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Michelle chatting with shuttle clients at 'new' Policeman's Flats boat launch Photo, Bow River Shuttles
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 Debris blocking access to Legacy Island Photo, Bow River Shuttles 
Legacy Island Meeting - Tues Aug 06, 2013
The Bow River Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada leases and controls access to the Legacy Island boat launch. The chapter, in conjunction with Trout Unlimited Canada, has been working to gather the necessary permits to improve the Legacy Island Boat Launch area.
Like many launch points on the Bow River, Legacy Island was impacted by recent flooding. The Bow River Chapter and Trout Unlimited Canada, in lieu of the flood, have been working hard to obtain the necessary permits to facilitate the work to restore the Legacy Island launch. This process is complex but it is nearing completion.
In order to expedite and control the Legacy Island restoration process the Bow River Chapter and TUC will be holding a Legacy Island Issues Meeting to discuss the process of re-opening access to Legacy Island.
This meeting will be held on Tuesday August 6, 2013, 7pm at the TUC head office, #160 6712 Fisher Street S.E. Calgary. Issues such as timing, permits, funding, contracting and what members and volunteers can assist with will be discussed.
Until the necessary permits are in place the Bow River Chapter and TUC are asking people not to engage in any restoration activities and should consider access to Legacy Island temporarily closed.
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 Work begins on constructing the 'plug' that will once again connect the mainland with Johnson's Island. Photo, Bow River Shuttles
Carseland Weir Flood Update
During the recent flooding the Carseland area blowout was a result of an engineered 'plug' on the north side of the channel that was designed to fail to ensure that the weir was not lost in a large scale flood. When the blow out occurred it also took out the road and the access to the boat launches. The "plug" currently is in the process of being replaced. The plug replacement was discussed briefly at the recent Back Cast film showing.
AESRD spoke directly to this project and the timeline regarding its completion. The time referred to at the film festival came from a member of the audience and was told to him by a staffer from the Bow River Irrigation District (BRID). The work being completed at Carseland is being contracted out by the province and not BRID. BRID does not own, maintain or operate this structure, but they do manage water flows once it gets into the canal. This was a slightly different timeline than AESRD regional manager Dave DePape was aware of.
The work is being currently completed by contractors to replace the "Plug". To ensure flows are retuned over the weir and through the bypass gates and fish ladder, this is being done over a period of time. This work will naturally build back pressure over the weir and will not result in a loss of flow to the river below the weir. Remember that flows are still above normal in this area.
Following Alberta Biologist Brian Meagher's conversation with AESRD staff, he suspects that once the 'plug' is in place (as was the case with the recent Travers rebuild and another southern Alberta infrastructure) that public access will be restricted from this area for a period of time to address public safety concerns, to allow time for the 'plug' and the berm re-establish vegetation and settle following construction.
Getting boat launches operable is important, but AESRD needs to see how the new channel and flows develop once the "plug" is back in place before they look to restoring access.
The best option may well be to restore the old road downstream of the new plug, once things dry out, and after AESRD knows what the launch sites look like. So, it is unlikely that the launch sites will be available until late August or September. Following the 2005 flood there was also a period of time before launches were once again operable.
There is a chance that depending on how the area de-waters that there could be some fish stranded in the backwater currently flowing in the wetted channel following replacement of the "plug". AESRD staff are monitoring this and will be taking appropriate actions if required to rescue and replace any fish stranded in this area.
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Bow River Shuttles - News Distribution 
We have been posting information, photos and video clips related to the 2013 Flood throughout the event, on our social media sites.
Our first posting was from Policeman's Flats, the evening the flood began, Thursday June 20, 2013. You can view that post here. The only difference between the two is that we tend to post larger size photos on Facebook.
Please know that you do NOT have to be on Facebook yourself, to view my site. It is a business Page that ANYONE can view.
