Brown Trout stocked in Alberta ponds

Timelapse: Vine Creek prescribed fire (Jasper National Park) - May 23, 2015

If you thought the first timelapse video of the Vine Creek prescribed fire in Jasper National Park was awesome. This next one will blow you away. Visible from Highway 16, Parks Canada fire crews used helicopters to burn 500 hectares of forest on the slopes of Mount Greenock, on the west side of Athabasca River, May 23. The area is known as the Vine Creek fire unit. The Vine Creek prescribed fire was in the works for more than eight years, but was continually postponed as Parks waited for the perfect conditions to carry it out. Check out Thursday's Fitzhugh to learn more about prescribed fires in Jasper National Park.Credit: Parks Canada, R. Bray.

Posted by The Fitzhugh on Tuesday, May 26, 2015

2015 Top Ten Endangered Places List (Canada)

Photo, courtesy Robin Bodnaruk

Heritage Canada The National Trust released their list yesterday for 2015's most endangered places. The top 10 featured the Peace River Valley relating the construction of the Site C dam.

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

H/T to Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative

Building an International Trout Conservation Community

http://troutcongress.org/ | ‪#‎bowriver‬ | ‪#‎flyfishing‬ | ‪#‎yyc‬

The City of Calgary Flood Readiness Information Sessions - May 27 & 28

The City of Calgary Flood Readiness Information Sessions

The risk of river flooding is the greatest in Calgary from May 15 to July. To help Calgarians understand the risk and prepare for potential flood events, The City of Calgary is hosting two flood readiness information sessions – one for the Bow River and one for the Elbow River.

Calgarians are invited to attend presentations and meet with representatives from The City and the Province of Alberta to learn how they are currently prepared for potential flood events. TransAlta Utilities will be in attendance for the May 27 session to talk about their operations on the Bow River.

Bow River Flood Readiness Information Session
Wednesday, May 27
Foothills Academy (745 37 Street N.W.)
Presentation: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Open House: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Elbow River Flood Readiness Information Session
Thursday, May 28
B’nai Tikvah Temple Social Hall (900 47 Avenue S.W.)
Presentation: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Open House: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

For more information on what The City is doing to build flood resiliency and to sign up for The City’s Flood Readiness community e-newsletter visit www.calgary.ca/floodinfo
 
‪#‎bowriver‬ | ‪#‎elbowriver‬ | ‪#‎flyfishing‬ | ‪#‎yyc‬

Fire Ban In Effect

Alberta Wildfire Info : "Effective May 25 at noon, the province is applying a full fire ban to Alberta's forests.

The fire ban applies to the province’s Forest Protection Area (FPA).

What is prohibited? All open fires are banned, including campfires in campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas. This includes charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.

Please check www.albertafirebans.ca daily for detailed information about restrictions and locations."

http://alberta.ca/release.cfm…

"The Invisible Migration"

Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition writes: "Each year hundreds of millions of tiny wild salmon smolts begin an incredible journey. These young fish swim as far as 600km through the brown, swirling waters of the Skeena river to the sanctuary of the Skeena estuary. It's called the invisible migration because you can't see them below the high spring flows - but they're there - in giant plumes of baby salmon.

Did you know 93% of the entire Skeena watershed sockeye population comes from the Babine and 100% of all our salmon go to Skeena Estuary?

Lake Babine Nation Fisheries, the Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition and SkeenaWild Conservation Trust are hosting events across the watershed. Join the Celebration!"

World Fish Migration Day May 21, 2016 | http://www.worldfishmigrationday.com/

Drift Boat Etiquette: Rules of the Road

Photo, Floating British Columbia's Elk River (photo: Chad Shmukler)

Drift Boat Etiquette: Rules of the Road

by Joe Demalderis, Hatch Magazine, May 21, 2015

In its simplest form, etiquette is nothing more than doing the right thing at the right time given a particular situation. Some of these rules have been written down, but most have not. So without a formal written code how do we know the correct conduct for a particular situation? Generally, determining the right thing to do -- following the rules of etiquette -- can usually be accomplished by leveraging common sense and always taking into consideration how you'd like to be treated if your role in the situation at hand was reversed.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/1LxJk9w

‪#‎bowriver‬ | ‪#‎flyfishing‬ | ‪#‎yyc‬ | ‪#‎KeepEmWet‬

Trout seized from anglers on the Bow River

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement writes: These trout were seized from anglers on the Bow River. They are all over 35 cm, and according to the regulations, trout that size from the Bow River must be released. The rules may vary according to species of fish and section of the river. Some sections are even closed to fishing right now. 

We encourage all anglers to check this page for the full breakdown, and know before you go: http://www.albertaregulations.ca/fishingregs/es1.html

H/T to Mike Kelly

Invasive mussels intercepted on boat bound for Sylvan Lake

Photo, courtesy ESRD, Government of Alberta

Invasive mussels intercepted on boat bound for Sylvan Lake

By Karen Bartko, Global News, May 20, 2015

"...There was a close call this past May long weekend, when the mussels were found on a boat bound for one of the province’s most popular lakes. The boat, originally from Ontario, was headed to Sylvan Lake in central Alberta on Sunday night when it was stopped at a watercraft inspection station meant to prevent the spread of zebra and quagga mussels...

