Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

No tricks - just a treat! Fly fishers in a beautiful wooden boat land a Bow River trout this morning!

A favourable Halloween weather forecast brought out the drift boaters. Similar shuttles to Wednesday, except in this case, we bypassed Mac, stopping in at Glenmore, 22X and Police before heading to Legacy Island and Johnson's Island/Carseland.

The weekend? "Snow. Yup." says David Spence, CTV weather.

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 16°C, mostly cloudy, wind avg 13, max 37.

Bow River at Banff 21 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 55 cms
Bow River below Carseland 85 cms

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from Hatchet Lake Lodge in Northern Saskatchewan!

Flood diversion project no longer based on economic worth, documents show

Signs supporting the DontDamnSpringbank.org movement are posted on fences along Springbank Road. The area is near the proposed Springbank dam and reservoir, and residents are trying the fight the province’s plan.
Photograph by: Colleen De Neve Colleen De Neve, Calgary Herald

Flood diversion project no longer based on economic worth, documents show

Critics say reservoir must make financial sense

By Matt McClure, Calgary Herald October 30, 2014

The province no longer wants projections of economic worth included in the environmental impact assessment report for a proposed $200-million river diversion project to protect Calgary from flooding....

A document obtained by the Herald shows government bureaucrats proposed in July that the report on the Springbank offstream reservoir would need a cost-benefit ratio that would assist the province’s natural resources regulator in deciding whether to approve construction.

But now provincial officials believe the Natural Resources Conservation Board only needs an assessment that estimates the project’s cost and the damages that it would mitigate during major floods to rule on whether the reservoir is in the public interest.

Landowners west of the city, who the province now says could see up to 1,169 hectares of their land expropriated to make way for the canal and reservoir, are concerned the report to the NRCB won’t specifically examine whether the project makes financial sense.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/13ptJIJ

#abwater #abflood

The F3T Canada, The Fly Fishing Film Tour Canada - Calgary - Nov 03, 2014

Fly FIshing Film Tour 2013 from The Fly Fishing Film Tour on Vimeo.


 The F3T Canada, The Fly Fishing Film Tour Canada - Calgary - Nov 03, 2014

Presented by The Fishin' Hole Canada (Calgary)

Beneficiary: http://www.castingforlife.com/

Please bring an item for the Calgary Food Bank. The Safeway $5 or $10 'Care Package' or the $10 Calgary Coop 'Food Bank Bag' are recommended.

Ticket info: http://bit.ly/1nUgh8B
 
http://flyfishingfilmtour.ca/

An evening with David Suzuki in Calgary, Blue Dot - Oct 30, 2014

An evening with David Suzuki in Calgary, Blue Dot - Oct 30, 2014

A limited number of VIP tickets are still available.

http://bluedot.ca/

Flood mitigation is a high priority for premier

Jim Prentice
Photograph by: Darcy Henton, Calgary Herald

Flood mitigation is a high priority for premier

Here are two responses to a Calgary Herald article (Oct 18) "Pouring money into the flood". (read original article here: http://bit.ly/1y2Yahq )

The first is from Kevin Van Tighmam, the second from Premier Jim Prentice.

Kevin Van Tighham writes: 

"This is essentially building a huge new floodplain for the river in order to avoid letting it back onto its actual floodplain. The houses along the Elbow River in Calgary include many occupied by wealthy people the Conservatives are wooing That's why the logical solution - buy them out and give Calgary a magnificent new urban park - is off the table and flooding out rural people who never built on a floodplain is the preferred option. Evidently the golden rule continues to apply down where the river lives: them as has the gold makes the rules."

Jim Prentice op-ed:

Prentice: Flood mitigation is a high priority for premier
By Jim Prentice, Calgary Herald October 21, 2014
Re: “Pouring money into the flood,” Oct. 18.

The flood of June 2013 caused nothing less than catastrophic damage to communities along the Bow and Elbow rivers and all orders of government have the responsibility to mitigate the risk of repeat events. This is the simple underlying reason behind moving forward with key and effective mitigation measures now.
The Springbank Off-Stream Diversion Project meets the important test of being a strong solution that is also cost-effective, environmentally defensible and quickly actionable. That is why I moved to advance this project immediately upon becoming premier.

A Calgary Herald story published Oct. 18 says that the cost-benefits of the project do not add up. I disagree. I would note first and foremost that public safety is of utmost importance to this government and that cannot be measured in dollars alone.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/1wFT9fL

RAM - The Hunt is On - Freemon's

RAM - The Hunt is On - Freemon's - :30 from Finback Films on Vimeo.


