April 5th River Update
Welcome to the first publication of the OLDCROW ANGLER NEWS.
Like your Mother in-law at Sunday dinner, Winter has, as usual, overstayed it’s welcome. Lately, every morning seems colder then the previous days and the Polar Vortex can bugger off any time as far as I’m concerned.
But the days are getting longer and the sun has heat which is showing on the rivers.Ice is slowly retreating and there is open water to fish if you are tired of sitting at your fly tying desk. There has even been some bug activity if you’re looking for it.
This newsletter will bring you current angling conditions from Alberta’s Southwest. We will talk about relevant hatches and tie some flies, talk about rigging, gear, and any fly fishing focused info that we think is useful.
What we don't want to do is “hotspot” anyone’s favourite run or pool. If you feel we’ve crossed the line in some way on this then call us out!
We are not big talkers but we always enjoy talking fishing, reading about fishing and watching good fishing content. This publication is built to be something we would want to get in our inbox.
If you enjoy it please forward it to a friend. And if you don't like it then let us know so we can improve it!
Thanks.
April 5th
River Report
Midges are and have been the name of the game for March and Now April. Looking further into April there is going to be a big shift in the weather which may mean that the rivers will start to mud up with local surface runoff.
But as of now the rivers are fishing well and there has been some midge activity if you are there during the right time of the day.
Weather Conditions
This time of year you should target the warmest times of day/week to have the best luck for getting into fish. And look out for the wind! Or plan to find places that you can get away from it.
PINCHER CREEK FORECAST
Crowsnest Pass Forecast
River Conditions
The rivers are pretty low and clear as there has been no runoff whatsoever yet. But as you can see with the forecast it looks like that is likely to change. If you are heading out in the next few days however you can expect gin clear water.
Bugs Observed
To provide a look at the bug situation we used a seine and just observing what is on the banks of the river.
Primarily it is what you would expect: The main bug that is drifting and trout are feeding on are midges. Winter stones are moving around as well.
Midges or Chironomids
Midges are the main show in town right now. They are tiny but the density of them make them an important food source for trout.
Fish take advantage of them through out their life cycle: from the larvae all the way to its adult form. Below you can see each phase of its life cycle from larvae to adult.
Winter Stoneflies
These little guys never seem to be a major food source for trout but they are certainly present right now. The nymphs have migrated to the edges of the river and adults are crawling all over the snow.
Member discussion