Red Deer River Pontoon Boat Float Trip --- Part Two?

[Quentin]

I had an absolute blast on the float trip we did last month. Is anyone interested in getting together for another trip?

 

Perhaps a weekend in Sept?

 

 

 

QT

[Michael Dell]

I would like to join you. Depends on the date though.

[SnoWolf]

Yep. If I can make it work.

[Quentin]

It'd have to be a Saturday for me. Sept 8, 15, or 22....?

 

QT

[Garhan]

I might be able to do the latter date of the 22nd. Seeing it is my sons birthday that day, I would hope that him and I could go together.

[SnoWolf]

22nd works.

[Quentin]

Ok...22nd.

 

That makes 5....

 

Gary

Son

Michael

Jim

Quentin.

 

If Gary and I bring our trucks, and Jim brings his van, we should be able to easily shuttle back up to get the vehicles.

 

QT

[Garhan]

There is a slight posibility that my son may be at camp for the weekends. If so we have room for another person.

[Quentin]

I have another friend that wants to float the Red Deer, as well. But....6 people on the river at once seems a bit crowded, to me. So...here's what I'm thinking:

 

Let's do two trips.

 

My friend and I are going to go down on Sunday (80% sure) 2 Sept. It'll be a dawn - late afternoon trip, home by suppertime-ish. If one or two of you would like to join that, it'd be great. That'd be:

Quentin

Kevin (not likely)

Ken

Ken's friend

 

Let's also do this second trip: 22 Sept

Quentin

Gary

Gary's son?

Michael

Jim

Kristi

 

 

 

QT

[Quentin]

Gary, Michael, and Jim are all unavailable for this Sunday. Kevin and I are still looking for a third person (makes shuttling vehicles much easier if you can leave someone to guard the boats).

 

I have a sit on top kayak, as well, if someone wants to try that.

 

Dan.....Ken.....? Anyone?

 

Beuller.....? Beuller....?

 

 

QT

[SnoWolf]

So I am wondering if there will be enough daylight for us to float the all day section we did not float last time...?

[kemo99]

I think I can go sept 2. I will confirm tomorrow

[dipperdan]

Sorry off to Saskatchewan the long weekend . The 22nd doesn't work either , maybe next yr.

 

Dan

[Garhan]

So I am wondering if there will be enough daylight for us to float the all day section we did not float last time...?

 

should be if you leave early enough. Fish should be moving closer to the dam to spawn.

[SnoWolf]

So that would mean it would be better to fish the same floats we did last time?

That would work as well....;-)

[kemo99]

I have a buddy that will probably join us as well. To be confirmed tonight. I'll pm you Quentin.

[Quentin]

Any good advice on which flies to have ready for the Red Deer River in early Sept?

 

 

QT

[Garhan]

I was there last night scoping it out at RR20. There were loads of fish rising. Some Whitefish, Goldeye and some good Browns (all Browns are good no matter the size). Two things were happening. They were feeding both on dries and nymphs at the surface. Four insects were prominent on the water. Two Caddis and two Mayflies. The Caddis were a size 12 and a size 14. The larger was Tan winged with a black body. The smaller was grey winged with a green black body. The Mayflies were not out in strong numbers last night. But they were size 14 Yellow Quills and a 14 Mahogany Dun (Which seems early by a week or two). I would take accompanying nymphs as well. Looks like you will have a great time this weekend.

[Quentin]

Can I get away with:

 

Elk Hair Caddis with black or green/black bodies for the caddis adults? What's a good pattern for a caddis nymph?

 

I'm searching my references for good options for the mayflies. Will standard pheasant tail nymphs work for these? And...if they're taking them at/near the surface, shall I fish them unweighted?

 

I ask all of this, but I know I'll be lucky to steal enough time to tie even a dozen flies before the trip.

 

 

QT

[Garhan]

Can I get away with:

 

Elk Hair Caddis with black or green/black bodies for the caddis adults? What's a good pattern for a caddis nymph?

 

I'm searching my references for good options for the mayflies. Will standard pheasant tail nymphs work for these? And...if they're taking them at/near the surface, shall I fish them unweighted?

 

I ask all of this, but I know I'll be lucky to steal enough time to tie even a dozen flies before the trip.

 

 

QT

 

Quentin for a caddis use a pupae pattern. The Pheasant tails and GRHares Ears should work one size larger than the dries.

 

 

Here is a pupae that I have been tying for 25 years now. It works very well.

 

This one swung down and across is a great pattern as well.

 

[DennisS]

Gary there are a couple of very nice flies. I really like the last one. There is just something about it that say eat me.

 

Did you use a dubbing loop for the hair collar.

 

Tight Lines Always

Dennis S

[Garhan]

Gary there are a couple of very nice flies. I really like the last one. There is just something about it that say eat me.

 

Did you use a dubbing loop for the hair collar.

 

Tight Lines Always

Dennis S

 

yes I did use a loop and then brushed out as well, to get the material flowing in a rear- ward direction

[Kristi]

if its not to late; I might join you guys... I'd just have to confirm the float with my work schedule.

[Quentin]

This weekend? Of course it isn't too late. My friend Kevin may not be able to go. He was going to borrow a boat, but appearantly, it has a rip.

 

QT

[Kristi]

Actually Q I was thinking the Weekend of the 22nd