Bow River Access - Stoney Trail SE/Calgary Ring Road

All photos: Bow River Shuttles

Between now and the end of 2013, fly fishers travelling to Policeman’s Flats or McKinnon Flats will have to run the gauntlet of construction that will be taking place along Highway 22X, especially at McKenzie Lake Blvd SE, Deerfoot Trail SE, 52 St SE and 88 St SE. The same goes for Deerfoot Trail at 196 Ave SE.

Some work began in the fall of 2010. However, activity has really revved up over the past couple of months.

Click directly on image for larger map

Click here for more information, including maps of each interchange

SID7 is live!

More interesting stuff from freelance writer and photographer Aaron Otto (AKA Sleeping In the Dirt) and his friends.

SID7

Battle At F-Stop Ridge

Camera Store (Calgary) produces a great video. http://bit.ly/CameraStore

Alberta May Long Weekend

The New Fly Fisher – May/July 2011

One of the feature articles in this issue is Dave Jensen’s “Principles of Sight Fishing: Part 1 Finding the Fish”. Lots of great information and some beautiful photos!

Those who attended my Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festival earlier this year will remember Dave and Amelia being awarded “Best Film” for their short film “Q the X”. Others will know Dave from the “Sight Fishing” presentation he did at one of the recent TUC-Bow River Chapter’s ‘Social Nights’ in Calgary.

You’ll also enjoy ‘Streamers for Big Trout’. This article includes several embedded videos, including one which features Kelly Galloup.

In fact, there a number of other video clips scattered throughout the mag – one of the benefits of an on-line publication.

Actually, this issue is dubbed ‘The Stillwater Special’, so you’ll find good info on that topic as well.

The New Fly Fisher

Today's Pic

An evening float: 22X to Police.

The Bow is Below

The Bow and Elbow rivers are the source of drinking water for all Calgarians. Maintaining the water quality in these rivers is important to ensure that high-quality drinking water is available for future generations. It is equally important to the fish and wildlife that call these waterways home.

Go online, between May 18 and June 22, and answer a short three question survey for your chance to win one of 10 prizes:

A river rafting adventure for two
An educational session learning to fly fish on the Bow River
A family fun package touring some local attractions
A Yard Smart package that includes a composter, rain barrel and diverter kit

Learn more about “The Bow is Below” and access the survey: here

Via: City of Calgary Blog

Saskatoon rocks!

Well actually, it’s The Sheepdogs who rock. It was announced today that they made the final cut and are now in the Top 2!

If you like their sound, please vote, vote and vote some more. :-)

It would be really cool if a Canadian band, especially one from Saskatoon, made the cover of the Rolling Stone!

Rolling Stone – Choose the Cover – The Sheepdogs

“Canadian band The Sheepdogs makes it into final of Rolling Stone talent contest” - Vancouver Sun, May 18, 2011

Ten & Two Magazine - Issue #4

Ten & Two focuses on the ‘journey’. In this case, to the South Island of New Zealand.

In addition to covering the obvious, fly fishing, they also explore local history, food, culture, art and environmental concerns. There is even an article ‘South Island Birding’.

Catch the writing of Robert Tomes in ‘Owen River Magic’. Drool over David Lambroughton's fine photography. Both are 30 year veterans of NZ streams.

Ten & Two Magazine

Have Your Say

The Land-use Framework established seven new land-use regions and the requirement to develop a regional plan for each. The regions are:

•Lower Peace
•Upper Peace
•Lower Athabasca
•Upper Athabasca
•South Saskatchewan
•North Saskatchewan
•Red Deer

The regions are named after their major watersheds to show that land and watershed planning will be integrated.

The Lower Athabasca Regional Plan is the first one out of the gate.

"The Lower Athabasca Regional Plan will identify and set resource and environmental management outcomes for air, land, water and biodiversity, and guide future resource decisions while considering social and economic impacts

Complete the Workbook. Deadline for online submission is 4:30 p.m., June 6, 2011

Public Sessions:

At the public sessions you will have a chance to speak with government representatives, gain an understanding of the draft regional plan and proposed regulations, provide your feedback and fill out the workbook.

Edmonton
Tuesday, May 17
Ramada Hotel and
Conference Centre
11834 Kingsway Avenue

Calgary
Thursday, May 19
Radisson Hotel
Calgary Airport
2120 – 16 Avenue N.E.

