osprey

Looks like it's time to get on your bike, Rick. You should be able to get down there in 20 minutes max.

Some of the best fun I've had fishing in the last decade was catching fish out of one of the heaviest fished, with most visible fish and highly trafficked location in Calgary. I'm speaking, of course, of the McKenzie Lake-Deer Run Footbridge in good old Fish Creek. The challenge is to catch fish in everbody's spot!

Most of the time I use a 7 wt 9ft Hardy Favorite, real soft action to protect 6X tippets but can still punch into the wind. If I'm out in the evening or cloudy day for dry flies I use an 8ft Sage 5 weight. Also have a thousand cracks in my 7 weight line, guess it's time for a new one.

Wading among big boulders downstream of 22X last week I startled (and was startled by) a big Burbot coming out from under a rock. Maybe 35". Anyone else seeing these?

It was with some trepidation that I went to the first annual FFC Bow River Cleanup and BBQ. I mean after all I could be fishing. But as my intrepid bank cleaning mates Bob Loblaw and Rickr pointed out above, it was a real pleasant way to spend an afternoon and evening. Company was great, prizes were good (too bad I didn't win any -next year) and the demos by Toolman and Speyghillie were informative and intriguing. 20ft of 20# mono, right Toolman? Thanks to all for a great event. I'll be there next year.

Rickr, Your rational for not talking about the marauding zodiac was superb. You are definitely a person of refined sensibilities. Also, that is a very large Rainbow. Great story and pics. Thanks for sharing.

Checked my regs today and it quite clearly says BAIT BAN for the area from the Western Head works Diversion to Carseland Weir! That means NO maggots allowed in this part of town. No pun intended! Be sure you check your regulations before somebody talks you out of reporting a poacher

Even though I'm new to this board I appreciate your directness and sense of humor. I'm sure it will help you in the coming days. Best of luck and speedy recovery.

40 years with a fly rod. Learned to flycast at Mayfair Park Lake in Edmonton (now Hawrelak Park). Derek Connelly taught me to cast. Cut my teeth on the Brown Trout of Alford Creek. Been fishing the Bow since 1974.

Yes, last Wednesday or so I caught a RB of about 14" with a dime size red hole in it's side. It's eye on the other side was also a bit bloody. I was fishing across from the outlet to Fish Creek sewage plant. I don't know what could cause such a hole. I've seen fish pecked by herons, small round hole on the back. An osprey's talons would't be so round. What about a parasite burrowing out?