Winter winds calmed enough to enjoy a great day on the Crow with Al yesterday. Checked out some water we both haven't fished for awhile...yep the big boys were active on both streamers and nymphs...turkey ,moose,  deer tracks abound.Rotating sales continue in the shop...all Chota boots 20% off...Susan

2014

Wishing everyone all the best this New Year.Perfect winter flyfishing conditions the past few days..and today is no exception! No wind,+1, sunny..yep nice day for the Crow. Keep it slow and steady.Happy New Year!!

winter

The changes we've seen on our streams, from the Oldman to the Castle after this years floods in July are turning into a blessing....yep lots of new holes ,pocket water and even the Crow has some completely new channels to explore.The open section of the Crow this winter has been fishing well,some of the newer runs are very productive and challenging! Best bet ,as always this time of year is to fish streamers and nymphs..but SLOWLY, and remember these low and clear waters require stealth. The fly shop has some exceptional sales ,up to 50% off ...for example the G.Loomis NRX 9' 5wt is now.just 550.00.Check out more info on the crowsnestcafeandflyshop facebook page. Wishing one and all a great and fun Christmas time and yep"tight lines in 2014. All the best, Susan

catch and release

A friend from Michigan suggested I check this out ,originally posted by Anglers of the Au Sable it is an excellent article on Catch and Release. As you will see we have a lot to learn and much to pass along to other anglers..especially those just beginning to fish. The link is www.wildstreams.com/CatchRelease/catch and release review and guidelines.pdf. Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful fall and making the most of open waters for this last month of fishing our spectacular trout streams. oh yeah it ain't easy!      Susan

winding down

This summer has been more than a little wild,challenging and fun. The July floods played havoc with the Oldman system,essentially creating a whole new upper section thru the Livingstone and thru the Gap. Water levels were in constant flux until the end of July ,even the Crow stayed higher than normal. The Trout seemed to have their focus on the bottom and right from the beginning seemed leery of rising. Yep the 2013 season of finicky trout,yep even the piggy Cutthroats! This meant anglers had to to a lot more walking to find their missing sweet spots, focus on their casting/mending ,drifting, and generally rely on their intuition. August blossomed into full on dry's and the season returned to it's hot dry usual self. September has proved to be my favorite again with the challenge of Blue wing Olives ,few hatches (except the darned midges),but lo and behold Green Drakes continued to battle for position against the terrestrials.
The shop was also in full bloom with the distinguished minions running the show and going great guns! Lot's of high energy ,inventiveness  and hard work..I'm extremely proud of our Staff. Al and Johnny had their hands full with what continues to be a very busy guiding year..hard sluggin with so many testy trout! We met and guided so many really good people ,enjoyed their company on the river and chats in the shop..Thank you for your support and great attitude!
So all the very best ..we will be closed for part of October and early November..yep fishin'...then open Wed-Sun 8-5...thanks again! Susan

Sept BWO

welcome BWO Boys...these crazy southerners have been flyfishing the Crowsnest area for what? 10 years?longer..thru sleet, hail ,snow..and now big full on fall blue skies.Will the Blue wings co-operate? Can Richard put away his nymphs ,droppers and stay one fly on the surface? Are the substantial changes in courses of the Oldman system going to see a lose of hair? All the best to all you fall fishermen! Susan

Just a quick reminder Mill and Hidden creeks are now closed....Water levels are low in all systems (Oldman ,Crow and Castle) Watch for lingering Stones,Green Drakes and the determined BWO. Lots of midges ,so patience is a must. September is a perfect month to be fishing this area as many returning clients and friends are aware. Shop is open 7 days/week 8-5...look for end of season sales .....and tales! All the best, Susan