More information about the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan here

Beware of side channels & beavers

Thursday May 12
Policeman’s Flats to McKinnon Flats

The day was very slow, windy, and long. The water clarity was poor up to Highwood, and non-existent afterwards.

We had only one fish, a 16-inch rainbow caught on a nymph. Still enjoyed the float though, and very much appreciated the shuttle (there were three guys stranded at Mac because their shuttle service did not move their car. Ouch!).

We took a side channel below Highwood, but got in trouble because of a beaver dam. I would certainly not recommend it to other floaters (we were okay because my boat is light and easily portable).

There was a flock of Franklin Gulls feeding on midges and BWOs, and that was something to see.

THANKS TO MARTIN L. FOR THIS EMAIL REPORT.

Photo: Bow River Shuttles

Alberta’s different. Don’t worry! Be happy!

Last week, researchers at Duke University released a study which found that well water collected near shale gas drilling and fracking sites contained high levels of leaked methane.

Shale gas linked to bad water

In Alberta, Environment Minister Rob Renner said that citizens here should not be concerned because our regulations are ‘different’.

Alberta shuns U.S. shale gas drilling fears

Photo: AP

Sunday on the Bow River

McKinnon Flats Sunday May 15 2011. Photo: Bow River Shuttles

We cross over Fish Creek most every morning, and we’ve been watching the water volume gradually decrease over the past number of days. So it was no surprise when we noticed this morning that the water colour on the Bow River had improved at both the Fish Creek and Policeman’s Flats boat launches. Green without the brown tinge.

However, we were a bit surprised to see some improvement in the water colour at McKinnon Flats, although not as pronounced. Looking at the river flow charts this evening, it is evident that the flow rate at the mouth of the Highwood has declined a wee bit over the past couple of days.

Ultimate Fishing Town Canada

They’re down to the ‘top 20 towns’ in the WFN ‘Ultimate Fishing Town Canada’. Calgary didn’t make the cut. But Athabasca, Alberta did, as did Nipawin, Saskatchewan.

Maybe you have a favourite town on the remaining list? If so, you have until May 31 to make your votes count during the final round!

Top prize: $25,000 community donation to be used for fishing-related cause(s) in the winning town.

Ultimate Fishing Town Canada

Casting in the Wind

The forecast for tomorrow (Sunday) calls for a wind from the south east at 30 gusting to 50 km/h. Sounds similar to what we experienced today.

This past Tuesday, Phil Monahan (Orvis) posted a timely video “Casting in the Wind”.

Fly Fishing & Kite Surfing

17th Ave/Cushing Bridge

All photos: Bow River Shuttles

It was a bit breezy along the Bow River today.

We began our day at the 17th Ave/Cushing Bridge boat launch, and ended up at Carseland. Even the pelicans at Carseland were keeping a low profile!

On our way back from Carseland, along highway 22X, we stopped to watch a couple of guys kite surfing!






Policeman's Flats


McKinnon Flats

Carseland

Guide Chronicles – May 2011

‘Under Pressure’ is an interesting read, and a very good introduction to the Klickitat River.

There are another half dozen eclectic articles, ranging from the serious/humorous ‘Where the Hell is my Hackle’ to the more science-based ‘Trout Metabolism Made Easy’.

Read on!

Guide Chronicles

BC Steelhead in the spring

Spring Steelhead from CP Flyfishing on Vimeo.

Some of the Bow River fly fishers from Country Pleasures spent last week chasing Steelhead in the Skeena River watershed.

Canadian Wildlife Federation Video Contest

To mark Rivers to Oceans Week 2011 (June 8 –12), CWF launches the Waters Worth It video contest. Send a one-minute video telling CWF what’s so special about your local body of water and why it’s worth conserving. If you win, CWF will contribute $2,000 in funding towards a water-conservation project in your area.

The contest is open to all residents of Canada of any age and entries accepted from May 1 until June 1, 2011. The top videos will be posted on RiverstoOceans.ca with online voting during Rivers to Oceans Week (June 8 to 14) to choose the winner.

Alberta's water is not for sale! Well, not yet, anyway…

The subject of ‘water’ made the front page of the Calgary Herald yesterday.

Peter Brabeck, chairman of Nestle, stirred things up when he told Reuters (following a speech in Geneva on Tuesday): “We are actively dealing with the government of Alberta to think about a water exchange,”

That forced a response from Environment Minister Rob Renner.

