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This Season So Far Posted Friday, May 16, 2003 by flyfish
It has been some waiting game!
The make over is in process, and I have a tough time being patiant. People involved are still in the process of moving, etc., but the end is in sight, and soon more changes will be featured. I do thank all the guys that have been, are and will continue to be involved.
In the meantime I have taken a few trips to the different streams. The latest was north and west of Calgary, and as expected, all the streams except the N. Raven were very muddy. In some places, there is still a thick layer of ice in the stream beds. As soon as I am able to download the photos you can see for yourself how impossible the fishing situations are just now. The N.Raven, being the only water that has some clarity, was populated with fishermen from the #2 corridor, and parking was almost a problem. Great to see the fly fishing exitment.
There are more trips taking place soon, including one that will feature fly fishing for pike, walleye and grayling in N. Alberta. More details about this and other ventures later. In the meantime, enjoy your fishing this long weekend.
The Posted Friday, May 16, 2003 by flyfish
No fresh news? Posted Thursday, February 13, 2003 by Nick Gawryletz
Web Site Update
You may have noticed that there has been a very limited new content of fishing news over the past couple of months. Firstly, I have not been fishing much this winter, in fact, almost not at all. The other good reason is that my web page master has been upgrading the web site. He, too, has been very busy, holding down a full time job and moving to another town in the process, but changes are taking place on the site. Hope you continue to bear with us as we pace our way through the various changes. I think you will like what you will find in the days to come.
Importance of Fly Fishing Posted Monday, January 13, 2003 by Nick Gawryletz
"Fishing isn't a matter of life and death; it's much more important than that."
Christmas Special! Posted Tuesday, December 24, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
>> Redneck Love Poem
>> Collards is green, my dog's name is Blue and
>> I'm so lucky to have a sweet thang like you.
>> Yore hair is like cornsilk a-flapping in the breeze.
>> Softer than Blue's and without all them fleas.
>> You move like the bass, which excite me in May.
>> You ain't got no scales but I luv you anyway.
>> Yo're as satisfy'n as okry jist a-fry'n in the pan.
>> Yo're as fragrant as "snuff" right out of the can.
>> You have some'a yore teeth, for which I am proud;
>> I hold my head high when we're in a crowd.
>> On special occasions, when you shave under yore arms,
>> I'm in hawg heaven, and awed by yore charms.
>> Still them fellers at work, they all want to know,
>> What I did to deserve such a purdy, young doe.
>> Like a good roll of duct tape yo're there fer yore man,
>> To patch up life's troubles and fix what you can.
>> Yo're as cute as a junebug a-buzzin' overhead.
>> You ain't mean like those far ants I found in my bed.
>> Cut from the best cloth like a plaid flannel shirt,
>> You spark up my life more than a fresh load of dirt.
>> When you hold me real tight like a padded gunrack,
>> My life is complete; Ain't nuttin' I lack.
>> Yore complexion, it's perfection, like the best vinyl sidin'.
>> Despite all the years, yore age, it keeps hidin'.
>> Me 'n' you's like a Moon Pie with a RC cold drank,
>> We go together like a skunk goes with stank.
>> Some men, they buy chocolate for Valentine's Day;
>> They git it at Wal-Mart, it's romantic that way.
>> Some men git roses on that special day
>> From the cooler at Kroger. "That's impressive," I say.
>> Some men buy fine diamonds from a flea market booth.
>> "Diamonds are forever," they explain, suave and couth.
>> But for this man, honey, these won't do.
>> Cause yor'e too special, you sweet thang you.
>> I got you a gift, without taste nor odor,
>> More useful than diamonds . .. . IT'S A NEW TROLL'N MOTOR!!!
Dec. fishing weather Posted Sunday, December 15, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
It has been as perfect as you want it weatherwise for fishing this Dec. No, I haven't taken advantage of it, not with all the little renovations needing to be done around home. Tying flies is different. I've got quite a number of new midge patterns in my box, and plan to tie a number of different mayfly emergers in preparation for the next season. Only a week or so before the days start getting longer once more!
In the meantime, my buddy and I have also planned out a bit of strategy in connection with target places for next year. We are both looking for very special gifts this Christmas - extra days for fishing all the places we have targeted.
I fish because... Posted Tuesday, December 10, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
"I fish because I love to, not because I regard fishing so terribly important, because I suspect that so many other concerns of man are equally unimportant, and not nearly so much fun." Robert Traver
A "Flames Kind of Day" on the Crow Posted Wednesday, November 20, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Tonight, on the way home from the Crowsnest River, I heard a disgruntled fan on a radio program make a statement that summarized very well my day on Crow. Against the backdrop of the Calgary Flames recent loosing streak in their hockey schedule, this frustrated fan stated the the Flames "can't finish their play", alluding to the number of games in which the Flames have not been able to score any goals. Even the new players that they received in trades are having their problems scoring goals.
