NEAR NUFF SCULPIN |
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You can also put some super glue, whatever you like. What I am using is bone dry by solarez. I like this stuff, it soaks in really nice, and you’ll have to hit that with your UV light so you know those eyes aren't going to go anywhere. When you see The Smoke Stop you know the Solarez bone dry is cured.
I'm gonna flip the hook back up so I can see what I'm working with. I'm gonna take my thread ( UTC 140) and I'm gonna start working back. I'm gonna get all the way back so it's sitting right about at the Barb. We don't want to be down beyond the hook Bend, you want to be before that hook starts to tip off. We're going to start off with the soft hackle Grizzly and Olive. We're gonna take two of these feathers. Now there's two trains of thought on this. You could think of putting them facing each other or facing out. I want to face them out. I like the way that this moves in the water. I want them to splay when I tie them in, but I want them to be matched in length so I'm holding them opposite each other. I want them to be roughly a hook shank out the back of the fly. I'm gonna switch hands. I'm gonna take a gathering wrap, make sure that it's cinched in there nice, and then pull tight. I'm going to look from the top to make sure they splay and make sure they're even now. Those back here are going to move really nicely in the water. This is a good opportunity to arrange them on the hook shank where you want them before you move on. I'm going to use some of the butts ends of the grizzly hackle to build bulk in the body. I'm gonna wrap thread back on these butts, because I want to create some bulk in the middle end of this fly. We will do it with dubbing as well, but lets take advantage of the material that's already on the hook.
I'm gonna flip the hook back up so I can see what I'm working with. I'm gonna take my thread ( UTC 140) and I'm gonna start working back. I'm gonna get all the way back so it's sitting right about at the Barb. We don't want to be down beyond the hook Bend, you want to be before that hook starts to tip off. We're going to start off with the soft hackle Grizzly and Olive. We're gonna take two of these feathers. Now there's two trains of thought on this. You could think of putting them facing each other or facing out. I want to face them out. I like the way that this moves in the water. I want them to splay when I tie them in, but I want them to be matched in length so I'm holding them opposite each other. I want them to be roughly a hook shank out the back of the fly. I'm gonna switch hands. I'm gonna take a gathering wrap, make sure that it's cinched in there nice, and then pull tight. I'm going to look from the top to make sure they splay and make sure they're even now. Those back here are going to move really nicely in the water. This is a good opportunity to arrange them on the hook shank where you want them before you move on. I'm going to use some of the butts ends of the grizzly hackle to build bulk in the body. I'm gonna wrap thread back on these butts, because I want to create some bulk in the middle end of this fly. We will do it with dubbing as well, but lets take advantage of the material that's already on the hook.
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I’m going bring my thread back about the halfway mark. Leave my thread there. I'm going to come in and grab a piece of Crystal Flash. I'm gonna grab just one piece. I'm gonna cut it in half so I've got two pieces in my hand. I'm gonna find that Midway Point on it and I'm gonna fold it around my thread. This is kind of a neat little Trick. I fold around my thread. I now pull upwards on it and I can use my thread to direct where I want it to go. I pull it right down on top of the hook shank and I start taking a few thread wraps back so it's secure. I want to take and grab two pieces and pull it to the near side of the fly and take two pieces and pull it to The Far Side of the fly. I use my fingers to spread them out and then I'm going to run my thread back down the fly and secure the crystal flash on either side of those Grizzly Hackle feathers. So now work them all the way back. The goal is just to have two pieces on both sides and then I'm going to pull them back with the feathers. I want to cut them off just a little beyond the feather. Next material you got some brass colored wire in your kit. Grab a chunk of it ( 6 inches minimum) . We're going to tie it in the back along the crystal flash. This fly is tied similar to a style of an original woolly bugger so we're going to leave wire at
the back end we're going to tie in our Hackle feather at the front and then we're going to secure it with our wire going back forward. The wires pointing out the back now and at this points should have three materials locked in. The Grizzly Hackle, The wire, and the Crystal Flash.
the back end we're going to tie in our Hackle feather at the front and then we're going to secure it with our wire going back forward. The wires pointing out the back now and at this points should have three materials locked in. The Grizzly Hackle, The wire, and the Crystal Flash.
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Grab some Olive Dubbing, or Caddis Green Dubbing (Wapsi Prism Dubbing) and we're gonna start making dubbing noodle. I am going to use a little bit of wax nothing too crazy just some of Wapsi premium dubbing wax, it helps with this style of dubbing I just put a light
little skiff on top of my thread. Don't get overthinking the situation on this dubbing, we are going to create just a real generous sized dubbing Noodle and probably have to add more. I come in and I spin my fingers on it, remember, only spin one direction, or your dubbing wont noodle proper. We want quite a big thick rope because we're gonna try to build up a nice bulky body and head with this material. We want to make sure that we get that fairly secured onto that thread by winding it on. I'm gonna start wrapping forward towards the dumbbell eyes. Think about tapering a fly so we get it thinner in the back bulkier at the head. Start building bulk as you go forward. It doesn't have to be perfect but we're trying to kind of create a generalized shape. That should get us all the way up to the head. Finish that off right behind those dumbbell eyes. Now we're going to go in and we're gonna put Hackle in and wrap it back. You're gonna see on a hackle fiber a little bit of Marabou here at the back and then you get into the actual Hackle as we move up the feather. We want to use a little bit of both in this fly so I'm gonna come back to about here. I want to use my first whole wrap to be that nice fluffy Marabou so it creates a little bit of extra bulk up at the head of the fly. I'm going to leave some of that on. I'm gonna peel off the rest. I've got that stem, it looks something like that, you can already see how it creates a tapered shape. We tie in the thicker part of the feather at the front of the fly and as we go back it gets thinner and that's going to create that taper. I have the underside of the feather, it's the dull side. I want that dull side to be pointed back down the fly, towards the back, when I tie it in and secure it with a few wraps. I like to wrap that stem under the dumbbell eyes. Once it’s secure, then I'll come in and trim it out. Make sure it's good and secure.Now what I want to do is secure my work with a little half hitch, which is just a simple overhand knot. Now what I'm going to do is start working this Hackle back down the fly. I'm going to do one full wrap before I start moving down. I'm just gonna have some nice evenly spaced out wraps. Moving back down the fly trying to kind of time it perfectly so I run out of Hackle, right near the back end of The Fly. You could use some Hackle pliers as well, if that makes it easier for you.
