Bow River Fishing Report - June 29, 2025
Jun 29, 2025
Water levels are on the decline, and better clarity should be here very soon. There is about 18-24 inches of visibility in the city. Sporadic rain may affect clarity on a temporary basis, but overall clarity should continue to improve.
More, and more, stonefly shucks are being found, and adults have been spotted. I see early mornings, and/or late nights, in the near future. There continues be to lots of caddis and PMD's.
Bow River Flies - Articulated Streamers - if there was ever a time to throw big articulated streamers - it's probably now
Top to Bottom - Left to Right: Budget Dungeon Black, Budget Dungeon Brown and Yellow, Strolis' Headbanger Sculpin, Conrad SculpinOnce clarity improves Stoneflies should be the trout's main target, especially on early mornings, and during the evenings at, or, after dusk. Caddis and PMD's continue to grow in numbers, and frequency, and should continue to do so.
Nymphing is a great choice right now. Ideally, look for riffles and runs with walking pace water. With Stoneflies on the menu this is great time to work riffles using a hopper dropper rig. Drop a Stonefly nymph underneath your favorite foam Stonefly dry fly, and hang on.
Large and dark is still the way to go with the streamers. The streamer fishing should continue to produce through the high water period, depending on river clarity and the constituency of water levels.
Swinging large, dark flies through runs and riffles is still a great tactic. Your heaviest tip will still be the most appropriate, but skating dry flies is coming fast.
The Eastern Slopes are now open. Rivers and creeks are high, and off colour. Lot's of bugs everywhere, and fishing should improve as water levels recede. Still lot's of stoneflies and the drakes are starting to show up. Caddis and PMD's are also still happening.
Click here for our Eastern Slopes Opener
Wading Socks are a great way to go for summer wet wading. Lot's of options and styles to choose from.
Level 1 Fly Fishing Course
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
Coffee Table Books - Books on fishing, with stunning pictures, and essays.
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.
- Pinching your barbs
- Keeping fish wet
- Eliminating unnecessary fish contact with dry surfaces
- Reducing handling time
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, 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
Things on the Bow continue to improve daily, with some setbacks due to rain. The forecast this weeks seems stable, and warm, with little threat of rain. Consistent weather should help the river to normalize with some consistent flows and clearing.
Wading in high water conditions can be hazardous. Take your time and ensure your footing. Continue to watch for floating debris!
Get out fishing whenever you can! Conditions should continue to improve on a daily basis, depending on the consistency of water flow and weather conditions. Dusky caddis hatches, and early morning stonefly eats are happening now. These hatches should be increasingly more fishable as the river stabilizes.
Tight lines!