I just spent several days tying up new midge patterns in preparation for today's trip to the Crow. They really worked - in attracting the attention of the fish. However, every fish that rose to the flies rejected them, and with a splash returned uncaught to its lair. The score for the day? Like the Flames, I got blanked!
But it really wasn't a totally bad day. The +16 temp. (60 on the F. scale), was most enjoyable. I even found spots along the river where there was adaquate shelter from the high chinook winds that tore through tree tops. Even the midge hatch was on full blast. The only noticeable snow is on the upper reaches of the mountains, and there is a complete absence of ice along the banks of the river.
But the neopreme waders were just too hot for me, and several body parts wouldn't stop complaining about aches and pains resulting from cutting firewood recently with my kids, and building a retaining wall around my front lawn. Returning early to my Jimmy, I came to the conclusion that my heart really wasn't in it. This past summer's fishing was so enjoyable that I'm quite content to be without fishing for a while.
Maybe, but I think not, the Flames players, too, don't have their heart in it. But if they turn their season around soon, maybe I, too, will get exited about fishing again. Maybe I, too, may become a Flames fan one day, instead of the Edmonton Oilers!
C.D. Warner 1862 Posted Thursday, November 14, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
"Fly fishing being a high art, the fly must not be a tame imagination of nature, but an artistic suggestion of it." Charles Dudley Warner (1862)
Back to the Bow! Posted Saturday, November 2, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Friday was the warmest day of the week, so off to the Bow we went. The Carsland area was almost completely frozen over, at least where we intended to fish. Besides, the north-west wind was quite nasty at that time of the morning. Kurt and I then drove to the highway 24 bridge, and tried some fishing downstream (the Bow upstream from there is closed till Nov. 30 for spawning).
The midge hatch was quite prolific, but we didn't see any mayflies. Kurt saw one fish rise during the 5-6 hours we spent on the river.
Getting out into the outdoors was wonderful while catching fish was not that productive. Kurt waded way out into the river in one spot and got a couple of rainbows along a faily strong seam in tne river. One, an eighteen-incher, gave him quite a battle.
Hopefully, the weather will warm up again next week. We intend to sneak away to the Crowsnest R. for a couple of days. See you after the trip.
Posted Saturday, November 2, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Fishing Closure - What Now? Posted Wednesday, October 30, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
In spite of the Bow being so close, and open all year, I still dread the feeling of the long winter that's just ahead. But how is this for an idea? I am going to offer daytime and evening fly tying classes for beginners in my own fly tying nook. I will provide all the tools and the materials, and hopefully tie at least three different flies during the 2-3 hour sessions. There will be a small charge for this one-on-one type of instruction. (A discount is available with the purchase of Christmas gift certificates).
I have tons of reference material (books, videos, magazines, and info from internet sources), and loads of fly tying stock.
I will be pleased to send you some of my own tied flies in exchange for referrals. Do we have a deal? Please contact me at nick@flyfish.ca
Stringing a Line on Behalf of the Dippers Posted Monday, October 28, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
For years I have been intrigued by the little American Dippers, (Water Ouzels), one finds along smaller streams in the mountains. They don't seem to be affected by the cold water as they dip and swim under the water surface while hunting for aquatic life forms that exist among the rocks. I have secretly wondered if their feathers would be the perfect answer to the problem of keeping dry flies dry in severe wet conditions without the use of artificial floatants.
On a recent fishing trip I found a drowned Dipper, dead because it wrapped its feet in seemingly miles of string that was stretched along the shore line by an oil survey crew. This is the third stream in that area where this type of what-looks-like-endless string has been abandoned.
I'm certainly peeved at that kind of practice; I'm sorry for the bird whose life ended so tragically, but I did bring the dead bird home to experiment with by using its special waterproof feathers to tie dry flies. Will let you know if the experiment really works.
In the meantime, if you know how to bring this practice of leaving behind endless amounts of string along, or in, the stream beds, to the proper authorities, I would certainly do what I can to show the evidence. There's quite a bit of string still wrapped around the dead bird's feet.
Mayfly Emergers for the Livingston Posted Wednesday, October 23, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
While on the Livingston, I noticed there were two different kinds of mayflies hatching. Some of the time the cutts would go for the larger duns which were floating down stream, trying to get their wings dry. There was also another hatch of smaller mays (baetis), with an opague set of wings. The fish fed mostly on these just under the surface of the film.
