Author: Ryan Suffron

Spring is a pinnacle time for any angler looking for an epic bite. Within a common thirty day window, from mid-May to mid-June, there are various species throughout our province that consistently indulge in insistent feeding patterns. For the inquisitive fly fisher, this is an overwhelming occasion to pursue a variety of appealing angling opportunities that offer favourable numbers of quality fish and the alluring prospect to sight cast in shallow water. With the end of May at my doorstep, I took a welcomed opportunity to head to the Eastern Region with the hopes of chasing the annual run of…

Out of necessity and after every fly fishing season, I engage in the tedious ritual of sorting through my stillwater fly box of used, abused and forgotten fly patterns. Although time consuming, it’s a rewarding chore that allows me to purge the spoils of a lengthy guiding tour and reminds me of successful choices and innovations that have earned a “commendable stature” on the end of my client’s leader. Like many ardent fly fishers I hit the bench throughout the winter months with the hope of creating the next Holy Grail of fly patterns. It’s here where my motivation to…

Those of us that grew up on the water and started fishing at a very young age can usually attest to a vivid angling experience that has stayed with us throughout our progressive years. An experience that was likely responsible for shaping our enduring passion for the sport of fishing and one that introduced us to many of life’s little lessons. I can remember like it was yesterday, spending the better part of two weeks during the month of August at my grandparents waterfront home on the Winnipeg River. I was only nine years old when I was first acquainted…

“The ability to change to fit different circumstances.” An insignificant definition to most, but for those who methodically target challenging species it’s an attribute that can influence the fine line between a substantial achievement and continuous disappointment. The Brown Trout, is undoubtedly one of the most actively pursed trout species on the planet. Equal to its sought after status, the Brown is widely recognized as a complicated and wary adversary that requires versatile techniques to successfully hook and land on the best of occasions. When searching for big Browns within a stillwater environment, fly fishing techniques have traditionally been focused…

Seeking a challenge that offers inspiration and a tangible return for our efforts can be often harder than we imagine. Naturally, for many of us, we gain satisfaction by simply getting out and doing what we love most or surrounding ourselves with an environment that fulfills a passion. Sometimes though, we all need that extra bit of “wow” factor to break our norms and obvious expectations. Wouldn’t you agree? The first time I ever cast my fly rod on a Parkland stillwater was a moment that I will never forget. The anticipation of the trip weighed heavily on my mind…

So you’ve done your research, you know what lakes are producing and the locations where fish are active, you have the right rods, reels, lines, leaders, and flies and your ready to hit the water. You mark fish on your sonar, you observe active fish, there everywhere! You cast every line, leader and fly combination in your possession but you continue to come up empty. You cast and retrieve, you troll, and you sit and wait. Hours later, in a desperate frame of mind you ask yourself, “What am I doing wrong?” Welcome to the world of stillwater trout fishing,…

Embarking on a long anticipated fly fishing trip to realize that you arrived ill prepared or without the right tools to effectively capitalize on an amazing angling opportunity is something we have all experienced a time or two. Parkland lakes offer the “grand slam” of stillwater trout fishing, rainbow, brown, tiger, splake, brook and lake trout are all attainable targets, but each lake and their available species require their own dedicated strategy to maximize success rates. So let’s elaborate on the pre planning and get you on the right track. Lake Research The pinnacle item to a successful stillwater fly…

It’s no secret that the fall season contributes to a drop in water temperature that triggers an internal feeding clock for many of our underwater friends. It’s a window of opportunity for fish to bulk up before a long, drawn out winter. This also means an all but guaranteed reservation for consistent angling success! When we look at a trout’s perspective and through the eyes of a fly rod, the middle of September to the end of October brings a premier opportunity to experience fly fishing excellence. Chosen Parkland stillwaters have become a defined Mecca for fly fishing trout enthusiasts…