...The province estimates an infestation in Alberta could cost the province more than $75 million annually. In April, the government amended the Fisheries Act, making it mandatory for all vehicles carrying or towing a water-based vessel, like a boat or Sea-Doo, to stop at any inspection station they come upon. Bypassing one can result in fines up to $100,000 or 12 months in prison... "

Read more here: http://globalnews.ca/…/invasive-mussels-intercepted-on-boa…/

‪#‎bowriver‬ | ‪#‎flyfishing‬ | ‪#‎invasivespecies‬ | ‪#‎zebramussels‬ | ‪#‎yyc‬ | ‪#‎calgary‬

Legacy Island Tree Wrap & Clean-up Day - Sunday May 24, 2015

Click on poster for larger image

Trout Unlimited Canada - Bow River Chapter | Trout Unlimited Canada | ‪#‎BowRiver‬ | ‪#‎flyfishing‬ | ‪#‎yyc‬

Calgary Hook and Hackle Club Auction - A Look Back

Club volunteer auctioneers. G. A. Christian Bilou (left) and Stan Ainslie

"The auction was a success and I would like to thank all who attended and spent their money in such a down turn in our ecomony." - Club President Daniel Young
 

Live Auction stuff

There were 11 trips and lessons donated by club members for the Live Auction - float trips, walk & wade trips, flytying lessons and casting lessons.

Bow River Shuttles donation to the Calgary Hook and Hackle Club Silent Auction - "Fly Fishing Movie Madness" package

View more photos here:  http://on.fb.me/1Jp5eg7

Enforcement increased on eastern slopes public lands

Enforcement increased on eastern slopes public lands

by ESRD, May 14, 2015

Alberta is putting more people on the ground in the eastern slopes this summer to raise awareness around safe and responsible use of public lands.

Learn more here: http://alberta.ca/release.cfm…

Tree Wrap & Clean-up Day - May 24

Photo, courtesy Trout Unlimited Canada - Bow River Chapter

"We invite you to join the Trout Unlimited Canada - Bow River Chapter for a Tree Wrapping and Clean Up Day at Legacy Island on Sunday May 24, 2015 from 10AM to 4PM.

While the boat launch at Legacy Island was cleaned up following the 2013 flood, there is still significant debris and garbage scattered around the island. In addition, numerous trees on the island either require new wrapping or require repair to old wrapping - an initial survey of the island indicates approximately 70 trees require wrapping.

Wrapping mature trees such as the Cottonwoods along the Bow River with a metal wire protects them from beaver damage and downing which in some areas has devastated riparian vegetation along the Bow River. This is an easy and effective method to protect our mature trees in the riparian area which are essential to bank stabilization and contribute to a healthy ecosystem.

More details will be circulated the week of May 17, 2015. Please come donate a few hours of your time, bring a friend and your work gloves. Your support is appreciated."

More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1597983493777067/

Street to Stream 'Yard Blitz' - May 23

Click on poster for larger image

The Cows and Fish - Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society Street to Stream Residential Demonstration “Yard Blitz” will take place on May 23rd, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, along the Bow River in Calgary’s Inglewood neighbourhood. This is a hands-on opportunity to learn more about rain gardens, riparian buffers and more.

Click here to register: http://bit.ly/1bO4CD3

Spaces are limited, so register early to save your spot!

Bow River Shuttles 11th Annual Used Drift Boat Sale - A Look Back

Bow River Shuttles is pleased to have been partnered with the Trout Unlimited Canada - Bow River Chapter "Tackle Swap" event over the past eleven years.

This year's version saw five boats on display, including two very fine wooden boats. 

Special 'thanks' to all the boat owners for making the effort to bring their boats out, as well as to those who purcashed a boat.

Back To The Land

JEREMY FOKKENS | BACK TO THE LAND from Human Impact Stories on Vimeo.

The lady fly fisher is Susan Douglas-Murray of Crowsnest Café & Fly Shop

‪#‎CrowsnestRiver‬ | ‪#‎BowRiver‬ | ‪#‎FlyFishing‬ | ‪#‎KeepEmWet‬ | ‪#‎yyc‬

CMHA's 64th Annual Mental Health Week - May 4-10, 2015

 

Eager to get involved in ‪#‎MentalHealth‬ Week? The Canadian Mental Health Association is hosting events and activities all across Canada. Join seminars, open houses, film screenings, art shows and walks to promote positivity around mental health.

For a full listing of events, please visit: www.mentalhealthweek.ca. And don’t forget to ‪#‎GETLOUD‬!

Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region http://mentalhealthweek.cmha.ca/ http://getloud.mentalhealthweek.ca/

Trout Unlimited Canada - Bow River Chapter "Tackle Swap" - A Look Back

You've got to get there early to be first through the door.