While reading the latest issue of FISH & FLY, (Vol.3 No.1 Autumn 2000)I came upon an article, page 72, by Dave Hall on the Baetis fly. In it is a neat recipe called Parachute BWO Emerger, and an explantion by Brad Befus as to how and why he developed it. I found this very helpful, and intend to tie up a bunch of these for the rivers that remain open the rest of the season. Hope this recipe will be of help to you, too.
At the Livingston - Again! Posted Monday, October 21, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
With the promise of nice weather, I beat it to my favorite stream for a 4-day (and night) stretch of discovering more of this river, and even doing a bit of fishing. This experience was most enjoyable in spite of having to walk through about four inches of snow which gradually melted, and very cold nights. Sleeping in the Jimmy under two sleeping bags wasn't enough to ward off the cold, which even froze the water in my drinking bottle set in the door arm rest!
Fishing was surprisingly good even though the daily time window for doing so was quite short. The 25 cutts I managed to catch averaged about 14 inches in length, which is not bad for this time of the year. I also saw some large bull trout and lots of fair sized white fish in the deeper pools. Most of my effort went into walking sections of the river where I've never touched on previous visits. I now can say that I know almost all of the stream from the gas wells to the confluence with the Oldman.
Before the weekend started there were only two other parties fishing there, but that changed drastically on Friday evening. Nice to have some space when one is set on new discoveries.
Fish poaching has definitly been taking place at the various camp sites. Tinfoil in the shape of fish bodies can be seen in the fire pits. Hunting season means that shooting is also quite prevalent, so one must be careful about the color of clothing one wears.
Speaking of poaching, I finally saw a fish and game officer on patrol, but I have to admit I was very unimpressed about his attitute concerning a number of issues. Things have sure changed over the years, or maybe I'm just too old fashioned in my thinking.
I must say that I have had a most enjoyable year of fishing, although I am 218 short of reaching my goal of 1000 caught and released this year. I'll leave that as next year's goal.
Pleased with the Livingston Posted Wednesday, October 9, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
I've just returned from a satisfactory jaunt to the Livingston. It was well worth going there, in spite of the pack rat(s) or whatever it was that kept running across the Jimmy all last night. My purpose for this trip was to fish in areas on the Livingston that are new to me, and this turned out to be quite productive. The catches were not like summer ones, but I was really pleased with the size of the fish. A couple exceeded anything I've ever caught on this stream. In fact, for the very first time, I can honestly blame a fish that I was bringing in for breaking my 4-weight rod.
If you are planning to fish the Livingston, be aware that the fish do not become very active till about three o'clock in the afternoon. Today, because of the warmer air temperature, a few did take a dry fly about noon.
Another surprise was the insect hatch, especially today. There were many hatching Mayflies, Goldenstones (small), and small brown Caddis flies and midges, of course. All this activity possibly points to my going out again this coming weekend. In three weeks this stream will close for fishing, so..........
At Last!!! Posted Sunday, October 6, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Computers are wonderful -- except when they aren't!! My computer was fixed last week, for which I am very grateful. A new keyboard, mouse & pad are also a great help.
Since my last contribution, I've visited the Highwood, Livingston, Bow (twice), Crowsnest, Racehorse, and Fallen Timber. Fishing is not like it was in the summer time, but neither is the weather! I got 'zilch' on the lower Highwood and Fallen Timber. I plan to head south on Monday after the casting class and will report later this week if I survive the nights in the back of my Jimmy.
Strange Looking Mayfly Posted Thursday, September 5, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Can you assist me in identifying a mayfly I have seen for the first time on the Oldman R? It was about a size 16, with a slim, light olive segmented body, spinner type long, opaque wings, small eyes, and one long black (about 1 and a quarter inches long) tail which was curled upwards and forwards over the body. Thank you.
Squatters Rights on the Oldman River? Posted Thursday, September 5, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Aren't we all supposed to limit our camping stay along the Oldman for a maximum of two weeks? That surely isn't the case with at least four outfits that have been camped all summer long between kms 4 & 11, and continue to use the sites, at least up to yesterday. The part that frustrates me most the total lack of fish along each and every one of these camping areas. All you see is fish scales along the banks below the camping spots.
Even the Insects are Confused Posted Thursday, September 5, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
The weather this spring and summer not only mystified us, it also confused the insects in some of the streams. For the first time ever in my memory I've found salmon stoneflies hatching in Sept. Many of them! This hatch coincides with the regular early late hatch of the blue wing olives (or is is the late early hatch!). Mayflies are hatching by the ton, but the caddis hatch is late, having barely begun. I mention all this to make you aware that the hatch tables that are meant to assist fishers are not accurate in a year when the weather changes the life cycles of man and insect alike.
