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Let our SmartBuilder help pair the best rods and reels with fly lines, leaders and tippet. It provides suggestions for the best package for your needs!

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FLY TYING Tutorials

Gotcha

Gotcha

Originally tied by Jim McVay the first Gotcha with some carpet trimmings from a Nassau taxi cab, and caught a bunch of bonefish on the fly in the following days. Nowadays this is a must have in all saltwater fisherman's fly boxes.

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Klinkhammer

Klinkhammer

The perfect pattern to imitate an emerging caddisfly to catch grayling and trout which feed from them as they float in the surface film. This pattern has proven to be an extremely effective fly for imitating an emerging mayfly.

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Hare and Copper

Hare and Copper

This fly has caught me many a fish over in New Zealand and since bring it back to Alberta it has continued to do the same! It is a super easy tie with minimal materials so pumping out multiple color variations won't be hard.

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Fishing Reports

Bow River Report

Bow River Report

The water level has dropped a significant amount in the last week, which has made for some picky fish and tough angling. It still sounds like most of the Terrestrial eats are happening earlier in the day and the streamers are working later in the afternoon. That being said you can always fish a dry dropper rig with a leech or worm then the fishing is tough and that can increase your odds. If you are seeing rising fish in the evenings, it is likely on Caddis flies or some big PMD’s right now. The coming week looks like we are going to have some overcast days, which could make the streamer fishing really turn on, so pack your sink tip and streamer rod.  Flashier streamers seem to still be the main focus right now, and with the water being so clear white and light colours should also fish pretty good. Good luck if you head out this weekend and let us know you did!

How to attack the river:

Nymphing (Most Productive):

Nymphing is always a great way to fish on those hot days when the fish don't want to rise.
Where to Focus:
  • Deflections and pools close to shore 
  • Seams and inside bends and corners
  • Deep drop offs near rip rap banks
Patterns producing the most right now:
  • Tungsten Ready Baetis (sizes 14-18)
  • Copper John (size 12-18)
  • San Juan Worms
  • Small leeches
  • JIggy Dropper PMD (Sizes 14-18)
Both indicator nymphing and Euro nymphing setups are effective. Depth control is critical — don’t hesitate to add weight.

Streamer Fishing:

Streamers can produce fish, especially larger browns, you can even try bottom bouncing a small leech. Try changing your presentation style and speed till you find what's working, some fish are looking for a chase.

Dry Flies

Dry fly eats seem to mostly be happening in the morning and evenings
Best Bet:
  • Juicy Hopper (sizes 8-12)
  • Caddis adults (size 12-16)
  • Para Sipper PMD (14-18)
  • Pav's Cinnamon Toast Ant (10-12)
It is essential to watch closely for subtle rises during midday, when temperatures typically peak.

Things to remember no matter the fishing technique:

  • Use sink tips or heavily weighted flies
  • Focus on deflcetions and slack water close to shore
Run-off fishing on the Bow River can be technical but rewarding. You have to spend a lot fo time searching for fish, but some real big fish can be close inches from shore.

Safety Considerations:

  • Watch your step and try to avoid wading too deep, the current is strong right now and it is easy to lose your footing.
  • Don't forget to wear sun protection at this time of year, though it may not always be hot you can still burn easily being out all day.

    Weather/Flow Rates, Follow The Link's Below:


    Flies:

    • Streamers: Catch's 4x4 Bighorn #2-4, Bow River Bugger #2-6, Rio's Smolt Brown or Olive #4, Dali Lama Black/Olive #2-6, Wooly Bugger #4-10, Bjoirn's Hog Hooker Black #1, Peacock Bugger Brown #6-12, Coyote Clouser #6, Kreelex Black/Purple/Silver #6, Simi Seal Leech Bloody Olive #8-10, Taupe Leech #4-6, Ron's Cone Leech black or Olive #6-8, Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #4-8, 
    • Nymphs: TJ's Hooker Tan/Brown #6-12, Jimi-Legs Olive/Brown #6-12, Copper John Black #12-16, Purple Prince Nymph #10-14, Theo's Bead Head #14-18, TJ's Jig Assassin Natural #12-16, Jiggy Riffle Drifter Olive #14-18, Quasimodo Pheasant Tail #14-18, BH Squirrel Nymph Rubberlegs #8-12, BH Brassie #14-20, Zebra Midge #16-20, Jiggy Lightning Bug Black #16-18, Optic Nerve Pheasant Tail #12-16, Jiggy Ruberleg Prince #14-18, OCD Caddis Tan #14-16
    • Dries: Adult GT Adams #14-18, Pale Evening Dun #14-16, Elk Hair Caddis #12-16, Parachute PMD #14-18, Pav's Elk Butt #14-18, H&L Variant #12-16, Parachute Adams #14-18, Alex's Biot Parachute Sulphur #14-16

