Crowsnest Pass received some rain again last night – a  half-inch, to be precise. For the past two weeks or so, we’ve really been getting some strange weather around here. It seems every couple of days we’re getting hit by intense thunderstorms. The storms have been occurring mainly at night. Some of the accompanying lighting displays have been incredible, rivaling those of last month’s “Thunder in the Valley Fireworks Display” in Blairmore.

 The thunderstorm activity has been taking place throughout southwest Alberta, not only in the Pass. One night it’s Crowsnest Pass that gets it, the next it’s the Oldman or the Castle Drainage’s turn. Areas further to the south, near Waterton Park, have also been getting large downpours. The strangest thing, though, is that while one river receives copious amounts of rain, enough to blow it out for a day or two, another stream a mile or two away, doesn’t receive any – or at least not enough to adversely effect water conditions. This makes it difficult to know where to fish one day to the next.  About all one can do is go for a drive in the morning. If your stream of choice is flowing high and discoloured, simply head over to the next stream or drainage. Chances are you’ll find something that’s clear and fishable. There’s good news in the forecast … rain to end by the weekend. Sunny skies, and more good fishing, lie ahead!