grannyknot

I'm a clutz, so a net really helps me not drop big fish on their head, and when using a long leader I find it easier and faster to scoop the fish up, rather than try to grab my leader then the tail and not drop my rod in the current. For smaller fish I use the same technique as Brent, just hold the leader with one hand, stick my pliers in the water and give them a quick twist, unless the fish is worn out and needs to be revived, but they typically bolt right off. Hasn't been too much of an issue lately though, you've gotta hook them before you can land them.

It's really hard to say without actually timing myself, but I do know a decent net brings them to hand much faster than without. Time kind of stands still for me on anything over 20". Sometimes with a dry on light tippet and a big fish in fast current, it could be a while.

Running a jet boat up the Highwood would be a freakin' blast, but I'm sure they don't do it just for sh*ts and giggles.

No kidding. Think I'll fish by the jogging path along memorial today.

If a trout slips off the hook, I'm just glad I had a chance at least. Like Rob said, you know you're doing something right if you're getting hook-ups. I hardly ever get upset about a lost fish, unless I was in a hurry to hit the water and tied a sloppy knot, then I might mutter a curse or two. You don't want to see my reaction when I forget my fly box though.

Nice fish guys, I never tire of the fish porn, especially fat, colorful 'bows from those lakes.

You just made my day Pacres.

Congrats SJW. I've just reached the 2 hour point, so I'm heading outside for one.

Now if I could only stop smoking.

I'm not quite sure what to say.

Gonna head down for a day at least. It'll be crowded, but I'll go nutty sitting here watching the Bow slowly drop.

Thanks for the info Glenbow. The Kananaskis river is a perfect example of mismanagement, and I curse TransAlta every time I pass by it. No one would be creating a new trout stream, but rather taking a step to return a stream to it's natural state. Glad to see they might FINALLY doing something about it. Please let us know what we can do to help when you know more.

Incredible pics. Thanks for sharing.

Sweet cutt man!

My dad and I went fishing often when I was young, and now I have the opportunity to return the favor by teaching him to fly fish. Many memories, but the one that stands out most was when we hiked up the Bow west of Cochrane, and while crossing a train trussel had our own "Stand By Me" experience, sprinting back down the train tracks while he tried to carry the dog. We never caught much, and rarely cared.

Boo to that. Have fun "rebuilding", Oilers fans! Playfair is a mediocre coach, I'm glad the Flames have a mean SOB on the bench who won't put up with slackers.

Awsome pics Brownstone. Where is that second one?

That's okay, you can bet I've had enough of stocked ponds already. I've been to just about every one around the city in the past 3 weeks, now I'd like to catch some real trout.

Grab a pack and go, man. Nothing beats finding your own little piece of cutthroat heaven.

Well isn't that clever.

Combined inches of your one biggest brown and one biggest 'bow, documented with photos, and a poll to pick the winner, just so Toolman and Max don't have to wade around with metre-sticks all summer. Russells is having a 2007 fishing derby, enter any time, ends Sept. 30, you enter 2 pics of a fish, one with you and one with a tape measure, and you can enter one fish for each species of Alberta sportfish. Adult division is fly tackle only in public waters. Best of all, it's free.

Mmmm... fresh brook trout and cheap rye, that's living large.

Nice bull man!

I saw guys doing the same thing on Saturday. They didn't stand there long, but especially with all the rain out there, probably not a good idea. Not for suckers at least.