I spent a few hours fishing the Crowsnest River on Monday – the first time out for me this spring. It was a perfect day to be on the water. There was barely a breeze and by early afternoon the temperature had climbed to 12°C (54°F).
In some places, there are still a few ice shelves lingering along the banks. Otherwise, the river is virtually ice-free. Patches and pockets of snow are found here and there, mostly in sheltered gullies and on north-facing hillsides.
The river is low – normal for this time of year. I had no problem wading and there were lots of places where I could cross from one side to the other. Water levels will begin to rise over the next few weeks, as the mountain snowpack starts to melt and the spring rains arrive. There should be some good fishing opportunities between now and runoff.
There were signs of spring all around. While walking to the river, I noticed numerous prairie crocuses sprouting from the ground. By the end of the afternoon, some had opened their petals. There was a ruffed grouse nearby, drumming loudly, trying its best to attract a mate. Several pairs of Canada Geese were seen along the river. Perhaps, they were scouting for suitable nesting sites. Other birds, including robins and bluebirds, have been back for a couple of weeks. Soon, they will also be nesting.
It’s about the time of year where rainbow trout begin to spawn in the river. I checked a few places where I’ve seen fish on redds (spawning beds) in the past, but there was no sign of anything happening yet.
I covered quite a bit of ground, in order to reach a couple of places I like to fish early in the season. In the first spot, I landed two decent rainbows, between 15-16 inches, and lost one that appeared larger. Naturally, the big ones always get away!
Shortly after, another fly angler approached me from downstream. We chatted for a few moments before he continued on his way.
Next, I moved to the corner pool, where I usually have my best success. The water looked great. It had the right depth and flow, and I was anxious to start fishing. As it turned out, this location didn’t produce any fish at all for me. Not even a strike. That was okay, too. After a six-month absence from the river, it was nice just being on the water. Catching a fish or two this time of year is a bonus.
4 Comments
Vic
Got the news today. A new shutter is $470.00. A hard decision but decided to fix it against 3 to 4 thousand and then having to get a new computer if I use Raw which would be my choice. I have an Olympus om d 10 for trips which is very compact and light weight. It takes quite sharp pictures with the kit lens. Hope the salmonflies come off when the water is clear this year. We are well into spring and spring flowers. A bit of rain today which was badly needed as we were getting pretty dry though everything is very green.
Cheers
Peter
Hi Peter,
You know you’ve taken a lot of pictures when you have to replace a camera shutter. The price of replacing the shutter is a lot less than what a new camera would cost, not to mention what it would be to get a new computer to process the Raw files. I’m hanging onto my gear as long as I can, and hope I don’t get the same Error 30 message on my camera for a while. I know we have the same model of camera, and got them around the same time, about ten years ago. Hard to believe it’s been that long!
Looking at the pictures of the river and fish makes me a bit homesick. Spring is well on its way here in Victoria. I was at a park that has been planted with wild flowers yesterday and a walk around Butchart Gardens Monday. Overworked the camera and is now in the repair shop with Error Code 30, which could mean a worn out shutter. Will know in a couple of days. I have no idea of the shutter count but it really makes no difference at this stage. I think the warranty is no longer in effect probably by 10 years or more. Also enjoyed your blog about your trip south. Looks like a lot of good food and interesting architecture.
I have a print in the Victoria Camera Club’s spring show held in the Victoria Arts Council Gallery for the next couple of weeks, and then we are off to Iceland and a cruise from Stockholm to Bergan Norway on the Viking Sky (that is the ship that half the passengers got a free helicopter ride in rough seas.
Happy Easter to you and Carol.
Hi Peter,
It sounds like you have been busy lately. I hope you get your camera fixed before you head off on your trip. You’re going to need it. Hopefully, you won’t have the same experience as the people who ended up going for a heli ride. It would be exciting, though. I know it’s probably been spring where you are for a while already. We’re getting spring-like weather here now, ourselves. The Crow is ice-free and has been fishing well, and the ice came off Lee Lake late last week. Crocuses are out, too. I hope you and Fran have a great time on your trip. Take lots of photos! Thanks for stopping by.