kungfool

Damn that would suck! Reminds me of an old co-worker who had a can of pepper spray explode on the dash of his car near Banff driving to Calgary from Lake Louise bunch or years ago. Said he was doing around 100k when it exploded and was lucky to stop on the side of the road since he couldn't see or breathe. His car smelled like the stuff even after cleaning it repeatedly until he finally sold it that next winter. He learned the hard way that you shouldn't keep compressed liquids or gas in a hot sunny place!

Fisher martin I'll bet. A very rare animal to stumble across but they are around. Have been fortunate enough to see 2 of them.

I second this

I also use Tiemco and have no problems thus far. Something to consider is where the hook was located in the fish. If the hook was not razor sharp and the tip was was touching bone or just not achieving penetration to the hook bend, it puts much more stress on the hook bend itself resulting in a straighten hook. Not saying this is your case but I'm positive this had happen to me in the past.

Wicked photos Steve! Looks like you guys had a great trip. Thanks for sharing.

I don't suppose you could tell me where to get one like yours? There may be a better one, but I cant seem to find any pistol style!

I have been looking for a pistol/flare gun style banger that comes with a holster. I saw one used by a F&W officer in Canmore. Looks much safer, easier to access, and more durable. Spent tons of time on the internet looking but cant seem to find where to get one. Also, you may want to consider a marine horn. I know several outdoor enthusiasts who have used them in the field (to actually scare off bears) and carry them exclusively.

If I owned a fly shop or worked in the fly fishing industry I would "need this" as it effects the future growth of the industry. Otherwise, a fly fishing enthusiast, and the rivers and lakes he/she frequents can do just fine without the added fishing pressure. There is no other reason to grow the number of anglers in this province OMHO, however there is an incredible need to edumacate the thousands of dummies out there who already fish.

A retirement home for trout! NICE!

Yeah they're for guys who cant get the job done without it. LOL

As a "new" fly fisher you haven't yet learned that posting your favorite Alberta spring creeks results in many other "new" fly fishers showing up resulting in your favorite rivers becoming increasingly more busy. When I see a new members (2 posts) ask for information about my favorite spring creeks, which I have spent years of leg work, reading, money, blood, sweat and tears to explore, I get a little defensive. One of the greatest feelings that I experience as a fly fisher is the self discovery of new waters. Don't deny yourself this. Get some books, get familiar with Google maps, make a commitment and start your adventure.

Yeah, spring creeks are pretty much my favorite places to go.

Three young adults looking to kill bears for fun get charged by a grizzly where he lives/hunts for his well being. Hmmmm... I'm sad for the bear.

Yes, I admit I like to harass trout and I do struggle with the ethics of if at times. I don't however kill wildlife for for food or just for the THRILL of it.

Yeah I would have done the same thing except go bear hunting in the first place. They weren't there to kill grizzlies just black bears, how noble. This reminds me of an old saying... sometimes when you play with the bull... well you know the rest.

I have made the mistake of using dry hooks for nymphs in the past. They work ok in some small still waters for smaller fish but are useless on the bow and many other bodies of water that contain fish over 16" with some fight in them. As for Mustad in general, I have used tons of them in all shapes and sizes and not had a problem in the past. A solid product IMHO.

There is a lot more snow in the mountains this year than most. Lets hope it warms up very gradually or we are going to see another 2005 type run off.

HIJACK!! This guys is a waste of a single feather. Seriously, him, and his gang of vigilante misfits, are known as what I tenderly refer to as a "retards".

Some purty trout there guys! Thanks for the post.

Well said Rick. Not only would this give you some different scenery each trip but would also give a guy a good idea of how/where/what to fish the bow during the three peak seasons.

For lake whitefish try small green buggers and mini leaches if your on the move. I dragged around a 2 fly rig at Little Bow Park last summer in my fatcat with a large streamer up front, trailed by the small green mini leach (size 10 or 12 i think). Was shocked to see how many whites I was picking up.

My wife bought a single use (makes one cup at a time from a plastic insert) coffee machine last week. I almost fell over when I saw how wasetful this thing was. Despite my better efforts shes keeping it but getting rid of me. =)

This is no joke. Stopped by Bass Pro last week to buy an anchor and saw 3 young ladies buying hackle at the fly shop. Thought "wow never seen many women fly fishers/tiers, and to see three so young all together?". When I got the the counter to buy my stuff I commented to the guy ringing me up "never seen female fly tiers, especially so young and in threes!". He said they don't tie flies, they were buying hackle to put in their hair. I thought he was joking.

Jim's a great guy and his courses are equally as great. You wont be disappointed.

Thanks for the info Don. I was looking at the mushroom style online before your post, and was wondering if it had any advantage over a pyramid. I plan on doing mostly rivers with this boat and use my Fatcat on the smaller lakes like Beaver. I trust your judgement and will likely pick up the mushroom for the rivers (10-12 lb). I dont typically fish windy area lakes so I tihnk I can get away without the claw for now but Ill keep it in mind for future trips. See you at your office this spring!