Bow River Fishing Report - June 19, 2026

The fishing started to turn around. And then levels started to rapidly fall, and then rise again, and fishing started to get worse, and now . . . ? It's going to be that way for a while, unpredictable, until runoff is complete. And that may a few weeks, or more. The fishing will continue to be tough until a more consistent flow can be maintained for a while.

The forecast calls for a possibility of rain this weekend, with clear, and moderately warm temperatures for the rest of the week. The caddis are still around, and the Stoneflies should be well underway, but we may miss the opportunity to dry fly fish the full blown adult Stonefly hatch, due its probable occurrence during the high water.

Boat Launch Update

The boat launches inside of the City of Calgary are operational.

Policeman's Flats is still closed.

McKinnon's Flats is usable if the water stays high. Once water levels lower there may be issues.

Bow River Flies - Staff Picks - Braydon

Left to Right from top: Double Stack Chubby Chernobyl, Elk Hair Caddis, Franken Salmon, Squirrel Leech, BH Caddis Sparkle Pupa, TJ Hooker, Budget Dungeon, Conrad Sculpin, Eric's Jealousy

Bow River Fishing

Dry fly fishing will continue to be a tough go until the river levels settle down, and clarity improves. It might be a while. Hopper-dropper rigs will be your best "dry" fly chance. You may even catch one on the "hopper" part of the rig.

Walking pace water in pools, and runs, should be your main targets with your heavily weighted nymph rigs. Worm imitations, large Stonefly nymphs, heavy leeches patterns and if necessary, lead, will useful to get the fly down while the higher water conditions last.  Floatant is a important part of any angler's gear. Dry fly season is going to be here very soon. Lot's of choice for every need.

The streamer fishing has been a bit tough, but the result is usually quite spectacular when it does happened. Heavy flies, and/or sink-tip, will be a good idea. Try to keep your flies as deep as you can, for as long as you can. Continue to work the banks, and soft seams, which tend produce best during high water.

Trout spey has picked a bit, but has been erratic, like the other techniques. Larger flies, possibly trailing a wet fly, on heavy sink tips will offer a decent chance to to hold your flies deep through the heavy water. Try quartering your cast slightly upstream, and throwing a quick mend, or two, to sink your fly more quickly.

Eastern Slopes

The Eastern Slopes are now open, and although the water is high, the streams have been fishing well.

Pike Fishing

The good Pike fishing continues. Warmer days have the fish seeking out cooler water and being more active early mornings and during the evening hours. Lake McGregor, Crawling Valley Reservoir, Lake Travers, Little Bow, Clear Lake, Twin, Badger, and Lake Newell, are all great options. Click for tips and tactics for Northern Pike.

Courses

2026 Level One Fly Fishing Course

This one-day session features both classroom instruction and an afternoon of hands-on fly casting. Students with spend the morning in a classroom environment learning the basics about equipment, lines, knot tying, and more. After lunch, (included with registration), students head outside for a dry-land casting session. By the end of the day students will be able to cast 30 feet of fly line.

Click here for 2026 Dates, or to register online.

After Hours Seminars

POSTPONED due to high water Bankside bugs with David Blair is the final event in this series of our After Hours Presentations. Join David at Bankside in Fish Creek Park, He'll demonstrate a kick sample and help identify what's in the sample. This event should elevate your nymph ID skills and help you understand what's going on below the water. 

Date to be determined.

Books

Books to improve your odds in the backcountry.

Bow River Flies:

Dries: Peacock Caddis, Bloom's Parachute Caddis, Streaking Caddis, Swisher's Dancing Caddis, Silverman's Crystal Stimi, Chubby Chernobyl, True Golden Stone, Extra Chubby Chernobyl, Skater Tot, Harrop's Last Chance Cripple

Streamers: Conrad Sculpin, Tungsten Found Ya Bugger, Clarke's Rat, Gartside Leech, Jig Slum Lord Mini Leech, Bjorn's Sculpalicious, Coffey's Sparkle Minnow, Galloup's Butt Sump, Brown Town

Nymphs: Will's Chai T, T.J. Hooker, Smethurst's Stone Bomb, Stonefly Jig, Rubber Legged Squirrel, SP Tungsten Bead Mop Fly, Werminator, Gummy Worm, Wire Worms, Hai's Jig Leech Bomb, Egg Sucking Leech, Vampire Leech

Trout Spey: She Ra Tungsten Bead Jig, Soft Hackle Hare's Ear, Tungsten Energizer Squirrel Jig, Jerry's WMD Sculpin Intruder, Stu's Mini Ostrich Intruder, Brett's Klamath Skater, Bead Head Perpetrator

Deer hair for all of your spinning, and wing creation, needs. A new batch from H&H.

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:

Rob