We were honoured to screen Finback Films' "Low & Clear" at my 2014 Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festival.

In a collaboration with The Richards Group and Ram Trucks, Finback Films has made 3 new short documentaries each centered around a different aspect of hunting.

We like this one. :-)

Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

Drift boaters who were out today made a good decision. The forecast high was 12°C, but it got all the way up to 15°C! We bypassed Police today, but stopped in at all the other boat launches, from Glenmore and 22X through to Mac, Legacy and Carseland.

Seasonal temps tomorrow only at 8°C for a high, but all the way up to 17°C for Halloween Friday! And then... don't ask. :-(

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 15°C, scattered clouds, wind avg 11, max 33.

Bow River at Banff 22 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 55 cms
Bow River below Carseland 90 cms

Take Me Outside Day - October 29

Take Me Outside Day - October 29

Join us in our mission - To get people, both young and old, outside! We are but a few, and the task is large. And so important.
 
http://www.takemeoutside.ca/

Warmer Weather Returns!

"Other than a cool interlude Thursday, we're looking at above average temperatures in the near future." - David Spence, CTV weather

Don't put your drift boats away just yet!

'Shoulders' by Shane Koyczan and The Short Story Long

Warmer Weather Returns!

Warmer Weather Returns!

"Other than a cool interlude Thursday, we're looking at above average temperatures in the near future." - David Spence, CTV weather

Don't put your drift boats away just yet!

Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

Another small herd of horses that we get to admire along our shuttle route.

Too cold yesterday and today for most drift boaters. But, tomorrow's another story. And Friday's looking downright balmy!

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 8°C, mostly cloudy, wind avg 8, max 13.

Bow River at Banff 22 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 58 cms
Bow River below Carseland 105 cms

DamNation - Coming to Calgary - Nov 26, 2014

DamNation | Trailer from FELT SOUL MEDIA on Vimeo.

DamNation - Coming to Calgary - Nov 26, 2014

Stay tuned...

Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

One is a lonely number...

Too chilly today for much action along the Bow. Some snow is forecast for overnight tonight. And then: "The sky will clear Mon., and after a hard freeze tomorrow night, milder weather will move in for the rest of the week." So says Steve Rothfels, CTV weather.

So, don't put your boats away for another few days. :-) 

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 6°C, mostly cloudy, wind avg 14, max 43.

Bow River at Banff 26 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 67 cms
Bow River below Carseland 92 cms

Skeena River Estuary - Heart of the Skeena

Skeena River Estuary - Heart of the Skeena from SkeenaWild on Vimeo.

Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

These two young lads were fishing upstream of their dad. The older one with a fly rod, the younger with a spinning rod. It was 4.0 °C at that time of the morning. Notice the mitttens. :-)

Today was cooler (seasonal) and breezy, which meant less river traffic. Despite this, there were boats on all the upper reaches, and we also had one trip to Legacy Island.

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 10°C, mostly cloudy, wind avg 9, max 35.

Bow River at Banff 25 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 60 cms
Bow River below Carseland 94 cms

Una bottiglia di plastica gettata a terra?

Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

Still some fall colours showing today in the bright afternoon sunshine.

Traffic along the Bow was up today, with folks floating various reaches between Glenmore and McKinnon.

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 11°C, partly cloudy, wind avg 14, max 39.

Bow River at Banff 26 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 66 cms
Bow River below Carseland 90 cms

Mental health leader to speak on importance of ending stigma

Louise Bradley, CEO of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, is a keynote speaker Thursday on the opening day of Strengthening Our Collective Voice, a national conference in Calgary on mental health.
Photograph by: Crystal Schick, Calgary Herald

This week Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region are hosting the CMHA Nation-Wide Conference: Strengthening Our Collective Voice! Follow the event on Twitter ‪#‎cmhaconf2014‬!

Mental health leader to speak on importance of ending stigma

City hosts national conference this week

By Valerie Fortney, Calgary Herald October 22, 2014

When Louise Bradley settles into her seat on an airplane, the chit chat with her seatmate invariably turns into something much more meaningful.
“When I tell them what I do, every single time they start to tell me about themselves, a family member or someone else close to them,” she says. “Every person has a story to tell — yet it’s the thing we still shroud in secrecy.”

The “thing” Bradley refers to is mental illness, which an estimated 6.7 million Canadians suffer from.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/1xlIFR1

Thoughts on Criticizing “Grip and Grin” Photos

Photo, courtesy Orvis

Thoughts on Criticizing “Grip and Grin” Photos

Phil Monahan, Orvis News, Oct 23 2014

Because I run a blog and Facebook page that often post “grip and grin” photos, I see a lot of negative comments about the way the person in a photograph is holding the fish. The two most common criticisms are that the person is squeezing the fish or holding the fish with dry hands. We don’t post any images that show a fish on the ground or an angler with his fingers in the fish’s gills or mouth, so I don’t see those kinds of negative comments, which I generally agree with.

