December 8, 2007
Minus 20C temperatures have pretty well put an end to fall flyfishing on the Crow.
The year in general seemed to improve a bit over '06 with many anglers benefitting from an unusual number of large rainbows netted during late June and July.
The salmon fly "hatch" was also on the upswing last spring, but still remained well below the incredible numbers recorded back in the 1970s and 80s.
The Crow continues to evolve as a mayfly stream with stones generally on the decline.
The season began with an average snowpack, but a major drought from mid-summer into late fall quickly/dramatically dropped river levels.
In fact, there were very few days during the spring when crossing was difficult. It seems to be a pattern that began a few years back.
Large trout became increasing difficult to catch in August with rising temperatures and low flows. And dryfly angling didn't pick up again until very late in the season.
As we head into winter, the Rockies hold an early blanket of snow that is again about average.
Flows have improved somewhat in recent weeks, but still remain below average with numerous ice jams.
Oct. 24, 2007
Numerous large rainbows continue to feed on top. Huge midge swarms have been activated by unusually-warm fall temperatures.
Small Griffith's gnats have worked well in sheltered stretches all week.
The river is exceptionally low going into the winter. Unlike the past few years there was no fall flush due to heavy rains. It could be a stressful winter for trout.
October 11, 2007
Weather and water conditions are great with improved fishing for large rainbows using small stuff. BWOs, Griffith's gnats and Adams. Exceptional October caddis hatch continues as well.
River is lower than norm, but remains in surprisingly good shape following a near record breaking hot, dry summer.
The forecast calls for 20C temps with moderate westerlies through the upcoming weekend. Fall coloration is just now peaking.
Sept. 13, 2007
The fire and access ban has been lifted across government lands south of Highway #3.
Stream and lake fishing across the expansive foothills/mountain area had been closed since Aug. 1.
Virtually all streams affected are catch and release waters.
The Crow continues to flow low, but cool. October caddis hatches, as of late.
August 31, 2007
Unseasonably warm and dry weather continues to hold its grip across most of Southern Alberta. A fire ban remains in place.
But streams north of Highway 3, including the upper Oldman and Livingstone, re-opened to the public late this week after light showers moved through the area.
It's likely upper Castle River reaches will re-open after the long weekend.
Fishing in general has been slow on the Crow, but early reports suggest the Livingstone is very hot.
August 23, 2007
A very light shower this morning marks the first precipitation here since late June.
Needless to say, the Crow and other regional streams are running unseasonably low.
Cool night time temperatures have kept rising water temps at bay. Mid-day readings have been around 17C.
Fishing has been fair to good, but angling pressure is high.
Forest Reserve closures remain in place. More sun and heat are in the forecast.
August 8, 2007
The river is now showing signs of stress after more than a month of unusual heat and zero moisture.
Fishing has been very poor by Crow standards, but angling pressure is way up. That, likely, has much to do with sweeping recreational closures across most of the region.
Forest fire dangers prompted an Aug. 1 access closure to all government lands in southern Alberta. With no significant rain in sight, the closure could remain in place til month's end or longer.
Prairie and foothills streams, meanwhile, are exceptionally warm for this time of the year. Some as high as 25C. Anglers are advised to back-off if waters approach 22C. Closure of additional streams due to high temps is being contemplated by the province.
July 17, 2007
Most of the Crow's major runs and structures have now formed. Wading is easy, clarity excellent, water temperature fine and the mosquitos horrific. Forest fire smoke is in the air for the first time of the summer.
Record and near-record high temperatures the past two weeks have scorched the countryside, forcing a sudden drop in flows here and in neighboring streams.
The Crow has been fishing dead during mid-day, but morning and evening hatches of the usual mayflies have produced some sporadic, decent fishing. Salmon and golden stone hatches have ended for the season. It's mayfly time. Some good cloud bursts, without the lightning, would be a welcome relief. But if this weather trend continues, anglers can expect very low, warm flows late this summer along the entire southern Rockies East Slope.