little skiff on top of my thread. Don't get overthinking the situation on this dubbing, we are going to create just a real generous sized dubbing Noodle and probably have to add more. I come in and I spin my fingers on it, remember, only spin one direction, or your dubbing wont noodle proper. We want quite a big thick rope because we're gonna try to build up a nice bulky body and head with this material. We want to make sure that we get that fairly secured onto that thread by winding it on. I'm gonna start wrapping forward towards the dumbbell eyes. Think about tapering a fly so we get it thinner in the back bulkier at the head. Start building bulk as you go forward. It doesn't have to be perfect but we're trying to kind of create a generalized shape. That should get us all the way up to the head. Finish that off right behind those dumbbell eyes. Now we're going to go in and we're gonna put Hackle in and wrap it back. You're gonna see on a hackle fiber a little bit of Marabou here at the back and then you get into the actual Hackle as we move up the feather. We want to use a little bit of both in this fly so I'm gonna come back to about here. I want to use my first whole wrap to be that nice fluffy Marabou so it creates a little bit of extra bulk up at the head of the fly. I'm going to leave some of that on. I'm gonna peel off the rest. I've got that stem, it looks something like that, you can already see how it creates a tapered shape. We tie in the thicker part of the feather at the front of the fly and as we go back it gets thinner and that's going to create that taper. I have the underside of the feather, it's the dull side. I want that dull side to be pointed back down the fly, towards the back, when I tie it in and secure it with a few wraps. I like to wrap that stem under the dumbbell eyes. Once it’s secure, then I'll come in and trim it out. Make sure it's good and secure.Now what I want to do is secure my work with a little half hitch, which is just a simple overhand knot. Now what I'm going to do is start working this Hackle back down the fly. I'm going to do one full wrap before I start moving down. I'm just gonna have some nice evenly spaced out wraps. Moving back down the fly trying to kind of time it perfectly so I run out of Hackle, right near the back end of The Fly. You could use some Hackle pliers as well, if that makes it easier for you.
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Grab that wire and pull that wire back and kind of out of the way and then capture that feather with the wire. Start wrapping the wire back up the opposite way that I came down with the feather. I'm wiggling it back and forth so that the wire doesn't trap a whole bunch of those feather fibers. Work it all the way back forward to the dumbbell eyes. Take a wrap behind the wire, a wrap in front of the wire, and a wrap behind. That's how I know how to get the wire nice and secured. You can either helicopter that off or grab your buddy's scissors and cut that wire. Don't use your good Shor Scissors because that definitely will dull your scissors. Now we're going to finish off with the head of the sculpin.
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We're going to use the same dubbing but we're going to make a little bit of a different style to apply it to the head. This time I'm gonna make a dubbing Loop. I'm Gonna put two fingers and fold over top to make this loop. I'm gonna give myself about four inches of thread in this dubbing loop. I’m gonna take a couple of wraps in front and behind the dubbing loop at the hook. Bring the thread in front of the eye. I just have my finger stuck in that Loop, or you can stick the dubbing spinner in the loop to keep it open.I'm using this Loon Tools Dubbing Spinner. I'm gonna grab a little bit of that Wapsi dubbing wax. I'm only gonna put some on the bottom side. What I'm going to do is grab that same dubbing I was using before. I'm gonna grab little pinches. Spread them out a little bit. This isn't long fiber dubbing so we can't try to spread it out too much. All I'm going to do is start setting these little pinches into that dubbing Loop. We're going to put quite a few because we're going to rope this up and create some bulk in the head of the fly. I'm gonna let go of that top thread so it pinches down and closes the dubbing loop, this will hold the material in place before we start spinning this loop tight. Give the dubbing spinner a good spinner and make that noodle nice and tight. We're not going to brush it out. I'm gonna do a full wrap right behind the dumbbell eyes then I'm going to cross over forward, so it's almost like a figure eight, like how we put the Dumbbell Eyes on at the beginning of this fly. I'm going to cross over in front and I'm gonna come back over behind and back to the front again. I'm going to finish off with a couple of wraps right in front of the eyes and I should pretty much run out of material at the right time. Bring bobbin and thread back to the fly again. I'm going to do that same wrapping sequence to secure the dubbing loop to the hook. I'm going to go behind the thread in front of the thread behind the thread in front of the thread and that's going to lock it in so it's not going anywhere. I'm going to trim out that dubbing noodle now. I like to flip the fly around so I can see the underside and make sure I've trapped all those materials at the head. Take a few thread wraps, build a little bit of a thread damn so none of that material is going to move on you. I'm going to grab my whip finish tool. I'm gonna whip finish it right here with three wraps. I can go ahead and snip out that thread. I'm going to add a little bit of that Solarez Bone Dry UV resin again to make sure this isn't going anywhere. Grab a little brush or you can grab a piece of velcro whatever you prefer. I'm just going to grab and pull all those fibers rearward. I'm not going to try to brush them up too much. I just want to pull them rearward so I can see the shape that I'm working with. There you go guys, that is your near nuff sculpin. super buggy looking looks great under the water it's going to sit right on the bottom where you want it to be.
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Episode 1 begins with high hopes… The show would begin with a light show, smoke filled room and a crazy dance party! And, well it definitely did, but was unfortunately just missing one important ingredient, the sound. After a few minutes dancing like fools, and talking with viewers, the eventually realized that 101 comments and 19 missed calls were people trying to let them know, they were on mute. Truly, what a magical way to start a new season of fly tying!
As the sound came back on, Dana mentioned he did it on purpose, and the reason was, he didn’t want that to overshadow their special guest singer for the night, Daryl Anderson with Darryl Anderson Music. Darryl graciously came on the show and sang a few songs for the audience, starting with a Chris Stapelton Cover, and then sang an original “ shots at the bar “. He finished with a Luke Combs cover “ when it rains it pours”( all can be heard on the replay)
The baking cam made an early appearance, showing only ingredients, and Dana mentioned, with all things TNL, the ingredients are supplied, and hopefully when they go together, they will make something everyone wants to eat.