Read the original story here: Nestle head says company in talks with Alberta to trade in water

Read the follow up story here: Alberta water not for sale, province declares

For a broader view of the story, read columnist Don Braid here: Water trade talks dampen farewells for Ed Stelmach, David Swann

Photograph by: Staff, Getty Images Files

Fishing: Excellent * Catching: Average

Friday May 06
Policeman’s Flats to McKinnon Flats

Saturday May 07
17th Ave/Cushing Bridge to Policeman’s Flats

The fishing on the Bow May 6th and 7th, was excellent but the catching average.

Perhaps a dozen fish to the boat and the majority were browns and ~ 2 each day exceeded twenty inches, several LDR’s

Small girdle legged stonefly nymphs earlier in the day and various San Juan worms hooked the most fish. Later in the day, weighed streamers like the Bow River Bugger ( black and Olive) hooked some large fish. Several fish were also caught on a # 14 or 16 pheasant tail nymph(or similar BWO nymph patterns) . The water was thick with mats of midges and the BWO’s were also there in large numbers. Saw a few small fish rising but not any large snouts.

The visibility varied from 3-4 feet to less than 6 inches. Still a significant amount of snow / ice on the south side of the river that is melting and clouding the water near some sun sheltered spots dropping the visibility. This week of warm weather will hopefully improve this. The Highwood and Fish Creek were running dirty and that only multiplied when the thundershowers hit. When the visibility dropped we some success with large streamers.

THANK TO ERIC M. for this email report and the photo.

Photo: Eric M.

Shale Gas & Fracking

This morning on CBC Radio’s “The Current” with Anna Maria Tremonti, one of the segments covers the controversial process of fracking in the search for shale gas. One of several concerns is the huge amount of fresh water that is required for this process to work.

Coincidentally, this same topic was mentioned on the Moldy Chum Blog today. Skip over to Moldy for a moment, if only for the image.

Here is the introduction to the podcast from ‘The Current’:

“There's a substantial amount of natural gas buried under the earth across Canada. But getting at it is tough and there are consequences. We look at the potential and the perils of fracking.

According to Canada's fledgling shale-gas industry, the Country could be sitting on a sprawling, game-changing source of energy ... enough natural gas to transform our energy supply. The trouble is a growing chorus of critics is alarmed at the method needed to get at it. The gas is locked in shale, a fine-grained sedimentary rock that has proven to be exceptionally stingy when it comes to releasing natural gas.

The process used to extract it is called, hydraulic fracturing or "fracking." And watching with dread at the experience in the United States - where shale gas is big business - some in this Country are calling for caution and even moratoriums... warning of serious health and environmental consequences.

Andrew Miall has done a lot of work monitoring the environmental impacts of fossil fuel development. He's a professor of geology at the University of Toronto. Michael Jensen is on the steering committee of Stop Fracking In Nova Scotia. He was in Scottsburn in Northeastern Nova Scotia. And Mike Dawson is the President of the Canadian Society for Unconventional Gas. He has been developing unconventional gas resources for more than 20 years and he was in Calgary.”

Listen to podcast “Shale Gas & Fracking” here

Via: CBC Radio ‘The Current’

Legacy Island: From ‘No’ to ‘Go’ in a hurry

All photos courtesy: Peter C.

Just yesterday, we posted images of what we saw during our visit to Legacy Island this past Saturday.

At that time, there was still some ice fronting the boat ramp. Of more concern was the muddy condition of the ramp. 4x4 or not, a vehicle was likely to sink to the axles.

However, on Monday, a contractor hired by TUC-Bow River Chapter brought in a track hoe and dump truck to clean out the sediment in the boat launch. Peter C. (who arranged for the contractor) reports to us that a total of 8 truck loads of silt were removed!

Peter C. further states: “The base of the boat launch to now gravel. The attached photos shows the improvements. Hopefully it will not silt up too much with this year’s run-off.

Although the ice shelf was left in place to protect the river while the work was being done, a boat trailer can still be backed into the river.

Not much hope for fishing - water clarity less than 1 foot!”

A big ‘THANK YOU’ to Peter C. for the report, and especially for the photos.

Kype Magazine – Volume 3 Issue 1

A quarterly mag on salmon, trout, and steelheading.

“A Journey of Fly Fishing & Photography” was a good read.