July 4, 2007
This summer's first heat wave has arrived and the river continues to drop with many structures now visible. Easy wading and good dry fly fishing with large stone attractor patterns and grey drakes. Overall, this has been an awesome spring and early summer for dry flies and rainbows that on many days have averaged 18 inches. It's a huge improvement over recent years. The Crow is entering the top of her game. Please be gentle to them 'bows.
June 26, 2007
River now crossable at usual places. Flow still swift, but clarity is excellent. Yellow and green Sallies have joined numerous Salmon flies on the river.
Pressure has been moderate to high; results seem mixed. Conditions and hatches will continue to improve until the next prolonged rainfall.
Hot weather in the forecast.
June 20, 2007
Four-inch long salmon flies have been fluttering about for nearly two weeks now, and still most fishing reports have been poor, even with nymphs.
The river is running quite clear with very good visibility. Volume is still up however, causing some grief for wading and playing fish. Suspecting it looked too good not to be, I slipped on my gumboots and grabbed the rod and a couple of big stimulators. I fished less than 45 minutes this aft, hooking two 20-inch acrobats. Both shot like rockets to smash the dry. One came unbuckled after I tried to bull him into quieter water. Bows sure like taking advantage of that added spring velocity.
Anyway to make a long story short, 'yes' the rainbows are definitely looking up.
June 2, 2007
The first airborne salmon flies of the year, both about the size of a sparrow, almost, observed yesterday. River, though, remains fast and silty. Hot weather is moving snowpack in a hurry.
May 19, 2007
My apologies to anyone who made the trip out this weekend. The river went high, fast and very dirty this morning after a heavy mountain rainfall. The snowpack has begun to loosen up and move at higher elevations so expect poor fishing conditions until mid-June.
May 17, 2007
Although flows are a bit swift, the river isn't carrying a lot of sediment. It's clearing and fishable especially close to the bank. There's nothing in the weather forecast (mild days, cool nights) to suggest a major flow change through the weekend.
Many nesting songbirds have returned in recent days.
Dead calm and partly cloudy today.
May 9, 2007
The two day clearing trend has ended. The river is off again.
Above average temperatures and warm nights have resulted in near zero visibility. Poor conditions are likely through the weekend.
May 8, 2007
The river looks surprisingly clear this afternoon. It's high and swift, but definitely inviting. An awful wind and thoughts of runoff are no doubt keeping a lot of anglers at bay. Pressure is zilch.
Meanwhile some very surprising, almost startling, snowpack numbers have been released by the province.
A late winter rainstorm is blamed for knocking down the snowpack in drainages south of here.
The latest measurements (April 30, 2007) show the West Castle River snow pillow is less than half of the 40 year average; meaning runoff there will likely come quickly and be short-lived. The Waterton also lags behind at 73 per cent.
Survey measurements also show the Crowsnest's snowpack is about 96 per cent of the long term average, the Oldman is just about dead on average.
The season's final snowpack measurements will be take the end of this month.
May 2, 2007
Mid elevation runoff has turned the Crow sour. Flows and turbidity are both up. Visibility today about knee length. Nymphs and streamers fished tight to the bank will still produce some rainbows. With rain in the forecast expect these conditions to last into the weekend. As an aside, some local lakes like Lee and Beauvais are fishing hot.
April 26, 2007
The river is up and a bit cloudy but certainly still fishable. According to the weather forecast it should remain that way through the weekend.
Good visibility to knee depth. Nymphs right on the bottom are still doing well for some, but the overall catch rate seems mixed.
April 19, 2007
Considerable midge activity in light of overcast, damp conditions.
River has good visibility despite recent rains. Fishing has been excellent with nymphs.
April 13, 2007
Not only does the Crow look good, it continues to fish well with many large trout being landed. Mostly on wets.
The forecast suggests conditions will be unchanged through this weekend with some modest wind to contend with.
