi leader to get the fly down quickly could work well too.

I have a 4 wt BVK I was happy with - until I put together a Sage VXP 4 wt. BIG difference. If you've got a few free evening and enough manual dexterity to tie shoelaces, you can roll your own at a pretty decent saving. The VXP blank was $240, added pretty decent components for another $100. All in (shipping, blank, components etc) came to less than $400. Factory assembled would have been $500+. And you get the satisfaction of catching fish on a rod you built yourself. The BVK is still a nice little rod which my wife will be using, and I'm very happy with my 7 and 8 wt BVKs for manhandling the big junk, but I think for delicate fishing situations, a higher end rod makes for a more satisfying experience.

Clousers in various colours and weights. By tying the flies with a variety of the eyes (lead dumbbells, bead-chain etc.) you can match the sink-rate to river flow. Learn to throw an open loop cast.....trust me

I had a pair of Korker Metalheads. Loved the light weight but found they weren't great for ankle support. Used the felt soles almost exclusively. The Boa lacing system was just ok. I found it was good for the footbox, but didn't tighten enough higher up the boot to provide support. Went to a pair of Simms Guides (felt) - great support, super comfortable, grippy soles, but very heavy, especially when wet. If you're not doing a lot of walking, these would be a great boot. Just got a pair of Patagonia ultralights for Xmas. Haven't been on the water yet, but walking around the house found them to be very supportive and extremely light. Being on the far side of 50 myself, I would suggest getting him a decent collapsible wading staff as well. He'll appreciate it - believe me.