BowLurker

Thanks Tom & Nicole, It's an amazing Podcast, and to understand that ARCtic Grayling were still the dominant Salmonids up/down there is so great to learn. Nicole Watson obviously knows the area, and it was a wonderful listen. One can hear that she truly loves the project, So cool. Hopefully everyone will learn from this. -M.

I've had great success over the years in the NW since 2014, but the construction projects (Stoney Bridge, Shag drain, Shaganappi pump-station) and low water has really changed the fishing. Also, rafts galore seem to be keeping the fish down. I remember having many multiple fish mornings just upstream from Edworthy a few years back, but nothing like that for a while. Besides, there's orange fencing blocking the trails down to the river now, in the name of 'ecosystem refurbishing' but I've never seen anyone working on the North side of the river....sigh. Probably a way that the City made a deal to create the new Shaganappi Pump-station. -M.

I remember Tom Rosenbauer saying a mile or two in small streams is a big day. Guess it comes down to fitness and love of the trail. 8km of XC skiing would be a ‘starter’ day IMO, but hiking in with a new fisher, hmmm it’s a long one. Remember that it’s 8km back out too.

Ya, same here. Closures were during the rain fest a few weeks ago. I was out there yesterday, saw a couple of drift boats waiting to get out. Water looks great..jus’ sayin’

That's the one! Great tie, thanks!!

Gorgeous fly, SilverDoctor. C'mon, give us a Royal Wulff! I tied the 'extended-abdomen' wobbly stone again, with a new type of olive chenille. It's on a Size 8 Knapek Comp jig hook. Not a lot of real-estate, but a surefire hookset! -M.

No problem. One thing I did was colour the floss on the top with a yellow Sharpie, just to darken the yellow a bit. It ended up soaking through most of it. You can see the original floss peeking out right near the base of the tail. Good luck! -M.

Hi brunsie1, I used two layers of Danville's yellow floss and a few wraps of 8lb Chameleon Maxima mono. I found that using some extra tension on the mono helps to sink it into the floss. Cheers! -M.

'Pregnant' hot-spot scud. The reason I'm posting another scud is that this one popped out of my vise yesterday, and I searched for at least an hour! Found it wedged between my sling pack and a box, some 2m away!! Knapek Comp Scud hook, size 14.

Longhorn Caddis adult, size 14 Knapek competition midge hook.

This is called a West Fork Nymph, but I think it could pass for a wet-style Stimulator. Fun one in size 10!

Thanks Lornce! Delving into soft hackles for a while...will post if I'm happy with a couple.

This is my first attempt at a Parachute Adams, and I feel it turned out pretty well. Normally I take macro photos with an SLR, but I'm missing my card reader. Next time.

I guess I could call this a Blue-Winged something, but it's more like a Gray-Winged Blue! Size 18.

Orange Scud, Size 16. I've been experimenting with different leg materials, but Ostrich Herl seems to do the trick. Really loving these Knapek hooks!

Holsinger's Green Wire Caddis, Size 14. This one's a real hit fished deep!

I tried a super-tiny swivel for a while, and didn't mind the extra weight while casting an Intermediate. Line twist was helped a bit, but the difficulty was the dreaded 'hinge' effect in the loop. In the wind, the swivel was worse than a split-shot for nailing the rod and also the fisherman...My left ear can attest to this! BAM! -M.

Holy Moly!! Sitttin' on a goldmine, Lornce...as usual! Beautiful stuff.

Just gorgeous, Lornce. Is the wicking fabric silk or linen? 'Parchment' meant a lot in said old days.... It's so incredible to see a museum piece in possession. Is the leather salvageable? It would be a shame to lose such an amazing piece. Well done, and thank you!! -M.

Wow...incredible reel. Nicely done. -M.

I'm a child of the 70's, so not quite as wise as some in this thread, but I am very much at risk, dealing with both COPD and Asthma. Tying my brains out, and attempting some tough patterns, including mini Intruders, 18-20 BWO and the mighty Adams. Might post a few in the 'What are you tying 2020' thread. Also, cleaning house after a big move last summer. Try and get out at least 2wice a week, but sometimes it's nicer to stay home with a Fly Fusion magazine and some homemade beer. Be cool, everyone. Let's keep it going, and hope that the fish are getting a bit of a break. -M.

I fish a Redington Hydrogen single-hand 3W at 10', specifically made for Euro-style nymphing, super strong butt, and very forgiving near the tip. It's really light. The best part is, one can still single-hand switch/Spey with the exact same rod, however 'wiggly' it might be upon roll/single Spey casting. Thanks to Iron Bow for this! I contacted OPST about my options. They recommended a Skagit 180grain Smooth with an 80grain sink tip and I'm happy as a clam. Easily sending line across to 40-50' but a light enough running line/head to switch leaders and do Euro-style. -M.

Last time I was down there (Sue Higgins) it was business as usual. Nobody is immune to this (dogs included)...even one that has contracted, suffered and survived. I went out to a spot 5min from home and promptly got swamped, by complete accident. Luckily I did not need medical attention, and made it back to my place, cold, but unharmed. I'm bursting to get out there just like everyone else, but we need to stay home! -M.

I know that Quarry Lake in Canmore is stocked with Grayling, but I have never caught one. Not sure if this stocking programme is still running either. -M.