Cutthroat flies

[grayer]

Hey guys, I have already posted in the general discussion about how I am moving out to lake louise in Banff national park for the summer. After a lot of researching and asking a few friends, I have found lots of places to drop a line. Question for you guys is, have any of you fished in western canada before? I have about a month before I go and want to know what flies to tie/ buy before I get out there and am pretty busy. From what I hear, mostly cutthroat trout in lakes, some brook trout, and brown trout in the surrounding rivers. I was planning on bringing buggers and various nymphs, but I thought I would ask for some more advice since I know lots of you travel quite a bit and have had great success where you go!

Hope everyone had a great winter and is ready for some spring time fishing! Cheers

 

[[email protected]]

big mouse patterns for the cutties for sure! they are often found with large trout in their mouths

 

[Shmogley]

they hit egg patterns when the salmon are running. they also go for flesh flies when the bodies start to stack up. other times of the year youll find bright streamers work well, such as bucktails or buggers(love dem buggers)

of course getting them on a surface mouse or popper can just be one of the most amazing things youll ever experience and west fish are known for their eagerness in that regard.

also once the salmon and other migratory species eggs start to hatch youll often find cutties taking in minnow imitations en masse. id try brighter body with a green/brown back to look more like a salmon/trout fry.

good luck bud, that should have most of your year covered for a few of species out there, not only cutties.

 

[Cody309]

I know you're looking for Cuttie info, but just thought I'd mention not to forget some streamers for Bull Trout!

 

[gaveryco]

Cutties are pretty stupid fish. As soon as the water warms up on a sunny day they are looking up. Any general attractor dry, stimulators, beetles, hoopers, ants etc. If there is a hatch they'll be on that. Can nymph them up too. Stonefly patterns for sure or just basic nymphs like hares ear and princes kill it. Drys aren't really my thing so I chuck big streamers for cutts. They love em. And obviously the bulls love them as well. Haven't fished much in the lake louise area but you're in the mountains, the waters cold, there are trout every where, and not many people. You're only an hour and a half or so from the bow in calgary. Hit the stonefly hatch in early july if you're out at that time. You won't regret it. Rivers recovering well from the flood.

 

[Alfiegee]

Lived in Calgary a few years and fished Lake Louise and Banff areas.
First of all, sorry Smogley, there are no migratory salmon there. Wrong side of the Rockies. Dont think Salmon have learned to climb and repell yet, lol.
As for Cuts, thet are very close to our Brookies and any technique used for Specks here works on them. You can also expect native Rainbows, and a cross Cut-bows as well as Browns in a lot of waters out there.
Altho I heard of Broolies out there I never saw one, and Albertans I fished with tended to call Cuts, Brookies and Specks, so I kind of think that is a misnomer, like people calling 'eyes Pickeral here.

Alfie, cheers and good luck. Great fishing and beautiful country out there.

 

[Alfiegee]

Just returned from a couple days in Alberta. Flies and spinners with a touch of red were slaying them. What a beautiful fish. Only had a day and a half. Got some good ones and also a 30 inch Dolly.

Alfie.