It Was Snowy, Cold, Blustery, Icy and an Awesome Day Out on the Water, ...Freeze Up is Close

The recent snow almost discouraged us from going. Yesterday I actually skied so it was time to shift gears. Right? Wrong! We had to go and we were glad we did. Karen, Colin and I bundled up and had a great day chasing rainbows. The pot holes and sloughs as we travelled out to fly fish were pretty much frozen. As we bumped the last few kms down the gravel road we held our breath and surprise, there was open water even though the shallow bays were indeed frozen. The wind was a big factor in keeping the water open. We lucked out! I am sure the migrating ducks, geese and tundra swans were in a rush to head south.

The edges were frozen and we had to break some ice in order to set up and fly fish with our ice minnows! Well the fishing was about average but perhaps excellent for this late in the year. We targeted shallow areas. 

The entire area looked wintery but with open water, it was a great place to be. Pepper loved nosing around the snow as we fly fished.

The temperature crawled above zero so tromping around was lots of fun, especially on the leeward side of the lake.

I am sure there is more open water but the weather is going into the tank this week. Try and get out if you can!

Last Day on the Eastern Slopes, ... Happy Halloween!

It is hard to believe that our eastern slopes fly fishing is now closed for the season. The last day of October, aka Halloween, is the final day we can fly fish in these areas on many rivers.

Well Karen, Colin and I headed out for one last chance to fly fish for cutthroat trout. Yes, we love fly fishing for cutts. It was cold when we arrived, -6C. We bundled up and headed to a few runs. Surprisingly enough, the cutthroat were quite active and willing! Well it was the usual nymphing game. We caught lots and we called it a day once our hands became numb and the wind chill was well below zero. It was also Halloween so we wanted to be home in plenty of time to greet the trick or treaters who will be coming to our doors.

The good news is that we still have rivers and lakes that are still open and ice free at the moment! Bundle up and get out there! Our long Alberta winter is about to set in!

Just Me and My Dad!

I was fly fishing a few weeks ago just below the spillway on the Red Deer River and saw Tim Hepworth and his daughter, Wren, having a great time on the far bank. I stopped to watch the incredible bonding that was happening between dad and his beautiful daughter. It made me smile. I know Tim and Wren are fixtures along the river having a great time. When the time comes, I am sure that Tim will need a few more fly rods for Wren!

Well played Tim. I absolutely love the images!