Friday, February 28, 2014

Scientist says Alberta’s flood forecasting tools from ’Stone Age’

Photo, courtesy Calgary Herald

Scientist says Alberta’s flood forecasting tools from ’Stone Age’

By Colette Derworiz, Calgary Herald February 16, 2014

... Kevin Shook, a research scientist with the University of Saskatchewan, suggested the country’s infrastructure is also problematic.

“The investment in infrastructure in Canada is woefully lacking — not simply meteorological stations or hydro-meteorological stations, but all of the infrastructure supporting this kind of effort,” he said. “The number of people we have in Canada doing the river forecasting is absolutely minute.”

Shook, who worked as a river forecaster for Alberta Environment from 1997 to 2007, said he has since visited regional forecast centres in Portland, Ore. and Sacramento, Calif.

“I felt like the poor hillbilly cousin. It was like going from the Stone Age to Star Wars,” he said, adding Alberta’s system is actually one of the better ones compared to some of the other provinces...

Read article here: http://bit.ly/1os2iUK

Looking back along the Bow River - 2012 Season

Photo, © 2012 Bow River Shuttles All right reserved

The fly fisher in the bow of the drift boat is making a cast. Can you spot the fly line?

August 2012

#bowriver #flyfishing

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Minnow Mimics, Small Flies for Big Trout, Competition Nymphing Tactics, Green Rock Worm


Minnow Mimics, Small Flies for Big Trout, Competition Nymphing Tactics, Green Rock Worm

Sat Mar 01 (10 am) At Country Pleasures Fly Fishing - Minnow Mimics - Adam Rich ties some of the best baitfish patterns we know of. From Roosterfish to Trout, his patterns are very effective. Adam will ties his flatwing style streamer as well….very cool!

Sat Mar 01 (12 noon) At Iron Bow Fly Shop - Small Flies for Big Trout - Jim Butt is a permanent fixture on the banks of the lower Bow. Jim has always loved his small flies and recently taken up fishing Tenkara rods. Learn these productive patterns from one of the most knowledgeable anglers we know!!

Sun Mar 02 (1:00 pm): At Fish Tales Fly Shop
- Competition Nymphing Tactics with John Nishi. Learn some tips and tricks for competition nymphing from one of Canada’s leading competition anglers – John Nishi. You can apply what he shares with you to your nymphing strategy in the coming months. John has been a representative on Canada’s fly fishing team for several years.

Tues Mar 04 (12:00 noon) At Bow River Troutfitters - Green Rock Worm (Caddis Larva). Per fly class: Patterns designed to be tied quickly as they are used by guides on local waters. Info including cost http://bit.ly/1ii57nP.

The Final Push

Photo, courtesy Yellowstone to Yukon 
Conservation Initiative/Stephen Legault

The Final Push

Kevin Van Tighem writes:


"Tomorrow is the deadline for public comments on the draft land use plan for the South Saskatchewan region. If you don't have time to wade through the draft plan but want to encourage the government to address the conservation shortcomings of the draft here are some points that you might want to cut and paste into an email to LUF@gov.ab.ca ------

1. Alberta's surviving native prairie should be protected from sale, cultivation and new surface disturbance. Ranching is compatible with conserving the many species at risk on the prairie, but further damage to grasslands isn't.

2. The Castle area has the highest biodiversity in the region and produces a third of our water. It needs protection as a Wildland Park.

3. Off-highway vehicle abuse of our foothills and Front Ranges is out of control and needs to be reined in. Use should be restricted to a few properly-designed trails that don't damage watersheds and wetlands or disturb grizzly and trout habitat. New regulations enabling citizens to initiate prosecutions of offenders would help improve enforcement which is currently very weak.

4. Clearcut logging should no longer be permitted in our river headwaters. New guidelines should require canopy retention methods that enable trees to continue intercepting rain and providing shade for the spring snowpack.

5. Financial incentives that encourage private property owners to restore and maintain wetlands and native grassland and to conserve habitat for species at risk should be put into place as soon as possible.

6. Dry dams and other river engineering should not be considered until the health of the headwater landscapes has been full restored. If there is a need for new dams, trapping of beavers should be prohibited so we can get dams where they are most useful, at no cost to the taxpayer."

More info at Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative and at CPAWS Southern Alberta

Looking back along the Bow River - 2012 Season

Photo, © 2012 Bow River Shuttles All rights reserved

August 2012

#bowriver #flyfishing

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Calgary Hook and Hackle Club - Open House - Feb 26

Photo, © 2014 Bow River Shuttles All rights reserved

Calgary Hook and Hackle Club - Open House

Wednesday, Feb 26, 2014
7:00 pm
Bow Waters Canoe Club

We would like to invite you to come visit the "Hook and Hackle Club". Everyone is welcome. This is a special event where we showcases all that the "Hook and Hackle Club" has to offer. A variety of tables and displays will be setup for our guests to enjoy.

http://hookandhackleclub.org/

Looking back along the Bow River - 2012 Season

Photo, © 2012 Bow River Shuttles All rights reserved

August 2012

#bowriver #flyfishing

Monday, February 24, 2014

Open Door to Solitude


ED from Finback Films on Vimeo.