Personal Bests in Flyfishing Posted Thursday, September 5, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Flyfishing is supposed to be a relaxing sport. But there is always that challenge of doing a little better. Yesterday was one such day. Allow me, please, to mention a couple of areas without intending to brag about it.
Most fish caught in one day - 140
Most fish caught on one fly (size 18 Blue Wing Olive) - over 50
Most fish caught in one summer - 713
Most fish caught with my left arm - ?
The problem with these "bests" is that they are getting tougher to better. It is time, too, to listen to my regular casting arm which complained for the first time since I started flyfishing.
A scare on the Oldman River Posted Thursday, September 5, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
It is after 1 a.m. and I have just returned from fishing the Oldman R. If you plan to head in that direction, please be aware that there is a fairly fresh moose kill right in the middle of the river btween km. 19 and 20. It looks like the work of a cougar. A bear would most likely have dragged the carcass into the bush, especially since it looks like this spring's calf. Let me assure you I didn't stay around long after I was able to figure out what it was from about 75 yards away.
A Quad Trail Too Dangerous for Walking Posted Thursday, August 29, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
For the longest time my son has been anxious to introduce me to Margaret Lake. He did it last weekend-on a quad. That was my first real quad trip. After that experience, I'm convinced I can go anywhere, no matter whether its straight up or down, sideways with my head almost touching the ground, over boulders that merit their own designated names or through oceans of brown, muddy water.
Michael also wanted to show me how easy it was to catch fish at Margatet Lake. After all, he caught over thirty the last time he was there. After about an hour of trying, he on his spinning gear, and I with my flies, neither one of us got even one hit.
Maybe I should continue to perfect my quad driving skills instead of fishing still waters. I'm conviced that walking that trail would take far too long, more importantly it is much too risky for walking. Maybe I'll just stick to fishing the creeks south of Calgary, where the canyons can be taken one slow step at a time.
No hits, no Runs, Maybe Some Errors Posted Thursday, August 29, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Just when you think that the fish in a certain river or creek will never again send you home skunked, it happens again. Atleast it happened to me. The Fallen Timber is not a difficult creek to fish, but I got nothing all day. What went wrong? The fish don't become active until late evening. Try it. It was real fun catching them in the dark, but not a whole lot of fun changing flies at that time.
Boxes of Flies for Sale Posted Thursday, August 22, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Yes, I can't believe it, but I'm serious about cutting back on the number of boxes and flies I carry with me when fishing. I have about eight full boxes for sale. If you know of anyone needing flies, please share my e-mail address (nick@flyfish.ca) The boxes contain from 50 to 200 flies, and are priced at less than fifty cents per fly.
The Jumpingpound in August Posted Thursday, August 22, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
If you want to check out a perfect little trout stream, try the Jumpingpound just inside the Kananaskis Park. There is hardly a human track to be found, at least in the areas I checked out yesterday. The fish are still very wary, but go late in the day and stick to it. Don't expect to catch large brookies, or many of them. The Crippled May was my fly of choice. The upper area along the Powderface Trail can be a tough go, but there is a fairly nice, wide path along much of the creek.
Do Fish Talk About the Weather? Posted Monday, August 19, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Several times lately, while driving clients to fishing destinations, the question of how to know where to go to fish has come up in conversation. The answer is, it all depends!
The insects that live in fishing waters depend on the weather to warm up the water so that they can become adults, mate, lay eggs and die, making way for new generations of insects. The fish depend on this insect activity for their food. They look for insects on the bottom, they chase them as they emmerge to the top, where their bodies, especially the wings, fully develop. They slurp the insects into their mouths while they wait on top of the water to become dry enough to fly away and do their thing. And fishermen depend on the fish to be actively persuing their imitations of the insects so that they can brag about their fishing feats.
Imagine one fish saying to another in the cold night water, "I wonder what the weather will be like tommorrow. I'm hungry, and then there is winter to prepare for. I've got to put on much more weight. I hope we will get a real nice, warm day so that the insects will really do their thing. I'm due for a real feast!"
Next morning, when the fisherman wakes up and looks outside, hoping to see bright skies and a rising thermomter, he remembers that the fish, too, are looking up and hoping for the same. The fisherman's hope is for lots of fish, the fish hopes for lots of insects, and it all depends on the weather.
Florida folk on the Livingston River Posted Monday, August 19, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
I just had a lovely time with two bright young couples, (and another guide), on the Livingston. The men had fly-fished previously, but the ladies surprised everyone with their quick grasp of the necessary casting techniques. All four landed at least one fish each, and had several other takes. Although there were some risers, most of the hits were on nymphs. Gold Ribbed Hares Ear seemed to work best.
