Summer 2017

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I suppose I take it for granted, getting to experience our river in every season. The fishing can be spectacular, but the scenic valley where it all happens is often even more stunning.  While moving to likely holding water and the next seam or riffle, keeping an eye out for willing Browns and Rainbows to stalk, and watching strike indicators for subtle eats, I often forget to look up.

As we get into fall and my favourite time to fish the Bow, here are some moments that stand out:

-The 70+ year old senior lady that landed a giant Brown, even though her line somehow wrapped around the anchor rope. Her comment after landing the fish? “The water is such a beautiful green.”  Her husband cheering us on was priceless!

-Rowing within 5 Feet of a Huge Golden Eagle and the client sending me the slow motion Video. I was re-tying a leader and didn’t even see it until it moved.  (Posted on the website)

-The little Mink who caught a nice rainbow and hid it in the rocks before I could get a good picture.

-The veteran Fly Fisher, 1st time on the Bow River, telling me the 16” rainbow he had on was the hardest fighting trout he had ever experienced. Later on he hooked a 20” fish and the surprise on his face made the whole trip!

-All the first timers that saw their confidence in their casting stroke build throughout the day and the smiles on their faces when they fooled a trout!

I learn something every time I head down the river. So far this season, a big thank you to all those moments that made me look up.

Tight Lines to all.

 

A Blog About Our Fly Fishing Adventures on the Bow

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So it begins, or continues…

This pastime turned obsession has given me more than I ever imagined. So many great moments over the years that are now precious memories and ever growing Fish Stories.

I am extremely lucky to get out on the River whenever it suits me and cannot imagine a life without fly fishing. For me this sport is “The One Thing” (City Slickers 1991)

I am very grateful and excited to begin a new chapter in my fly fishing journey. Looking back I can now see the connections that have brought me here.

Thank you:

To my folks for moving me out of the city to the banks of the Elbow River and a bike ride away from the Bragg Creek!

To Dave Williams for putting an old bamboo pole in my hands

To Royce Williams for bushwhacking with me all those years ago

To Tara Smith for getting it (or at least pretending you do) and the encouragement to explore my passion

To Kevin Hawes for the Crow’s Nest fishing trip, helping me purchase my first flyrod, showing me the ropes, countless trips down the bow, and for rowing the “Captain Morgan” when it’s your turn

So I encourage all of you to get out there, give this a go. It just might be “The One Thing.”