Oct 31

The magic of the first fish

Its been many moons since I caught my first fish, so far back in fact that that I hardly remember how old I was. I don’t remember how old I was, but I will never forget the feeling of that first fish. The tug on the line, the adrenaline rush, the smile that never left my face for days.

With nice weather this past weekend, I was able to take my girlfriend out to the banks of the Bow River. She has never fished and has never casted into the rushing waters of the Bow. We had breakfast Saturday morning and bundled up for a quick few hours shore fishing, inner city. As we arrived there were a few anglers fishing, so we gave them enough distance and proceeded to tie up a Green Ghost from Robertson Tackle. For those of you that don’t know, I started my own lure business two years ago. You can see my lure website here www.robertsontackle.com

Charlene picked out which lure she wanted to use at the house, and I gladly tied it up for her, showing her how to tie an improved clinch knot. After I tied up the hook, I showed her how to make casts, as this was the first time she has ever fished. She made some amazing casts and is a quick learner. After several casts, I decided we needed to cover more water and made the casts for her, and she reeled the lure in. As they say, teamwork makes the dream work!

Charlene is a “Natural” and was reeling the lure in at the perfect speed, putting the right action on the lure. Those are some things you just can’t teach. We moved up and down the bank hunting the fish. After only ten minutes or so, she hooked into her very first fish, a majestic Brown Trout. After a little guidance, keeping her rod tip up and having steady pressure on the fish, I reached down and scooped her amazing brown into the net. It was a very special moment and after taking the fish off the hook, and a few quick pictures, we shared a special hug in celebration. It was a very special moment I will never forget. Pure happiness and bliss filled both our hearts. After making several more casts, and changing lures a few times, Charlene got another amazing Rainbow Trout on the 3.5inch Pink Panther crankbait. Another blissful moment that was cause for a celebration!

The wind kicked up and there were no more bites to be had. Charlene and I decided to pack up and go. We walked off the bank with smiles on our faces and very grateful hearts. It was our first fishing adventure together and I look very forward to many, many more adventures with her soon!

It was a day I will never forget!

~Mike

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