Nymphing is still your best chance at catching fish. Continue to focus on deeper pools and runs. These should be fished as slowly and as deeply as possible. Hitting bottom occasionally is recommended. If you are not ticking along the bottom at some point in your drift you probably should add split shot and/or more tippet.

The streamer fishing was improving, and when fishing resumes later in the week it will still be deep and slow. 

Trout spey uses casts based off the roll cast that can be used in tight situations where a back cast is impossible, or to cover open water more efficiently. The distance and ease of casting make ideal for "seasoned" anglers. If you are interested in trying something new, or giving the shoulder a rest, maybe give spey casting a try.

Hatches of midges will resume with the return to warm weather, but will be less active during to prevailing cold weather. Watch back eddies and soft inside edges of pool for snouts. If you do see risers, long leaders and small dry flies are the way to go.

How does your fly line look? Does it need a clean? Or have you been using the same double taper for the last 20 years? A new fly line may be in order, or maybe it just needs cleaning.

Pinch your barbs. This will help to ensure releasing fish is easier on both you and the fish. A net, and/or catch and release tool, can help with this process.

Need more fly tying materials for your secret pattern? Not so secret pattern? We have lots!

Our Level 1 Fly Fishing Course a full day introduction to fly fishing. Half is spent in a classroom environment, learning about equipment, tying knots, deciphering river structure, insect life and more. The other half will be outside for an afternoon dry-land casting session.

This full day course costs $150, lunch included. Register in-store, by phone, or on-line.

The first three sessions, May 5, 11, and 25th are full. The next available date is Sunday June 2. Click here for further course dates and availability. 

Check out what else is available on our courses page. 

Please note: 

As per the Government of Alberta Website

March 11 snowpack survey results 

Of the March 11 snow surveys completed by Environment and Protected Areas staff, 22 were either below average or much below average, and 11 were average or above average. This marks an improvement compared to February, when all but 2 were below average or much below average.

Oldman River basin – 5 of the 7 locations surveyed are now within the bottom portion of the normal range. The remaining 2 locations are approximately 80 mm below the normal range.

Bow River basin– 7 of the 21 locations surveyed are now within the normal range. 10 sites are between 30 and 40 mm below the normal range, and 2 sites (Mount Odlum and Three Isle Lake) were approximately 100 mm below the normal range.

Red Deer River basin – The two snow survey locations in the Red Deer basin were both average.

North Saskatchewan River basin– 2 of the 3 sites surveyed were average, while the remaining site (Marmot-Jasper) was much below average.

Bow River Flies to try: 

Dries: When the weather improves maybe give midges a try. Midges: Doug's Gnatty Boy, Griffith's Gnat, Parachute Midges, and Zebra Midges. For BWO patterns: Double Vision BWO's, or Foam Emerger BWO Biot are worth a try. 

Streamers: Tungsten CH Sparkle Yummy, Karnopp's Space Invader, Tungsten Found Ya Bugger, Bow River Bugger, or Clouser Minnow. Small leech patterns like an Aaron's Leech, Tungsten Peacock Leech, and black, brown or olive Woolly Buggers.

Nymphs: Wire Worm, Atomic Worm, Ninch's Fish Finder, Chenille Worm Dropper, Will's Chai T, Kaleidoscope, TJ Hooker, Tungsten Prince, Copper John's, Zebra Midge's (Red, Olive or Black), and Tung Brassie Copper. 

Trout Spey: Aqua Stu's Ostrich Intruder, Jerry's WMD Sculpin, Mini Me Graboid, Mike's Mini Sculpin Black, and AF Mattoli's Spey Bugger.

Keep warm until the weather changes and then get out there. Tight lines!

FTFS