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  #1  
Old 08-03-2016, 07:49 AM
XplusYplusZ XplusYplusZ is offline
 
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Default Are all mountain streams created equal?

Sorry, this is another "which stream" thread!

My basic question is - can I pick any old trib and get into some decent fish, or am I better to stick to the more well known (pressured?) streams.

I'm visiting the in-laws in Calgary at the start of September, and 'The Boss' has approved a single day of fishing. Dawn till Dusk.

Ideally I'm looking to get into the mountains, hike a bit and wade a nice brook or stream. I like to get on the water early so somewhere within the 2 hour range is ideal.

I'm happy plucking out 9inchers all day, but the chance of something a little weightier would be great.

Scenery clearly isn't a problem in Alberta, but living in New York, I get my fill of fishing near highways, so something with a few trees and a nice view would be great.. eagles and moose optional.

Thanks in advance,

Chris
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  #2  
Old 08-03-2016, 08:36 AM
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ÜberFly ÜberFly is offline
 
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Some are better then others, depending on where you are planning on going and what species you would like to target.

Peter
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  #3  
Old 08-03-2016, 02:13 PM
4x4bowhunter 4x4bowhunter is offline
 
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Default Head south west.

Most of the streams south west of calgary will produce fish. Unless someone takes you to a known spot, The trick is to hike further than most are willing to go. The old man River and any of its tribes hold a lot of fish. If you know how to read water, you should have no issues catching some cutties. My biggest suggestion would be to go mid week. That area gets hit pretty hard Friday to Sunday but my Wednesday, the fish are quite easy to fool with a fly.
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  #4  
Old 08-03-2016, 02:18 PM
Jadham Jadham is offline
 
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I would say that the mountain streams closest to Calgary have the lowest productivity/populations... like Kananaskis, Elbow, Jumpingpound.

The Sheep is decent but things start getting good on the Highwood and rivers on south from there.
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  #5  
Old 08-03-2016, 04:52 PM
kilgoretrout kilgoretrout is offline
 
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Wink

Yeah all the streams around Calgary are no good.... too much pressure..... everyone should take up Pokeman hunting instead of fishing
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Old 08-04-2016, 08:43 AM
Bigfeet Bigfeet is offline
 
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XPlus - you might want to check your private messages.
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  #7  
Old 08-04-2016, 03:52 PM
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Flieguy Flieguy is offline
 
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God no! streams even vary a lot from year to year. Best to try them all I've probably fished every stream within an hour of my house, including the ones which look to small to hold fish. Nowadays I stick more to rivers because I got bored of slaying a billion small ones.

I will send you a PM
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  #8  
Old 08-04-2016, 09:56 PM
Bow flyman Bow flyman is offline
 
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Some streams are much better than others. It is surprising how infertile some streams around here can be. Rivers like the kananaskis or Upper Elbow have wonderful looking water with very few trout. I know this from experience fishing these kinds of streams.
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  #9  
Old 08-05-2016, 07:48 AM
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Lornce Lornce is offline
 
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Our streams have taken a real beating with two years of drought.
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  #10  
Old 08-05-2016, 10:02 AM
scel scel is offline
 
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If you are coming to Calgary and have a whole day to fish, I would try to float the Bow.

It is not a cheap day, but you may be able to find someone on this board to split the cost a guide for a day.

I have seen eagles and pronghorn on the same day. Actually, I have seen eagles and moose on the same day right within city limits. Once you are outside the city (and you almost are once you get in a Fish Creek Park or Policemans Flats), there is some great scenery and the potential to get into fishing like you have never otherwise experienced.
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  #11  
Old 08-05-2016, 12:05 PM
XplusYplusZ XplusYplusZ is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bow flyman View Post
Some streams are much better than others. It is surprising how infertile some streams around here can be. Rivers like the kananaskis or Upper Elbow have wonderful looking water with very few trout. I know this from experience fishing these kinds of streams.
Exactly what I needed to check with you guys on. Thanks BF
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  #12  
Old 08-05-2016, 12:08 PM
XplusYplusZ XplusYplusZ is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scel View Post
If you are coming to Calgary and have a whole day to fish, I would try to float the Bow.

It is not a cheap day, but you may be able to find someone on this board to split the cost a guide for a day.

I have seen eagles and pronghorn on the same day. Actually, I have seen eagles and moose on the same day right within city limits. Once you are outside the city (and you almost are once you get in a Fish Creek Park or Policemans Flats), there is some great scenery and the potential to get into fishing like you have never otherwise experienced.
Thanks Scel... Not sure I can stretch to it this time round. Also not sure I'll enjoy it as much as getting into those mountains on my own..
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