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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

Southern Alberta

Southern Alberta

Just a reminder it's time for a new license folks!

The Crowsnest: 

We’ve seen some pretty nice fish get hauled out of the Crowsnest in the past week, water levels are good for this time of year and clear. If we’re seeing Skwala’s up on the Bow River, they are likely seeing them down on the Crow as well, though we haven’t heard any reports of them yet. Still sounds like nymphing is the most productive method of fishing at the moment, try throwing some smaller stoneflies and zebra midge, the weather this week should have some bugs moving. If you’re heading down this weekend, let us know you make out!

The Oldman: Have not heard any new info on the stretch below Highway 22. Hatch wise I would be fishing the same stuff I’d be throwing on the Crowsnest, small skwala nymphs and zebra midge. As for clarity, expect some ground run off after this weekend. Nice weather in southern Alberta usually comes with some high winds, so keep that in mind if you plan on driving south this week. Good luck out on the water this week folks!



The Strategies that are getting the job done: 

Since the water is still cold despite the air temperature, the name of the game is slow and deep.

Nymphing (The High-Percentage Play):

This will be your most productive method. Use a strike indicator or a Euro-nymphing rig.

Patterns: Zebra Midges (#18-22) in black, red, or olive; San Juan Worms in red or pink; and small Pheasant Tails (#18-20), Black Copper John(#14-18).

Pro Tip: You need to “hit them on the nose.” If you aren’t ticking the bottom occasionally, add more split shot. The trout won’t move far to chase a meal in winter.

Mid-Day Dry Fly Opportunity:

On these warm afternoons, keep an eye on the soft seams and back eddies.

  • Patterns: Griffith’s Gnat (#18-20) or a Parachute Midge.
  • Pro Tip: Look for “dimpling” rises. If you see fish rising but can’t see the bugs, they are likely taking midge pupae just under the surface film.

Streamers (For the Aggressive Rainbows):

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).
  • Pro Tip: Use a sink-tip line and move the fly with very slow, rhythmic pulses rather than fast, erratic strips.

Important Reminders:

  • Regulations: The mainstem from the outlet of Crowsnest Lake to the Cowley Bridge is open all year, but please double-check the 2026 Alberta Guide to ensure no local emergency closures are in effect.
  • Fish Handling: Even if the air is 15°C, the water is near freezing. Keep the fish in the water. Lifting them into the air can cause their gills to flash-freeze, which could be fatal.

Safety Considerations:

  • It's that time of year where the bears start to wake up, I'd bring your bear spray along just to be safe.
  • Dress appropriately for it may not be cold weather wise, but prolonged wading can wear on you.

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

      Weather

      Flow


      Flies:

      • Dries: Griffiths Gnat #16-20, Parachute Midge #18-22, Smoke Jumper #18-20, Grizzly Midge Cluster #16-20
      • 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, Bow River Bugger Brown #6, 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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      Bow River Report

      Bow River Report

      Just a reminder it's time for a new license folks!

      Looks like this snow hit just in time for McKinnon Flats to open, there is still some broken up ice in the boat launch so use it at your own discretion. Don’t let this storm fool you, spring is around the corner with temps hitting the 20’s next week, so expect to see some pretty nasty ground run off with all this snow melting so keep that in mind. Successful fishing tactics still haven’t changed much, dead drifting worms, stoneflies and leeches is still the ticket. There have been some Skwala sightings out on the water, so try throwing some those in your nymph rig. If you see any fish rising on the warmer days it might be worth throwing a skwala hopper dropper combo over them. Don’t let this weather scare you, we hope you get out this weekend and have some great fishing!

      How to attack the river:

      Nymphing (Most Productive):

      Nymphing continues to be the most effective method this week.
      Where to Focus:
      • Deep runs and pools
      • Slow seams and inside bends
      • Tailouts below riffles
      Patterns producing the most right now:
      • Midge larva and pupa (sizes 16–22)
      • Bloodworms
      • San Juan Worms
      • Small leeches
      • Zebra midges and similar midge patterns
      • Black Copper John
      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, when fished slow and deep. You can even try bottom bouncing a small leech. The slower the streamer moves the better really.

      Dry Flies

      Dry fly opportunities are limited but not impossible.
      Best Bet:
      • Small midge adults or emegers
      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 deep bends, structure, and winter holding water
      • Slow, deliberate retrieves are key
      Winter fishing on the Bow River can be technical but rewarding. While peak dry-fly fishing typically occurs from mid-May through October, winter anglers who focus on subsurface techniques can still find consistent success.

      Safety Considerations:

      • Most of the ice in the city has melted, but south of the city there are still some ice shelves so watch your step out there!
      • Dress appropriately for it may not be cold weather wise, but prolonged wading can wear on you.

        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, Brassie #12-16, , 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
        • Dries: Rocky Mountain Mint Adam's #14-18, Hi-Vis Griffith's Gnat #16-20, CDC Midge #18-20, Midge Emerger #18-20, Cluster Midge #16-18, Stillborn Midge Black #18-20, Parachute Trico #20-22, Last Chance Cripple BWO #18-20

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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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