crookednose

Are you shooting Canon, Nikon, or other? If you have to choose between the two (18-55 vs. 55-200), go with the 18-55 - it's a more versatile lens for everyday stuff and you will probably find 55mm to "tight" if it's the shortest zoom you have. You can always rent telephoto lens from certain camera shops in Calgary for the weekend (i.e. when you know you are going to need one) for a very reasonable price. After having your camera for a little while, you'll know if it's something you want to take up more seriously. That's when you can start to expand your glass collection. To me, it makes the most sense to invest in some good quality lens' because they will last (really, the technology isn't changing all that much - especially in comparison to digital SLR bodies). The 50mm f1.8 will be a fun lens to play around with in low light conditions ... and it's quite affordable. When looking at lens', don't forget to multiply the zoom ratings by approximately 1.6 UNLESS it's a lens designed specifically for digital SLR's. I've bought stuff from this website in the past - with the dollar close to par, you can get some pretty good deals if you buy a few things to even out the shipping costs. www.adorama.com

I can offer a whopping 3.5 months with 11 full days on the water!! I didn't catch anything until day three ... and funny enough, it was a 3.5" cutty from Gibsons Lake, near the Kokanne Glacier.

One last one of Lake O'Hara ...

More pictures ...

We ended up staying at the Abbott Hut for two nights - I must say, I was not very excited about lugging my gear up there, but it was an absolutely amazing place to crash for a few nights! Only managed to fish for about an hour on the last day of the trip (Monday, 1:00 - 2:00) but had pretty decent luck with some elk hair caddis (gold body) in the North Bay and the little stream that exits (1 x 14-16" cuttie brought in, 1 lost). On the bus ride back down I was chatting with a gentleman who camped right at Lake O'Hara. He had really good luck on the Sunday night (apparantly pulling in about 25 cut's). On a seperate note, I was talking with one of the Rangers and she informed my that this is the last year the Lake will be open for fishing ... Off to Yellowstone / Zion Canyon for a few weeks now!

Thanks for all of the comments! I am very much looking forward to Lake O'Hara this weekend - I've heard much the same in that it is one of the most beautifull places in the rockies. I broke down and bought a new Sage 4 peice (5wt) to fit in my pack a little better Can't wait to break it in! My time in Yellowstone is actually quite flexible ... and by the sounds of it, I'll have my fair share of area's to explore. Thanks for all of the comments and advice. I'll provide updates when I return - hopefully I'll have some good pictures to show for it! Cheers

Realizing the two are completely different topics, I'll be on vacation on two seperate trips this next month. Has anybody fished at either Lake O'Hara or Yellowstone National Park (in Wyoming)? I've heard Yellowstone should be a good time ... but have no clue about Lake O'Hara. I'll be backpacking for the week so I wonder if it's worthwhile to lug my fishing kit along. Any comments would be appreciated. Cheers!

I was up at the Highwood this weekend too and had trouble setting the hook (I counted 11 strikes on 5 different fish). As this is only my second time out (aside from an intro course I took) can anybody offer any advice?