Renaming the Racehorse Posted Monday, August 12, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
While fishing the Racehorse during the past week-end, I noticed that spincasters and flyfishermen alike raced to their favorite spots, trying to head off later arrivals. It was then that I began thinking
that Racing Fishermen would be a more appropriate name for the Creek.
Another possible name could be Grizzly Creek, as if there are not enough scary names already. Late Sat. evening four of us watched a grizzly eat berries just off the road a hundred yards or so from us. It wasn't until we slowly drove past him that he woofed, and then headed for the bush from where he watched us. I hope to have some of the photos of him in the gallery section soon.
Fishing for cutts in the Creek is okay if you don't mind making long detours aroung around other fishers and an occasional grizzly. The host and hostess at the campground are very helpful in giving ideas where to go fishing.
Alpine Moments Posted Thursday, August 8, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
They told us it would be a 3+hour hike to Barnaby Lake. Wrong! It was a climb, almost a scramble, not a hike. First the twisting, zig-zagging ever upward push through bush, including numerous tops of trees that were broken off earlier this spring by a snow storm. Then the even steeper ridge which takes one above the level of the Castle ski hill. The last third of the way was almost equally demanding with more climbing or descending around the base of the mountain which not only holds the lake from spilling recklessly towards the West Castle, but also very cleverly hides it from view until one reaches the shoreline. Tough going? Super tough! Our muscules cried for mercy, our feet ached, and to top it off, we caught no fish. Yes, we saw some. They came right to the flies we offered, but never even a bite.
Kurt climbed even higher to try fishing the other two small lakes that lie side by side and, of course, hidden from the lake below. Same story - no response from the fish. I enjoyed a short nap while he was scouting the other lakes, and in my dream I caught more fish than he did.
The one redeeming factor was the scenery. What beauty is hidden there!I have tried to capture some of it with the camera, and hopefully soon will be able to download the photos for you to enjoy. In the meantime I'm home until the next weekend, resting those poor, beaten up feet and legs.
Brief Return to the Dutch Creek Posted Wednesday, August 7, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
On a work stopover at the Blue Bronna Camp, I was freed one afternoon to try the Dutch Creek in weather that was very cool and equally wet. Surprisingly, there was a short hatching flury by the Blue Wing Olive mayflies which did exite the cutts in a few deeper runs. I had a fun time. May try again next year.
West Castle Blues Posted Wednesday, August 7, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
I've been wanting to fish the West Castle for years. At last! I did it last weekend. It is a beautiful river, having so much to offer except an abundance of fish. There are some there, including huge white fish, but not the numbers of cutts I had expected. Kurt did get
some, one of which measured about 19 in.
In chatting about the situation connected to the West Castle, one of my neighbors, who helps in stocking fish, mentioned that this river is known for high spring runoffs, and he thinks that the fish are flushed out of the system during the spring floods. Anyway, unless Kurt and I missed the better spots, we will leave the West Castle to others for another few years. Its just too far to go for the few fish that we could find.
The Bow at the Bridge Posted Wednesday, July 31, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Last night Kurt and I spent a couple of hours on the Bow in the vicinity of Glenmore Bridge in Calgary. The rainbows occasionally rose to size 16 grey caddis flies, or perhaps to size 18 blond caddis hatch. Kurt was able to land three bows, the largest about a 17-incher, before weather and darkness sent us home.
Small Stuff on Prairie Creek Posted Monday, July 29, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
On the way home from the Elk Creek area, Ellen and I camped over- night alongside the upper part of Prairie Creek. Though the brookies and bulls only averaged about seven or eight inches in length, I was pleased to catch over 80 on two different flies in one afternoon and evening. That inspite of some folk who were camped just up from us, who admitted they were using live bait in the stream - which is, of course illegal - and another party further up who chose to clean their quad by driving it up the creek in front of their camping area.
The two flies I used were a stimulator and a size 16 nymph which has lots of flash as part of its body.
The surprisingly good population of fish in this upper portion is encouraging, and bodes well for kids like my two year-old grandson who is learning how to catch fish and also release them.
Why is Elk Creek so Popular? Posted Monday, July 29, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
I have wondered why hordes of fishers plague Elk Creek every year. Obviously, they like it.
So do the beavers! I am convinced that when the beavers first immigrated to Alberta, they chose the Elk Creek valley as their first place of settlement. Over the years, hardly an inch of the whole creek bottom has not been affected in some way by the dams, the beaver lodges or the runs. Present day beaver activity in the form of new dams stretches almost the entire length of the stream. Trapped behind these dams are many brown and bull trout.
