Jul 06

Fishin’ and Flying Rainbow’s

With the first bye-week of the CFL season for the Calgary Stampeders football club, and the Bow River in prime fishing shape, it was time to meet up with my friend Reggie Begelton and go after some trout. This was Reggie’s first trip out with me this season, as he is back from Texas where he lives and busy doing what he loves, playing ball. Normally he catches footballs but today he will be catching the Bow River’s finest fish.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the hoodie I am wearing in the first picture of Reggie and I. Reggie has his own brand of merchandise called R/B Merch found here https://reggiebegelton.com/ Reggie is donating half the money from purchases of his clothing brand to World Vision Canada. World Vision Canada is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, World Vision Canada is the largest private relief and development agency in Canada. If you can, please pick up some great hoodies or hats and support a great cause in helping cure hunger.

We decided to meet at Policemans Flats boat launch and fish the top portion of the river. With the rainbow trout now coming back out of the Highwood River post spawn, this is a great stretch of river to fish this time of year! The water levels were high, with the river stained up a touch, but looking great to crush it.

I rigged up two rods for Reggie, one with the Robertson Tackle Dreamsicle, and the other with the 4.5-inch Robertson Tackle Sunrise Samurai. Its smart to have both a deep diving lure as well as a shallow diving lure ready to go. We set out of the boat launch early (6:45 AM) and headed down river get the first fish in the net. It was not long after we launched that Reggie smashed his first amazing rainbow trout and put it in the boat. The second fish I miffed the net job and bumped the hook off the fish before I could get it into the net. Sorry about that Reggie! Within the next two casts, Reggie hooked another great rainbow that did two epic jumps out of the river before getting all the way into my net. I was not about to miss that one.

We carried on down to almost the Highwood River junction where Reggie kept putting them in my net one-after-one. It’s always a blast for me to see him smack fish all day and do what we both love out there. The peace and quiet is always a blessing and the company is top shelf. Always appreciate you coming out fishing Reggie.

Thank you so much,

Mike

Jun 22

Crank-Bait Fishing With Jesse Simpkins of St Croix Rods

It is always an honor and pleasure to fish with each client. I deeply appreciate everyone who spends their hard-earned money in the G3 jet boat with me! I always have, and I always will. Let’s face it, there are many other activities one could be doing with their extra money. Yesterday I had the privilege of fishing with Jesse Simpkins, who is the marketing director of St Croix Rods from Park Falls, Wisconsin. Jesse had some lay-over time in Calgary before making his way north to fish toothy Pike and Lakers; so why not go fish a world-famous river with yours truly.

I met Jesse at Policemans Flats boat launch shortly after his flight landed in Calgary. We rigged up the St Croix Avid, 6’6 spin rods, with my own brand of fishing lures, The Robertson Tackle Dreamsicle. After prepping the boat to launch, we headed upriver to a few spots I was sure Jesse would catch some. In short order, Jesse had his first fish in my net, a beautiful Bow River brown trout.

Shortly after leaving that area, Jesse hooked into a monster Bow River brownie pictured above. If that was not seriously amazing, Jesse finished his day with another trophy fish that absolutely crushed the Dreamsicle lure. We opted to close the show on that note with Jesse saying, “how can it get any better than that Mike”. I wholeheartedly agreed and that was a wrap for the day.

Jesse and I had a total blast fishing the day away, telling many fish stories, as well as talking about the St Croix brand and the wonderful people behind it. It was an honor to fish with him once again. Thank you so much for coming out with me Jesse.

I appreciate ya’.

May 12

Walleye Fishing McGregor Lake

Was nice to take a break from trout fishing and head out to McGregor Lake this past weekend. My girlfriend Charlene has never caught walleye before, so we headed out to cross that species off her bucket list. With low winds, combined with sunny skies, we headed out early to blade worms using the “bottom bouncing” technique.

Bottom bouncing while trolling is an effective technique as the live worms move slowly, trolled off the bottom with a 3-way bouncer. We launched the boat and made our way across the lake, slowly trolling the shoreline on the east side of the lake. It took about an hour before we hooked up into our first walleye. Charlene was super pumped to get her first fish in the boat. We took a couple quick images and released the fish back to be caught again another day.

The bite was quite slow for the first few hours but picked up just around dinner time. Charlene managed to land eight great Alberta walleye and I got several myself. We were super happy to spend the day out at the lake and get her bucket list fish crossed off for her.

Apr 22

Bow River Fishing in April: The Prime Time for Anglers

As the winter chill begins to subside and the first signs of spring emerge, the Bow River comes alive with an abundance of fishing opportunities. April marks the prime time for anglers to experience the thrill of spin fishing on this renowned Alberta waterway.

The Bow River has long been celebrated for its diverse array of prized game fish, including the sought-after rainbow trout, the formidable brown trout, and even the occasional elusive bull trout. During the month of April, these highly-coveted species become increasingly active, making them irresistible targets for skilled and experienced anglers. As the river’s temperatures begin to rise and the aquatic ecosystem awakens from its winter slumber, the fish become more energetic and eager to strike, providing anglers with a prime opportunity to test their angling prowess.

Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a novice seeking to hone your spin-casting techniques, the Bow River in April offers an unparalleled fishing experience. The river’s picturesque vistas, combined with the heightened activity of its prized fish, create a truly captivating and rewarding angling adventure that draws anglers from near and far to this renowned Alberta destination.

The Bow River offers a dynamic and rewarding fishing experience. The river’s varied terrain and ample access points provide endless opportunities to explore and discover the perfect angling locations.

With the right techniques, the Robertson Tackle Lures, and a bit of knowledge, you can expect to reel in impressive catches throughout the month of April. So, if you’re looking to make the most of the spring fishing season, be sure to head out there on your next Bow River adventure.