Today is the final day of the 2017 fishing season on the majority of rivers and streams in southwest Alberta. It seems like only yesterday that I was looking forward to another great season on these waters. Beginning tomorrow, November 1, there’s only going to be a couple of rivers around here where anglers will be permitted to fish. These include portions of the Crowsnest and Oldman rivers. At least there are some places where folks will be able to stream-fish over the coming winter months, if they so desire.
Shortcut to the river
Knowing that closing day was quickly approaching, I made the effort to spend some time on the Crowsnest River over the past several weeks. The Crow is one of my favourite places to fish, particularly late in the season. It’s close to home and I don’t have to travel very far, should I decide to go fishing on the spur of the moment.
At this time of year, you don’t have to be on the river at the crack of dawn or stick around until dusk, in order to catch fish. Unlike the summer months, fishing in autumn is most productive during the warmest part of the day. If I’m on the water by noon, that’s early enough, and most times I’m back home well before suppertime.
Fishing in solitude
Spending 4-5 hours on the water provides plenty of opportunities to catch a trout or two. The summer crowds are gone and there’s a good chance you will have most of the river to yourself. There are other anglers who like the fall fishing as much as I do, but finding a spot to be by myself is usually not too difficult.
In autumn, it’s almost as if the trout realize another long, cold winter is close at hand, and that they ought to take advantage of whatever food is available. Although trout will rise to the surface to take small mayflies and midges during the late-season, most of their diet consists of nymphs, larvae, and other aquatic insects living along the stream bottom.
Crowsnest River rainbow trout
I never turn down a chance to cast dry flies to rising trout, but I’ll do whatever it takes to catch them, even if it means going down deep with a nymph or streamer. The fish don’t seem to mind what fly pattern I use to catch them, and in the end, they are all released to live another day and perhaps provide some enjoyment for the next angler who comes along.
Late afternoon light, shimmering on the Crowsnest River
4 Comments
Enjoy your stories of the Pass fishing areas.
Hi Jim,
I’m glad you like my fishing posts. I appreciate the feedback!
Great words and photos; as I have mentioned before I love the Crow and the ‘shoulder’ seasons have long been my favorites times to be on the river. Thanks for sharing this blog, I enjoyed the read.
Hi Kurt,
I’m glad you like my blog. Thanks for the kind words. The fishing season went by quick. Hard to believe it’s over. It looks like winter has arrived, as we received about 6 inches of snow overnight. Another 12-18 inches are expected by Saturday. Take care!