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To start the fly tying portion of the show, Tim announced the two flies for the evening. This time it's a sulphur nymph with a Silent Bob Streamer:
Bead Head SBR Sulfur Nymph
Hook: 2X-long nymph hook (here a Dai-Riki #730), sizes 14
BEAD: Gold Cyclops Bead, 7/64″
WEIGHT: Lead-free round wire, 020
THREAD: Wood duck, brown, black, or yellow 8/0 or 70 denier
TAILS: Wood duck flank-feather fibers
BODY/WINGCASE: Golden yellow pheasant-tail fibers
THORAX: Golden stone Australian possum dubbing
LEGS: Wood duck flank-feather fibers
ADHESIVE: UV-cure resin
TOOLS: Plunger-style hackle pliers, bodkin
Silent Bob
Hook: Fulling Mill 36040 Streamer Stripper - 1
Thread: Veevus GSP - White - 150 Denier
Wire: Senyo Intruder Trailer Hook Wire - Black - Regular
Belly: Ice Dub - UV Pearl
Beads: Plummeting Tungsten Beads - Gold - 3/16" (4.6mm)
Tail: Brown Barred Magnum Rabbit Strips - Olive
Gill Pack: Ice Dub - Red
Gill Pack: Senyo's Barred Predator Wrap - Barred UV
Head: Wapsi Premo Deer Hair Strips - Olive
Eyes: Fluorescent Fly Eyes - Fl. Orange - 1/4" (6.3mm)
Resin: Loon UV Clear Fly Finish - Flow
Resin: Loon UV Clear Fly Finish - Thick (1/2 oz)
Before the Half time show, the baking cam was presented complete, with Sex in a Pan, and that proved to make some mouths water!
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During the half time show , a game of Water Master Raft Flyingo was played, and the prize was donated from Rocky Mountain Fly Shop / Shor Fishing / Fly Fishing Bow River Outfitters:
1- Thursday night live photobook containing all the flies with all the 40 recipes ($45)
2- Flathead Sling waterproof by Fishpond($200)
(https://rockymountainflyshop.net/products/fishpond-flathead-sling?_pos=1&_sid=e8d778f42&_ss=r)
3-Shor fly tying material kit ($100)
There is a tie this week in Flyingo, which brought us to the dreaded tie breaker, and letting the automated computer do it’s thing, The winner came to Scott Hook!
Congrats Scott!
A bonus giveaway was also given away this week, in lieu of the upcoming Christmas party held at Tracks Pub in Olds, Alberta for Episode 2.
The winner had to answer the question:
Which two species of fish are in the commercials this week?
The answer was Rainbow Trout ( rocky mountain fly shop commercial) and brook trout ( Water master rafts commercial)
The winner was Chas Waitt!
Eventually towards the closing of the show Tim and Dana shared information regarding their flying kits and tools.
They further added that the kits are on sale and whoever likes it can purchase them.
https://bit.ly/3rydYh4
At last the best part of the episode had come along.
WHAT IS YOUR WIN?
A good bunch of people shared their pleasing alluring awe inspiring incidents that they experienced throughout the week. Some people shared their hard and difficult times and how they managed to overcome those hurdles
. To conclude Dana and Tim narrated that no WIN is too big or too small , they all matter!
The next episode goes on air on Thursday Dec 16th, which is episode 2, and the Christmas party held at tracks pub in Olds, Alberta. It is Pizza night there, and the show will be shown on the monster big screen, with the sound on played throughout the whole pub! Rocky Mountain Fly Shop
They further added that the kits are on sale and whoever likes it can purchase them.
https://bit.ly/3rydYh4
At last the best part of the episode had come along.
WHAT IS YOUR WIN?
A good bunch of people shared their pleasing alluring awe inspiring incidents that they experienced throughout the week. Some people shared their hard and difficult times and how they managed to overcome those hurdles
. To conclude Dana and Tim narrated that no WIN is too big or too small , they all matter!
The next episode goes on air on Thursday Dec 16th, which is episode 2, and the Christmas party held at tracks pub in Olds, Alberta. It is Pizza night there, and the show will be shown on the monster big screen, with the sound on played throughout the whole pub! Rocky Mountain Fly Shop
Season 4 Episode Zero “ The Dress Rehearsal”
The show started with Dana wearing a wig ( like the beard isn’t enough) and pretending Tim didn't exist then eventually Tim made his presence seen, so it was more than just a terrorizing thought in Dana’s head. Eventually things settled down , and they described their fly tying kits that are available for purchase. These kits are available for purchase on their website at https://bit.ly/3cIcB6M .The kit contains as a bonus this year. a 4x6 card with pictures of all 40 patterns ,six rolls of thread , 20% discount to Rocky Mountain Fly Shop, a $100 voucher to FFBR for a guided day on the water. The kit also has all 20 episodes ( each episodes includes each pattern fully tied, and the material to tie each pattern up to two more times).
The show started with Dana wearing a wig ( like the beard isn’t enough) and pretending Tim didn't exist then eventually Tim made his presence seen, so it was more than just a terrorizing thought in Dana’s head. Eventually things settled down , and they described their fly tying kits that are available for purchase. These kits are available for purchase on their website at https://bit.ly/3cIcB6M .The kit contains as a bonus this year. a 4x6 card with pictures of all 40 patterns ,six rolls of thread , 20% discount to Rocky Mountain Fly Shop, a $100 voucher to FFBR for a guided day on the water. The kit also has all 20 episodes ( each episodes includes each pattern fully tied, and the material to tie each pattern up to two more times).
Staying true to giveaways, They were giving away three prizes on this episode.
1.First giveaway was a Season 4 kit - question for this giveaway was “ What was the name of the couple who won the 80’s theme night last season” - the answer which no one got was, Morgan and Jade.
1.First giveaway was a Season 4 kit - question for this giveaway was “ What was the name of the couple who won the 80’s theme night last season” - the answer which no one got was, Morgan and Jade.
2. a box containing over 120 different dry flies ( valued over $700) - The question for this giveaway draw was “ what is the name of the pub where the christmas party will take place” - the answer was “Tracks Pub” which was won by Keith Branter.
