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Scientists and conservationists would like to see more
focus on natural solutions to floods and droughts, suggesting the proposed
McLean Creek dry dam could further degrade a sensitive headwaters area.
Rendering courtesy Government of Alberta
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Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Experts say building dams and diversion channels not the best way to deal with floods
Monday, May 12, 2014
Today along the Bow River
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| Photo, © Bow River Shuttles |
Getting ready for a Monday morning fly fishing trip.
#bowriver #flyfishing
High today 16°C, scattered clouds, wind avg 9, max 26.
Bow River at Calgary flow 71 cms
Dispatches from The Goat Trail
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| All photos, © Bow River Shuttles. This is near the beginning of the second leg of the switchback, that you can see from the top of the valley |
We had a shuttle trip to McKinnon yesterday (Sun May 11). So we got a chance to see the condition of the road up close and personal.
The overall appearance of what can be seen of the road from the top of the valley was the same as we saw last Thursday. It's pretty much a one lane road, with few opportunities for two vehicles to pass by one another. Regular size vehicles, like my van, are at a real disadvantage. However, in a number of spots, even full size trucks would have a problem pulling over.
The worst spot is near the end of the second leg of the switchback. I'm standing in one of the deepest ruts.
Similar to the last time we went down the road, my van bottomed out several times, despite my best efforts.
Until we get another major storm, the road will remain passable.
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| This is near the end of that second leg. |
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| Same spot as previous photo. My right hand is touching the top of the mud. |
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Today along the Bow River
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| Photo, © Bow River Shuttles |
Several boats were out enjoying a Mothers' Day float. The city reaches, plus Police to Mac.
#bowriver #flyfishing
High today 12°C, scattered clouds, wind avg 10, max 22.
Bow River at Calgary flow 80 cms
Happy Mothers' Day!
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| Photo, © Bow River Shuttles |
We've been watching this mare in recent weeks, along the road to McKinnon Flats, knowing that she must be close to her due date.
Today, for the first time, we got to see her new arrival!
Here's a link to an interesting story in National Geographic that was flagged by Duane C.
"Mother's Day Turns 100: Its Surprisingly Dark History"
Read story here: http://bit.ly/1ok1e6W
Saturday, May 10, 2014
A Day With Martin Droz in Calgary - A Look Back
Fly Fishing Team Canada organized a special advanced river fly fishing clinic with World Champion Martin Droz from the Czech Republic. The Calgary date was last Thursday May 08.
This event was a fundraiser for Team Canada that will represent our country at the World Fly Fishing Championship 2014 - Frymburk/Czech Republic
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| John Nishi, Fly Fishing Team Canada, introducing Martin Droz |
Bow River Shuttles managed to drop by the river in the early afternoon for a short time between our shuttles. We got a few photos that we hope will give our readers a taste of what it was like to be there.
More photos at this link: http://on.fb.me/1jeISMM
Bow River Report courtesy Fish Tales Fly Shop - May 08, 2014
The crew from Fish Tales Fly Shop gearing up.
David Blair (left), Mike Michael Venhuis & Mike Algar Photo, © Bow River Shuttles — with David Blair and 2 others.
David Blair (left), Mike Michael Venhuis & Mike Algar Photo, © Bow River Shuttles — with David Blair and 2 others.
Bow River Report courtesy Fish Tales Fly Shop - May 08, 2014
"Myself (Mike V) along with David Blair and Mike Algar floated a short section of the Bow River, 22x to Policemans Flats on May 8. I would describe the fishing as so so, good numbers of small rainbows were hooked and landed..."
Read full fishing report here: http://bit.ly/1oBuPWT
View Mike V.'s guide profile here: http://bit.ly/1l2EqlX
"Myself (Mike V) along with David Blair and Mike Algar floated a short section of the Bow River, 22x to Policemans Flats on May 8. I would describe the fishing as so so, good numbers of small rainbows were hooked and landed..."
Read full fishing report here: http://bit.ly/1oBuPWT
View Mike V.'s guide profile here: http://bit.ly/1l2EqlX
Friday, May 9, 2014
Today along the Bow River
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| Photo, © Bow River Shuttles |
Yes, it was that kind of day. Warm cloths and rain gear required.
#bowriver #flyfishing
High today 9°C, light rain, wind avg 15, max 32.
Bow River at Calgary flow 79 cms
Bow River Fishing Report - Thursday May 08, 2014
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| "Here's Kevin with the first fish slime for the eloquently named vessel." Photo, courtesy Mike V. |
Bow River Fishing Report - Thursday May 08, 2014
Glenmore Trail to Policeman's Flats
"Thanks to Mike V. for this fishing report and photo" - Michelle, Owner/Operator, Bow River Shuttles
Thanks for the shuttle on Thursday, from Glenmore to Policemans. It was a great christening float for us in the new (used) clacka. Only hiccup was the rookie behind the wheel backing up the trailer. Chatting with my dad, apparently it is genetic...
The fishing was tough though. A few whitefish to hand and a smaller rainbow were all we could dredge up with the nymph rig. All came from slow sections - relatively featureless water in the middle of the river.
