Guest Blogger "Daryl Payne"
I thought for a long time of what to write. I seriously enjoy my outdoor time and have been lucky enough to have some great times in the field both hunting and fishing. So when I was asked if I wanted to write about something I was kind of wondering where I would go with it.
I’ve been fortunate enough to fish in both fresh and salt water. Been to Africa 3 times. I’ve taken many different species with fly rod, spinning tackle, shotgun, rifle and bow. But when it all comes down to the best single day on the water or in the field I’ve ever had, it is really no contest.
My wife bought me the first guided trip on the Bow with Bow River Troutfitters in 2000 for our 5th anniversary. We really couldn’t afford a trip like that back then but she knew how much I loved to flyfish so away we went. That got me started. Pardon the pun but I was hooked deep!
Up until the trip I am writing about here, I had likely done 9-10 guided trips with a couple of different fly-shops in Calgary and BC. I saved up all year to do these trips. This year was going to be different though. I booked a trip for myself and good friend Shawn Beck with Fishtales Flyshop. We had floated with them 4 or 5 times already and had some great trips with some great guides. Nancy called me a few days before the trip and asked if I would be up for something new. An early morning instead of the usual 8 or 9 am meet at the shop. There was a new guide that was very fishy and eager to do new things on the Bow. I said sure I’m always up for something new.
We met at the shop at I believe 0330. We were the only ones there and our guide was eager to get going. We didn’t really know what the heck to expect so when we pulled out our rods at the Glenmore ramp and the guide started chopping off my newly tied on 4X leader because we needed big gear for big trout that are going to eat the big flies we will be chucking, I was a little confused. Big fish are spooky... Big fish like small delicate flies in impossible places to get them into... And honestly, I just was never lucky enough to be the guy that hooks or lands the big fish so I wasn’t thinking that’d be me anyhow. After hearing him out I decided to take the advice I’ve given my clients numerous times when I was guiding them for ducks and geese. This was his gig. He is the guide. Do what your guide says!
We launched the boat in silence. Nobody was around. At that time this 0 dark thirty thing was not heard of commercially. We started rowing and I had asked our guide how I was supposed to see if I had a hit on this big foam bug. He said just listen. Huh? I plopped that big bug behind one of the concrete blocks just downstream on river right. I was just about to say something about this “set on sound” theory when I heard a slurp. I set the hook and the water exploded. HOLY CRAP! We fought that fish and I now saw the advantage of the 0X tippet. I landed my first truly good fish on the Bow. A beautiful Brown that was easily my biggest to that point.
It continued like that all day. We had fish hit everywhere they were supposed to. Seams, riffles, overhangs and undercuts. It was amazing. If the front bug got a look but not an eat, the back bug would get it almost every time. Our guide kept telling us that while the fishing can be good, just don’t expect it to be like this ever again! The laughs were non stop. The chirping about the misses was harsh and fast. And the fish were big!
We had multiple double headers and we were able to get a Calgary triple double. Double header Rainbow. Double header Brown. And Rainbow, Brown double header in the net all at least once. We fished dries all day. Right to the take out.
At the end of the day, we were exhausted and elated at the same time. How could this ever be topped? I’d never done the early morning stonefly fishing but I really wanted to do this forever.
I now look forward to Stampede week every year for one reason. And it isn’t to go and watch a bunch of drunken cowboys and pay too much for impossible midway games and greasy food. That morning triggered a desire in me to get better and learn more. It is now really the only trip I am interested in booking on the Bow. Even though that hatch isn’t what it used to be, it still is something that I hunger for.
Of course you likely know who that new guide was by now. I want to offer a heartfelt thanks to a guy that I now consider a friend. Aaron you have taught me a ton about this river and helped me improve my angling skills tenfold. I can never repay you for the knowledge you have helped me attain.
Some very kind words from Daryl. I remember this day quite well. A bit of a light bulb went on that day about work ethic amongst guests. These guys were there to fish. They were tuned in from the minute they stepped into the boat until the time I made them get out. Good fishing, slow fishing doesn't matter, He doesn't let off the gas, a real deal outdoorsman. Fishing, Hunting, fly, spinning, archery, doesn't matter he loves it all. Daryl is the owner of Fins and Feathers Guiding and Taxidermy, fellow Duck hunter, Dog dad, and Adipose boat owner. We've spent many fantastic days since in the boat together including one on the Elk this past summer with Sean fishing Cutties. Daryl is my first call when I have waterfowling or Taxidermy questions, and I am proud to call him my friend. Thank you for contributing to the blog Daryl, and I look forward to seeing you soon. AC