Bow River Fishing Report - June 15, 2025
Jun 15, 2025
Previous days of rain have affected the flows and clarity in Calgary, and downstream, and any coming rains will also. Flows are high, but clarity is good. Downstream of the Highwood has had occasional visibility issues, but they are not long lasting. Fishing has been excellent, with fish being caught using streamers, nymphs, and dries.
Lots of bugs around, but finding consistent risers has been an issue. Some consistent flows should get them sipping more regularly. Caddis, PMD's, and the occasional stonefly have been the most noticeable hatches.
Bow River Flies - Staff Picks - Daniel L. 
Nymphing continues to be a great choice. You are looking for riffles and runs of walking pace water. Get your flies as deep as possible, if you are not ticking bottom, or hanging up occasionally, add more weight, or tippet, or both. Deeper is better in the nymph game. Stonefly and caddis imitations are working great right now.
The streamer fishing continues to be great. The fish are chasing streamers in a big way. Large dark streamers seem to be the ticket. As large as your rod can safely throw.Pike fishing continues to be good. Cooler, overcast days are your best bet, but any day you can get out can be a good one. The Bow River along with Lake McGregor, Crawling Valley Reservoir, Lake Travers, Little Bow, Clear Lake, Twin, Badger, and Lake Newell, are all great options. Click to learn about tips and tactics for Northern Pike.
Streamers are fun to tie, and fish. Learn more about this fun, and active, way to pursue trout.
Echo Fly Rod Demo Day Saturday June 21, is Echo Fly Rod Demo Day. Test out a new rod, or two, and receive some valuable casting input from industry experts.
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.
Classes are filling up quickly. Click here for Course Dates and to Register Online
Gear Aid treatments, patches, and replacement pieces, will help to rejuvenate your gear for years of continued use.
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
Dubbing for every occasion.
Dries: Black Micro Frank, Galloup's Double Winged Caddis, Keller's Centre Stage Caddis, RIO's Skater Tot, Ninch's Iceberg Caddis, Pav's X-Caddis, High Vis Parachute PMD, Klinkhammer PMD, Double Vision PMD, Harrop's CDC Thorax PMD
Streamers: Bow River Bugger, Hi Res Bugger, FM Olive Sculpin, Clouser Minnow, JT's Kreelex Minnow, Cone Head Lightning Bugger, Marabou Clouser, Lynch's Mini Drunk & Disorderly, Galloup's Dungeon, Coffee's JJ CH Sparkle Minnow
Nymphs: Jimmy Legs, Rubber Legged Squirrel, Will's Chai T, Kaleidoscope, Tungsten Bead Head Prince, MFC Lightning Bug Purple, Puparazzi Tungsten Jig Caddis, 4 Bead Caddis,
Trout Spey: Rio's Pocket Rocket, Aqua Stu's Ostrich Intruder, Jerry's WMD Sculpin, AF Mattoli's Spey Bugger, King Squirrely Muddler
Occasional showers, and moderately warm weather, are forecast for both Banff and Calgary, which will have an effect on river levels and clarity. As usual the factors of irrigation, flood mitigation, and reservoir capacities, will also play their part.
Rod and Reel Kits. To get you on the river without too much hassle.
High water can sometimes make wading a bit hazardous. So be cautious. and consider your return options when you are making a crossing, or wading off of the points of islands. Take you time and ensure your footing. Watch for floating debris!
Continue to try to get out there whenever you can. River levels, and clarity, may change due to rain and the remainder of the snow pack, if there is any.
Fish Tales
