Bob S Pages

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he Area around Western Manitoba right from the USA border up to The Pas, Manitoba has recently been "discovered" by a host of US and out-of-province fishers who are enthralled with the size of the trout and the relatively un-crowded and untouched waters.

These stillwater fisheries rival anything in the world and put most of them to shame. The waters are crawling with gammarus scuds, which produce huge deep and red fleshed trout that make you wish you could remember just how much backing you originally installed.

The Shamu, the legendary 27"+ Rainbow is common here and a lake must hold a population of trout 30" or over to even qualify for Big 7 Status. In the 2004 season we have7 of such designated lakes more about to break onto the scene. The designation is not handed out freely!
Moreover there are few lodges, outfitters, guides or in many cases not even a public campground involved, so there is no one trying to take your money. You can find some help on our designated accommodations and outfitters page.

Otherwise you're on your own.

Originally, no one planned this fishery. It just sort of happened.

Western Manitoba has only a couple of registered Fly Fishing Guides, who work with us, and I am not one of them. You can drive to any lake involved, find a campground nearby and settle in for some of the greatest Trout Fishing anywhere and that is no idle boast.

Its a FACT.

While the lakes are readily accessible, they are not easy. These are big fish and they are very hard to catch, even when they're swirling around you and you can see them--until things fall into place. You have to work at it and you have to have the right equipment, presentation and fly patterns.
You will find that ALL the fly patterns of British Columbia and the Western USA will not work well in this fishery without modification, although many of those used in the Western US are quite effective.

In addition, we have a complete E-Magazine available by clicking here - E-Magazine. It is updated whenever I can find the time.

It and its guides to the pages of other contributors will be of great assistance.

If you're in the Western US call Dennis Brakke at The Fly Desk, Bountiful, Utah 1-801-557-6182 (Dennis has a Fly Fishing Mail Order business)

The following articles can be of help as well as provided for your entertainment. Many of them are found elsewhere on the site, or reproduced around the world, but here we organize them for your benefit and more will be added so keep coming back:

bullet Who in blazes is Bob Sheedy?

bullet The Parkland Fishing Pages: Your annual window to a great fishery

bullet Big 7 Country

bullet Bob Sheedy's Effective Lake Fly Patterns

bullet Bob Sheedy's Lake Fly Fishing Strategies - The GUIDE to a successful day on the water!

bullet The Electronic Stillwater Fly-Fishing Magazine

bullet Drop by Tony Dean's Website - He spent so much time in Canada over the years that they refer to him as a "Canuck" now in South Dakota. He may run in our legislature any day. Hopefully!

bullet Some advice for those taking the Trip North to Fish the Big 7 Lakes

In closing this opening page I would like to say that Fly Fishermen from all over the world who are visiting the area have been very welcome and are well regarded. To date, to a man, all visitors have practiced catch and release. All who come would do well to continue in this tradition and it would leave a fishery intact that is truly amazing in its proportion and quantity.

Many locals, and some visitors, have trouble in catching the fish and some feel a little miffed by fly fishers who apparently have no problems, but when the fish are returned, no one seems to mind, provided you do not crow about your exploits before the less-skilled.

This thread runs world wide, not just in Manitoba-Saskatchewan.