Open Door to Solitude

Every couple of months, 68-year-old Ed Zevely rides into the Colorado high country to camp for weeks at a time—and he does it completely alone. Through thunderstorms, open meadows and treacherous passes, he finds his own patch of serenity. Far from the modern world, it’s a place where the only goal is to move and breathe, and where you can truly understand the difference between loneliness and solitude.

Bow River Shuttles writes: This short film is from the folks at Finback Films who produced 'Low & Clear', which was the feature film at my Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festival in 2013.

Celebrating Women who Fly Fish


Celebrating Women who Fly Fish

fishpond writes: "A big thank you to everyone who submitted photos in our Celebrating Women who Fly Fish contest. After looking through almost 300 submissions, we have selected 3 of our favorites and want you to pick the winner! The 3 finalists are posted below, congrats to Camille Elizabeth, Tara Olson, and Madeline Brenneman! Whatever photo has the most votes (likes) on Friday will win!"

Looking back along the Bow River - 2012 Season

Photo, © 2012 Bow River Shuttles All rights reserved

August 2012

#bowriver #flyfishing

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Flood coverage is a must for this country

High River’s downtown was hit hard by the June 20 flood, knocking out communications systems including phone and Internet service as the town co-ordinated a massive evacuation.
Photograph by: Jordan Verlage, THE CANADIAN PRESS

Braid: Ottawa must battle insurers on our behalf

Calgary Herald February 12, 2014

... Countless details have to be worked out. Will the feds subsidize policies? Will the provinces? If personal premiums rise, will people kilometres from any flood zone have to pay?

It will be a difficult, but Ottawa has to win. All great cities in this country are on waterways. In southern Alberta, we know what they can do...

Read article here: http://bit.ly/Orpu8n

Related article:  


Ottawa considers flood insurance, Feb 12, 2014

With southern Alberta still recovering from last year’s colossal deluge, the federal government promised in Tuesday’s budget to explore a national program of residential flood insurance while earmarking $200 million over five years for disaster mitigation.

Alberta Finance Minister Doug Horner welcomed Ottawa’s interest in examining national flood insurance, but questioned whether enough infrastructure dollars are set to flow the province’s way.
 

Read here: http://bit.ly/1k15fs3

Looking back along the Bow River - 2012 Season

Photo, © 2012 Bow River Shuttles All rights reserved

August 2012

#bowriver #flyfishing

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Why Wilderness and Water Protection Matter


“Why Wilderness and Water Protection Matter --
and how are we doing in southern Alberta?” - Feb 25, 2014

Featuring Brittany Verbeek and Carolyn Campbell,
Conservation Specialists

Tuesday Feb 25 2014
7:30 pm
Scandinavian Centre, 739 20 Ave, N.W.
Non-members, $10, members, free
http://www.apeironsociety.org/

Looking back along the Bow River - 2012 Season

Photo, © 2012 Bow River Shuttles All rights reserved

August 2012

#bowriver #flyfishing

Friday, February 21, 2014

"Friends of Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festival" anchor Pre-Event Social Gathering


"Friends of Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festival" anchor Pre-Event Social Gathering

Several old Friends and a couple of new ones set the tone for a lively social atmosphere as film fest fans streamed into the Cardel Theatre lobby. I always appreciate the time and energy everyone puts into making Back Cast FFFF a very special evening for the local fly fishing community.

Southern Alberta Fly Fishing League | Trout Unlimited Canada | Calgary Women Fly Fishers Club | Calgary Hook and Hackle Club | CPAWS Southern Alberta | McLennan Fly Fishing | Casting for Life http://www.castingforlife.com/

All Photos, © 2014 Bow River Shuttles
Gary Hanke (left), founder of Southern Alberta Fly Fishing League (SAFFL)





  
Lesley Peterson, Calgary Women Fly Fishers Club 



 Daniel Young, President of Calgary Hook and Hackle Club



Kate Semrau, CPAWS Southern Alberta



Lynda and Jim McLennan, McLennan Fly Fishing

Jim was on hand with his new book 'Trout Streams of Alberta'



(from left) Kathy Hamilton and Erin Langridge, Casting for Life

http://www.castingforlife.com/

Chironomids, Flats Fishing & Puff Shrimp


Chironomids, Flats Fishing & Puff Shrimp

Sat Jan 22 (10 am) At Country Pleasures Fly Fishing - Unlocking the Mysteries of Chironomids: Terry Antoniuk has a wealth of experience with chironomid fishing. This seminar will unlock the secrets of flies and techniques.