Written by Kirk Werner (Unaccomplished Angler blog and author of children’s fly fishing books incl ‘Olive the Little Woolly Bugger), it honours photographer Rich Schaaff, whose shot graces the cover, and whose photos are scattered throughout the mag.

Werner’s article was a reminder that ‘Life’s short – eat dessert first’.

Also in this issue:

• The Tube Fly Revolution
• Fly Fish The Catskills
• Custom Steelhead Rod Building
• Curt Gowdy - Announcer & Fly Fisherman

Read Kype Magazine here

My Biggest Brown Ever

Friday May 06 2011
Policeman's Flats to McKinnon Flats.

It was a slow day overall, but the weather was very nice and I managed to catch my biggest brown ever, 25 inch (picture attached).

I caught it on a SJW. My partner lost a brown that looked about the same size.

The water clarity varied along the way, but got pretty bad at Highwood. We just rowed after Highwood.

There were a lot of midges on the surface, and some BWO, but we only saw two fish rising. We got a few rainbows on nymphs but nothing big.

THANKS TO MARTIN L. for this email report and photo.

Photo: Martin L.

Fly Life Magazine – May 2011

Does the thought of casting a fly to a Tarpon get your adrenalin pumping?

If so, there is plenty in this issue, ‘Being Fly With Tarpon’, to keep your attention.

I’d start with ‘Tarpon ESOL for Trout Speakers’ with photographer and angler Pat Ford or ‘Feeding the Animal’ with Andy Mill.

Fly Life Magazine – May 2011

Legacy Island boat launch – Almost ready (May 07, 2011)

Fishhead Flies n Lore - Issue #5

An interview with Netherlands fly tyer Johan Put. He ties amazingly realistic flys!

The Vagabond Fly Box Project gets off the ground.

You can follow the Project on Facebook here.

Fisheads Flies n Lore

Midges by the millions

Friday May 06 2011.
Glenmore Trail to 22X/Fish Creek Park.

It was great to get on the river for the first time this season.

Though the forecast was favourable, it seemed mighty chilly on the water.

The river was fairly clear with about 2 feet of visibility. Fish creek was coming in chocolate milk but by that time we were only wanting to get to the take-out.

There were midges by the millions everywhere! I imagine the trout were gorging themselves sub-surface because we didn't see any risers. I also imagine the trout were quite satiated because we couldn't convince them to eat any of our imitations!

We did hook a small brown on a streamer and my son Michael landed a rough looking whitefish. I only include his picture because he was so happy to catch something!

Thanks for the shuttle.

THANKS TO RYAN L. for this email report and photo.

Photo Courtesy: Ryan L.

Bouquets of doughnuts? Who knew!

Many of my fly fishing shuttle clients are Tim Hortons aficionados. The empty Timmie’s cups and donut bags left behind in their vehicles attest to that.

However, with Mother’s Day just around the corner, you might want to break with tradition, if only just for a day. This caught our eye today in Swerve Magazine (Calgary Herald).

“For Mother’s Day, Jelly Modern Doughnuts has two bouquets of doughnuts on offer. One features flavours from the kitchen like apple pie and red velvet cake. The other is centred on floral flavours like orange blossom, violet and orchid. The assortments come with a card, a tray and tongs so you can serve Mom on her big day”.

Look whoos home!

We saw the two fledglings for the first time today.








Near 22X/Fish Creek Park boat launch
Photo: Bow River Shuttles

McKinnon Flats river access: Good to go!

Photo: Bow River Shuttles

A Cutthroat We Should Respect

The April issue of the Wild Lands Advocate (Alberta Wilderness Association) focuses attention on wildlife in Alberta.

In one feature article “Lorne Fitch urges us to remember that, when it comes to the health of wild creatures in Alberta, we shouldn’t forget the fish. Lorne uses Alberta’s cutthroat trout population to develop his argument; that argument, like Mark Boyce’s, stresses the intimacy of the link between healthy ecosystems and healthy wildlife populations.”

Read Wild Lands Advocate here

McKinnon Flats - Ice Shelf Shrinking

On the road to McKinnon Flats. Photo: Bow River Shuttles

All photos from May 04 2011


Photo: Bow River Shuttles

Photo: Bow River Shuttles

Photo: Bow River Shuttles

TUC-Bow River Chapter: Legacy Island Spring Clean Up

TUC-Bow River Chapter
Volunteer Workday
Legacy Island Spring Clean Up

Trout Unlimited Canada's Bow River chapter invites you and your friends to attend their annual Legacy Island Spring Clean Up.