3. A life size poster of all the 40 patterns ( same as the 4x6 in the box but 3’x4’) - The question for this giveaway was “ what is the name of the new sponsor, which is also the name of the new flyingo “ - The answer was “ Water Master Rafts” , and this was won by Shawn Allison
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Tim went over some of the gear you'll need to get started tying flies, First of which is a bobbin. He then explained how to thread a bobbin. by simply inserting a clean, straight, and unfrayed thread tag into the bobbin holder tube's bottom and work it through carefully and gently in small increments. If you’re using a bobbin thread, Simply insert the wire from the top to the thread spool via the bobbin barrel, extending the loop near the spool. Then, thread the threader through the wire loop and pull it out of the bobbin's barrel's tip end, bringing the thread with it. To have a better experience with tying you'll need a decent vise, as well as a variety of scissors (Tim prefers at least three at a time to cut any type of hair, thread, or wires). You can also keep a pair of large scissors on hand to cut larger items like bucktails or clumps of hair in one go. Aside from that, when working with threads, a Norvis auto bobbin system comes in handy. With this system, you can reel the thread on the norvise bobbin and pull it to the stopper that acts as a cradle (hence the name bobbin cradle) and play around , putting on material, then bring the bobbin back from the cradle.
Tim later explained a few quick ways to making tying knots, finishing up your Some of you may have difficulty tying knots; however, the half hitch makes it much easier. Simply wrap the thread twice around any half hitch tool, place the small hole at the end on the hook, and pull off the thread sliding on to the hook and pull it tight. Now, if you’re trying to tackle the Whip finish tool, play close attention, Pull the thread out a bit and the first point of contact is the little poker at the end, stab it in and wrap it on the other bend on the end of the tool, and now the natural progression if pulling the thread hand is just going to flip over, let it flip and the thread will look like a four now where the running line crosses the main thread, lay that right on the hook shank, Wrap the thread around the hook as many times as you desire, then reverse the process to get the thread off the hook.
By the end of the show Tim and Dana had shared lots of advice on getting tying flies, and some essential tools that are needed to get going! If you’d like to get the kits, they are for sale, if you’d like to just keep watching, that is more than welcome too! . Alast, the best part of the night had arrived, WHAT IS YOUR WIN? Lots of people shared some pretty awesome things that happened throughout their week! Some people got some much needed time on the water with friends, some people cleared some big hurdles in their life, but the message that was resounding, was that everyone seemed to be super excited to be back together on Thursdays, and hanging out with the TNL FAM again! Heres to 20 more episodes, love , laughter, and some valiant efforts into tying some flies! The next episode airs December 9th, where Tim and Dana will tie The Silent Bob Streamer, as well as the SBR Sulfur Nymph. If you need the material lists, head over to www.flyfishingbowriver.com/tnls4
This season is setting up to be one to remember, Until til next time..
This season is setting up to be one to remember, Until til next time..
After a long winter of what always seems like forever, April 1st arrived, and that was a perfect day to hit the ES2 watershed in Central Alberta. We had an abnormally warm February and March in 2021, so this meant the rivers were probably going to be fishable on opener this season.
No better way to get the season started than with a couple of my favorite people Tim Hepworth his daughter Wren, and our furry friend Harper Collins, a german short haired pointer who is always up for a good stroll down the river. We had big ambitions, as I am sure every does when they make a plan to go for a drive and hit the river. Lots of possibilities awaited us, in our adventure driven fantasies. Perhaps, this is the trip where we get some of the biggest bull trout we have ever seen, and why not get one of the brown trout that only few have ever seen out there. I guess you could say fly fisherman are eternal optimists, and I am ok with that!
The drive out was a few hours from where we lived, and this time we were going to explore a new stretch of the river we hadn’t seen before, because we you do this, you get rewarded, right? Let us be dreamers, for the time being!
The drive out was a few hours from where we lived, and this time we were going to explore a new stretch of the river we hadn’t seen before, because we you do this, you get rewarded, right? Let us be dreamers, for the time being!
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We decided to take our 7wt Orvis Helios 3d , as we had little hope for any activity other than throwing some streamers, or maybe bouncing an indicator. We were destined for aggressive fish, so streamers it was!
The weather was typical spring, and with a bit of sun poking through the clouds, we got a little heat, but not enough not to bundle up. After spending several hours, hope evaporating quickly and our arms getting sore, we decided to call it a day and head back to the truck! This time we packed a hot shore lunch, which required a little to get going! Sometimes having a quick shore lunch bestows perfection on the day, but today, we need something a little more hearty and warm to make this happen!
The weather was typical spring, and with a bit of sun poking through the clouds, we got a little heat, but not enough not to bundle up. After spending several hours, hope evaporating quickly and our arms getting sore, we decided to call it a day and head back to the truck! This time we packed a hot shore lunch, which required a little to get going! Sometimes having a quick shore lunch bestows perfection on the day, but today, we need something a little more hearty and warm to make this happen!
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This is always the time of the year, where I’m not totally sure if we should be wearing our orvis ultralight waders, or its still the season to be in the Orvis Pro waders. Difference is pretty much how much dry land hiking we will be doing, versus standing in the chilly waters! Before we got into roasting hot dogs, and cooking marshmallows over fire, I suggest whatever you decided to wear, you get out of them, cause hot items and waders don’t marriage well!
Although we saw no fish, we were reminded that fish don’t make a perfect day, but the people you spend the day with do! Get outside more, and don’t worry about the results of catching fish, you’ll enjoy more days on the water.
- Dana Lattery
Love People Catch Fish
Although we saw no fish, we were reminded that fish don’t make a perfect day, but the people you spend the day with do! Get outside more, and don’t worry about the results of catching fish, you’ll enjoy more days on the water.
- Dana Lattery
Love People Catch Fish
 AuthorDana Lattery |  |  |
For the ones who don’t know, my name is Brandon Esposito, 27 years of age from Airdrie, AB - the summer of 2019 was my official first year guiding.
