Off to the west country once again – clear blue skies but cool ie. 40° When I left Red Deer at noon. Prairie is still high and muddy, so I check out the “South Fork” near the recreation area – it’s somewhat stained but certainly fishable, but I have no luck in the 44° water. There’s still a little snow on the ground from last night! Stop at Clear Creek on the way to Stauffer-see only one rise (big fish) in the pool by the old farm - 46°
water here. I fish Stauffer upstream from the “Buck for Wildlife” and there’s a good hatch of what I presume to be BlueWinged Olives. I miss one on the first cast and then settle in for an afternoon of frustration. Lots of rises, but the trout ignore everything I throw at them. Talk to a fisherman who says the Tay River is crystal clear, he saw some guys with some big brookies. He says you can get in by going a few miles up the Swan Lake Road, then went on “LH5”. On the way home, I see a group of 6 mule deer bucks, 2 – 4 pointers, a 3 pointer, a couple of spikes, and one granddaddy who’s atleast 4x4 with maybe a couple extra. Most try “South Fork” again.