Sep 17

Night fishing the Bow River

Night fishing for brown trout on the Bow River can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also requires careful planning and attention to safety. Here are some tips to help you have a successful night fishing trip for brown trout on the Bow River:

Check Regulations: Before you head out, make sure to familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations for the Bow River. This includes information about fishing seasons, catch limits, and any special rules for night fishing.

Safety First: Night fishing can be more hazardous due to reduced visibility. Make sure you have proper lighting, wear appropriate clothing, and consider wearing a life jacket if you’re fishing from a boat or fishing the banks.

Equipment and Tackle: Use appropriate fishing gear for brown trout. Normally the bigger the lure (Bait), the bigger the browns. I like large lures that rattle loud. Colorful lures can also be effective while night fishing. Use a high-quality monofilament or braided line with a test strength suitable for the size of brown trout in the river.

Location: Research the best spots for brown trout on the Bow River. Look for deeper pools, undercut banks, and slower-moving sections of water where brown trout might be hiding during the night.

Moon Phase: Fishing during a full moon can provide more natural light, making it easier to see and navigate. However, during a new moon, the darkness might encourage larger trout to venture out for feeding.

Lighting: Bring a reliable and waterproof flashlight or headlamp with you. It will help you navigate the riverbank, tie knots, and see where you’re casting. Avoid shining the light directly into the water, as it can spook the fish.

Quiet Approach: Brown trout have excellent night vision and can be easily spooked by noise and sudden movements. Approach the water quietly and avoid making unnecessary disturbances.

Presentation: Brown trout are more likely to be close to the banks at night, looking for easy meals. Cast upstream and let your fly drift naturally downstream. Use a slow retrieve to imitate the movement of prey.

Patience: Night fishing requires patience. Since you have reduced visibility, it might take some time to locate the fish and get your presentation right. Be persistent and stay focused.

Land Fish Quickly: When you hook a brown trout, try to bring it in quickly to minimize stress on the fish. Using a net with a rubberized coating can also help protect their delicate scales.

Release Carefully: If you’re practicing catch-and-release, handle the fish gently, keep it in the water as much as possible, and support its body properly until it swims away on its own.

Buddy System: Fishing at night can be safer and more enjoyable with a fishing buddy. Having someone else there can also be helpful in case of any emergencies.

Remember, the Bow River’s conditions can change, and it’s essential to adapt to the specific conditions on the night of your fishing trip. Always prioritize safety and respect the environment while enjoying your fishing adventure.

Most of all, have fun !!

~Mike

Aug 27

Exploring the Beauty and Bounty of Rainbow Trout in the Bow River

The Bow River, a picturesque waterway winding through the heart of Alberta, Canada, is renowned among anglers and outdoor enthusiasts for its incredible diversity of fish species. However, one species stands out as the jewel of these waters – the magnificent rainbow trout. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of rainbow trout in the Bow River, exploring their characteristics, habitat, fishing techniques, and the conservation efforts that help ensure their continued presence for generations to come.

The Enchanting Rainbow Trout:

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are not only a delight to catch, but they also possess a striking beauty that captures the hearts of those who admire them. Their name is derived from the vibrant pinkish-red stripe that runs along their sides, resembling the colors of a rainbow. These fish have a slender body shape, making them agile swimmers in the fast-flowing waters of the Bow River.

Habitat and Lifecycle:

The Bow River provides an ideal habitat for rainbow trout, with its clear, cold waters and abundant food sources. These trout thrive in the river’s diverse aquatic ecosystem, feasting on insects, small fish, and crustaceans. The river’s gravel beds are crucial for spawning, providing a safe environment for rainbow trout to lay their eggs and ensure the survival of their offspring.

Rainbow trout exhibit anadromous behavior, which means they can migrate between freshwater and saltwater environments. However, the Bow River rainbow trout are mostly resident fish, staying within the river’s waters throughout their lifecycle.

Fishing in the Bow River:

Anglers flock to the Bow River from around the world, drawn by the promise of challenging yet rewarding fishing experiences. Spin fishing is especially popular in this region, given the river’s fast currents and the rainbow trout’s spirited nature. Using a variety of lures that mimic natural prey, anglers can test their skills against these wily fish.

The catch-and-release ethos is deeply ingrained in the Bow River fishing community. This practice helps maintain the health of the trout population and ensures that future generations of anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching these remarkable fish.

