It's busy times in the shop these days. Amid last week's trip cancellations due to weather we've done a complete re-organization of the shop including an on-site install courtesy of SIMMS Fishing. Suffice it to say that while the river was high and dirty the last ten days we've been busily focused on activities within our four walls.

However, the river is back in good condition and it's getting to be the time of year we all dream about.... 

And while it's next week's "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" that's top of mind for thousands, it's the anticipated stampede of golden stoneflies that Southern Alberta anglers are really looking forward to.

The Bow river is dropping and clearing after last week's rains. The forecast shows a warming trend over the next few days. And reports from TransAlta indicate that streamflows will continue to drop - and (ideally) upstream reservoirs will start to fill. 

River clarity improves each day but can still be impacted by precipitation. Current reports have clarity at about 18”.

Flies to try: 

Nymphs: Stonefly nymphs like Jimmy Legs, Smethurst Stone Bombs, Rubber Leg Squirrels, Strolis' Shimmer Stone, San Juan Worm, Gummy Stones, Prince Nymphs/jig Prince Nymphs.

Streamers: Black and White Clousers, Peacock leech, AAron's BT leech, Flesh Eating Sculpins, Dungeons, Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts

Dries: Stonefly dries (SOON) like LLS Chernobyl, Jake's Trigger Belly Foam, Chubby Chuck, Willie's Ants, SKID Bitch, Aaron's Caddis, Swisher's Dancing Caddis. 

Reports from the Eastslope Streams are generally positive and folks have been experiencing good success in the mountains. Stones have started on the mountain streams. There continues to be the possibility of snow in upper elevations - good news for the long-term. 

Until next time. Happy Fishing!