We never imagined we'd be providing a COVID-19 update fourteen months after the first one, but here we are. 

Currently Alberta ranks #1 in active cases in North America. 

We'd rather not be #1 at this.

To say the pandemic has been among the most challenging situations we've dealt with in our 24+ years in business is an understatement. In many ways, we are fortunate. We are healthy. We are able to remain open and fly fishing is experiencing a surge of newcomers not unlike what was experienced when "THE" movie came out in the early '90's.

That said, we are still navigating the ever-changing intricacies of running a business in the midst of a global pandemic.

This means we are continuously monitoring and responding to rules and new restrictions. 

Some days we're locking the door to restrict numbers on site, some days we're adapting course materials to try and continue online, and some days we're pushing pause on courses and guided float trips altogether. 

Here's what we're doing as a result of the restrictions that came in to effect for Alberta in the past week:

• 10% occupancy in-store (five customer limit.)
• Guided fishing trips - on hold. We will be connecting with clients about a week prior to any booked trips.
• Level 1 fly fishing classes - on hold (through end of May at this point.) 
• One-on-one instruction - on hold. (through end of May at this point.) 

Here's why:

• We are following the AHS guidelines for "High Case Restrictions"
• Under those guidelines Calgary is a "high case" zone.
• So is:
• Foothills County (Policeman's Flats)
• Rockyview County (MacKinnon's Flats)
• and Wheatland County (Legacy Island and Carseland). 

We have reached out to AHS to ensure we are correctly interpreting the current restrictions. 

Rest assured - our guides will be ready to get back on the water as soon as restrictions are lifted OR we've received the OK from AHS. 

If you have a trip or a course booked with us we know how much you've been looking forward to it and understand that you may feel frustrated by the impact of the restrictions. 

We get it.... Most of us are exhausted by the pandemic. We all want this to be over. 

But for everyone's sake we will press pause as requested. We hope the current restrictions will mean decreased case numbers, a reduced burden on the health care system, a chance for more folks to receive at least one dose of a vaccine, and fewer restrictions for the rest of the 2021 season.

Wishing everyone good health. 

NS/DB and the entire Fish Tales team.