threepwood

I use the Kold Kutters, but I ordered them on a trip to the States a few years ago so they cost a lot less. They work, but I find that they don't last too long in my boot - they usually fall out long before they wear down. That said, they give excellent traction on slippery Bow rocks.

12 hour floats to Legacy Island, here I come

To save you all a click: Vehicle Access Closure The McKinnon Flats road will be CLOSED to vehicle access during construction (from August 31 to November). Vehicle access to the site from Range Road 274 will not be possible for the duration of construction. River users may access the site from the Bow River as a stop over point during their trip to use the facilities, however, there will not be vehicle access to the boat launch. Please use alternative public vehicle access points for the Bow River including Policeman’s Flats, Legacy Island and Johnson’s Island.

Absolutely - I think this bears repeating. It's important that we assert our right to access public lands and waterways. Be polite but don't yield on the issue.

Thanks for the update. If the folks in charge are looking for suggestions for future improvements, I think some signage or other indication of what route is meant for the ramp might be a good idea.

It seemed clear on the CRUA/BRT pages that it's meant to be a takeout point before you get to the weir/passage, so trailered boats can float down from Bowmont or Shouldice.

Hi all, I decided to go take a look at the boat launch at St. Patrick's Island (next to the zoo) since it is supposedly open for use by trailered boats. I thought it might be nice to drift through downtown some time in the near future. Here's what I found. My first thought upon arrival was, "what launch?" I checked the CRUA website again to make sure I wasn't losing my mind - they have photos of a drift boat taking out at the little pool by a footbridge (pictured below). I have to say, I would think twice about trying to use it. There is no real roadway/ramp at all - just a little gravel leading down to a sidewalk from the parking lot that requires a very sharp turn around a bollard. Backing a trailer around that is asking for trouble - you might have to drive in frontward and attempt to turn around on the little gravel patch at the basin. There's also no signage, and I'd be worried about being ticketed or something for driving on a sidewalk. I'd probably call the Parks department before trying to use it, see if you're actually allowed to take a vehicle down there. It's pretty sketchy.

Yep - looks like it's coming online finally.

Is it just me, or is the flow rate data for basically every river missing from the AB Rivers app and website right now? I asked someone at AEP today and they said a gauge was broken, but I think they meant on the Athabasca up at Ft. Mac. Just wondering if I'm having amazing levels of user error, or if the data isn't showing up yet. Trying to watch for when those flows start to come down...

Someone has put together a google map of the Great Parks Massacre of 2020 if anyone is interested.

Lundbreck Falls is on the government's list of parks to kill, I believe (along with most of them in the Oldman drainage). Better check before you go.

I urge any of you who are upset about this to contact your MLA directly and indicate your displeasure. Also consider joining one of the conservation or advocacy groups organizing against this. I'm partial to Alberta Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, but there are lots of choices to direct your energy.

What emergency makes them drive within 10 feet of me at full speed in a narrow side channel? They didn't even pretend to throttle back and pummeled me with their wake. I've had only bad encounters with the fire department boats. The less they're on the water the better unless they change their ways.

I saw a similar camp on the FTR, with the same types of tents - could it be for logging? Looked like there might have been some wood processing equipment at the one by Maycroft (it was dark so I couldn't see too well).

Any idea as to the whereabouts of put-in and take-out points on the Clearwater? I've never fished it before.

I've done a lot of drift boat fishing on the Bow, but lately I've been wondering what else is out there (meaning rivers) in the neighborhood that's suitable for a drift boat trip. Any wisdom to share as far as places, access, shuttle availability, and so one would be greatly appreciated. I'm aware of the Elk, and I don't want to mess with Montana for now (my last trip was a real pain in rear with repeated boat inspections and a long customs wait). What about the lower Oldman, or the Red Deer?

I have the Fishpond Summit - been using it for two or three years now. It's a good mid-sized sling. Comes with a velcro foam patch for the outside of the bag, and has velcro pile on the front of the strap (so, on your chest ) for another patch if you want one there. Connections points for nippers, foreceps, tippet spool holder, etc are all well-placed. There's a sleeve in the back of the bag that fits a long-handled net, but I use a magnetic net holder on the top of the pack (very similarly located to what Haggis57 posted above), and I find it quite easy to reach and replace the net from my back. It holds enough for a full day outing, and has a good waterbottle pouch on the exterior that doubles as a garbage receptable for me. Also has exterior strap points for a raincoat. The extra snap connector (for the secondary strap) didn't stay on very well for me, but fishpond mailed me like three extra ones for no charge when I asked them. All in all, I'd buy one again. I hated my first vest (I tend to tangle on stuff hanging on my front), and this was a great solution.

It was more a matter of the little guy wanting to go out in the boat. We ended up at Burnstick anyway and got skunked

Does anyone know if it's possible to get a drift boat on a trailer into Winchell Lake? I'm looking at options not too far from Calgary to take my youngster fishing this weekend and I can't tell from the Google Maps image if there's a ramp or suitable spot to put in. A quick Google search didn't tell me anything definitive either way. Thanks!

I've certainly considered this when washing (or, more's the case, not washing) my car. What would be the most responsible way to handle the suds/rinsewater from washing cars and other things that don't fit in your house?

Tubifex worms are endemic to pretty much every body of fresh water in North America. Not sure what you're going on about.

I'm guessing there aren't many of those posting on this board

Do suckers spawn in the river? That might also be a good time to try. I've caught rainbows in the fall on a yarn egg.

I did get an email from AEP at the address I used to register for previous surveys.

I talked to the staff a couple of weeks ago. It sounds like the plan is to try to maintain the usual stocking program by beefing up operations at the other hatcheries, but I don't have much detail - it was just a quick conversation in passing.