tigershark

lost my wood/ mesh net that I had for years and recently bought the Frabill net at bass pro for only $39. larger tear drop shape and clear rubber net- like the ghost style. should be good for kootenay rainbows and smaller AB stream cutties as well. The rubber bag seems like it has lots of advantages over the standard mesh two other friends really like theirs. seems like one of the best buys for a decent c and r net in calgary.

Merino wool base layers are the only way. Thin, warm, breathable, soft and non-stink. Amazing how warm a thin Merino layer is but isn't bulky.

Head shot of a Banff Cuttie, he's pretty isn't he....

I used to get very frustrated with my leader always breaking at the double surgeons knot where I tied the tippet on- rather than at the fly, often resulting in two lost flies. I think my problem was sometimes using florocarbon tippet on a regular mono leader or maybe my knots are just getting better as i doesn't happen as much anymore. But still happens once in a while that my surgeons breaks before the improved clinch at the fly- but the surgeons should be stronger right?

Metal on the way to the river for sure! Gotta get all psyched up! Unearth, Lamb of God etc. But on the river its quite time...

amazing pics man! looks like you have killer camera- those clouds are sureal. makes me want to be out there...

usually one for me with a dry- seems like the pure way. almost always 2 when nymphing and/ or streamers. Haven't used hopper droppers tons, but am usually fishing mountain streams. But only one at a time in the national parks.

Ok, here are my favs. I've been fishing Southern Alberta and the mountain parks for the last few years and have been thinking about fly selection way too much as I drive around western canada for work. Dries- 1. Stimulator- big to small sizes. 2. Elk Hair Caddis- though I do like some of the other caddis patterns with the prodiment antenee, like the Goddard caddis 3. Parachute Adams 4. Foam Ant 5. Tiny, thinly dubbed body, Black Adams (size 18 ish) for a midge imitaition Nymphs- 1. Bead Head Pheasant Tail Flashback- I've been tying them on pupa hooks with great success. 2. Evil Weevil- again I've tied some on Pupa hooks 3. Brassie- in brass, red, and black. 4. Double Bead Stone Nymph- Black, Brown, and Gold 5. Cooper John- Red and Black Streamers- 1. Cone Head Wooly Buggers - keying in on the colour that fish like is key. Olive, Brown, Black, White are my favs. 2. Wooly Buggers- unweighted and in smaller sizes fished dead drift like a nymph. 3. Cone Head Bow River Bugger- good bull trout fly. 4. Clouser Minnow

I have spent way too much time researching fly gear latley, I am a total gear head. For my budget- around 120, the Pfluger Trion and the Orvis Battenkill Mid Arbor seem to best the best bang for the buck. The Orvis reels have recently gotten alot cheaper thanks to the dollar and new pricing from Orvis. I recently bought the Orvis Battenkill Mid Arbor for my new sinking line and so far have been loving it, i've had the Orvis Battenkill Large Arbor for a few years for my floating 6 line and have been very happy with it, but am going to get another Battenkill Mid Arbor for my new stream 4 weight rig. 3 of my fishing buddies have the Pfluger Trion and have liked that one too.

Do you think there is anyway that fish would make it?

I also struggle with deer hair. Elk hair is easier but the strands are too big for little caddis like 16s. Deer hair never stays where I want it. I just recently discovered going really thin with the dubbing and doing more wraps- so much better! Dubbing used to be my least fav. but now its all good. I'm always suprised on how little dubbing you need.

thanks for the advice. i want to look closer at the Griffin Mongoose, the Peak Rotary, the Renzetti Presentation (a little spendy) and the Dynaking Kingfisher or Trekker. Anything else that I missing? I was thinking Troutfitters and Country Pleasures to check them out as I have to come down from Banff. Are these the best shops for vices in Calgary?

Just wondering which vice you tyers like best? I have a basic vice but want to upgrade to a better one that rotates and is pedistal based I think. My buddy really likes his Dynaking Kingfisher. This is a xmas gift from the wife so i was thinking in the 200-250 range. Any thoughts/ recomendations?