Bow River Fishing Report - June 5, 2026
Jun 05, 2026
The risk of flooding has passed, river levels in Banff are still high, but no where near the last weeks flood levels. The Bow is still very high in the city, but the flows have evened out somewhat, and it has started to slowly drop. Clarity is the main problem right now. Clearing should start to happened fairly soon, but high water is going to be with us for awhile.
The forecast calls for a mixed bag of rain, some sun, some wind and etc. The river will probably remain high and dirty for next wee too. Fishable, maybe? Time will tell. Bug are still around, somewhere. Stoneflies should be happening soon, maybe levels, and clarity will improve enough that we can fish it at its height. Maybe . . .
Bow River Flies - Staff Picks
Left to Right from top: Please Stand By . . . river broken.
Bow River Fishing
Dry fly fishing is off the table for the time being. Once the dry fly fishing resumes caddis, and Stonefly, imitations will probably both be in play.
Nymphing . . . off the the table. Once fishing resumes you should target, walking pace water in pools, and runs. Caddis and Stonefly nymphs will be a great choice with the higher water conditions that should hang around for a while.
We have more stock of Patagonia Boots. The new River Salt, and the game changing, Forra.
High, green, water is a great situation for streamer fishing, that unfortunately is not the case. The levels have settled down a little with a few less abrupt peaks and valleys. Visibility is the issue, when things clear up enough the fish will be pressed tight into the banks and it will be prime streamer time. Large, heavy profile, flies will be your best bet for that pig you are looking for. Hit the banks and bars, if fishing from a watercraft, or swing your flies into undercut banks, and soft inside seams, and strip them up the inside.
Trout spey should have a big advantage over single handed casting in the high, heavy, water that should be around for the next few weeks. Once visibility improve, enough that it is worthwhile trying, spey casters will have the advantage of not having to wade into danger, as much, to reach their intended target. 
Pike Fishing
Pike fishing continues to be good. 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, especially until conditions improve on the Bow. 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.
Water Not Coal is Corb Lund's Citizens Initiative Petition to protect the Eastern Slopes of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. We are now in the home home stretch. if you have not Please sign the petition!
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. River broken.
Books
Books on Fly Fishing Tactics are a great way to plan future trip while the river is broken.
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
Dubbing dispensers are a great way to dispense and store dubbing. And once they are empty you can refill with the same dubbing, or mix it up.
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
Bow River Levels and Conditions
Bow River from Banff to Ghost Reservoir
(Unchanged)A High Streamflow Advisory remains in effect for the Bow River, from upstream of the Town of Banff to Ghost Reservoir.
- Water levels continue to fall but remain above their normal range
Bow River near Lake Louise
(Downgraded)The High Streamflow Advisory remains in effect.
- Water levels have peaked and are now falling.
- Water levels are still above their normal range.
The Bow River from confluence with the Highwood River to the mouth
(Unchanged)A High Streamflow Advisory remains in effect for the Bow River from confluence with the Highwood River to the mouth
- Rises of up to 2.5 m (Bow River at the Mouth) have been observed
- The advisory is due to water level changes only no river related flooding is expected
The Bow River is no longer at flood levels in Banff, and has leveled off and begun to recede slowly in both Calgary, and Carseland. Visibility at Fish Creek boat launch was about 3 inches at 11:30am this morning. How quickly thing normalize will depend on the normal upstream factors, runoff, irrigation, and reservoir capacities, along with the forecast rain, and a new push of water due to new snow in the mountains.
If you do venture out, 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!
With the river being broken might be a good time to try your luck at a lake, or tie some flies, or read a book. Lower water, consistent flows, and better visibility, is what we are hoping for. It may not happened this week, or the next, but it might. Be ready when it does!
Rob