Before this, my passion for fly fishing was growing rapidly, to the point, where I wanted to take my love for sport to the next level - possibly making a career out of it. As I started doing my research, I quickly found Guiding to be my path. Although Guide School was only noticed in the states, a group of men locally here in Calgary took the plunge and decided to set up shop here in Calgary. This quickly grabbed my attention, considering travel and accommodations down to Montana (where the bulk of Guide Schools are) was noticeably more expensive than the one here in Calgary. With the itinerary looking quite similar, it was a no brainer that this is what I wanted and taking this class will get me one step closer to my dream.
Before this, my passion for fly fishing was growing rapidly, to the point, where I wanted to take my love for sport to the next level - possibly making a career out of it. As I started doing my research, I quickly found Guiding to be my path. Although Guide School was only noticed in the states, a group of men locally here in Calgary took the plunge and decided to set up shop here in Calgary. This quickly grabbed my attention, considering travel and accommodations down to Montana (where the bulk of Guide Schools are) was noticeably more expensive than the one here in Calgary. With the itinerary looking quite similar, it was a no brainer that this is what I wanted and taking this class will get me one step closer to my dream.
My initial feeling of intimidation when enrolling with Western Canada Fly Fishing Guide School was holy moly, these guides know there stuff and all though I was very familiar with the methodology of fly fishing the Bow River, adding a drift boat into the equation, with ZERO experience, also added the feeling of confusion. I didn’t know what to expect, taking a complete leap of faith into a path I was very unaware of. Adding on thousands of dollars in hopes I was making the right move. It didn’t matter. I knew in my heart this was the right move. Commit Now, Plan Later.
It’s here, finally. Booked months ago, eagerly waiting to start this next chapter in my life. A series of guides - Quinn Styles, Dana Lattery, Timothy Hepworth, and Troy Langelaar with Fly Fishing Bow River Outfitters. People I’m very familiar with in the Instagram world. As the Itinerary was released, I became quickly aware that the most important factor I need to focus on was “time on the water.” Along side, a series of 6 days in two split weekends. Both weekends consisting of morning classroom work followed by time on the water. I promised myself to leave my ego at the door, become completely transparent and to open my mind up to the possibility of failure. Being completely overwhelmed with the amount of material and knowledge these guides were throwing at us, I had no choice but to remain silent and take in as much as possible.
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As I took my first seat in a Hyde Drift Boat, my hands grabbing the oars, I instantly fell in love. Problem is, the boat was still on the trailer. Being completely different then what I was use to, I was very eager to get on the water and test my capability. Push, off the trailer into the water. With a brief explanation of what we’re doing, it was my turn to row. Dana standing in the front seat giving the order, I had to row from river left to river right. After doing multiple donuts and having both Dana and another student laughing hysterically, I realized two things: the stern is my steering wheel and I might be in over my head.
As the days went on, I studied the guides sitting in the driver seat. I watched every single movement and told myself to remain patient. Hour after
hour, I became significantly more comfortable behind the sticks. Confidence was getting bigger and bigger and I started to believe that this was by far the best decision I’ve ever made.
Guide School changed me. It opened me up to more knowledge and “golden nuggets” then I ever would have been able to find on my own. The guides took the time to highlight what’s important over decades of guiding. The information was extremely valuable, if you pay attention to the fine details and execute, guide school WILL take you to the next level. Whether you want to be a guide, outfitter, or simply the best angler you can be - Western Canada Fly Fishing Guide School is for you.
hour, I became significantly more comfortable behind the sticks. Confidence was getting bigger and bigger and I started to believe that this was by far the best decision I’ve ever made.
Guide School changed me. It opened me up to more knowledge and “golden nuggets” then I ever would have been able to find on my own. The guides took the time to highlight what’s important over decades of guiding. The information was extremely valuable, if you pay attention to the fine details and execute, guide school WILL take you to the next level. Whether you want to be a guide, outfitter, or simply the best angler you can be - Western Canada Fly Fishing Guide School is for you.
Check Out Western Canada Fly Fishing Guide School Here
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Where I was once lost and confused prior to guide School, graduating gave me the confidence to purchase my own drift boat. Solidifying a job with Fly Fishing Bow River Outfitters and finishing the 2019 season with 28 trips under my belt. I still look back with shock in my heart. But I will never forget the opportunity Western Canada Guide School presented me. If you’re on the fence about moving forward just remember, fear isn’t real. Put the emotions aside and invest in yourself. It just might be the best decision you’ve ever made.
⁃ Brandon Esposito
⁃ Brandon Esposito
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Many parents choose to spend the early years of their children’s lives stuck at home thinking there is no way they can keep up the outdoor pursuits that they love until their children are older. I can tell you this is simply not true. My name is Tim Hepworth; I am a husband, father, medic, and fly-fishing guide in Southern Alberta.
I was born and raised in central Alberta. My parents started taking me on hunting and fishing trips at a very young age. However, when my wife and I first started talking about having children I was very resistant to the idea. I feared that if we had a child, all the things I loved doing would no longer be possible. I could not have been more wrong.
I was born and raised in central Alberta. My parents started taking me on hunting and fishing trips at a very young age. However, when my wife and I first started talking about having children I was very resistant to the idea. I feared that if we had a child, all the things I loved doing would no longer be possible. I could not have been more wrong.
My daughter Wren and I took our first fly fishing trip when she was 6 months old. I carried her on my chest and to my surprise she did amazing. Eventually she graduated to a backpack carrier which made things even easier. That first Spring and Summer I got her out multiple times a week. Wren is now almost three and we have had an amazing few seasons together. I will admit that not every trip goes smoothly. There were many times when we would arrive at the river and be packing up to go home shortly after. Adaptability is the name of the game. You need to ask yourself what is the goal? Do you want to catch a ton of big fish every time out? Or do you want to show your child the beauty of the outdoors?
In today’s world it is so easy to set your kid in front of a screen and let it do all the teaching. However,I believe most people want something different. We want our children to appreciate the outdoors the way we do, and to be the stewards of taking care of it for the generations to come. I have chosen this path for my daughter, and it excites me to see so many others doing the same. I have fielded countless questions about fishing with Wren, so I figured it was time to put some words together and try to pass along some of what I have learned. I have come up with 5 tips I feel are essential to a positive day with your child on the water.