Moose, elk and deer also like the creek bottom. The hunting restrictions that apply to both sides of the road that follows the Elk are sensible. Fresh wolf tracks along the creek just north of the camp ground tell us that they, too, like the area. Hearing wolves howl at 8:00 a.m. so close to the fish pond will not be forgotten soon.
But the "range maggots", as Barry Mitchell calls those who keep wondering through the area, have good reason to keep returning to the area, bringing others with them. To catch an average of two or three browns or bulls an hour is a bonus, especially noting the size of some of those fish. I have rarely found a creek with so many insect hatches going on at the same time -- different mayflies, for example, hatching side by side along given portions of the stream. No wonder the fish are in such nice shape.
The main issue that bothers me is that many fishers either do not know that the Elk is a C&R stream, or they just don't care. With proper respect for the area and for the fish in the creek there should be many reasons for all of us to return to this valley for years to come.
2002 Fly Fishing Retreat Posted Monday, July 22, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Eighteen guys spent Thur. evening through part of Sunday at the Blue Bronna Fly fishing retreat. Fishing was not nearly as productive as last year, but there was certainly a great amount of fun and enjoyment during the time we had together. Much of this was due to the way Arnie and his crew, with Kurt's part in the planning, ran the whole event, and partly because a number of the fellows caught fish for the first time, or caught a good number of fish. Kurt and I caught and released around 200. It was great to hear many of the guys talk of coming back next year, hoping to bring more friends with them.
A couple of the fish were 20 in. long, including at least one bull trout, which provided some well-earned bragging rights.
One of the highlights of the retreat was the demonstration of flytying by two seventeen-year olds. They were good, and so were their flies.
The stimulator was the most effective fly.
I am leaving soon for short fly fishing trip to the Caroline area, and will report again when I return. In the meantime watch for new photos to appear soon in the picture gallory.
Flyfishing Retreat Posted Monday, July 15, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
I shall be away from my computer for several days while taking part in a wilderness flyfishing retreat. Will report when I return. Last year, my fishing buddy and I were able to catch about 250 in four days of camp!
Ponds Provide Plenty Posted Monday, July 15, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
The streams have not yielded the fish that sportspeople expected to catch this year, but there is a wonderful alternative. Try the ponds! Allen Bill Pond, McLean Pond, and Sunken Lakes are some of the places one can go. I was just was there and saw quite a number of people pull in fish after fish.
I have it on good authority that many of these ponds are being stocked three times this year. This is a first. Should be enough fish for many people for a long time.
Strange discoveries on "Frenchman's Creek" Posted Sunday, July 14, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Once a year I endeavour to walk and wade a tough but very enjoyable stream in the south of Alberta. My latest excursion to the stream was an eyeopener. First, although the water was quite warm there were almost no hatches (other than about a dozen lime sallies) throughout that hot day that I spent there. There were far fewer fish this year, and in every case where fish did exist, they without fail struck on the very first cast any fly I presented to them. The fish were not heavy, not even the 13 inchers that I caught. In fact, one ten incher had a body that was so thin that it may be equalled by six inchers in other streams.
What may have happened? I think that the heavy run off this spring wiped out the majority of the fish food supply, namely the insects.
Why call it "Frenchman's Creek"? It is obvious that this body of water and its few fish need a respite from fishing so that the stock can be sufficiently rebuilt. Agreed? Will let you know next year if the fishing situation improves.
South Fork of Prairie Creek Posted Tuesday, July 9, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Great hatches of mayflies, caddis and stonelies, especially the little Lime Stones. The creek, however, is not for those who have difficulty walking or bush trekking.
Interesting to note that the browns are easier to catch than the brookies, noting that there are more browns in the creek. The brookies seem to be the more wary of one's presentations. Very few bull trout in the South Fork.
Best flies were the green humpy and a lime colored beaded emerger.
Fallen Timber /Forestry Trunk Road Posted Saturday, July 6, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
While visiting with D. yesterday, who is camped at the Fallen Timber, he stated that something strange has happened to the fish in this creek. "I spent all morning fishing the section below the bridge, and it seems that there are no fish here just now." Unbelievable!
I determined to prove that this is not the case, but after an hour's walk and wade below and above the bridge, neither of us saw a rise, had a nibble, or experienced anything that would disprove D.s assumption. Getting skunked as we were doesn't happen often, and this is not a very good feeling. It calls for a longer trip, and a more intensive search, which, I hope, will happen soon. There is usually an abundance of brookies in that area! Could the numbers of campers, and in particular, the constant crossing of the stream by bikes and quads, have chased the fish stock to a new location? If so, does this happen every summer? Your comments are welcome (forum section,please).
