Summer Goals...

[alacringa]

After considering a number of road trip possibilities, I gave up and decided to make my summer vacation goal-based rather than destination-based. I intend to catch as many species as I can on fly gear in Southern Alberta (Red Deer drainage and South) - ideal world, I'd reach 15 species. For several species (even those that I haven't caught on the fly), I have a plan or two. Where others might be able to help me, is species I haven't targeted before. I have a reliable spot within 500m of my house for Emerald Shiner on dries; but could use some suggestions on locations/strategies for other minnow species (incl. Prussian Carp) and on the Hiodontids (Goldeye/Mooneye). If you have suggestions, I'd love to hear from you either in this thread or by PM. Thanks!

[Red Bullets]

Just a comment on the goldeye and mooneye. They are not picky. They like colors. Most any kind of fly could be good . Small frog, mouse or minnow streamers too. They like sucking the surface too. Drifting a fly or stripping one in should work. Both are schooling fish so when one bites odds are you'll catch a few for an hour or two. I've even caught them on orange peels on a single snelled hook so try any color. Where there are rocky mountain whitefish too go deeper with white winged flies for both, goldeyes or rockies.

As far as minnows most will be cruising the shallows in May at most lakes. Right along the front of weed beds too.

[alacringa]

Originally Posted by Red Bullets

Just a comment on the goldeye and mooneye. They are not picky. They like colors. Most any kind of fly could be good . Small frog, mouse or minnow streamers too. They like sucking the surface too. Drifting a fly or stripping one in should work. Both are schooling fish so when one bites odds are you'll catch a few for an hour or two. I've even caught them on orange peels on a single snelled hook so try any color. Where there are rocky mountain whitefish too go deeper with white winged flies for both, goldeyes or rockies.

As far as minnows most will be cruising the shallows in May at most lakes. Right along the front of weed beds too.

Thanks, RB! While I know minnows are likely present in many of the waters that I fish, I mainly get trout and rockies. It's good to know that mooneyes and goldeyes shouldn't be too tough. I think I'm going to be looking well to the East of Calgary (perhaps mainly in the lower Red Deer System) for the species listed, as well as Sauger. I plan to target reservoirs for Walleye and Pike, but wouldn't turn them down in a river either.

[JReed]

Sometimes when I get desperate for a tight line during run-off, I go to this spot where the water runs clear. The water is no more than 4 feet deep, and there is a hole where white suckers stack up. They don’t discriminate against any nymph that drifts by, its actually quite funny and ironic, a bottom feeder catching bottom feeders. They’re decent size 16-20 inches

Send me a PM if this interests you, and I’ll send you a pin on google maps. One time I saw a brown trout, and a walleye in this hole too.

[Red Bullets]

Thought of one fish in the south Saskatchewan river system that is a challenge to catch. Strong like a horse. A sucker called a 'Quillback.' They have small mouths and feed on a variety of things. Not gravelly bottomed feeders. Sandy clear bottomed water. They can live for a few decades and supposedly get to 10 lb or 26 inches in size. I caught one once that was close to 3 lbs. in the north sask river.

[SNAPFisher]

Originally Posted by alacringa

After considering a number of road trip possibilities, I gave up and decided to make my summer vacation goal-based rather than destination-based. I intend to catch as many species as I can on fly gear in Southern Alberta (Red Deer drainage and South) - ideal world, I'd reach 15 species. For several species (even those that I haven't caught on the fly), I have a plan or two. Where others might be able to help me, is species I haven't targeted before. I have a reliable spot within 500m of my house for Emerald Shiner on dries; but could use some suggestions on locations/strategies for other minnow species (incl. Prussian Carp) and on the Hiodontids (Goldeye/Mooneye). If you have suggestions, I'd love to hear from you either in this thread or by PM. Thanks!

Good on ya mate!
For prussian carp, fly of choice should be a pheasant tail nymph or bead head prince nymph. You can catch them right at the Dickson dam outflow area on the Red Deer River. With the strong current they get pushed out to the sides in small schools. You can visually fish for them. Anywhere in that area should be good - try going down to the launch as well and looking around.

You can also pick up your Goldeye further downstream on the RDR. Pretty much what Red has indicated. They'll take nymphs and dries. They are clumsy on taking dries so count to 2 before setting after a take. They do have small teeth that destroy flies after a dozen or so.

You should post back on which ones you catch in what order
And what is next on the catch list.
What else are you looking to get?

[Outbound]

Are there tiger trout in southern AB? I know we have a lake up here that has them and one of them is on my 2021 goal list.

[alacringa]

Originally Posted by SNAPFisher

Good on ya mate!

You should post back on which ones you catch in what order
And what is next on the catch list.
What else are you looking to get?

I'm planning to put together a sort of vlog.

Some species should be easy (5 trout species, Mountain Whitefish, Pike, Emerald shiner, Grayling).

I don't think Lake Trout or Walleye should be too hard...Lake Whitefish is a maybe, as are Perch and Cisco. Sounds like Prussian Carp and Mooneye shouldn't be too tough either. Lots of minnow species (possibly including suckers)...maybe Sauger (might need a heavy sinking line).

I know a bit about quillbacks (as mentioned by RB), but have never caught or targeted them. Sturgeon crossed my mind, but they hunt mainly on scent rather than sight.

I'd love to catch a Tiger Trout, but they are a hybrid, not a species.

It's starting to look more and more like I might be able to reach 15, which is exciting...but I don't want to get too optimistic.

I really appreciate the responses I'm getting here and via PM.

[SNAPFisher]

Originally Posted by alacringa

I'm planning to put together a sort of vlog.

Some species should be easy (5 trout species, Mountain Whitefish, Pike, Emerald shiner, Grayling).

I don't think Lake Trout or Walleye should be too hard...Lake Whitefish is a maybe, as are Perch and Cisco. Sounds like Prussian Carp and Mooneye shouldn't be too tough either. Lots of minnow species (possibly including suckers)...maybe Sauger (might need a heavy sinking line).

I know a bit about quillbacks (as mentioned by RB), but have never caught or targeted them. Sturgeon crossed my mind, but they hunt mainly on scent rather than sight.

I'd love to catch a Tiger Trout, but they are a hybrid, not a species.

It's starting to look more and more like I might be able to reach 15, which is exciting...but I don't want to get too optimistic.

I really appreciate the responses I'm getting here and via PM.

Nice! Looking forwards to updates. This is a great idea regardless of the "times".

[alacringa]

First fish towards the goal (others will be posted on the same channel): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mCA6VAV5PE

First time making fishing vids so constructive feedback is welcome.

[1 eye]

One down.

[Wild Carrot]

Originally Posted by 1 eye

One down.

did you end up catching all 15 species?