I am always amazed by the certainty with which the critic makes his assertions, and I wonder whence comes this absolute sense of rightness. Let’s look at two examples:

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

Bow River Fishing Report - Sun Oct 19, 2014

Photo, courtesy Mike V.

Photo, courtesy Mike V.

Bow River Fishing Report - Sun Oct 19, 2014

Thanks to Mike V.

"Good to finally meet you guys, and thanks again for the shuttle.

The river is still producing pretty well - it has been a stellar October...

Awesome float today, and my girlfriend's first time casting flies. While we didn't get much action in the way of risers and the streamer wasn't productive, the nymph rig with a wire worm and a small trailer like a lightning bug or evil weevil was hot, as was swinging boatmen/backswimmer patterns.

The deep inside corners seem to be holding a lot of fish... And the browns are active, which is cool after we had a few rainbow-only days over the summer.

She must be good luck - while she missed a few fiesty rainbows, she was getting the hang of it, improving throughout the day: landing a nice brown that fought deep and netting a beast for me."

The Crazy Game

  
Ex-NHL goalie Clint Malarchuk opens up on mental illness in 'The Crazy Game'

Former hockey goaltender Clint Malarchuk is famous for nearly dying on the ice during an NHL game in 1989 after a wayward skate blade sliced his neck. But in his new memoir, The Crazy Game, he reveals that moment was just one of a handful of near-death experiences. 

Malarchuk joins Jian to talk about his battle with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism. He opens up about his wife Joanie, who was with him when he shot himself in the head, how he continues to deal with mental illness today, and whether he thinks the stigma around it is changing.

More info here:  http://bit.ly/1xeD5zP

Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

Trout Panther II

River traffic has been somewhat light over the past couple of days. Drift boaters who were out probably felt like they had the river mostly to themselves. And with temps still well above the 10°C average for this time of year, I'm sure they were all happy campers. :-) 

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 15°C, mostly cloudy, wind avg 10, max 18.

Bow River at Banff 24 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 58 cms
Bow River below Carseland 93 cms

How Wolves Change Rivers

Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

Reflections of fall

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 16°C, mostly cloudy, wind avg 8, max 26.

Bow River at Banff 25 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 63 cms
Bow River below Carseland 94 cms

Y2Y joint initiative marks 20th anniversary

Maps show the progress of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative from 1993 to 2013. The green represents protected land, such as parks and reserves, and the yellow represents other conservation designations, such as recreation areas and management zones.

Y2Y joint initiative marks 20th anniversary

By Colette Derworiz, Calgary Herald October 20, 2014

CANMORE — Twenty years ago, no one knew whether a vision to protect land along the Rocky Mountains would work. Now it’s part of a global movement that has helped wildlife, plants and wilderness throughout the expansive area.

The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative — a joint Canada-United States non-profit organization — is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Read story here: http://bit.ly/1uAZ3dy

Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative

Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

Although we began our day at the Glenmore Trail/Graves Landing boat launch, today was one of those days where most of our shuttle clients were floating McKinnon to Legacy Island and McKinnon to Carseland.

Calgary made 23 degrees, close to the record of 23.9, set in 1940.

David Spence, CTV weather, reported: "More than two dozen high temperature records were set in Alberta Monday. The highest temperature, 27.3, was recorded at Medicine Hat."

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 23°C, scattered clouds, wind avg 11, max 24.

Bow River at Banff 23 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 61 cms
Bow River below Carseland 92 cms

Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

A Sunday afternoon float trip on the Bow. We stopped in at every boat launch today, including Legacy Island.

'Indian summer forever' - at least that's what Steve Rothfels' headline was last night on his CTV weather post. That was certainly the case today, and will be right through Friday.

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 16°C, mostly cloudy, wind avg 7, max 16.

Bow River at Banff 24 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 64 cms
Bow River below Carseland 93 cms

Who speaks for nature?

Who speaks for nature?

I am water...

Check out this awesome video series by Conservation International here: http://bit.ly/ZAhDtF

Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

A great 'indian summer' forecast brought out the drift boats today. We had shuttle clients floating all reaches of the Bow, from Glenmore and Fish Creek/22X all the way through to Johnson's Island/Carseland.

There is still some colour along the river, especially the small bushes which are various shades of red, green, brown, gold and yellow, as you can see in this photo.