Waiparous update Posted Friday, July 5, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
My buddy and I just spent a couple of hours late in the day on the middle section of the Waiparous. We were able to catch ten fish, the largest being only eight inches long. There were a few risers, and May emergers worked best for me. Litter consisting of pop and beer cans mainly, (including a full one), outnumbered the fish, so this trip turned more into a clean-up effort.
Walking on Snow-on July 1! Posted Monday, July 1, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
No, this did not take place in a mountain park! This actually happened today as my buddy and I fished some of the smaller streams between Calgary and the Crow. No wonder the fish are not to be found in some of the streams, and also no wonder the cutts are just beginning to spawn in some of the other creeks we were able to check
out this long weekend.
We did catch some fish each day, but most of them were of the smaller variety. One was a lovely cutbow which had such beautiful coloration. The spawners had changed to the darker scales with striking orange on the gills and along the lower sides.
Thr major rivers are still silty and high, and so the waiting continues. The Crow did not yield a single fish in the short time we were on it.
How many bites equals one fish? Posted Thursday, June 27, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
A family friend and I were pleased to spend most of today fishing for cutts on one of the smaller streams south of Calgary. We landed five(?), but the story of the day was the number of fish that hit our streamers, but refused to be landed. Shouldn't there be some way of counting these, say on a ratio of ten hits to one fish, along with the ones that we did land?
I know there are a LOT of "it depends on" -- depends on what kind of fish did the hitting, what river we fished, what kind of flies we chose, whether barbless hooks were used, and how sharp or dull they were, how much fishing experience we have, and perhaps more so if we were desperate to reach a certain yearly goal, or just trying to outfish the fishing partner.
Fortunatly, we has a supurb day together, and so it really didn't matter. But wouldn't it have been just a little more satisfying had we caught more of those elusive cutts, or if they would have released themselves just a little closer to where we stood?
Looking for Fishing Waters Posted Sunday, June 23, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
My wife, Ellen, and I just returned from a short jaunt to the area south of Calgary to check on the various streams and see if it is worth spending time to go fishing in them. The basic answer is no, however some fishermen are obviously trying it.
The Sheep, Highwood, and Cataract are very high and very muddy. The upper Livingston is trying to clear itself, but hasn't much chance
with the Muddy Savanah and others pushing their dirt down stream.
The smaller creeks are also colored and seem to be whitewater from one end to the other. The one exeption is Three Piont Creek, and no one seemed to be fishing it. I was amazed by the size and color of the Cataract Creek. It is about the size of the Highwood at the juntion of the two.
It looks like another week of patience is forced upon us, in some cases maybe even a longer time. Lets help the time to pass more gently by posting news so that we all can benefit.
Insects on the Little Red Posted Saturday, June 22, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Ron and I had just reached the north bank of the Little Red. We gazed around in anticipation, wondering what, if any, insects were hatching on this, Ron's first ever Walk & Wade flyfishing trip.
Soon, we observed March Brown mayflies hovering over the water just in front of us. Then we were able to spot three other species of mayflies rising out of the water. Three different species of caddis flies also joined in the exiting experience of emerging out of the water, and getting ready for the final act of their short lives. As Ron and I sifted through the pages of Skip Morris's short book, Western River Hatches, trying to identify the different insects, we grinned with antipation with the prospects before us.
It was important, I knew, that any fly fisher learn to observe and stategize before jumping into a stream. Insects on the water, in the air, and later under the rocks would give us clues as to what flies might be effective on this morning. Determining the shape, size and color and life-cycle stage of the aquatics would help immensely in chosing the correct flies.
Just as we were about to step into the Little Red, from out of the bushes flew a large golden stonefly and fluttered unto the front of Ron's shoulder. What a magnificient specimen, and how timely! Not too far from us, a robin flittered around, trying to catch other stoneflies for its breakfast.
The six or so hits by brown trout that Ron experienced in the time we were on the river suggests that our choice of flies was quite acurate. Now for the next phase in Ron's fly fishing experience - to be able to land the fish! The determination is his, and I'm sure it won't be long in coming.
casting lessons at the pond Posted Friday, June 21, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Any instructor is pleased when clients catch on the principles of fly casting. Tonight has been special because one of my students not only learned to cast well, but also pulled in the biggest fish I've ever seen at Bryant's Pond. This one was a whopping 21 inch rainbow. Great going, Ray!
Fish shows negative growth Posted Wednesday, June 19, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
While checking a short stretch of the Fallen Timber today I ended up in a pool where I had caught a 17 inch brown about six weeks ago. Today in the same pool in the same place I caught a brown that was 10 inches long! Could it be that the fish shrank seven inches during that period of time?