Meanwhile, the latest government snowpack survey suggests a significant shift in what we might expect for flows in late summer. Last month snowpack moisture was basically bang-on the long term average. Now it's dropped in all SW Alberta drainages, significantly in some.
The Crowsnest snow "nest egg" is pegged at 89 per cent of normal. The Oldman it is still 97 per cent of normal, the Waterton is now 79 per cent of normal and the Castle is down significantly to 67 per cent of normal. The figures were compiled at the end of March.
On a good note, there has been considerable mountain snowfall in early April. The next survey will be issued the end of the month.
April 10, 2007
With colder temperatures settling in again... the river is clearing and dropping. Hardy souls may want to tackle mixed rain and snow the next two days for an opportunity with BWO's. Sporadic success reported the past week with small dries including gnats and midge clusters as well as Olives. Nymph fishing remains good but inconsistent.
Fair, warming weather in the weekend forecast.
Fishing pressure has been very heavy. All the more reason for anglers to start demanding government regulation changes that would allow early catch-and-release spring openings on other streams like the Castle.
It's a shame to see hordes crammed into the Crow's small quarters when other streams are running clear and inviting.
April 3, 2007
The Crow is flowing relatively low and clear, but the banks are piled with boot to shin-deep heavy, wet snow. All of it fresh and picturesque. No wind. But when it melts later in the week, as predicted, conditions will deteriorate. Anticipate fluctuating flows into the weekend.
March 28, 2007
The river has begun to drop and clear. Quite wadeable/fishable with waist deep visibility and improving.
These conditions should hold through the weekend.
March 25, 2007
A night of steady rainfall and warm temperatures have combined to wreck fishing opportunities in the near future.
Flows are up and visibility is measured in millimetres rather than metres like the past week. Temperatures are expected to drop and level off, but rain and snow are in the forecast through Wednesday.
Clearing should take several days. When conditions improve, angling should return to most-excellent with heavily-weighted nymphs. Serious spring runoff isn't expected for another six weeks.
March 18, 2007
After several days of most excellent nymph fishing, despite the wind, the Crow is up and murky again. That, due to low elevation runoff from yesterday's near record temperatures. Clearing should only take a day now that cool weather has settled in again.
March 13, 2007
The Crowsnest has returned to off-colored water with swift flows as numerous ice jams break free around Blairmore and Hillcrest. Rain, heavy at times, has been recorded through the weekend.
Fishing might be fine with heavy stonefly nymphs or Mexican Worms, but your options end about there.
Meanwhile Snowpack from the Oldman drainage south to Waterton improved somewhat to above normal averages during the month of February. Alberta government statistics show three drainages, the Waterton, Castle, Crowsnest and Oldman, now hold roughly six per cent greater snowpack moisture than the long term average.
If all remains static, expect a normal runoff beginning the first week of June.
The next snow pillow survey will be taken the end of this month.
March 4, 2007
A fair number of flyfishers are taking advantage of mild temps, expanding open water and midge hatches that should appear and increase any time now.
Although the floodplain is covered with boot deep snow, flows are low and clear. Some ice jams are still moving and shifting.
Air temperatures should hover around the 16C mark for the next several days. Westerlies at times may provide opportunities for refresher courses on knots.
January 31, 2007
Water levels in the Crow are healthy and should remain so into the spring. A significant flush following an unseasonable record rainfall last November brought levels up to the annual spring flood stage for nearly a week.
The river today runs slightly above average with many open stretches, especially near springs. Fishing has been sporadic with heavily weighted nymphs. Very little midge activity.
Meanwhile the Alberta government today released the latest figures for mountain snowpack. The snow pillow measurements, taken the end of each month through May, shows snow moisture in the Crowsnest headwaters at 94 per cent of the 50 year average. Snow results from other nearby drainages show the upper Oldman at 99 per cent of average, the Castle at 101 per cent of average and the Waterton at 99 per cent of average. The next snowpack results will be released Feb. 28.