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1. Don’t Have A Timeline
Fishing with an infant is actually quite easy. More than likely they will fall asleep in a pack and sleep for hours, giving you all the time in the world to fish. However, with toddlers and small children they decide when your day starts and ends. You have to manage your own expectations for the day and be realistic with yourself. You may get to the water, make two casts when your child has a meltdown or diaper blowout. This may end your day and you need to be ok with that. The worst thing you can do is force your child, who is obviously restless and no longer engaged, to stay out fishing. If you do then they will start to hate it and that completely defeats the purpose of encouraging your kids to be in the outdoors with you. Listen to your kid. When they’re done, be done.
Fishing with an infant is actually quite easy. More than likely they will fall asleep in a pack and sleep for hours, giving you all the time in the world to fish. However, with toddlers and small children they decide when your day starts and ends. You have to manage your own expectations for the day and be realistic with yourself. You may get to the water, make two casts when your child has a meltdown or diaper blowout. This may end your day and you need to be ok with that. The worst thing you can do is force your child, who is obviously restless and no longer engaged, to stay out fishing. If you do then they will start to hate it and that completely defeats the purpose of encouraging your kids to be in the outdoors with you. Listen to your kid. When they’re done, be done.
2. Buy the right outdoor gear
One of my biggest frustrations is trying to find good quality gear for Wren. It took me months to find her a pair of toddler waders. These have kept Wren warm and safe and helped her be comfortable on our adventures. However it is still difficult to find warm gear at an affordable price. But don’t give up. Be prepared to put the money out for your kids. It’s an investment in the experience you are hoping they will love as much as you. If anyone actually needs the best warm, and durable gear it’s actually our kids. So don’t give up the search for good gear, it can be found if you're willing to look for it.
One of my biggest frustrations is trying to find good quality gear for Wren. It took me months to find her a pair of toddler waders. These have kept Wren warm and safe and helped her be comfortable on our adventures. However it is still difficult to find warm gear at an affordable price. But don’t give up. Be prepared to put the money out for your kids. It’s an investment in the experience you are hoping they will love as much as you. If anyone actually needs the best warm, and durable gear it’s actually our kids. So don’t give up the search for good gear, it can be found if you're willing to look for it.
3. Snacks, Snacks, Snacks!
It’s such a simple thing, but having adequate amounts of food for your day on the water will save your butt a thousand times. You can lengthen your day by having just that one more granola bar or bottle of milk. Overpack what you think you will need for them and you won’t be disappointed. Always bring lots of water. My daughters “comfort food” has always been her milk. If I have forgotten it at the truck I may as well turn around immediately and go back and get it. Find what that comfort food item is for your child and don’t forget to stick it in your pack!
It’s such a simple thing, but having adequate amounts of food for your day on the water will save your butt a thousand times. You can lengthen your day by having just that one more granola bar or bottle of milk. Overpack what you think you will need for them and you won’t be disappointed. Always bring lots of water. My daughters “comfort food” has always been her milk. If I have forgotten it at the truck I may as well turn around immediately and go back and get it. Find what that comfort food item is for your child and don’t forget to stick it in your pack!
4. It’s a bug’s life
Once your child is big enough to be spending some time out of the pack. Get them on the shoreline digging in the rocks. Yes it may mean a lot of ruined holes as inevitably those rocks get thrown into them, but what it will do is get them looking at some bugs. Kids are fascinated by the creepy crawling things, which just so happens to be a perfect opportunity to teach them about the flies we are using. For every hour you are on the water go spend 20 min helping them find some bugs. Trust me they will appreciate it and it will probably spruce up your knowledge too!
Once your child is big enough to be spending some time out of the pack. Get them on the shoreline digging in the rocks. Yes it may mean a lot of ruined holes as inevitably those rocks get thrown into them, but what it will do is get them looking at some bugs. Kids are fascinated by the creepy crawling things, which just so happens to be a perfect opportunity to teach them about the flies we are using. For every hour you are on the water go spend 20 min helping them find some bugs. Trust me they will appreciate it and it will probably spruce up your knowledge too!
5.Let them practice!
More than likely your child has spent hours watching you whip your rod around and will want to try it too. Now I’m not saying you hand them your $1000 T&T rod but have a rod there they can try to cast with. I started by buying my daughter a couch rod for inside. She spent weeks playing with it. I then started bringing along a rod I had bought for her (it’s the Echo Gecko kids rod), to practice with. Yes you will untie a thousand knots and tangles, but just be patient and let them “play” because for them that is what it is, and playing is supposed to be fun. I haven’t actually taught my daughter that much when it comes to casting, but I tell you what, it is uncanny how much they learn from watching you! At two and half years old my daughter casted, hooked, and landed her first solo fish. I wish I could say I had more to do with it than I did! But she learned by watching and practicing, give your kids that chance to learn. In the end they just want to be like you, so give them the chance to do so.
More than likely your child has spent hours watching you whip your rod around and will want to try it too. Now I’m not saying you hand them your $1000 T&T rod but have a rod there they can try to cast with. I started by buying my daughter a couch rod for inside. She spent weeks playing with it. I then started bringing along a rod I had bought for her (it’s the Echo Gecko kids rod), to practice with. Yes you will untie a thousand knots and tangles, but just be patient and let them “play” because for them that is what it is, and playing is supposed to be fun. I haven’t actually taught my daughter that much when it comes to casting, but I tell you what, it is uncanny how much they learn from watching you! At two and half years old my daughter casted, hooked, and landed her first solo fish. I wish I could say I had more to do with it than I did! But she learned by watching and practicing, give your kids that chance to learn. In the end they just want to be like you, so give them the chance to do so.
To conclude, remember what all of this is for. Yes you want to share your love of fly fishing with your kids, but furthermore this is about spending quality time with your kids in the outdoors. Cherish it and don’t take it for granted. One thing hours of time together can give you, is the chance to create a forever lasting bond with your child that cannot be replaced. Talk your kids, be their first teacher and guide them down the path you want for them. I can’t tell you how many hours I practiced the “abc song”, or sang the “itsy bitsy spider”. Much of the time you are just a walking day care centre, but it’s these moments that I know will be some of my best memories for the rest of my life. Don’t fear the difficulty or inconvenience of taking your kids fishing, I promise it will never be something you regret.