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 19°C, partly cloudy, wind avg 15, max 37.

Bow River at Banff 24 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 58 cms
Bow River below Carseland 94 cms

Report says reservoir costs higher than future flood damage

A car drives along Springbank Road into the area that is ground zero for the Springbank dam and reservoir. Area residents are trying the fight the province’s plan.
Photograph by: Colleen De Neve , Calgary Herald

Report says reservoir costs higher than future flood damage

By Matt McClure, Calgary Herald October 18, 2014

The Alberta government says an estimated $160-million diversion canal and dry reservoir west of Calgary is a “cost-effective” solution to protecting city residents vulnerable to flooding.

But the province’s own preliminary analysis shows it would be cheaper to compensate homeowners for damages every time the Elbow River overflows its banks during the next century than pay now for the massive mitigation project.

Read article here: http://bit.ly/1y2Yahq

Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

Most of our shuttle clients were floating Mac to Legacy today, wih one going from Legacy to Carseland.

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 16°C, overcast, wind avg 9, max 24.

Bow River at Banff 25 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 61 cms
Bow River below Carseland 98 cms

Silver Creek Restoration Project - Oct 18

Click on poster for larger image

More information at this link:  Cows and Fish - Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society

Fish Tales Fly Shop Customer Appreciation Day - Oct 18

Photo, courtesy Fish Tales Fly Shop

Fish Tales Fly Shop Customer Appreciation Day - Oct 18

Fish Tales writes: "Tomorrow is our semi-annual customer appreciation day. We're looking forward to hearing some stories about folks' fishing adventures from the 2014 season.
 
We hope you'll join us for this all day event featuring:

- Hourly games with prizes
- An end of day draw for a $250 Fish Tales gift certificate
- Food from nearby restaurants
- Deals on select items.
 
See you there!"

Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

It was only 4.0 °C, and mostly overcast with mist, when we headed for McKinnon this morning.

Looking ahead: "Fair Friday, Wonderful Weekend" - David Spence, CTV Weather.

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 11°C, mist/overcast, wind avg 10, max 17.

Bow River at Banff 26 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 63 cms
Bow River below Carseland 115 cms

Bow River Fishing Report courtesy Country Pleasures Fly Fishing - Oct 16, 2014

Photo, courtesy Country Pleasures Fly Fishing

Bow River Fishing Report courtesy Country Pleasures Fly Fishing
- Oct 16, 2014

"You should get out fishing. It's the solstice with the mostest." - Country Pleasures

Read report here: http://bit.ly/1wdYyKI

DamNation - Calgary - Nov 26, 2014

DamNation - Calgary - Nov 26, 2014

Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

Fishing from a square stern canoe

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 9°C, mostly cloudy, wind avg 10, max 24.

Bow River at Banff 27 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 71 cms
Bow River below Carseland 112 cms

Wildlife rescue south of Calgary is helping save hundreds of fish

CALGARY- Trout Unlimited and Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource (ESRD) hope to save thousands of fish in their annual fish rescue operation in the Carseland area. Fish that would otherwise be left to die in irrigation canals, are being freed.

Watch video here: bit.ly/1rd84aU

Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

We had shuttle clients putting in at Police and McKinnon this morning

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 17°C, mostly cloudy, wind avg 13, max 43.

Bow River at Banff 26 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 68 cms
Bow River below Carseland 109 cms

2nd Annual Music 4 Life Concert Series - Oct 18, 2014

Click on posteer for larger image

I Will Survive Music 4 Life writes: "Tickets are still available for the 2nd Annual Music 4 Life Concert Series! Great Music, Amazing Silent Auction, Sheldon Kennedy will be our keynote speaker and all to end the stigma surrounding mental illness. 

All proceeds of the event will be donated to the  Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region and the Centre for Suicide Prevention."

http://www.iwillsurviveassociation.com/

Ticket info here: http://bit.ly/1w4LiIi

Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

Our Canadian Thanksgiving Day saw drift boaters floating all reaches of the lower Bow River, from Glenmore through to Johnson's Island/Carsland.

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 17°C, mostly cloudy, wind avg 11, max 20.

Bow River at Banff 29 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 68 cms
Bow River below Carseland 120 cms

Today along the Bow River - October 2014

Photo, © Bow River Shuttles

Lots of sunshine and less river traffic today. This drift boat with red trim stood out against the yellow/gold backdrop of fall colours.

#bowriver #flyfishing

High today 16°C, scattered clouds, wind avg 10, max 26.

Bow River at Banff 29 cms
Bow River at Calgary flow 68 cms
Bow River below Carseland 120 cms