This year's clean up will be held on Saturday May 7, 2011 beginning at 9am at the Legacy Island boat launch weather permitting.


Legacy Island - Fall Colours Photo: Bow River Shuttles

Legacy Island Boat Launch-Bow River
Saturday May 7, 2011, 9am (weather permitting)

How to get to Legacy Island:

• Proceed to the Intersection of Hwy 24 and Hwy 22 -
• Head south on Hwy 24 until you reach the Bell Power Pole intersection (6.53 km or 4 miles).
• Continue south on gravel road and proceed another 3.7 km (2.3 miles).
• Turn west and go past the residential driveway.
• Proceed down the hill to Legacy Island.



Legacy Island Annual Spring Clean Up Details

Here is the list of Spring Clean-up duties:

• Fence Line Repairs - re-installing up rooted posts
• Brush trimming around fence line to reclaim the parking lot
• "Memorial Garden" clean-up
• General Trash removal

Here is what to bring:

• Personal Safety items- including gloves, protective eyewear, boots, etc.
• Shovel, rake, other garden implements
• Pruners and loppers for small brush removal
• Chain saw (with personal safety equipment)
• Wood Saw, nice for deadfall removal.

BBQ meal provided!

Please RSVP Your Attendance To:

Brian Meagher
Alberta Provincial Biologist
Trout Unlimited Canada
(403) 209-5185
Email - bmeagher@tucanada.org

Bow River Chapter Website

Visit Us on the Web!
Trout Unlimited Canada

Follow TUC on Facebook

There "out of our element"

There "out of our element" - Faceless - Fly Fishing - from faceless fly fishing on Vimeo.

A couple of weeks ago, Faceless Fly Fishing released this video, which captured the highlights of their recent trip to Honduras.

The vid has since been posted widely throughout the fly fishing blogosphere, from This is Fly Daily and Orvis News on the east coast, to Moldy Chum on the west coast, to The Drake Magazine somewhere in the middle. It made it across the pond to Flymage (Spain), Fish Addict Team (France), Fluebanden (Norway) and who knows where else.

You may recall that images from Faceless Fly Fishing appeared in a Blood Knot magazine article just awhile back. Great to see local Bow River fly fishers getting international exposure!

Blood Knot Magazine ‘The Blue Collar Issue’

Don't miss the article ‘My White Picket Fence’ by Calgarian and Bow River fly fisher Caitlin Gifford.

It’s great to see our local anglers featured in the new digital-age mags!

There’s lots more to enjoy, including a photo essay ‘Budget Bonefish’ (Brian Grossenbacher, Bozeman, MT) and another by featured photog T.C. Geist from New Jersey.



Blood Knot Magazine ‘The Blue Collar Issue’

My Best Bud

Sunday April 24
Policeman’s Flats to McKinnon Flats.

Sunday's float was great! The weather cooperated nicely as did the rainbows. (no browns landed today) The water clarity seemed a little poor at the Policeman's launch but oddly enough seemed to improve as we moved downstream.

Until we got to the Highwood which was coming in extremely dirty. At this point I rowed all the way to McKinnon to be home in time for dinner.

There was some midge activity on the surface, but we only ever saw one rise all day. The big winner was a brown chenille worm which accounted for most of the seven or so rainbows that my son Cameron was able to bring to the net. (with as many given a long distance release) The largest fish topped the 20" mark with the rest all hovering around the 16" range.

All in all it was a great day to be on the water with my best bud!

What makes each trip so enjoyable is knowing that my truck will be waiting for me safe and sound when the day is done. Thanks again Michelle!

THANKS TO LINDSAY B. for this report and the pics.

Photos: Lindsay B.

Catch Magazine #17

Brian O’Keefe’s Slide Show on the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness reminded me of the canoe camping trips my husband and I did in the mid-80s on the Churchill River system in Northern Saskatchewan.

Two canoes, three daughters and our Husky/Malamute Smokey. The same spectacular PreCambrian Shield wilderness, with all the water, islands and rock. The same great pike fishing, although we called them Jackfish. :-) Great memories there!

Lots more in this issue: From a superb photo essay on Tanzania Tigerfish (Jim Klug), to a short primer on black and white photography (Jacob Gibb) to the T-Motion Theatre ‘Backcountry Dorado’ (Todd Moen), this issue will keep you coming back for weeks.

Catch Magazine #17