Way more Hoppers this week, and the hot weather has brought on other bugs in a big way too! The water level is starting to decline and the weather is forecast to cool a little bit. Get out when you can. Now is the time.
Staff Picks
Flies from top to bottom: Black/Wine Gartside Leech, Jake's Trigger Belly, Tungsten Jig Yellow Spot Pheasant Tail, Spent Partridge Caddis, Lt Olive Puparazzi, Brown/Gold Hi-Res Bugger, Pearl Lightning Bug, Olive Conrad Sculpin (articulated), RIO's Glo Ant.
Caddis are still the most consistent and prolific hatch. Caddis have been hatching at almost any time of the day. The caddis bite has started to taper off a little bit. The Golden Stoneflies are still going strong, and seem to have replaced caddis as the preferred evening, and morning, snack. Hoppers are also in play, with much more to come.
Sun Screen is a great idea right now. The sun is hot. We are not use to it. Burning is not fun. Cover up what you can, and use sun screen on the rest.
Nymphing continues to be probably the most consistent way to put fish in the boat Stonefly nymphs, caddis imitations, and attractor patterns have all been working well. Hopper dropper rigs are a great way to work rifflie waters. A stonefly nymph, or leech, underneath your large foam fly is a fun and effective way to fish.
Streamer fishing continues to be good. Fish have moved back into their more typical lies due to the high temperatures and lower water levels.
Trout spey continues to produce. Skating dries, swinging streamers, and soft hackles have all been working well, depending on the situation, and conditions. Spey casting is a fantastic way to fish that grassy bank that keeps stealing all your flies when you single handed.
Eastern Slopes Update:
The Eastern Slopes are doing great. Tons of bugs, willing fish, beautiful days. What could be better?
Most eastern slope streams are high and clear. Fishing has been good, and should pick up with cooler weather in the forecast. Get out if conditions allow. There are tons of bugs around. Caddis will be the most prevalent, but there are still some stoneflies, and PMD's are showing up in good numbers. Grasshoppers are going bananas' and can be a dream in a ravine, or canyon section on a windy day.
Dries: True Stonefly, Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Yellow & Orange Stimulators, H&L Variant, Parachute PMD & Western Green Drakes, KK's Henneberry Hopper, White Cloud Hopper
Nymphs: Traditional Prince, Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear Nymphs, 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
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.
Click here for course dates and availability.
Water Bottles. We have lots. Stay Hydrated.
Dries: Swisher's Dancing Caddis, Peacock Caddis, Purple Haze, Galloup's Double Stack Caddis, Yellow Rubber Legged Stimulator, RIO's Skater Tot, Chubby Chernobyl, Micro Chubby, RIO's Moorish Hopper, KK's Henneberry Hopper, White Cloud Hopper, Bjorns Hopper, Juicy Hopper.
Streamers: Veil Leech, Bow River Bugger, Sparkle Minnow, Hi Res Bugger, and Skittish Smolt. Leeches: Tungsten Peacock Leech, Fruit Roll Up, Tungsten Ice Leech.
Nymphs: Worm variations, Jimmy Legs, TJ Hooker, Rubber Legged Squirrel, Will's Chai T, Kaleidoscope, Tungsten Prince, Copper John's, BH Extended Body Caddis Pupa, and Caddis Sparkle Pupa.
Trout Spey: Rio's Pocket Rocket, Aqua Stu's Ostrich Intruder, Jerry's WMD Sculpin, RIO's Artificial Intelligence, and AF Mattoli's Spey Bugger.
Mugs. We got lot's. For every, fishing, occasion.
FYI:
As per the Alberta River Basins web application
Bow River Level at Calgary - WSC
Bow River Level at Banff - WSC
Water levels in Banff are on the decline and conditions in, and downstream of, Calgary will mostly depend on the water management upstream. As always, get out there, wade with caution, and enjoy the nice weather.
Tight lines!
FTFS