Sat Jan 22 (12 noon) At Iron Bow Fly Shop - Tying Seminar!! Alan Youell and his wife spend all of their spare time tramping around the Caribbean searching for Permit, Bonefish and Tarpon. Alan will explain some of the intricacies of fishing the flats while tying some of his most successful patterns. If your headed south this is one you won't want to miss.

Tues Feb 25 (12:00 noon) At Bow River Troutfitters - Puff Shrimp. Per fly class: Patterns designed to be tied quickly as they are used by guides on local waters. Info including cost http://bit.ly/1ii57nP.

Looking back along the Bow River - 2012 Season

Photo, © 2012 Bow River Shuttles All rights reserved

August 2012

#bowriver #flyfishing

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Perogy Boyz a hit at Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festival!

All Photos, © 2012 Bow River Shuttles All rights reserved

The Perogy Boyz food truck kicked off an evening of fun and entertainment at the Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festival last night!

They did a fine job of serving up generous portions of Perogies in three variations. And yes, the Chocolate Dessert Perogies tasted just a good as they looked!






Looking back along the Bow River - 2012 Season

Photo, © 2012 Bow River Shuttles All rights reserved

August 2012

#bowriver #flyfishing

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

'Supporters of Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festival' step up in a big way!

'Supporters of Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festival' step up in a big way!

Bring some extra coin to support our bucket raffle that will be set up in the lobby of the Cardel Theatre. Proceeds to support youth fly fishing.

We have 36 items up for grabs, which have been donated by our ‘Supporters of Back Cast FFFF’.

https://backcastflyfishingfilmfestival2014.eventbrite.ca/



Sunday, February 16, 2014

The Perogy Boyz at Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festival - Feb 19, 2014



The Perogy Boyz at Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festival - Feb 19, 2014
 

Enjoy a tasty dinner and some great movies! The Perogy Boyz food truck on site. Gourmet Eastern European-inspired street food!
 

Doors open, and dinner is served, at 5:00 pm

2013 Winner Best Food Truck | Fast Forward Magazine
2013 Readers’ Choice Award | Calgary Herald

http://perogyboyz.com/
https://twitter.com/PerogyBoyz
https://www.facebook.com/perogyboyz

https://backcastflyfishingfilmfestival2014.eventbrite.ca/

South Saskatchewan Regional Plan moves closer to completion


South Saskatchewan Regional Plan moves closer to completion

By Ian McDonald, Global News, Feb 11, 2014

****The deadline to submit your comments on S. Alberta's Land Use Plan is Feb 28th. Your voice is really important. Go to www.y2y.net to send in your comments. **** ‪#‎SSRP‬
 

Watch video news clip & read text here: http://bit.ly/1gQlk1L

Looking back along the Bow River - 2012 Season

Photo, © 2012 Bow River Shuttles All rights reserved

August 2012

#bowriver #flyfishing

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Countdown to Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Fest 2014 - Only 4 more days!


Countdown to Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festival 2014

Only 4 more days!

"ITU'S BONES" coming to Calgary Feb 19, 2014!

CANADIAN PREMIERE

'Itu's Bones' was sponsored by Patagonia, Sage, Costa Del Mar and Rio

"Itu's Bones" tells the story of expert net fisherman Itu (ee-too) Davey as he makes the journey from subsistence gill-netter to pro fly fishing guide. This compelling, and controversial story features the importance of marine reserves and sustainable fisheries.

2011 | Official Selection | Fly Fishing Film Tour
2012 | Official Selection | Raindance Film Festival (U.K.)
2012 | Finalist: People & The Sea | Blue Ocean Film Festival

https://backcastflyfishingfilmfestival2014.eventbrite.ca/

Orvis Trout Bum of the Week XX: Maggie Mae Kuhlman

Maggie Mae Kuhlman landed this 27-inch beast on the Madison River inside Yellowstone National Park.
All photos courtesy Maggie Mae Kuhlman

Orvis Trout Bum of the Week XX: Maggie Mae Kuhlman

A couple years ago, we ran a series called “Trout Bum of the Week,” in which we highlighted some of the guys living the good life. . .of a sort. (See the bottom of this post for a link to the previous installments.) This is our second round of profiles. Most of the subjects are guides who have turned their passion into a vocation, spending their time in an outdoor “office” that may include a drift boat, gorgeous mountain scenery, and crystal clear water. Others do have day jobs but manage to spend every other available minute on the water with a fly rod in hand. Whether you aspire to one lifestyle or the other, it’s illuminating to explore the different paths these men and women have taken on their way to achieving “trout bum” status.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/1cK6oPS

