Bow River Fishing Report - August 8, 2025
Aug 09, 2025
The Bow River above Fish Creek, Friday August 8
Fishing improved this week, but not by much. Several, intense evening rains caused river levels to spike and decreased visibility. These rains put the fish off for a time, but, as usual, things improved once the river levels stabilized and visibility improved. Once again, things should continue to improve, barring acts of nature, or manmade catastrophe. Friday around noon the river colour was, what I would describe as, streamer green.
There are tons of bugs around, and any some warm weather should help to increase this. Huge hatches of caddis, but not many surface eats. Good hatches of PMD's, also, also without much surface action. Hopper numbers are increasing, and should continue to grow with any warm weather.
Bow River Flies - Staff Picks - Tobias
Top to Bottom - Left to Right: Flesh Eating Sculpin, Gartside Leech, Coffey's BH Sparkle Minnow, Tung Jig Yellow Spot, Sili-Leg Stone, Puparazzi, Elk Hair Caddis, Morrish Hopper, Chubby Chernobyl
So far, not the greatest dry fly year. Lot's of bugs, but it has been difficult to get a dry fly bite. The payoff is usually worth the effort. Whenever we get back to more typical flows the dry fly fish should improve drastically. Caddis, PMD's, and the very occasional, Trico are all happening now, to certain degrees.
Fish Creek, Friday August 8
With the continued high water nymphs with a larger profile, like stoneflies, leeches, and worms, will still be your best bet. Hopper-dropper is a good choice right now. Dropping a leech has been very effective. Heads of pools and riffles have produced some good fish even in tough conditions.
Streamer fishing has been the most productive fishing method though out this whole second spring incident. Again, consistent flows for an extended period of time should settle fish into their usual lies. Fish are being caught pressed in close to the bank, and at times, off of more mid-river bars.
The trout spey fishing has improved along with everything else. Now that fishing seems to be back Spey casting is a great way to keep your flies out of the grass, which should be epic with all the rain. Also, by spey casting, combined with skating dry flies, you should be more able to avoid obstacles in, and around, the water. Plus, skating dry flies is fun.
The Bow River downstream of Fish Creek, August 8
All kinds of light option from Nebo. For fishing it seems I am either up before the sun, or out until dark. Need a light either way.
The Eastern Slope rivers and streams have cleared up, and this should continue unless the forecast rain causes issue. Still Caddis, and Pale Morning Dun hatches though out the day. Grasshoppers have started to show themselves, and produce fish. A light hopper-dropper rig is a great prospecting tool.
Click here for our Eastern Slopes Opener
The cooler, rainy days has help to extend the shallow water pike bite. Early mornings, and sometimes, through out the day, fish can still be seen cruising the shallows. Click to learn about tips and tactics for Northern Pike.
Level 1 Fly Fishing Course
Only one session left! A one day session where students will spend the morning in a classroom environment, learning about equipment, lines, knot tying, etc. Then, after the included lunch, the students will head outside for a dry-land casting session.
Only the August 23 session is still available Click here to Register Online
Magazines are a great way to get hyped and prepared for fishing. Lot's of cool pictures, content and technique options.
Please try to keep fish wet and remember to pinch your barbs. Keep fish in the water as much as possible. Pinching your barbs will make releasing the fish a lot easier for both you and the fish.
We ask that you handle your fish with care by:
- Pinching your barbs
- Keeping fish wet
- Eliminating unnecessary fish contact with dry surfaces
- Reducing handling time
Tying tools you didn't even know you needed. From fancy to simple, we have it all.
Dries: KB's Sleezy Rider Stonefly, Jake's Trigger Belly, OG Chubby Foam, Club Med Hopper, Extra Chubby Chernobyl, Ninch's Iceberg Caddis, Pav's X-Caddis, High Vis Parachute PMD, Klinkhammer PMD, Double Vision PMD, Glo Ant, Cheeto Beetle
Streamers: Bow River Bugger, Kousin Kim Olive, Clouser Minnow, JT's Kreelex Minnow, Budget Dungeon, Strolis' Headbanger Sculpin, Jig Slum Lord Mini Leech, Cheech Leech, Silvey's Sculpin Leech
Nymphs: Strolis' Dimmer Stone, Jimmy Legs, Will's Chai T, Smethurst's Stone Bomb, Dirty Hipster Stonefly Jig, MFC Lightning Bug Purple, Puparazzi Tungsten Jig Caddis, Tungsten Jig Mic Drop, Lightning Bug Barbless Jig
Trout Spey: Rio's Pocket Rocket, Aqua Stu's Ostrich Intruder, Jerry's WMD Sculpin, AF Mattoli's Spey Bugger, Brett's Klamath Skater, McGovney's Skater,
Magnetic fly, rod and net holders from Cling.
The Bow is shaping up really nice. There is a possibility of rain later in the week, (Wednesday), but until then things should continue to stabilize and improve.
Please wade with care. Watch for bank erosion. The rain has softened things up, and high banks, and undercuts can give way without much notice. High, dirty water can make for some very treacherous footing, so be careful, and stay aware. Watch for floating debris.
High seasonal water with good clarity should be just around the corner. Good times!
Tight lines!
