BowLurker

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.

So I was going stir crazy earlier in the week, and went fishing in thigh-deep water, with a fairly good current below a small drop in elevation. During the Spring, I always try to look upstream/behind me after every cast or two looking for ice. This day was no different. I felt a small bump on my thigh, watched a small berg turn past me, and thought nothing of it. Did one more cast, and BAM I was in, with only my rod arm and my head above water. The berg was maybe 5' x 2' and about 8" thick, so not super big...but I lost my footing right now. Luckily I was only 15' from shore, 200' from the car and 5mins from home, because I was swamped. It was freaky because it happened so fast, and the ice that hit me was completely clear, so almost impossible to see. Yikes! Be safe everyone! -M.

Holy firecrackers Debbie Downers, The actual Influenza FLU killed over 51,000 people last year around the world. Was there a panic? Turn off that stupid device, go walk the routes, stare at those awesome Springtime holes, remember why you clean your wading boots and gear and stuff.... Shake someone's hand, open a door and forget the media. -M.

It's cool to see more folks out there wearing PFDs, it is that time.. -M.

Watch your footing, everyone! Been fishing a lot with these warm Chinook temps.. Saw a big A$$ iceberg almost crush a couple dudes...luckily they got out of the water. Look upstream every once in a while, folks..maybe you'll see a huge one! -M. PS- please stop doing 'Grip & Grin' shots in Wintertime...sigh..

A similar story to rudedawg, this afternoon near Sue Higgins. The water is reaaaaally low in some places so the wading was easy. Two-hand casting was going very well, nice calm loops with some strangely accurate reach cast placement!? I was casting into the bubble line, nymphing away, when all the hair went up on my neck...my line went slowly away from me, then quickly back across with a small amount of tension. As the fish came back towards me, I saw that it was a sleepy brown, who seemed to pause as I laid eyes on his silver/gold side. My first fish of 2020! One quick but laboured twitch and he was off...and I didn't mind, because the 4 deer behind me watched this fish too, from about 20m away. -M.

Hi all, Won't get into the scientific and provincial/government side of things. I started fly fishing on the mighty Bow in 2012, so yes I'm a noobie. I remember flailing and falling around, 'throwing' my oversized gear out there... still caught fish. After said Flood, and into the middle 20teens, even when I didn't understand flow estimates and how much damage had actually been done to the sediment/channels/backwaters...had some really great years in there...still caught fish. 2019..I cannot remember the last time I caught a trout, let alone any whitefish (maybe June) ...not catching fish. In my NW neck of the woods, there are numerous construction projects that are altering flow (Stoney Trail bridge something-or-other, Edworthy Park upstream drainage project and Shagannappi Pumphouse to name a few), so there's noise, sediment and poaching (oh my!!) that have hurt the smaller populations up here... Overall, yes this has been the worst fishing season to date for me. Rise in Pike and introduced species?...maybe. Poaching?...I've seen a lot (LOT) of evidence up here, literally across the river from AFW Headquarters~! Grin Pictures during 30ºC days?...maybe. Maybe I'm just a sh***y angler! I want to say 'ride it out'...but I'm a skeptical sort. Good friend in Montana said he just had one of his best years, all wading. Hmmm. -M.

Survey says..??

Hi Folks, been a while. I have seen a few very large Crap fish in the Glenmore Reservoir, one literally 1m away from me, on the shore. Tried to attract it with a Chironomid, but it was just cruising the banks. As said in the earlier posts, it had a huge back, looked like a football, quite pronounced upturned eyes...and it reminded me of the Sesame Street song.." one of these things just doesn't belong here..." Must have been in there for a while, because it was at least a 35 inch fish...sigh. It's weird, because Carp are actually a staple food in parts of Asia. Hmmm.... -M.

Hi folks, been dealing. lost my two most meaningful Women in the world, namely my Mom. have seen a bunch of Redds and warned some 'weekenders' Losing a lot means reset. This is me. Lost my Girlfriend too.... Sigh Hope to be around within our strange community. Bit edgy just now. -M.

Smith Guide's Choice with Polarchromatic Ignitor lenses (chromaPop)....if the light isn't too bright, say moving into overcast, I find these work great. Purple light rules! I need a bit more coverage if it's going to be full sun, however, and I have a couple pairs of Ryders Polarized in full dark that really do the job. Craving a Smith Ignitor Amber lens for twilight, but money money. -M.

Done. Already sent in a letter. I live in AB, but BC has the right idea...aside from moose-riding people! 2nd Done, took pictures and the subjects got pretty snarky about it. I have fished a certain corner near Bowness for a while now and have witnessed 3 (three) individuals throwing back fish when they see me start casting in the area. I have also taken pictures, but nearly every time I get close, they (poachers) are gone. We're doing good work folks, no matter how maddening it is. Keep it up everyone, and thanks bmbilon for the OP. Shocking that this person could call himself a 'fisherman' I disagree. Poaching has become rampant! There's a reason the Alberta Fish & Wildlife stopped all keeps on the Bow a few years ago. I am not familiar with the scenario in the other smaller streams, but I can just imagine the meatheads that are out there. -M.

I've been throwing a TFO 8'6 Pro Series 2 Carbon since I was able to start, and caught one of my largest fish ever with it. Nice and light, quiet through the trees and also a reasonable price. I also liked the compact 4-pc without a hardcase, for really getting into deep country. IMO the rod shouldn't dictate whether one can fish larger water or not. -M.

Didn't know there was a good kind of clap... but hey, one gets lonely in that float-boat. Thanks. -M.