Bow River Fishing Report - February 27 , 2026

The recent heavy snowfall should increase water levels, while decreasing visibility, when the warmer weather returns over the weekend. The fishing has been good when the weather has allowed. Deep and slow nymphing has been most productive, followed by heavy streamers on the slow retrieve. They seem to be moving a bit further for the fly, but you still pretty much have to hit them in the face.

Bow River Flies - Staff Picks

Left to Right from top: Ronan's Possum, Mattoli's Spey Bugger, Wooly Bugger Jig Leech, Olive Copper John, Hot Spot Soft Hackle Nymph, Kaleidoscope, Ms. Tickle Cripple, Doug's Gnatty Boy, Griffith's Gnat

We have hats for every occasion. As long as it's fishing.

Bow River Fishing

Dry fly fishing will be the least effective, but the most rewarding if successful. Small flies will be most effective. Consistent risers will be almost impossible to spot, but a ton of patience, and some super keen observation, and some luck, might produce a shot, or two.

Nymphing will be the most productive technique when the weather warms up, and the current snow has melted and ran off. Deep pools and runs, worked deep, and slow, will continue to be your best bet. Heavy, fast sinking flies like Copper Johns , or Jig Leeches, are a great choice. Don't neglect the runs and riffles. Stonefly imitations are a good option in this situation.

Hoodies for every occasion. Again, mostly fishing. Stay warm during your early season adventures. Or fly tying marathon.

Streamer will become more, and more, effective as spring approaches. The fish are chasing more, and this trend should continue as spring approaches. Smaller streamers fished deep and slow through deeper pools, or swung through runs and riffles, on your sinkiest sink-tip, or dry line and long leader setup.

Winter spey fishing is a great way to cover a lot of fishable water, while not having to wade as deeply as single-handed anglers. Soft hackles and small streamers are a good choice for swinging. A deeper presentation will be most effective at this time of the year.

Books

Going some place warm? We have several different books on all kinds of different styles salt water of fishing.

Bow River Flies to try:

Dries: Doug's Gnatty Boy, Bi-Visible, Griffith's Gnat, Stillborn Midge

Streamers: Cone Head Bow River Bugger, Clouser Minnows, Slum Lord Jig Leech, Woolly Bugger Jig, Tungsten Found Ya Bugger

Nymphs: Will's Chai Tea Jig, Perdigon, Gummy Worm, Tungsten Zebra Midge, Rubber Legged Squirrel, Tungsten Red Tie Pheasant Tail Jig]

Trout Spey: She Ra Tungsten Bead Jig, Soft Hackle Hare's Ear, Tungsten Energizer Squirrel Jig, Soft Hackle Prince Jig

New tying materials and tools. New stock is arriving weekly. Spring will be here before you know it. Get tying!

Please remember to try to keep fish wet and remember to pinch your barbs. 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:

River levels have been generally low, but should increase periodically due to occasional melting. River levels should remain fairly low until runoff begins in the higher elevations.

We have a bunch of sun shirts in a large variety of styles if you are heading to the sun is in your future.

Hosted Trips & Destinations 2026/2027

It's cold. Thinking about heading to the sun? The next trip up is Rocky Point Permit Camp, Belize - DIY - March 14, 2026. Check out our complete list of our hosted trips.

Get out there when the river clears up, and the weather cooperates. The freeze-thaw has made for some strange ice conditions. Consider what you are walking over top of when you are on the ice. Avoid walking over deep pools and runs.

It looks like the start of March is pretty mild. So an "out like a lion" scenario seems like a lock.

Go fishing, if and when, you can. Maybe tie some flies to build anticipation. Spring will be here soon.