Bow River Fishing Report - January 25, 2026
Jan 25, 2026
The weather is changing for the better beginning this week, and the long range forecast also has milder temperatures entering into February. There should be some opportunities for keeners to get out there and wet a line. If you do venture out please exercise caution and use common sense on ice shelves and the banks. Our early freeze and thaw cycle has made for some unpredictable ice conditions.
Bow River Flies - Staff Picks
Left to Right from top: Busta Seamz, Wire Worm, Clouser Minnow, Clown Egg, Dornan's Water Walker Squalla, Tungsten Bead Electric Caddis, Double Vision BWO, Snake Bait Grey, Griffith's Gnat
Midge imitations are going to be your limited dry fly option once the weather allows fishing to resume. Soft seams, and slow backwaters, will be prime lies, but most suitable water will be frozen over, or on the edge of ice shelves, so tread carefully. Risers will be almost impossible to spot, but patience, and some keen observation, may produce some shots at fish.
Nymphing will continue to be the most effective technique when the weather warms up and the current snow has melted and ran off. Heavy, low, or large, profile nymphs will be your best bet, worked slow and deep through deep runs, and pools.
February 2, 2026 - Dungeons with Gideon
Galloup's Sex Dungeon pattern has been a go-to for nearly a decade. Tonight's session will take you through the process of tying this proven pattern. $10 registration fee includes instruction and the materials for the evening - bring your vise, tools, thread and epoxy Please register in advance.
Streamers will be somewhat effective when fished slow and deep through deep runs, and pools. Heavy sink tips, and/or heavy streamers will be need to achieve the deepest presentation possible. Slow down your retrieve, and work the water thoroughly.
Warm shirts and hoodies to take the chill off, or maybe venture out on the river.
Spey casting might help you cover more water without having to wade into danger. Spey fishing can provide quite a bit of winter amusement.
Different books on different styles of fishing.
Please try to keep fish wet and remember to also 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:
- Pinching your barbs
- Keeping fish wet
- Eliminating unnecessary fish contact with dry surfaces
- Reducing handling time
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - Join us at Prairie Dog Breweries for a tying night focused on nymphs for southern AB streams. This off-site event is registered and has a small cost. This is part of our four-nights of tying at Prairie Dog - check out our event lineup here.
Dries: Midge imitations
Streamers: Clouser Minnows, Slum Lord Jig Leech, Woolly Bugger Jig, anything with enough weight to get to the bottom.
Nymphs: Tungsten Jig Mic Drop, Will's Chai Tea Jig - Heavy, Perdigon Style Jigs, worm imitations
Trout Spey: Soft Hackles, Small Streamers
New tying materials from MFC.
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.
Sun shirts in a large variety of styles if heading to the sun is in your future.
It's cold. Thinking about heading to the sun? We have our complete list of hosted trips.
If you are so inclined, try and get out when the weather changes. Wade with caution and be careful on ice shelves and banks.
This is also a great opportunity to tie flies, or dream about fishing, while resting up for next season. The days are getting longer and spring will be here before you know it. Kinda.
Get out there when, and if, you can.
