FISH TALES FLY SHOP

NRX rod auction – May 11 – 14, 2012

Nancy — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:38:20 +0000

G-Loomis has recently introduced a new color series for their popular NRX rods. We are auctioning off one of the green NRX rods – a 9 ‘ 5wt. Bids will be accepted from Friday, May 11 through Monday, May 14.
Retail value is $755
The winning bid will be matched by Fish Tales and the funds will be donated 50/50 to Cows and Fish and Bonefish Tarpon Trust.
Please stop by the shop to bid or email your bid to sales@fishtales.ca
Thanks for participating.

Alberta Stream Flows and Weather

Nancy — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:09:43 +0000

Check out the Government of Alberta’s river basin website. It shows snow pack and stream flows throughout the province.

Interested in what the forecast looks like? Visit Environment Canada’s site for information.

Product Review – Simms G3 Guide Jacket (Sean Britt)

Nancy — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 18:17:17 +0000

‘G3 Guide Jacket’ class=’ngg-singlepic ngg-center’ />I had the opportunity to purchase one earlier this season and have been testing it for the past two months in snow, rain, and heavy winds. One of the most notable functional features of this jacket is the Gor-tex membrane. This waterproof membrane is known by many folks as being one of the top-of-the-line waterproof technologies as it provides breathable comfort, with durable waterproof, windproof protection. This wind and waterproof capacity is something you are sure to want whether you are chasing steelhead on the coast of running into a changing of the seasons while floating the Bow.

On Tuesday (April 3) I took the boat to the water for the first time this season and the wind was howling so bad we had to row downstream most of the trip. In a normal coat, this type of wind has pierced through, chilled me to the bone and ruined my trip. However, the G3 guide jacket was like a brick wall to the wind, providing great protection and comfort the entire day.

I was also able to test its dryness during a walk and wade a few Wednesdays ago. The day started out a bit cloudy, turned to rain, then snow, then sun. My G3 kept me dry during the rain and snow, and once the sun came out, was breathable enough to keep on and keep fishing.

In addition to the technical qualities of this jacket, there are a number of features anglers will love. There are two oversize velcro chest pockets that are perfect to fit two fly boxes in. In addition, on top of the oversize pockets are zipper pockets that are great to keep your valuables safe. Attached to these pockets are two retractable clips and a built in magnet for keeping your forceps and nippers close at hand. Along the back is another large pocket, good for stashing an extra layer of clothing should the temperature drop. Right behind your neck is a reinforced metal D-ring for attaching your net. Other features include a full hood that includes coverage of your neck, velcro/elasticized cuffs to keep water out, an elastic cinch around the base of the jacket for a customized fit and a velcro patch on the front pocket. This latter feature is nice in that you can leave it empty, attach a foam fly-patch (included), or attach a Simms patch fly box (sold separately).

The one feature I enjoyed most though, was the length. Many wading jackets I’ve tried on leading to this purchase were short in length. However, the Simms G3 Guide Jacket is cut more average to length, providing coverage not only when rowing a boat, but also during a nice walk and wade. Featured in either Loden or Black Olive/Elkhorn colors, this jacket was a great addition to my arsenal of tools and the best purchase I’ve made this season so far!

Bow River Report – April 3, 2012 – Sean Britt

Nancy — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 17:46:04 +0000

Fishing Report, Tuesday April 3: With winter weather looming on the horizon and a beautiful spring/early summer day, decided to take the boat on the river and get in the first float of the year. Getting on the boat was a great opportunity to really get a sense of what the river is like and what the fish are doing.

While there were fish in numerous parts of the river, it seems the majority of fish were found in pods in certain sections. These sections were often on bends at the confluence of fast and slow water and most fish in these parts were taken on a prince nymph on the swing. This led me and my fishing partner to believe they were taking boatman for the most part.

There were a few larger fish taken in fast water, near the middle of the river, and a few taken in shallow water as well. For the most part all were taken on the prince nymph, with a few on the wire worm. One brown that was caught had almost a half dozen leeches just flowing from every corner of his mouth.

Water clarity was pretty good, with Fish Creek dumping in a bit of brown murky water. River levels continue to drop, but with a great snowpack in the mountain, we should see a good flush come runoff and good levels throughout the season.