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A: Boat Launch Conditions - More
B: Fishing Reports
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A: Bow River Boat Launch Conditions - More
1. Glenmore Trail2. 22X/Fish Creek Park3. Policeman's Flats4. McKinnon Flats5. Legacy Island6. Carseland
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1. Glenmore Trail/Graves Landing
The new gravel bar fronting the Glenmore Trail boat ramp. Simply amazing! Photo, Bow River Shuttles
Although this launch is still closed, it appears to be getting closer to opening.
As you may know, construction was halted awhile back when a 'toxic' dump was discovered under Heritage Drive, just to the north of the bridge overpass.
We reported on that here.
However, during our visit to the site yesterday, we noted that all the fencing is gone, Tervita's yellow storage tanks had been removed, and there are now three very large piles of dirt under tarps.
The best news is that the first layer of asphalt has been laid down, from the overflow parking lot, all the way around to Burnco.
Also, there are a couple of large piles of gravel in the overfow lot. We hope that is intended for further parking lot rehab.
Stay tuned to our Blog or Facebook Page for further news.
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2. 22X/Fish Creek Park
 Photo, Bow River Shuttles
This launch was opened by Fish Creek Provincial Park three weeks ago on a "Use at your own risk" basis.
On the double wide launch, the ramp on the right (when facing the water) was severely damaged. It has a pile of gravel on it, and is not useable.
The ramp on the left is a bit 'wavy', but is working out just fine.
There is some rebar protruding from in between the ramps. However, it is flagged and fairly easy to avoid.
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3. Policeman's Flats
Our first day of shuttling from Police on July 13. Photo, Bow River Shuttles Police was essentially destroyed. No more parking lot, no more boat launch and somewhat less real estate. Despite this, and thanks to some unofficial work with a bobcat, Police has also been available for three weeks. The new 'bay' seems to be working out just fine for launching. The main problem is lack of parking. Anyone who leaves a vehicle in the launch area qualifies for a "Nenshi Noun". We are asking all boaters to please park their vehicles and trailers as close as possible to the entrance to the Policeman's Flats area. If both sides of what's left of the 'cinder block' road are lined with vehicles, then please exit on to Bow River Bottom road. Park along the grass, with your vehicle facing the hill, so that we can drive straight ahead, without figuring out how to turn around.
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4. McKinnon Flats
Our first shuttle to McKinnon Flats on July 13, on the new, and much higher, gravel bar. Photo, Bow River Shuttles
ESRD opened this boat launch at 1:00 pm Saturday July 13 on a "Use at your own risk" basis.
Although the main parking lot was destroyed, essentially becoming part of the river bottom, a very large gravel bar was built up in front of it.
For the first week or so, boaters were using the downstream end of that gravel bar to retrieve their boats. However, with the river volume having reduced a bit more, people are now driving right off the end of that gravel bar, onto the 'old' river bottom, which puts them about 100 yards further downstream.
That river bottom seems to be quite solid, with no reports of anyone getting stuck. While a 4x4 is still desirable, we know that front wheel drive vans and cars have been successful with backing their boat trailers to the water.
This optimistic report might change radically, should McKinnon come under a big rainstorm.
We are now using the overflow parking lot for shuttle client vehicles.
The switchback road down to Mac is in very poor shape, but manageable.
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5. Legacy Island
The boat ramp at Legacy. You wouldn't know it if you didn't know. :-) Photo, Bow River Shuttles
The TUC News report on Legacy is at the top of this newsletter.
We've heard suggestions from some quarters that Legacy does not need a new 'boat ramp'. The only thing drift boaters need is access to the water.
The new boat ramp that was created after TUC took over responsibility for Legacy has silted in to some extent almost every year during run off.
Legacy was used successfully for many years without an actual boat ramp.
If you have an opinion on this, one way or the other, you need to attend the planned meeting.
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6. Carseland/Johnson's Island
The new channel on river-left at Johnson's Island. The new 'plug' was about 3/4 of the way across the channel a few days ago. Progress was delayed by a shortage of rock armor. Photo, Bow River Shuttles
The TUC News report on Carsland is at the top of this newsletter.