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My name is Dana Lattery and I am the head guide/outfitter with Fly Fishing Bow River. We are a guide service based out of Calgary, Alberta and we guide the rivers in all of central/southern Alberta. Having spent the last ten years in the guide/outfitter industry, I have seen a lot of things take place on a guided day of fly fishing, some good, some bad. Some outfitters better prepare their clients for a day on the water, and some completely miss the boat on this. Throughout the 10 years, I have come to a conclusion that most errors come from lacking of being informed. So, I have compiled a list of things to try and merge the expectations of guides and the expectations of clients so that there is a better day had by all on the water. Remember this list is just a starting point, and nothing can take place of great communication. So whether you’re a guide, or a guest looking to go on an amazing guided fly fishing trip, take into consideration these points as you prepare for your next awesome day on the water.
Bow River Rainbow in the Net
5 TIPS FOR A GUIDE
- OBSERVE , SHAPE , PERFORM
- I can’t stress this enough. You need to realize this is your clients day on the water, not yours, and you need to figure out quickly what they want to get out of their day. Sometimes, what we want isn’t always what they want, and this should always be your first conversation with them. Now if you’re booking through an outfitter or a fly shop, they may have already had this conversation, but make sure YOU have the conversation. You need to be on the same page as your clients, to ensure a successful day. We can all assume that the reason your clients booked with you is because they want to catch fish, and this almost goes without saying while discussing expectations, but it is always appreciated when you are clear about how the fishing has been going. Never tell your clients “ you should have been here yesterday”, this is just an excuse and is not fair to them.
- Expectations can be as simple as this from one of my clients: “My goals for the day are as such, Good times, big smiles, fish, and great memories”. Easily laid out, now it’s my role to shape these, and perform on them! Yes, you should go into more detail, as far as conditions and what are best techniques for catching fish at this time of the season, suggest, but never trump their desires.
- I have one client who comes every year and only wants to dry fly. We know that this isn’t always a possibility, but I make every effort during the day, to make it happen, at least once. He also books his trip around the time of season where there is higher probability for this to happen, so together we are managing expectations.
2. Servant Heart
- Serve your clients in every aspect of the day. In having a servant heart, this can help you in leaving your ego at the door. What do I mean? I feel a lot of guides make this trip about them and trying to show how good they are to their clients. If you’re choosing to guide with a servant heart, you won't be able to have an ego. Hands down the best guides I know on the river are those who truly care and serve their clients. This will help shape your attitude throughout the day, in knowing that all your actions, are serving your client. Being cognitive to their needs throughout the day is very important, and you will be more aware of this if you choose to serve your clients. I can’t tell you how many times at the end of the day, the best compliment that comes out of a client's mouth, is that they felt taken care of all day! Approach your day with a WE not a ME attitude.
- Serve your clients in every aspect of the day. In having a servant heart, this can help you in leaving your ego at the door. What do I mean? I feel a lot of guides make this trip about them and trying to show how good they are to their clients. If you’re choosing to guide with a servant heart, you won't be able to have an ego. Hands down the best guides I know on the river are those who truly care and serve their clients. This will help shape your attitude throughout the day, in knowing that all your actions, are serving your client. Being cognitive to their needs throughout the day is very important, and you will be more aware of this if you choose to serve your clients. I can’t tell you how many times at the end of the day, the best compliment that comes out of a client's mouth, is that they felt taken care of all day! Approach your day with a WE not a ME attitude.
3. Punctual
- This could almost be at the top of this list, because if you wanna start your day off on the wrong foot, well, show up late. Being late insults others, it also undermines you to your clients. It tells them you aren’t prepared enough in your day to be on time. This might be day 92 in your season, but for them it’s Day 1, and they didn’t sleep last night waiting to go on this trip. Respect them and their time, so that they will want to respect you and your time throughout the date. Being early also gives you time to visualize your day, and have a few moments to yourself to get mentally prepared for the day ahead. BE PUNCTUAL, simply that!
- This could almost be at the top of this list, because if you wanna start your day off on the wrong foot, well, show up late. Being late insults others, it also undermines you to your clients. It tells them you aren’t prepared enough in your day to be on time. This might be day 92 in your season, but for them it’s Day 1, and they didn’t sleep last night waiting to go on this trip. Respect them and their time, so that they will want to respect you and your time throughout the date. Being early also gives you time to visualize your day, and have a few moments to yourself to get mentally prepared for the day ahead. BE PUNCTUAL, simply that!
4. Be a Teacher
- Be a teacher, not a teller. Nobody pays this kind of money to be yelled at all day. A lot of the days success comes from the teaching and learning. Whether your clients are on their 500th guided trip or their first time fly fishing, everybody has lots to learn. I always ask my clients how much they wanna be taught or corrected, or perhaps, they just wanna fish and do their thing. Almost 99% of clients answer me be saying “don’t hesitate to teach me some stuff, and let me know if I am doing something wrong”. They have opened a door and are now receptive to my teaching. It is up to me, to be a teacher not a teller. I think this could be one of the most important traits of a guide, is the ability to teach people, if you can’t teach, you can’t guide. Again, check your ego at the door, and you’ll be surprised how much YOU can learn from your clients throughout the day, which in turn will only make you a better guide, as well as fisherman/woman!
- Be a teacher, not a teller. Nobody pays this kind of money to be yelled at all day. A lot of the days success comes from the teaching and learning. Whether your clients are on their 500th guided trip or their first time fly fishing, everybody has lots to learn. I always ask my clients how much they wanna be taught or corrected, or perhaps, they just wanna fish and do their thing. Almost 99% of clients answer me be saying “don’t hesitate to teach me some stuff, and let me know if I am doing something wrong”. They have opened a door and are now receptive to my teaching. It is up to me, to be a teacher not a teller. I think this could be one of the most important traits of a guide, is the ability to teach people, if you can’t teach, you can’t guide. Again, check your ego at the door, and you’ll be surprised how much YOU can learn from your clients throughout the day, which in turn will only make you a better guide, as well as fisherman/woman!
