[Stupid Golf Course]

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

[Online Disclosure Of Fishing Holes]

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!

[What Weight Is Your "all Around" Rod?]

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.

[Ling Cod In The Bow]

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?

[Big Bow Clean-up]

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's Story Of The Week]

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.

[Bait]

The number for "Report a Poacher" is on your license.

Also, here is a link to a good page with information on how to make the call, as well as a lot more good info.

 

http://www.ab-conservation.com/your_dollars_at_work/rap/

 

 

Also, I see posts here that people post they saw a Poacher "Using Bait". I agree that in your situation the person was breaking the rules, but just because someone is using bait in the City section of the Bow doesn't mean they are doing anything wrong.

 

The rule states, "June 1 to Sept. 30 and Dec. 1 to Mar. 31 – Trout limit 1 under 35 cm; All trout over 35 cm must be released; Mountain Whitefish limit 5 over 30 cm; Maggots are the only bait allowed and only in the river from Aug. 16 to Sept. 30".

 

I wanted to post this because in order to catch the people that are actually doing something worth calling in for, we have to keep the CO's free to answer legitimate calls. If everyone is calling in because they see someone using bait where they are allowed to do so, the CO's will be tied up or they may even be less likely to bother with some calls that they otherwise would have jumped on...ie- "cry wolf"

 

Be sure you know the regulations and the rule that you think is being broken before calling.

 

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

[Surgery Tomorrow]

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.

[How Many Years Of Fly Fishing Experience On This Board?]

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.

[Fish With Holes In Them]

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?