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B: Fishing Reports
We appreciate the fishing reports that have been submitted by our shuttle clients in recent weeks. Thank you!!
These reports are posted as they are received on both our Blog and our Facebook Page.
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Bow River Fishing Report - Tuesday July 16 2013
 Photo, courtesy Jim Kearns
"Thank you to Jim Kearns for sending this my way!" - Michelle, Owner/Operator, Bow River Shuttles
Hi Michelle. Here is some info for your excellent e-mail updates to help educate your readers and dispel all the negative press and rumors that the "Bow is dead" after the big flood...not true.
This past week, I was fortunate to be a guest with Calgary architect Tony Williams on one of the first three guided boats allowed back on the Bow July 16.
I was not optimistic and expected only a boat ride through a "war zone."
Surprisingly, our expert guide, Aaron Caldwell, put us into three dozen plus trout, a mix of browns and rainbows and whitefish, in all size categories small to large, and all in excellent robust, healthy condition.
Many of the fish were caught on big surface floating stone-fly patterns and the water clarity and visibility improved all day.
The two other boats we talked to had similar fishing experiences.
One of the boats got into a 27 inch brown.
Water levels are high but dropping rapidly...there was absolutely no floating debris and noticeably no shore-line garbage which I guess by now is probably all in Medicine Hat.
The river is completely safe to float but banks and shorelines look unstable in some areas for walking and wading...use caution.
The river in most places is unrecognizable, as are the launch sites, with new channels and backwater "lakes" but mother nature is looking after the recovery and it will be a brand new river now to explore but the fish are still there but in new places.
One of the pictures attached shows a Merganser who has adopted some presumably displaced Goldeneye ducklings. I'm told that this quite rare.."birds of a feather..."
- Jim Kearns
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Bow River Fishing Report - Friday July 19, 2013
 Photo, courtesy Ryan L.
"Thanks to Ryan L. for this fishing report and photos!" - Michelle, Owner/Operator, Bow River Shuttles
Hi Michelle,
We had a great day on the re-designed river.
First of all, the river looked great and exploring was good fun.
We were into fish within sight of the launch and hooked up on both streamers and nymphs.
We caught fish all day long, even in the bright sun and had three double-headers. Most of the fish were big and healthy and fooled on leeches or stones and streamers fished tight to the bank.
Photo, courtesy Ryan L.
Brown with a bit of yellow was the streamer colour that worked well for us.
We were pleased to catch some nice fish below the Highwood as well.
Water clarity was about 3 feet.
We did catch a couple 6 inchers which was encouraging.
I've included a picture of what I believe was a buffalo bone bed and a short video of the Cliffs.
- Ryan L.
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Bow River Fishing Report - Thursday, Friday & Saturday, July 18, 19 & 20, 2013
Photo, courtesy Eric Mac
"Thanks to Eric Mac. for this fishing report and great photos!" - Michelle, Owner/Operator, Bow River Shuttles
Hi Michelle,
Thanks again for the shuttle service on July 18 - 20.
We were on the water before sunup each day.
Thursday the water was a bit discolored due to overnight thundershowers and only two fish were hooked on dry stone fly patterns early on.
We switched to streamers after nine and had some success with Bow buggers, clousers landing another 12 fish with as many LDR's.
Four browns, biggest just over 21 inches and the remainder rainbows in the 16 - 18 inch range. All were healthy and feisty although the rainbows were a bit thin post spawn. They more than made up for lack of girth with airborne acrobatics resulting in many spit hooks.
 Photo, courtesy Eric Mac
Friday and Saturday the early morning dry stone action was better but not spectacular. AT least a dozen fish to the net with the majority being browns. Stims, noble Chernobyl's and other foam stone fly patterns in smaller sizes (8, 10) were the ticket when fished close to the bank. Streamers were effective after 10 on Friday. Saturday we fished dry stones all day and even had hook ups just before take out at Mac with 20 landed.