5. Be a Friend
- Who doesn’t want to go fishing with their best friend? I know I do, and if my guide treats me like he does his friends, we will form a bond much quicker and our success will greatly increase. This all goes back to the first 4 points. How you act on these will determine whether or not your clients give you the respect needed to help them have a successful day, and what better way to gain their trust than by just being a friend. On any given day on the boat, we can be therapists, coaches, teachers, marriage counsellor, career counselor, entertainer, but the most important thing, for me, that I can be thought of at the end of the day is a friend! The greatest reward for me after a trip is when my clients give me a big hug and thank me for an awesome day; now, a friend for life!
Alberta Mountain Streams
5 TIPS FOR A CLIENT
- Manage Expectations
- If this is your first time taking a Guided trip for fly fishing, or your 100th time, this is a very important step into making your trip be successful. A lot of time when booking your trip, you are asked by the outfitter what you want out of your trip. Yes, it’s a fishing trip, but the outfitters need to know what's important for you in your day, so they can properly design your trip around that. If you are new and are wanting to learn to be a better fly fisherman/women, or are experienced and just wanting to fine tune some skills, but have a certain style of fishing you want to do, this is important to inform your guide/outfitter about. Also, just because you went over these when booking your trip, don’t assume your guide is aware, and make this apart of your first conversation of the day! If you have any special requests on your trip, make sure you inform your guide/outfitter with enough notice so they can properly prepare for this. This is your most important step of the day, don’t get in the boat without having gone over your expectations.
2. Be Honest
- Be honest with yourself and Be honest with your guide. I can’t tell you how many people show up on a trip and tell me for 30 minutes about how amazing they can fish, and that they have fished all over the world, and been on so many guided trips. This may all be true, but once you pick up your rod, your guides gonna know right away how much of that was real. The more honest you are with your guide about your skill set, the better they can plan a trip for you. We can shape our tactics for fishing that day based on your ability and experience, so it is very important to be Honest about where you are at on your journey of fly fishing! If you have the right guide, there should be no concern in where your abilities are at, they should be able to work with everyone, from New fly fishers to the most experienced, but just make sure you are honest about this before you get started for the day!
- Be honest with yourself and Be honest with your guide. I can’t tell you how many people show up on a trip and tell me for 30 minutes about how amazing they can fish, and that they have fished all over the world, and been on so many guided trips. This may all be true, but once you pick up your rod, your guides gonna know right away how much of that was real. The more honest you are with your guide about your skill set, the better they can plan a trip for you. We can shape our tactics for fishing that day based on your ability and experience, so it is very important to be Honest about where you are at on your journey of fly fishing! If you have the right guide, there should be no concern in where your abilities are at, they should be able to work with everyone, from New fly fishers to the most experienced, but just make sure you are honest about this before you get started for the day!
3. Attitude/Respect
- A huge part of the day’s success comes down to yours your guides attitude. The weather and the fishing are a few things that you and your guide have very little control over. What we can always control is our attitude. The first thing I let people know when they get in my boat, is today is about having fun, and to have fun we are ALL going to need to have good attitudes. I mean, really we are floating or standing in some of the most beautiful places in the world, and that doesn’t suck, so don’t let your attitude ruin it. Yes, at times, it can get frustrating, and that is ok, but if you maintain a positive attitude, the boat will all benefit from it, and ultimately you. If you are competent on undoing tangles, feel free to help your guide out by undoing a few of your tangles. If you are competent in tying knots, ask your guide if he minds if you help out in this aspect, it’s a great attitude to bring to the river. Don’t let your energy be a drain on the boat. Don’t let anxiety of having to catch fish get in your way of enjoying the experience. This anxiety can be felt by the guide and the others in the boat, and I personally think there is less fish caught on an anxious boat! Most guides own their boats, and all the equipment inside, and they rely on this to perform for their job everyday. Respect the guides gear, boat, and anything else he/she has let you use for the day. Have the conversation with your guide at the beginning of the day, “what happens if something breaks”, this shows them you are already conscious/respectful of using their stuff, and that's a great attitude. Be respectful of cleanliness in the boat, and in the guides vehicle. Carry out more trash than you brought in. Be respectful of the fisheries they take you too, Choose to have a Stellar attitude, and this will all come second nature.
4. Don’t Guide The Guide
- If you are paying good money for a trip to go fishing, there is a really good chance( if you’ve done your homework) that you’ve hired someone who is probably on the river almost every day, and they have a very good grasp of what's going on. Nothing is more insulting to a guide, than when you tell them where you should be fishing all day. Feel free to discuss things that you would like to try, and ask your guide if they think it would work. Respect the time your guide has put into that river, and their knowledge of what should be happening. We can all learn so much about fly fishing from a guided trip, saturate this time to soak in knowledge. Guides aren’t saying they are “better” than you, they just know that watershed inside out, so let them teach you about it! This will majorly increase your experience and your success on the water that day.
5. Tip your guide
- If you are new to guided trips, talk with the outfitter as to how the tipping should go down. Realize that guides really rely on their tips, just like staff at restaurants. This is a very touchy subject for some people, and although not mandatory, in this industry, its very customary, and is appreciated more than you can know! Make sure your tip is based on your all around experience not just how the fishing was, because guides can’t always control that aspect of the day. Figure out if your guide has met or far succeeded your expectations. These are a few questions I ask myself when figuring out what to tip my guide at the end of the day. Did they guide you with a servant heart? Did they make sure you weren't just day 93 to them, but day 1 to you? Did you leave there feeling like you made a friend at the end of the day? Did your guide have a wealth of knowledge for the fishery? Did they adapt to conditions and work hard to stay ahead of the curve on the river? Did they exemplify professionalism in every aspect of the day? Would you repeat?
Fly fishing is fun! There’s no other way around it. We as clients and as guides can all do our part, in preparing for these trips, that they can be filled with laughs, stories, fish, and ultimately memories! We need to also understand that as different and unique as each client is, each guide has their own uniqueness as well. We should not feel the need to conform to any standards, but to use this list as a guideline to help shape a successful fun day on the water! Hope to see you on the river sometime with a tight line and a big smile!!
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