So many Hoppers. There are bugs everywhere. Tricos, Blue Winged Olives, Caddis, Crane Flies, and still some Golden Stones hanging around. Fun times! The forecast is a bit cooler next week, which should keep the bugs going and the fish happy. Get out there and have some fun!
Staff Picks - Tobias
Flies: Left to Right from top to bottom: Jig Mini Bugger, Galloup's Dungeon, Fruit Roll Up, Micro Chubby, Sparkle Caddis, John Deere Hopper, Will's Chai Tea, 4 Bead Caddis, Rock Grinder
For dry fly fishing, there are still lots of caddis around, and, surprisingly, some Golden Stoneflies. Lot's of Hoppers. Hoppers fished as singles, or as part of a Hopper Dropper rig, are very effective right now. Crane Flies are also making an appearance. Still prime time for dries! With all the weeds, dry fly might just be the way to go (but I always think that).
Tippet is an important part of your gear. Whether you are extending the life of you leader, or tippeting down to accommodate that tiny dry, tippet is a big help. Many choices, for every fishing occasion.
Nymphing is a great way to catch trout on the Bow River. Nymphing is a great way to effectively cover water. Stonefly, and caddis imitations, as well as attractor patterns, such as San Juan Worm variations, or Will's Chai Tea, along with leeches are all excellent choices right now. Lot's of weeds, so be prepared.
The streamer fishing is still going strong, it's a battle with the weeds though. The heads of pools and faster water should still be targeted. Fish will be in their more typical lies with the lower water. Also fish deeper pools slowly, and methodically, getting your fly deep, and in front of as many fish as possible.
Spey fishing is a great way to avoid obstacles in, and around, the water. Skating dry flies is very fun. Putting the two things together is usually a recipe for fun times.
A new leader just makes everything work better, until I somehow end up with all those wind knots. And there is no wind. Lot's of size, strength, and length, options. A leader for most fly fishing applications.
Eastern Slopes Update:
The Eastern Slopes are in great shape with all rivers clear and fishing well. Caddis, Mahogany Drakes, and still a spattering of stoneflies around. Grasshoppers are epic. A single hopper is a great choice, but if times are tough you can use a Hopper Dropper rig to prospect.
Dries: Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Yellow & Orange Stimulators, H&L Variant, Royal Wulff, Callibaeti Parachute Extended Body, KK's Henneberry Hopper, White Cloud Hopper, Micro Frank
Nymphs: Traditional Prince, Pheasant Tail, & Hare's Ear Nymphs, Rubber Legged Squirrel, Smethurst's Stone Bomb, San Juan Worms, Will's Chai Tea
Streamers: Pink/White Dali Lama, Black Conrad Sculpin, White Tungsten CH Sparkle Yummy, Galloup's Mini Dungeon, Clouser Minnows
A Boat Bag is great tool to keep all of your gear organized in a boating situation. Things can get hectic and disorganized in a hurry. All of the boat bag options offer a level of organization that most non-fishing specific bags do not.
Please pinch your barbs. Pinching your barbs will make releasing the fish a lot easier. A good set of plyers, forceps, or mitten clamps can make the task easier on both of you.
Less handling means less stress.
We ask that you handle your fish with care by:
- Minimize air exposure
- Eliminate contact with dry surfaces
- Reduce handling time
Our Level 1 Fly Fishing Course is a full day introduction to fly fishing. The first half of the day is spent in classroom. Here you will learn the basics about equipment and tying knots. You will also learn how to decipher river structure, predict insect life life cycles, and a lot more. The second half of the day will be outdoors, covering the basics of casting in a dry land setting. Students should be able to cast 30' by the conclusion of the session.
This full day course costs $150, lunch included. Register in-store, by phone, or on-line.
There is still space in the August 24 class click here for availability.
There are several good books by local authors. Jim McLennan, a local fly fishing legend with his own unique style, and view, offers two collections of essays, Water Marks, and Trout Tracks. Last Summer On The Sage, is a fishy coming of age novel, by Derek Bird. While, Wild Rose are Worth It, by Kevin Van Tighem, tries to remind us of what is best about the Alberta spirit.
Dries: Swisher's Dancing Caddis, Peacock Caddis, Purple Haze, Galloup's Double Stack Caddis, Yellow & Orange Rubber Legged Stimulators, RIO's Skater Tot, Chubby Chernobyl, Micro Chubby, Willy's Ant, RIO's Moorish Hopper, KK's Henneberry Hopper, Fat Frank, Bjorn's Hopper, Juicy Hopper.
Streamers: Veil Leech, Bow River Bugger, Sparkle Minnow, Hi Res Bugger, Skittish Smolt. Leeches: Tungsten Peacock Leech, Fruit Roll Up, Tungsten Ice Leech.
Nymphs: Jimmy Legs, TJ Hooker, Rubber Legged Squirrel, Will's Chai T, Kaleidoscope, Tungsten Prince, Puparazzi, BH Extended Body Caddis Pupa, and Caddis Sparkle Pupa.
Trout Spey: Rio's Pocket Rocket, Aqua Stu's Ostrich Intruder, Jerry's WMD Sculpin, AF Mattoli's Spey Bugger, Brett's Klamath Skater, McGovney's Skater.
FYI:
As per the Alberta River Basins web application
Bow River Level at Calgary - WSC
Bow River Level at Banff - WSC
The rain may have an effect on water clarity and levels, both early, and late, this week, but not enough to keep anyone of the water. Get out there! You might be mad at yourself if you don't take your opportunities.
Tight lines, and have fun!
FTFS