 Photo, courtesy Eric Mac
The river has certainly changed and finding the prime lies was a challenge. The river is wider in spots with many new side (or main) channels and many new gravel bars. The large cliff just downstream of Cottonwood golf course was severely eroded and noticed a large amount of rocks and dirt ( the size of a small car) fall into the water as we passed on the north side. I would recommend caution when floating near there or other large undercut cliffs.
Photo, courtesy Eric Mac No significant hatches were observed but we did see a few stones and plenty of shucks. The occasional caddis in the shade but we were off the river by mid afternoon each day.
The Bow is not dead and all fish were healthy and active. It is a new river in many respects and well worth exploring.
I have attached a few snaps but not all fish are CRP (catch, picture, release).
Cheers,
Eric
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Bow River Fishing Report - Sunday July 28, 2013
 Photo, courtesy Mike N. "Thanks to Mike N. for this fishing report and photos!" - Michelle, Owner/Operator, Bow River Shuttles
We had a great float and were one of the first boats off from Policeman's.
Initially we tried some white streamers and were unsuccessful but switched up to an orange bodied streamer with rubber legs.
With just two in the boat we landed 10, at least 5 other solid hookups and countless bumps and soft takes. Most were taken within feet from the bank.
Photo, courtesy Mike N.
Grassy banks appeared to be more productive than rocky banks but those areas were hard to come by as much of the bank has been disturbed with rock or mud falls.
We got out and nymphed some promising water but did not hook a single fish with a nymph.
There were no rising fish and I have never seen so little bug activity on the river in a 6 hour period in July. There was no hatch whatsoever.
Other than one brown, all fish caught were rainbows and all of average size (17-18 inches).
There are very few obstacles in the water and the float was trouble free.
Thanks to your team in adapting to some crazy parking and access challenges.
Attached are a few pictures.
- Mike N.
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More Fishing Reports!!!!!!!!!!
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Bow River Fishing Report - Monday July 15 2013
"Thank you to Zach S. for this fishing report!" - Michelle, Owner/Operator, Bow River Shuttles
Read report here
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Bow River Fishing Report - Monday July 15 2013
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Bow River Fishing Report - Thursday July 18 2013
"Thanks to Brian E. for this fishing report!" - Michelle, Owner/Operator,
Bow River Shuttles
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Bow River Fishing Report - Thursday July 18 2013
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Bow River Fishing Report - Wednesday July 24, 2013
"Thanks to Carl B. for this fishing report and photo!" - Michelle, Owner/Operator, Bow River Shuttles
Read report here
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Bow River Fishing Report - Wednesday July 24, 2013
"Thanks to Colin J. for this fishing report!" - Michelle, Owner/Operator, Bow River Shuttles
Read report
here
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Bow River Fishing Report - Friday July 26, 2013
"Thanks to Louise S. for this brief fishing report!" - Michelle, Owner/Operator, Bow River Shuttles
Read report here
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Bow River Fishing Report - Saturday July 27, 2013
"Thanks to Morton C. for this fishing report!" - Michelle, Owner/Operator, Bow River Shuttles
Read report here
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Bow River Fishing Report - Sunday July 28, 2013
"Thanks to Ken C. for this fishing report and photo!" - Michelle, Owner/Operator, Bow River Shuttles
Read report here
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Our Mission Statement
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Red trucks comin' down
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To move vehicles in a safe, courteous, efficient manner, while exceeding customer's expectations with outstanding service.
To give back to the community by supporting: Opportunity Works, Trout Unlimited Canada Fish Rescue Program, Ducks Unlimited Canada Wetlands for Tomorrow and Casting For Life.
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 Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festival
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Providing shuttle service for fly fishers along the Bow River since 1987
403-278-9165
Bow River Shuttles
michelle@bowrivershuttles.com
Bow River Drift Boat Rentals
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