The most rewarding part of the day was taking my sidekick, a barnyard special dog named Bizzy, along. Its amazing, I now know what everyone was talking about when they would describe how special a fishing trip is when they go with their furry friend. While she wasn’t interested in the fish, she did enjoy the boat and now has a permanent place by my side on top of the cooler….

Bow River Report – March 31, 2012 – Sean Britt

Nancy — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:50:56 +0000

The weather continues to trick us into thinking it is spring/summer. Air temps are hovering in the high single to mid-teens with overnight lows of just below 0 providing some great fishing opportunities all day long.
Left the water thermometer at home, so couldn’t get a good read but given the time of year it’s still cold. The AB government hasn’t reinstated their flow data for the river yet, as they take a break during winter months due to ice conditions. They should be up and taking readings again shortly, so be sure to visit their site for the latest data. However, using the ol’ observational skills, the water levels have dropped considerably over the last few weeks, and even since Wednesday.
Clarity is pretty good, with on average at least 2-3′ of visibility in city stretches. Fish are on the move, likely due to a number of factors including spawning time, warmer weather, low water levels, insect hatches, etc. It seems all fish caught today were further into the river and out of the deep pockets that you normally find them in during winter months. They were mostly caught on the seams of faster/slower water, with numerous fish rising in slack water. Reports from colleagues state that some were even picked on dry flies or emergers.
For nymphs: wire worms, leeches, backswimmers and prince nymphs were working well. Small midges were the ticket for dries according to some reports. And another successful method was the dropper style with a boatman/prince being the dropper.
Weather looks to be holding for the week, so good time to get out and wet a line! However, remember that it is now April and don’t forget to renew your license. Tight lines!

Bow River Report March 22 – Matthew Slater

Nancy — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 05:55:10 +0000

Conditions were perfect today because of low winds, clear water, cloudy skis, and warmer temperatures than yesterday. Today was my best day of the year so far! I started fishing at around 11 a.m. with a good friend. He went with the peacock leech and swung it to the bank. I fished nymphs. I had a worm, stonefly and water boatman on all day. One white fish and 12 rainbows on the worm and stone, and three nice browns on the boatman! I was nymphing with a spey rod using Airflo’s Scandi line. My friend used Airflo’s Skagit for swinging leeches. He was able to pick up some fish. By the end of the day the sun was low in the sky and nymphing slowed right down. The visibility went from six feet to two by the end of the day from snow melt. My friend hooked up to some good fish on his last couple casts but lost them. Like I said, today was one of the best days I have ever had on nymphs. There are few days like today! Hope to see more of you out in the next couple days.

Store Event – Customer Appreciation Day! Saturday, March 31

Nancy — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:51:16 +0000

Join us on Saturday, March 31 for our annual spring Customer Appreciation Day. We will be having hourly door prizes, snacks from nearby restaurants, and in-store demos. It’s our way to say thanks for another great year!

Bow River Report March 11, 2012 – Matt Sparrow

Nancy — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:24:26 +0000

“Ice Melting Fish Moving”

I fished a few hours Sunday and tried a few different patterns, but the rainbows were most interested in the peacock leech. Water visibility was a couple of feet and fish were relatively shallow compared to last week. It seems to me that the fish are moving so be prepared to search wintering water and some of the shallower runs. Fish responded to both dead drift and stripped presentations;)

Streamer Fly Tying

admin — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:18:10 +0000

Join Kurtis for this three night session focused on tying techniques for streamer patterns. He’ll take you through a half dozen patterns with variations on some favorites like the Clouser Minnow and Bow River Bugger. Other patterns will include Galloup’s Sex Dungeon and Zoo Cougar.

Course fee is $75.00. Students are responsible for all their own materials and tying equipment.

New Book review – “Dynamic Nymphing”

Nancy — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:16:53 +0000

“Dynamic Nymphing Tactics, Techniques, and Flies from Around the World” by George Daniel.

With “Dynamic Nymphing” George Daniel ushers in the New School of subsurface fishing! Daniel is a young American angler with an impressive resume as a competitive angler, winning two US national championships and placing high in the world championships. Daniel demystifies techniques such as trendy Czech nymphing and French nymphing: including leader construction and casting.
This book is a refreshing read that includes lots of photos and nymph patterns. Whether you are a competitive angler or just wanting to improve your game, this will definitely up the ante and bring more fish to hand. We have signed hard cover copies in store – come check it out!

Review courtesy of Matt Sparrow.