Alone on the Little Red Posted Wednesday, June 19, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Spent several hours on the Little Red today. Caught four nice fish and also got wet (shower with small hail). The March Brown hatch is in full swing, but the fish were not rising to the surface except for a couple near a log jam. Emergers seemed to work the best for me today.
Present fishing prospects in S. Alberta Posted Tuesday, June 18, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Like you, I've waited for that wonderful feeling of the fishing season being fully open atlast. With this event comes the news that effective fishing as we know it will be delayed another one to three weeks. Almost all streams are swollen, dirty, and cold, the fish for the most part have not returned to their summer hideouts, and there is yet much snow and ice to thaw in the foothills and mountains. The one surprising exception is the middle section of the Little Red that is still somewhat fishable for small browns close to the river banks.
Fallen Timber update Posted Monday, June 17, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Spent part of the past weekend on the Fallen Timber. The water was quite clear till about two P.M. at which time the mud that was stirred by the quads, motorbikes, etc. made the stream completly unfishable. Anyway, no fish were to be seen, felt or caught. There still is tons of ice to melt on the south shore, making the water very cold still. I did see a light hatch of March Browns (mayflies) in a couple of spots, but no fish activity there either.
The Ghost and the Waiparous are high and very colored, especially the Ghost.
Stauffer browns Posted Friday, June 7, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
I half hoped the the browns on Stauffer would be as nice to me as they were last year, but such was not the case. The few I did catch were small. There were very few risers, and all were very spooky. Stauffer is getting hit hard by fishermen from all over. Human tracks are evident increasingly farther away from the normal access pionts, which can be expected as a response to the positive publicity this stream has been getting.
Land Owners on Prairie Creek Posted Friday, June 7, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Spent a few hours on Prairie Creek this week. Didn't get very much response from the fish in the creek, but I sure did from various owners of land along this stream. According to them, there is stealing going on, plus quads and other vehicles are tearing up pasture land. But the matter that is most frustrating is the number of fishermen who cross their land without first requesting their permission. Barry Mitchell mentioned something similiar in his book, Alberta's Trout Highway, so let's take heed. Most landowners responded affirmitively after a friendly chat, and all would appreciate a quick word about a calf being stuck in, and unable to escape from, a mud hole as happened lately. By the way, where are those stoneflies that are supposed to inhabit the Creek? Not even a husk was evident anywhere!
San Juan Worm Posted Sunday, June 2, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Until recently I hesitated purchasing copies of the American Angler. The March-April 2002 issue has made me wonder how much I have missed. The article on the San Juan Worm along with the recipe that was submitted by the author, Ted Fauceglia, have been very helpful (see pages 18&20). The author states that he has "not had any success with it in slow-moving water", but I have found it to be just the ticket in a stocked pond! I simply "heave it and leave it" and have had consistent success. Try it, and then let me know how you make out.
Fallen Timber ckeck up Posted Sunday, June 2, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
After having completed a casting lesson, I thought I would check out the Fallen Timber for the possibility of a W&W (Walk and Wade) trip. Not a good idea. It's dirty, it is muddy, it is thick! The water level, too, is significantly higher than the last time I saw it, which wasn't that long ago. A phone call from a fishing buddy just today indicates that there is more snow to melt on the south side of this steam in the area of the Forestry Trunk Road. That, along with the rain we are presently enjoying, will further postpone the fishing in that part of our beautiful wilderness. For a change, the Little Red was much clearer than the Fallen Timber.
Surprises on the Dog Pound Posted Friday, May 31, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Late yesterday afternoon my fishing buddy and I spent a couple of interesting hours on the Dog Pound. Here is my assessment of the situation on the creek.
-The Browns are further up the creek than I've known them to be in the past.
-The most active Browns are small. Emergers were somewhat effective.
-Almost no significant hatch except a few large caddis flies.
-The water is running clear but very low for this time of the year
-Beavers are still very busy above #22 highway.
Where I've been, what I've seen, what I've found Posted Friday, May 31, 2002 by Nick Gawryletz
Over the years I bought many fly-fishing books searched for good magazines, watched fishing shows, surfed Web sites, bugged club members and visited sports shops- all with the intent of learning more about flyfishing and guiding.
Now I am pleased to provide a Web site where I can share up to-date personal experieces which hopefully will benifit you, especially if
you are new to the fascinating sport of flyfishing.
If you would like to share briefly about your experiences or discoveries, please feel free to use the forum section, or e-mail me(nick@flyfish.ca). You may qualify for a free walk-and-wade trip later this Fall.
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