Reel Talk: Get Hooked on Fly Fishing in East Village
Looking for your next outdoor adventure? Look no further than the fly fishing frenzy hitting the Bow River shores of St. Patrick's Island! Indigenous-owned Drift Out West Fly Fishing is hosting a series of introductory fly fishing sessions this spring and summer, led by Quinn—a seasoned guide with a deep-rooted passion for the sport.
Meet your Guide
Quinn's fly fishing journey started in high school when he took a chance on casting in a local stocked “dugout” (that’s Saskatchewanian for pond). What kept him hooked? It wasn't just the thrill of reeling in a catch; it was the rush of tying his own fly and watching it score him his first trout.
What makes Quinn such an experienced guide? He’s been at this for nearly 40 years! He first got his first fly rod at 17, and by his mid-20s, he was a full-on fly fishing fanatic. Fast forward to 2007, Quinn launched Drift Out West Fly Fishing as a part time guide to help a friend and never looked back.
Now, he’s your go-to guy for full and half-day fly fishing adventures on the Bow River. Occasionally, he even takes expert anglers to the mountains for a walk-and-wade experience.
As a fly fishing instructor, Quinn finds joy in teaching newcomers the art of casting. Witnessing the moment when a novice angler masters their cast and experiences the thrill of hooking their first fish is incredibly rewarding for him. Quinn's Indigenous Cree heritage deeply influences his approach to fly fishing. For him, it’s more than just catching fish, it’s about sharing a sacred connection to water and nature, a vital aspect of his Indigenous culture.
“Water, in Indigenous cultures, is sacred. It’s in all living things and is needed to survive - the plants and animals, we need to drink water daily for our bodies to function properly. When most people go on vacations, it’s usually somewhere we can see, touch, or play in water - like oceans, lakes, or rivers. Because it makes us happy.” - Quinn
Exploring the bow river: an Angler’s Paradise
Why is St. Patrick's Island the go-to spot for angling adventures? It's all about the Bow River, baby! With its flowing rapids and an all-star lineup of fish—from rainbow to brown trout, bull trout to northern pike—the river offers a rich variety of fishing opportunities. Its location and unique ecosystem make it an ideal destination for both seasoned anglers and beginners alike.
An Unforgettable Experience
Ready to cast your worries away? Join Quinn on an unforgettable journey into the art of fly fishing, an immersive experience on the Bow River shores of St. Patrick's Island. Get ready to learn the ropes, tie some killer knots, and master the art of fly selection. You’ll be learning to cast in no time!
Sessions will run 8am - 12pm on Trout Beach (the west side of the island just off George C. King Bridge) and will include all the equipment necessary to use for the lesson. Participants will learn basic fly fishing knots, what type of rod and reel to use, how to cast, which flies to use, and a little bit about bugs.
Beyond the technical skills of fly fishing lies a deeper connection to nature and wellness. It's a chance to escape the chaos and find peace in the rhythm of the river.
“The only thing I think about when I’m fly fishing is fly fishing. All the worries of the world are put on the back burner until I’m done.” - Quinn
LEARN TO FLY FISH - Program Dates
Sunday, May 19
Saturday, June 8 (Sold out)
Saturday, July 27 (Sold out)