We're seeing loads of posts about fly fishing being an ideal way to spend some time during self-isolation and social distancing which is so true. But since locally we're still dealing with (at least intermittent) winter time on the water is limited. 

So for those of us who's water is still hard (or full of ice chunks), yards are still covered in snow, or who are self-proclaimed fair weather anglers here are some other fly-fishing related suggestions to fill a few hours:

• Tie some flies - We know a lot of folks have already been doing this. If you're getting low on materials we are well stocked and (for the time being still open). We are happy to pick and pull orders for in-store -  outside the store - pickup and considering offering South Calgary deliveries. 

Fly tying is a great activity to introduce your school-aged kids to as well - it helps develop fine motor skills and patience while allowing some creativity and providing a sense of accomplishment. 

• Practice your cast - if you own one of the commercially-available practice rods you can do this while binge-watching your favorite Netflix. Otherwise (depending on whether you're in quarantine or have a little flexibility and can venture outdoors) take your favorite rod out and work on your accuracy. Pick a target at a variety of ranges and see how you do. Work on your double haul. 
• Sort out/organize your boxes - If you're anything like our house you probably make good use of those reusable fly cups Why not dedicate a couple hours one afternoon to organizing your flies for the upcoming season. And when self-isolation is over bring those fly cups back to the shop for re-use. 
• Sort out/organize your boxes - If you're anything like our house you probably make good use of those reusable fly cups Why not dedicate a couple hours one afternoon to organizing your flies for the upcoming season. And when self-isolation is over bring those fly cups back to the shop for re-use.  
• Check the rest of your gear:  clean your lines, check your leaders and tippet materials, clean your fly lines and check them for cracks, do some basic reel maintenance, make sure there's no backlashes on your spool, etc.  
• Check out our About the Bow River blog where you'll find some good information on hatches and gear selection.
• Read that fly fishing magazine or book that you haven't had time to get to. Nothing on hand? Check out on-line versions OR give us a call - we may have the title you're after and will do our best to get it to you quickly. 
• Pick out and research the next destination on your wish list.
• Watch the 2020 IF4 that FlyFusion has made available for everyone free of charge. 
• Visit our social media sites including our new IGTV channel - we're working to upload new videos every few days. 
• Visit JensenFlyFishing for some entertaining and informative videos or check out Amazon Prime's Fishing titles, April Vokey's "Anchored" podcasts or any number of other on-line fishing resources. 

• Although we don't currently have an on-line store we regularly accept orders via email (sales@fishtales.ca), phone (1-866-640-1273), Instagram Messenger, and Facebook Messenger. We are happy to pick your order and make it available for pickup inside (or outside) the store. We are also still shipping orders. 

  For the moment we are open although we are adopting shorter hours of 10-6 during the week. This is an ever-evolving situation. We are considering additional restrictions and/or potentially a short-term closure. Watch our social media sites for the most up-to-date information. 

  if you've recently returned from travel please respect the 14-day self isolation. If you're feeling at all unwell please don't come to the shop. 

  NS/DB

  COVID19 Our response to date blog (March 14)

  COVID19 Updated Response (March 15)