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    Southern Alberta

    Southern Alberta

    The Crowsnest:

    It looks like a great weekend to get down and fish the Crow, sunny skies and light wind should make for some awesome dry fly fishing. Keep your tippet light, your leaders long, and your flies small. Grasshoppers should be fishing great below the falls this weekend, you’re going to want to fish them on the small side and close to shore, If the fish aren’t rising try throwing a little caddis nymph on as a dropper. If you are down later in the day or fishing it in the evening, you’re going to want to have a good amount of small Caddis and Caddis emergers on you. Keep an eye on your water temps later in the day, but the overnight temps should keep the water quite cool. Good luck if you head down this weekend!

    The Oldman:

    The Oldman is gin clear and flowing on the lower end of average at this time, but the terrestrial eat is in full swing. You’re going to want to have lots of smaller hoppers, beetles, and ants. If the fish are refusing your flies on the surface, try using lighter tippet and downsizing your fly. If you want to hunt for Bull Trout now is the time, they are feeding up heavily for the September spawn. Bring some big streamers and heavy sink tip and get ready for hard hitting eats!



    The Strategies that are getting the job done: 

    Streamer and nymph fishing if working best in the mornings while we wait for the water temps to warm up. Afternoon dry fly and hopper fishing can be really effective right now, but don't be afraid to throw a dropper on cause sometimes that gets the fish looking up. 

    Nymphing (The High-Percentage Play):

    Most effective method in the morning, get those flies down where the fish are: G Stone (#10-14), Jiggy PMD (#14-18); and small Pheasant Tails or Copper Johns (#14-16), Ryacophia Czech Nymph(#10-14).

    Pro Tip: You need to “hit them on the nose.” If you aren’t ticking the bottom occasionally, add more split shot. 

    Mid-Day Dry Fly Opportunity:

    When the water warms up the fish are definitely more active. Try smaller attractor style flies, and Cutties love to eat Ants!

    • Patterns: Killer Queen Ant(#12-16), Hi-Viz Parachute PMD (#14-18) Hopper Skippy (#8-12) Missing Link Caddis (#12-16) Pav's Cinnamon Toast Ant (#12-14) Monster Beetle (#8-12) Juicy Hopper (#8-12)

    Streamers (For the Aggressive Rainbows and Bulls):

    If the wind picks up (common in the Pass), a slow-stripped streamer can trigger a strike.
    • Patterns: Small leeches (black or olive) or Woolly Buggers (#8-12) Catch's 4x4 White (#1/0-4) Skiddish Smolt Olive or Brown, Dolly Llama  Pink and Flesh, Cranfords Pandora's Box
    • Pro Tip: Use a sink-tip line and move the fly with very slow, rhythmic pulses rather than fast, erratic strips.

    Safety Considerations:

    • Bears are out in full force, keep an eye out for berry patches, and they can find there way down to the water in the heat of the day. 
    • Stay hydrated in this heat, the cramps and headaches can sneak up on you pretty quick.