A tug or two swinging streamers in the evening from the bank, but these were not too productive either. Tried spanking the bank with sinking tips for some early season browns but to no avail.
A lot of mayflies hatching on the shady banks but didn't see any fish looking up yet.
We will try again in a couple weeks!
- Mike V.
Flood forecast with Bob Sanford
Flood forecast with Bob Sanford
This is a seven minute audio interview with Bob Sanford. Very much worth a few minutes of your time, in our opinion. He addresses many topics related to our 2013 flood, both looking back and looking to the future.
Contrary to what some officials were describing as a 1 in 500 year flood, or 1 in 100 year flood, analysis of this event shows that it was actually a 1 in 45 year flood as far as Calgary is concerned.
Listen here: http://bit.ly/SUeF0T
This is a seven minute audio interview with Bob Sanford. Very much worth a few minutes of your time, in our opinion. He addresses many topics related to our 2013 flood, both looking back and looking to the future.
Contrary to what some officials were describing as a 1 in 500 year flood, or 1 in 100 year flood, analysis of this event shows that it was actually a 1 in 45 year flood as far as Calgary is concerned.
Listen here: http://bit.ly/SUeF0T
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Today along the Bow River
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| Photo, © Bow River Shuttles |
The second day in a row with some sunshine! And very close to the long term average of 17 °C for this time of year.
A number of drift boats out today, including the one that belongs to the trailer in the photo. That one's out for an overnight camping trip on the Bow.
#bowriver #flyfishing
High today 16 °C, scattered clouds, wind avg 13, max 33.
Bow River at Calgary flow 76 cms
The Goat Trail
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| All Photos, © Bow River Shuttles |
I got a call from one of my shuttle clients this morning. He was at the top of the valley at McKinnon. He said that the road appeared to have dried out enough to be passable.
He called the drivable portion of the road 'The Goat Trail' and he described the mud as 'crusty'.
We had a look for ourselves this evening. We didn't go down the road. Fortunately, a truck was descending and we got these photos. He was driving at a snail's pace.
Even the approach at the top of the valley is in very poor shape.
On May 5-11 Tell Us How You Really Feel
A few things to think about during Mental Health Week: Five Facts about mental health and mental illness in Canada.
5 Facts About Mental Health In Canada May 5, 2015
Read article here: http://bit.ly/1nZZLCx
Bow River Fishing Report - Thursday May 07, 2014
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| Dustin S. with Mat D.'s pontoon fly fishing party. Photo, © Bow River Shuttles |
"Thanks to Matt D. for this fishing report" - Michelle, Owner/Operator, Bow River Shuttles
Thank you for the shuttle yesterday. It was a nice day on the water with five fish to hand and two or three long line releases between the two of us.
Though the water was a little higher than it was a week ago it still had 2-3 feet of visibility. In the afternoon we took one rainbow and one small brown on wire San Juan Worms and another fish hooked and lost. After a slow spell we managed another rainbow to hand on a leech hung under the indicator - twitching it gently while dead drifting.
We managed two more to hand in the evening when we switched to streamers. A big brown bugger was the ticket that took two more rainbows.
Most fish seemed to still be in some of the deeper overwintering water - but we took a few in shallower choppy holding water.
Lots of midges as usual and some smaller mayfly duns hatching. There was the odd rise here and there especially later in the evening but no consistently rising fish and so we didn't attempt using dries.
- Matt D.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Today along the Bow River
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| Photo, © Bow River Shuttles |
Since last Thursday's 21 °C, we haven't gotten above 5 °C until today. And it's also the first day since that date that we haven't had some snow flurries!
It was sure great to see some sunshine!
#bowriver #flyfishing
High today 9 °C, partly cloudy, wind avg 7, max 26.
Bow River at Calgary flow 75 cms
Are you fine or #phine today?
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| Click on poster for larger image |
Are you fine or #phine today? We want to hear from you!
More info here: http://mentalhealthweek.cmha.ca/
The World Fly Fishing Championships 2016
The America Cup, Inc. brings The World Fly Fishing Championships to USA from John Knight on Vimeo.
The America Cup, Inc. brings The World Fly Fishing Championships to USA
The Second Step: Post Flood Bow River Browns
A feature article on where you might find browns holding this year in response to the flood of 2013. This is based on a whole bunch of recent experience from Dave Jensen. There are still some nice browns in the Bow, you just might have to adjust how and where you fish them in 2014.
Read article here: http://bit.ly/1nor6vQ
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Monday, May 5, 2014
TUC Tackle Swap/BRS Used Drift Boat Sale - A Look Back
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| All photos © Bow River Shuttles. Click on this photo for much larger 1024X image |
We had four drift boats, a jon boat and a pontoon boat on display outside.
Inside, long time TUC-Bow River Chapter volunteers felt that this year's tackle swap was on of the best they'd ever seen. A total of 24 tables were booked by sellers, which is pretty much the max for that room. And the sellers brought LOTS of stuff! On the buyers side, a very large number showed up, and they purchased a LOT of stuff.
