LSR Bottom Bouncing Caddis

Originally uploaded by ‘Scratch’

Yes, friends. It’s winter in Alberta. What does that mean beyond the obvious snow, shovelling, and generally poor waterskiing? That means that we poor fly-fishers are going insane.

While many FF’ers drop into relative hibernation through the winter the die-hard flowing water fans with deft hands are starting to tie their summer supply of flies.

I must admit – I’ve been on hiatus for several months and only now do I feel able to descend to the pit (the basement) and fire up a vice to do unspeakable things with the feathers and fur of our fine animal friends.

I’m a big proponent of catch and kill where appropriate and fly tying is one of those fine art forms that provides ample opportunity to provide the ‘catch’ end of the equation, and when hunting enters the bidness – we even have case to use the skins, fur and feathers of our prey.

It’s a circle of life thing. Lance and I visit redwater and pop a bird or two. The birds once cleaned provide sustenance (and tasty sustenance at that) as well as a fair supply of feathers, with which to tie our favourite fly patterns. Those patterns supply us with the tools required to catch a fish or two (or hundreds based on destination) of which we may conserve a few for consumption, giving us the energy to continue in search of scotch, or more birds… cycle continues.

I believe wholeheartedly in conservation – but I’m also a consumer of meat (yes – proudly) and don’t feel bad for popping a bird with a healthy population, or assisting in the harvest of other such critters for whom balance has become an issue. Yes – that balance is out of whack because of ‘man’ but I can’t move cities, or a global reliance on petroleum – so my option is to ensure the sustenance of animal populations by controlling excess… ok… this could get ugly so I won’t keep on about it.

Back to said fly, and the shack nasties.

The FF’ers who are at the vice may be contributing to the fellowship of anglers (as I am) by participating in fly-tying ventures known as ‘swaps’. The fly shown is for an upcoming international swap with anglers in Gwent, Wales. These lads are all grayling fishers, and so share a common goal of hunting the most beautiful wild fish that I’ve had the pleasure of stalking.

You may not be an angler, or a fly-tyer. But fellowship at this time of year is a great way to fight back winter.

Visit friends, share a glass (of whatever you like) and celebrate those things that make you happy. It’s a good thing.

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Posted in Day to Day by Scratch 1 Comment