SilverDoctor

Some good suggestions here but look at fly fishing no so much hearing about a magic fly, but study the water, flip rocks and look at what aquatic life is in your stretch of water and look at getting flies that are close to size and color.

Excellent information Dave

there two things I can recommend, one is to hit it with a quick coat of Sally's the other is to leave it in the sun for a few days. The latter has work occasionally the former always.

And in fact you need at least one more of each

This is just a personal observation and I'm not a scientist just a life long naturalist, I believe that another thing (as Toolman mentioned) that the the Trans Alta diversion did with the huge silt deposit was have a terrible effect in not only choking out spawning areas but also affecting insect cycles. Areas that where clear pebble bottom or compact where choked with inches of silt. I really did notice a huge difference in quantity of nymphs and their resulting hatches after that point. There where dramatically fewer Stones, BTO's and a cross section of others in traditional areas where I would normally be able to see them flipping stones and studying bug seigning. The Net Builders disappeared as did many of the larger stones. With lessening of a food source and then the hit of sapro on the Trout it was a perfect storm. As far as Whitefish go I look at them like the canary in the coal mine. They are indicators of a rivers quality as they rely on fairly pristine conditions to survive.

Beauties

Just ordered a couple of Mountain Brook Blanks. Heard a bunch of good things about them. I'll let you know how they turn out.

Catch anything?

this

Excellent is all I say... Excellent

Big rivers are in fact exactly like small streams, structure. flow, seams, riffles, pools and runs. You need to get to know them to find the fish. There is no one spot, they change depending on season hatches and other food sources. Spend time looking. Talk to others on the river. If you want to fast track your knowledge hire a good guide and let them know exactly what you are after (not just a float or wade). Hook up with forum members for a day out. And above all spend time the water. Easy

Love the family picture, and their all smiling.

Except when that 20+ Brown decides to take off for parts unknown and you reel is spinning, peeling line off like a tornado. I remember a cheap offshore reel that looked like a shiny hubcap that I had, jammed up and was unusable exempt of course by the trout, I wasn't impressed.

I'm bringing in a couple of Mountain Brook blanks in 4/5. Heard some good thing about the tapers from others that have and fish em. Post em when I get em. they're the Spigot type ferrule rods. Actually another one I enjoyed and wish I had again was a Berkely Parametric Curt Goudy Signature in 4 wt. It was a nice caster.

Anyone here fish Fiberglass rods? Last summer went out with couple of my old rods that I bought in the 60"s. A Fenwick and a Phillipson. Had so much fun I have ordered a couple of lightweight blanks to build and chase Brookies with this summer. Forgot how I love that slow action. Also had a chance to play with a Butterstick which was neat.

Mmmmm...... Bacon

Have a happy

Wonderful trip and photos

Love the Nano silk for smaller flies and finicky ties. Bit more expensive but worth it.

Something I have to say, we ran all those 200+ kids through tying a fly. Even though there was a mosaic of hand eye coordination and abilities, every single one concentrated and took instruction brilliantly finishing their fly. No complaining or difficulties. I think it says a lot about the generation of kids in sports orient families.

To start I would suggest small hackle packs, they're usually cheap and you don't have to spend a lot.

I carry an empty exact knife at times. Put the hook of the fly where the blade goes and tighten it . Nice as a third had while you tie a leader on to the eye or are otherwise engaged so you don't drop the fly (put the handle in a pocket). In a pinch it makes a nice stream-side vice.

Andy ties some mean flies. Thanks for helping out at the Expo.

Good Saturday at the Expo. Very busy, thanks everyone who dropped by the booth, we had a dedicated area this year to teach kids how to tie a fly, lots of fun, very happy little ones and appreciative parents who simply glowed when their pride and joy finished a fly. Kudos to all our sponsors. We're working the booth again tomorrow so stop by and say hi.

Loving those eyes.