In past years, the crowds tended to begin thinning out shortly after 11 am. Not this year. It continued to be fairly busy, almost to the end at noon.
Kudos to TUC-Bow River Chapter volunteer George Samaha. This was his first year organizing this event. Volunteer Steve Fairley assisted.
George wrote: "Craig Robillard was there for a great hand off and help where needed."
Molly, in the driver's seat of her new boat!
Molly has agreed to let her owners, Robin & Pam H. take a turn at the oars.
TUC-Bow River Chapter volunteer George Samaha (centre) coordinated his very first "Tackle Swap". And a very successful one at that!
Long time TUC-Bow River Chapter volunteer Craig Robillard selling caps and memberships.
Bow River Shuttles writes: "Craig was the coordinator of this event 10 years ago when we first participated as a 'joint partner' with our Used Drift Boat Sale. And we know he had already been doing this for several years prior. It's always a pleasure working with Craig."
“Re-fresh: The Confluence of Ideas & Opportunities on Water Reuse"
“Re-fresh: The Confluence of Ideas & Opportunities on Water Reuse" - Calgary June 25/26, 2014
Early-bird pricing ends on May 9th.
Details & Registration here: http://bit.ly/1mvxh48
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Advanced River Fishing (Calgary) with Martin Droz - May 8
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| Martin Droz. Photo, courtesy Fly Fishing Canada |
FLY FISHING CANADA
presents a class on
ADVANCED RIVER FISHING
with
MARTIN DROZ
World vice-champion, 2013
World Champion, 2008
World bronze medalist, 2006
9 am – 5 pm
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014
Bow River, Calgary
Meet at 9:00 am in South Calgary on the Bow River (specific location to be announced to participants)
Spend a day with one of the world’s most accomplished fly-fishermen. Learn about the equipment, techniques and tactics used at the highest level fly fishing competitions. Practice and get personal advice from Martin.
Participants responsible for all their own gear (including flies), and would be bringing their own lunch and water.
Limited to 10 persons
$ 200 CAD per person
Registration on a first come first serve principle. Priority will be given to Canadian anglers.
To register: (1) send an e-mail to ffc.clinics2014@gmail.com,
To uphold your registration your cheque should be received within two weeks of the date you send your registration e-mail.
DEPENDING ON LEVEL OF INTEREST A SECOND CLINIC MAY BE CONDUCTED ON MAY 9.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Stuck in the Mud at Mac
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| All Photos, © Bow River Shuttles |
Stuck in the Mud at Mac
a.k.a. Today along the Bow River
"Today seems like a great day to check out the Bow River at McKinnon Flats" said (almost) no one.
What we find when we're looking to take a snowy river photo. :-)
The snow sort of 'frames' the huge ruts in the road that we reported on a couple days ago.
The snow sort of 'frames' the huge ruts in the road that we reported on a couple days ago.
Province inches ahead on major flood mitigation projects
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(Click on image for larger version) The proposed McLean Creek dry dam, shown in an artist’s
rendering, would help control flow rates on the Elbow River during flood
conditions.
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Province inches ahead on major flood mitigation projects
by Matt McClure, Calgary Herald April 29, 2014
... Many of the dry dams on the Elbow River upstream of Calgary proposed by a citizen’s advisory panel last fall have been dismissed because of their environmental or financial cost, but provincial consultants have found two projects they believe may be worth considering.
One is a 50-metre-high structure that would be built southwest of Bragg Creek that would have a storage capacity of 49 million cubic metres, and the other is an off-stream reservoir near Springbank Road west of Calgary that would hold 59 million cubic metres...
Read article here: http://bit.ly/1rQbIIv
Friday, May 2, 2014
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Today along the Bow River
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| Photo, © Bow River Shuttles |
"Unconfirmed sources reported that most of the trout were upriver today. So that's where we're headed" he said while hauling the boat against the current.
Another beautiful day on the Bow, this time hitting a high of 21 °C.
Kind of hard to believe we're heading for snow flurries on Saturday, with a high of 0 °C.
#bowriver #flyfishing
High today 21 °C, mostly cloudy, wind avg 13, max 26.
Bow River at Calgary flow 64 cms
Boat Launch Conditions - McKinnon Flats
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| All Photos, © Bow River Shuttles |
Our first shuttle trip to McKinnon Flats happened yesterday, with more trips earlier today.
The switchback road down to the bottom of the valley is in extremely
poor condition. The fact that it is dry, and packed as hard as cement,
is the only reason we were able to use it.
The photos don't really convey the state of the road.
That rut that I am standing in, beside my van, is at least two feet deep, maybe more.
We placed the camera down at ground level, which makes for an exaggerated view of the rut. But, it’s one way to show the conditions.
My van bottomed out several times on the lumps and bumps, despite creeping down the road at the pace of a turtle.
Vehicles and trailers can now retrieve boats just a few yards downstream of the large gravel bar that resulted from our 2013 flood.
There is room for two or three vehicles between the remaining slabs of ice. You can see the tracks in the gravel.
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