Trout Unlimited Canada - Bow River Chapter "Tackle Swap" - A Look Back

The 2015 "Tackle Swap" was the biggest year yet in terms of bookings, with 28 tables sold (sellout is 30) plus 5 used boats. There was also a consensus that a record turnout of people showed up to buy goods.

Thanks to George Samaha for organizing and coordinating this event, along with a lot of help from Stephen Fairley. Longtime TUC volunteers Craig Robillard and Craig Cooper also contributed to the success of this year's event. 

George Samaha writes: "It warms my heart to see a record crowd of participants and buyers at the sale to raise money for Trout Unlimited as it is something I hold dear to my heart. These funds will be used to sustain our local fishery and sustain it for our next generation. I look forward to seeing everyone next year."

 #bowriver | #flyfishing | #yyc | #TUC | #TUCBowRiverChapter

Event Coordinator George Samaha (white T shirt) and Trout Unlimited Canada - Bow River Chapter volunteer Stephen Fairley (left)

West Winds Fly Shop - May 09, 2015

West Winds Fly Shop - May 09, 2015

Meet the new ownership, enjoy a BBQ & grab some gear at a great price!

7th Annual Chica De Mayo Women's Fly Fishing Event

7th Annual Chica De Mayo Women's Fly Fishing Event

Thursday, May 7, 2015 - 6:00pm

Chica De Mayo – Women’s Fly Fishing Event

WHEN: Thursday, May 7th 2015, 6:00PM-8:00PM
*5:30 PM Pre-Event Casting Clinic with Diana Rudolph

WHERE: The Gallatin Gateway Inn (NEW Location!)

Hey ladies – it’s almost time for the best fly fishing party of the year. The River's Edge Fly Shop is hosting the 7th Annual Chica de Mayo! 

This ever-growing and popular ladies event will be held at The Gallatin Gateway Inn this year. So, leave the guys at the river and come out for a fun evening designed just for you! 

This year, we are excited to have Millie Paini of the TroutHunter Fishing Lodge join us and share her perspectives on fly fishing. New this year, we are having a “Pre-Event” Casting Clinic with Diana Rudolph for those who are interested in learning more about fly casting. The “Pre-Event” Casting Clinic will start at 5:30 PM sharp and is free to ladies who want to attend. 

Casting for Recovery Staff and The Row-for-a-Cure pink drift boat will be on-hand and there will be opportunities to support some great causes. Did we mention there will be fantastic prizes, food and drink, and Limited Edition Chica de Mayo t-shirts for sale? Oh, and The Sweet Groovalicious Funk Machine will round out the evening with some live funk music? 

So grab a girlfriend and come hang out with some fun and fishy women! For more information call The River’s Edge at 406.586.5373 or 406.284.2401

The Gallatin Gateway Inn is located 76405 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
- See more at: http://www.theriversedge.com/events#sthash.QjsGnnh7.dpuf

The Important Places

THE IMPORTANT PLACES. from gnarly bay on Vimeo.

AFTA (American Fly Fishing Trade Association) writes: "Lovely way to spend 10 minutes of your day. Where are the important places in your life? Chances are they have something to do with water..."
 
American Rivers writes: "New short film about the relationship between a father and son, and how the Colorado River and Grand Canyon was the thread to reconnect them. And the value of reconnecting with our own “important place,” wherever that may be."

2015 Missoula Orvis Guide Rendezvous

2015 Missoula Orvis Guide Rendezvous from Fokus Outdoor on Vimeo.

#‎OGR2015‬ | ‪#‎Orvis‬ | ‪#‎flyfishing‬ | ‪#‎yyc‬ | ‪#‎bowriver‬ | ‪#‎KeepEmWet‬

Co2ld Waters: An Angler’s Look at Climate Change

COLD WATERS from Conservation Hawks on Vimeo.

Co2ld Waters: An Angler’s Look at Climate Change

by Tim Romano, Field & Stream, April 29, 2015

Back in November of 2014 Kirk eluded to a little film that I was involved in that included some major heavy weights from the outdoor and fishing industry called Co2ld Waters. Why I was included on this list I’ll never quite understand. Putting a semi-balding, half-ass fly caster in a film that was in the fly fishing film tour was confounding to me, but I went along with it because of the folks I was lucky enough to rub shoulders with and share a day fishing in an amazing place.

That, and the fact that the film is wrapped around the theme of fishing and what climate change is going to mean for the sport that we all love. That is something near and dear to my heart and something I can get behind. Especially now that I have a little one. I worry more about what we’re leaving her than what it’s going to mean for me. While not one for self promotion, as that’s not what this film is about, I did feel the need to share it here. It’s not really offering a solution, but that wasn’t the point. Deep down I know that we as individuals can have very little impact on this issue, but as a whole, if we speak up as sportsmen we can move the needle with government and people that matter. That will most likely be the only way forward. Why this whole issue is so contentious is beyond me, but I’m gonna hang it out there and post here. Watch the film, feel free to share your thoughts and pass it along if you also feel strongly about the issue.