        Weather/Flow Rates, Follow The Link's Below:

        Weather

        Flow


        Flies:

        • Dries: Hi-Viz Parachute PMD #16-20, Parachute Midge #18-22, X Caddis Tan #14-18, Pav's Elk Butt #14-18, Ninche's Hangman PMD #16-18, Rocky Mountain Mint Purple #14-18, D&D Cripple PMD #14-18 Snowshoe Caddis Tan #14-16, Donan's Water Walker Golden Stone #8-12, Kenny's Killer Queen Ant #12-16
        • Nymphs: Black Copper John #16-18, Peach Fuzz #12-16, Prince Nymph #12-18, Quasimodo Pheasant Tail #14-18, BH Anatomical Green Drake #10-14, BH Prince Nymph Purple #12-18, Jiggy Catch Rubberleg Coffee #8-12, UV Rainbow Czech Nymph #12-16, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #12-18, TB Blowtorch #12-16, Peacock Perdigon #14-18, TB Jiggy Perdigon Black El Tigre #14-18, Riffle Drifter Olive #14-18, 
        • Streamers: Skiddish Smolt Brown #8, Wilson's Sparkle Minnow #6, Jointed Urchin White #4, Cranford's Pandoras Box, Rio's LE Marabou Leech Black or Olive #4, Balanced Leech Claret #10, Foxy Clouser #4, Clouser Minnow #6, Flashabou Bugger Peacock/Brown #6-10, Hale Bopp Leech Black #8-10

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        Southern BC

        Southern BC

        The Elk and its surrounding waters have started off strong this year! The fish are feeding on everything we hope for, making it an ideal beginning to the season. We hope this trend continues throughout the summer. However, there are some concerns regarding water levels and temperatures. Currently, the water conditions are acceptable for mid-season, which has allowed for a more spread-out fishing experience. The fish are hiding in their usual cutthroat spots.

        Bull trout fishing is expected to pick up towards the end of the month. Moving forward, it will be important to keep an eye on the weather forecast and water levels to ensure that the Kootenay Valley doesn’t experience any extreme fluctuations.

        When it comes to bug hatches, having the right flies in your tackle box will significantly improve your chances of success. Currently, the following bug hatches are expected:

        • Golden Stones: Sizes 6-10
        • Green Drakes: Larger sizes this year, particularly sizes 10 and 12
        • Pale Morning Duns (PMDs): Sizes 14 and 16
        • Ants and Beetles: Flying ants in sizes 12-16, along with small beetle imitations around size 12
        • Grey Drakes: Similar sizes to the green drakes, with a focus on size 12
        • Hoppers: Though not yet out, they should be appearing soon if the weather continues to heat up.

        With the right bugs, you should have a successful outing. Remember to cover a good amount of water, as the fish are dispersed across their usual hiding spots. Keep an eye on the surface; cutthroats will reveal themselves if they are feeding on top. Even if they are eating nymphs, there’s a good chance they won't be deep—look for them in the top third of the water column, as we would expect.

        Weather/Flow Rates, Follow The Link's Below:

        Weather

        Flow

         Flies:

        • Streamers: McClure's Kill Whitey Mottled Tan #1/0, SexDungeon White #2, Dolly Lama Flesh/Tan as well as Pink/White #2 or #6, CH Sparkle Minnow Pink #6, Yo Mama's Lama Tan #2 or #4, Skerik’s Apex Predator Pink #5/0, Skerik's Public Flasher Pink or Grey #2, Trick or Treat White/Pink #2/0, Brayden's Musky Killer Chartreuse/Black #5/0, Menage a Dungeon Olive/Yellow #4
        • Nymphs: Optic Nerve Pheasant Tail #12-16, Purple Prince Nymph #14-16, Dirty Hipster Olive #10-14, Tungsten Jig Assassin #12 and 14, TJ Rainbow Assassin #12-16, TJ's Hooker Black/Coffee #8-12, Bloom's Tung Dart #12-16, Drag Queen #14, Tung Stud #12-18, Copper John Green #12-16, BH Anatomical Green Drake #10-14, TB Jiggy Knuckle Dragger Olive #10-16, and Tungsten Jig Yellow Sally
        • Dries: Gt Adult Adams #12-18, Royal Trude #12-17, Better Sweater Adams #12, KGB Green Drake #12, Tilt Wing Green Drake #10-12, Parachute PMD #12-16, Foam back Sparkle Dun PMD #12-16, Water Walker Peanut #6-12, Dornan's Micro Water Walker Golden Stone #10-16, YFG's Fat Frank Grape #6-10, Humpy Chernobyl Red #12-16, Improved Mega Ant #12-16, Hi-vis Flying Ant Cinnamon #12-18

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