Conservation Efforts:

Preserving the health of the Bow River and its rainbow trout population is of paramount importance. Conservation organizations, government agencies, and local communities work together to monitor water quality, regulate fishing practices, and protect crucial spawning grounds. By managing human impact, controlling invasive species, and promoting responsible fishing, these efforts contribute to the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem.

Conclusion:

The Bow River’s rainbow trout embody the beauty and allure of the Canadian wilderness. Their presence not only enriches the river’s ecosystem but also offers anglers and nature enthusiasts a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the thrill of the catch. As we admire the vivid hues of the rainbow trout in the Bow River, let’s remember our responsibility to safeguard these waters and the magnificent creatures that call them home. Whether you’re an angler or simply a lover of nature, the Bow River’s rainbow trout are sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart.

~Mike

Aug 19

(TOD) Time Of Day angling restrictions lifted

After three weeks of Time Of Day restrictions on the Bow River and the Eastern slopes, (ES1) the Alberta Government has removed the restriction as of today, August 19th 2023.

https://mywildalberta.ca/fishing/advisories-corrections-closures/time-of-day-angling-restrictions.aspx

Angling will be permitted once again after 2:00PM. It is still hot and I encourage everyone to still get out early in the morning to minimize stress on the fish in the hottest periods of the day.

Thank you,

~Mike

Jul 02

Bow River bruisers with “Bagels” and Mr. Wall

Some call him “Bagles” but I call him Reggie, Reggie Begelton. He plays Slotback (Wide receiver) for the Canadian Football League (CFL) He hails from Beaumont, Texas where he grew up fishin the canals. Like me, his grandfather used to take him fishing to “keep me out the streets”. You can tell he has fished many times before from the pinpoint accurate casts, right where the fish live. I don’t really need to say much other than “put it behind that rock” or “cast on the left side of the river” and he takes care of the rest. He can read water like a boss and casts like a pro. That’s half the battle out there, making pin-point accurate casts, and he does it with ease!

Once again I was blessed to see Mr Titus Wall out with us. Titus hails from Lima, Ohio and plays the (SAM) Strongside Linebacker position, also with the Calgary Stampeders. The Sam linebacker is often converted from defensive scheme to defensive scheme, as the player may have different roles or responsibilities based on their assignments. The Sam linebacker is the strongside linebacker, meaning they will to the strong side of the offensive formation.

Last year, Titus came out with Reggie and I and struggled, with only two fish caught despite our best efforts. It definitely was not for lack of trying! I wanted to get Titus a boat load of fish this trip and make up for the lack of trout last go-round.

We launched the jet boat at McKinnon Flats early morning. Reggie is an early bird, but Titus went out the night before our trip and had to saw some logs in the back of my truck on the way to the boat launch.

Reggie and I rigged up the rods with the Robertson Tackle while we let Titus get his beauty sleep in the back seat. We got the boat prepped and woke sleeping beauty before putting the boat into the river. I told Titus I was gonna get him fish right at the boat launch, and he kinda laughed at me as we drove up the river a short distance. No more than five casts and Titus had a beauty Rainbow in my awaiting net. We both were laughing as I gleefully blurted out “told ya so”. He crushed a few more a short distance downriver from the boat launch. I think that woke him up!

Then it was Reggie’s turn. Not long after netting Mr. Wall’s third fish, Reggie hooked up and was reeling one in. That’s how you write up the perfect start to the day. Sometimes as a guide, there is extra pressure on one’s self to perform when VIP clints are onboard, but I keep it fun and never put too much pressure on myself. There is no reason to stress about the things we cant control, such as when the fish will bite and how many fish we will put in the net. I am confident in my abilities and keep it fun when under pressure. I go there with no expectations, because I was told “expectations are resentments waiting to happen”.

Shortly down river after many fish in the net, with lots of laughs along the way, Reggie hooked into a monsta trophy brown trout. He battled that beast with precise skill and fought the fish perfectly. I always say, “its one thing to hook a big brown, but its two to get it in the net”. Reggie made it look like childs play and we both freaked out after he landed his trophy trout.

I guess that’s one of the reasons I love fishing so much. It brings out the kid in us grown men.

We smashed them all day and it was another killer trip with my friends. I sincerly appreciate you both coming out fishing with me again this season. I am super glad we got Titus those redemption fish, and “Bagles” landed his beast brownie.

Atta boy Reggie, atta boy.

Until next time my friends.

Thank ya so much.