Fly Fishing Weekend

Fly fishing is a relaxing and enjoyable sport that's loved by many. Learn how to fly fish or improve your skills with a professional guide. Enjoy the relaxation of fishing on a variety of rivers and lakes while taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery. Our instructors will point out where to go in the Bighorn area as well as how to "read" the water and the best spots to fish on any river or stream. They will also cover how to tell what flies to use based on the current hatch and other conditions at each site. There is an evening session on fly tying as well.

Your own rod is needed, but we will have some flies available for purchase. The weekend begins at 10:00 am on Friday through supper on Sunday. Great food and comfy accommodations are included. This camp is designed for both beginner and advanced anglers, ages 15 and up.

ONLINE REGISTRATION HERE

Print Mail/Fax Application (PDF)

Print Mail/Fax Application (DOC)

Recommended equipment (not required):

• Rod: Fly rod of either 4, 5, or 6 weight. Rods should be 8' 6" or 9' 0" long.
• Reel: The Reel and fly-line should match the weight of the rod and the line should be a "weight forward floating line." A "Trout Taper" is best, but if you don't have one that says Trout Taper don't worry.
• Leaders: Three or four 9' to 12' monofilament leaders in 4X or 5X sizes.
• Tippets: To go with the leaders - two or three spools of tippet material in 4X, 5X, and 6X.
• Nail Clipper: to trim knots. Works better than your teeth.
• Some kind of "Floatant" fly dressing. For example, a product called "Gink" works well.
• Needle Nose Pliers with a wire cutter blade included. A Leatherman type multitool can work well. This is needed to flatten barbs on hooks which is the law in Alberta now.
• Hemostats: Allows for easier removal of hook from a trout's mouth; particularly important if you are working on a catch and release stream. These are available at fly fishing shops or on the internet from EBay at reasonable prices.
• Fly Box: Something to put the flies in.
• Flies: This is is a list of suggested flies to bring with you. These have been chosen as the most appropriate flies to use in our area in July. We will also have some for purchase at the Lodge.
  • Adams Size 14
  • Adams Size 16
  • Elk Hair Caddis (light Coloured) Size 12
  • Elk Hair Caddis (light Coloured) Size 14
  • Elk Hair Caddis (light Coloured) Size 16
  • Elk Hair Caddis (Dark Coloured) Size 12
  • Elk Hair Caddis (Dark Coloured) Size 14
  • Elk Hair Caddis (Dark Coloured) Size 16
  • Tent Wing Caddis Size 14
  • Tent Wing Caddis Size 16
  • Bead Head Pheasant Tail Nymphs Size 12
  • Bead Head Pheasant Tail Nymphs Size 14
  • Bead Head Pheasant Tail Nymphs Size 16
  • Bead Head Hairs Ear Nymph Size 12
  • Bead Head Hairs Ear Nymph Size 14
  • Montana Stone Fly Nymph, Lead Weighted Body size 8
  • Montana Stone Fly Nymph, Lead Weighted Body size 10
  • Blue Winged Olive Duns Size 16
  • Blue Winged Olive Duns Size 18
  • Blue Winged Olive Duns Size 20
  • Letort Hoppers in Size 10
  • Green Drake Imitations in sizes 10 through 14
  • Blue Winged Olives in sizes 18 and 20

Clothing and other equipment:

Clothing should be drab colours, dark Kahki, Forest Green, Browns. Trout are startled by bright colours that they are not used to in the normal environment, and it may cause them to quit biting. You don't want to stand out against the background.

For wading:

• An old pair of running shoes that you don't mind getting wet. They should have a good thick sole to protect against the limestone rocks that are in the streams and on the trails.
• Old pair of jeans that you don't mind getting wet.
• Shirt and or jacket with pockets to put your stuff in.
• Some people may find the water too cold and will want a set of waders to help keep warm.

For Changes In Temperature:

Because the weather is so changeable and often cooler near water, you may want a small backpack that allows you to carry clothing layers that can be taken off or put on as the day progresses.

For Safety:

• Sun Glasses (preferably Polaroid):
  Sun glasses do two things, they protect the eyes against badly cast hooks and they allow people to see under the water by eliminating glare. Polaroid's are important for this reason, they eliminate the glare and actually allow you to see fish, which increases your chances of catching them.
• Hats:
  Hats are important to help keep the sun off a person's head and also to prevent hooking yourself with a badly cast fly. A peaked cap further prevents the glare problem mentioned above.
• Hydration and Food:
  This is where a small back pack comes in handy. To spend an entire day out on a stream you will need to carry calories and at least a litre of drinking water, maybe more. It would be nice to say that the water in the stream is safe, and in many places in Alberta it is, but you can never be sure, so rather than risk Beaver Fever carry your own drinking water.
• Sun Screen or Insect Repellant:
  This is your choice. Many anglers do not use either. They cover up for the sun and just put up with the bugs. The reason is that if you get either of these things on the flies that are used the trout will not bite. Trout have very good senses of smell and taste, and if there is a hint of the unusual they will not come close to what you are offering.