Looking back along the Bow River - 2012 Season

Photo, © 2012 Bow River Shuttles All rights reserved

August 2012

#bowriver #flyfishing

Friday, February 14, 2014

Southern Alberta Fly Fishing League at Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Fest


Southern Alberta Fly Fishing League will be one of several "Friends of Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festivall" who will be joining us next week on Feb 19 at the Cardel Theatre. 
Come early for the 'Pre Event Social' and meet founder Gary Hanke and his admin team! Doors open at 5:00 pm.

https://backcastflyfishingfilmfestival2014.eventbrite.ca/

Computer model forecast flooding in Calgary 10 days before deluge

Flooded areas of Stampede Park are pictured on June 21, 2013. Using a supercomputer, researchers in England could see the Bow River was almost certain to surge in late June.
Photograph by: Gavin Young, Calgary Herald

Computer model forecast flooding in Calgary 10 days before deluge

E.U. researchers predicted surge of Bow River

By Matt McClure, Calgary Herald February 10, 2014

Ten days before Calgary was inundated last summer, supercomputers half a world away were spitting out predictions that showed the city would soon be flooded.

Using state-of-the-art weather forecasts that can see rain coming weeks before clouds appear on the horizon and a mathematical model that calculates how precipitation runs off anywhere in the world, Lorenzo Alfieri and his team of researchers in Reading, England, could see that the Bow River was almost certain to surge in late June to levels higher than those seen during the disastrous 2005 floods.

Read article here: http://bit.ly/M5gog5

V-Day: One Billion Rising - Feb 14


  
V-Day: One Billion Rising - Feb 14

One Billion Rising | Canada

http://www.onebillionrising.org/

Sundance short film 'One Billion Rising' documents global dance movement to end violence

By Sandy Cohen, Calgary Herald/The Associated Press February 11, 2014

Read article here: http://bit.ly/MkLzUI

Looking back along the Bow River - 2012 Season

Photo, © 2012 Bow River Shuttles All rights reserved

August 2012

#bowriver #flyfishing

Thursday, February 13, 2014

McLennan Fly Fishing at Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festival - Feb 19


McLennan Fly Fishing will be one of several "Friends of Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festival" who will be joining us next week on Feb 19 at the Cardel Theatre. Come early for the 'Pre Event Social' and meet Jim and Lynda! Doors open at 5:00 pm.

They will have on hand a supply of Jim's books, including the just-published 'Trout Streams of Alberta', their CDs - 'Six String Gumbo' as well as the just-released 'Dancing on Air' -, information on McLennan Fly Fishing Schools 2014, McLennan Western Calendars, and photos cards.

Trout Streams of Alberta (Revised and Updated 2014)

A national best-seller, published in 1996, winner of the Andy Russell Nature Writing Award, Trout Streams of Alberta is once again available.

Dancing on Air

A new 'Accoustic Folk Jazz' CD from Jim & Lynda McLennan.

https://backcastflyfishingfilmfestival2014.eventbrite.ca/

Big Sky Documentary Film Festival 2014 - Feb 15-23



Family FISH-tival - Sat Feb 15


Only TWO days to go!

Bow Habitat Station writes: "Wondering what special activities we have planned indoors? Feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, create your own family of fish in the Kid's Craft Zone, spin the wheel to test your fish ID skills to win some cool prizes, and MORE - all for only $5 per person!"

Looking back along the Bow River - 2012 Season

Photo © 2012 Bow River Shuttles All rights resrved

The birds, near Mckinnon Flats

August 2012


#bowriver #flyfishing

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

2014 FACE to FACE: Tayler Wilton and John Leslie

2014 Eight-Weight Rod & Reel Shootout


2014 Eight-Weight Rod Shootout

Learn more here: http://bit.ly/1aObQA1

2014 Eight-Weight Reel Shootout

Learn more here: http://bit.ly/1fin9lR

Canmore plans for early flood warning system sparks debate

Work continues on flood mitigation measures on Cougar Creek in
Canmore on Wednesday. The creek became a raging torrent during the June flood, causing heavy damage in the town.
Photograph by: Gavin Young, Calgary Herald

Canmore plans for early flood warning system sparks debate

Town officials, experts differ on value of system

By Colette Derworiz, Calgary Herald February 5, 2014

.... At least one local expert suggested it’s not a good idea for the town to start its own early warning system.

“I advised them not to go there,” said John Pomeroy, a University of Saskatchewan hydrologist who owns a home in Canmore. “A town shouldn’t be in the forecasting or prediction business.

“They don’t have the technical capability or depth of knowledge to do it adequately.”

Forecasting, he said, should be done at the highest levels — such as Environment Canada or Alberta Environment....

Read article here: http://bit.ly/1kD20dq

Looking back along the Bow River - 2012 Season

Photo, © 2012 Bow River Shuttles All rights reserved

Coaching the next generation.  

August 2012

#bowriver #flyfishing