Bow River Fishing Report - May 8, 2026

The last week was a tough one. I feel like I have said that a lot this spring, but that's is sort of the way that things have gone. It seems fluctuating water levels messed with both fish, and anglers. There are usual late afternoon hatches of Blue Winged Olives and Midges, occasionally massive. Usually disrupted by afternoon winds.

Weather looks good. The river is higher than normal in Banff, all over the place in Calgary and low at Carseland. Seems like normal spring thaw river management. Consistent flows in the city would help improve the consistency downstream, but spring flows are often erratic due to flood control and irrigation, measures. The Rainbows are coming back into the river and there are still plenty of Blue Winged Olives and midges.

Bow River Flies - Staff Picks - Ethan

Left to Right from top: Harrop's Last Chance Cripple, March Brown, Dornan's Micro Water Walker, Jimmy Legs Weighted, Tung Jig Hare's Ear, BWO Killer Jig, EB Peacock Leech, Clouser Minnow, Budget Dungeon

Bow River Fishing

Large afternoon hatches of BWO's and midges occur almost every day. The best dry fly fishing is on day's without much afternoon wind, which has been rare. Small emerger, and cripple flies, will be your best bet if you happen to catch a windless afternoon. or early evening. Soft inside seams, and the softer water inside if pool heads, are usually present your best chances. Patience and keen observation will be needed to spot consistent risers. Even more will be required to catch them.

Nymphing will probably be your best bet. Get your flies down as deep as you can get them, for as long as you can. The fish are on the move. Deep pools and runs will hold fish, but so will riffles and pocket water. Regardless of your situation ensure your flies are getting down as deep as possible by adjusting your tippet length and/or adding split shot. Leeches, worms, BWO, and Stonefly nymphs are all in play. Sun Hoodies are going to be a thing because before too long the sun will shine. Fish Tales has all kinds of brands, styles, and colours to choose from.

Streamer fishing is a great option with the higher, often a bit off colour, water. Fishing as a whole is pretty slow right now, but streamer fishing gives you the best chance of catching a lunker. The fish continue to move and could be in deeper pools, riffles or runs, along with heads of pools and mid-river bars. Try to cover the water as thoroughly as possible. Large dark flies with a trailing leech can often be effective.

Trout spey has been working well. Larger flies and a heavier sink tip have been producing. Once you find your rhythm, spey casting is a very relaxing way to work the water. The longer casts lessen how far you have to wade in high, or heavy water.

Pike Fishing

Sunny and calm days in shallow bays, and off of weed beds, are often your best bet at this time of the year. Work flies quickly to try and provoke a strike. Consult you Alberta Sport Fishing Regulations for any closures, or restrictions, before you head out. 

Events

Come on in to Fish Tales on Saturday, May 30, get your waders tested for leaks. It's a great way to find out exactly where the holes are and make it easier for self repairing.

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. Please sign the petition!

Books

We just got a shipment of new books. Some that we have never had before, and some that we have not had in stock for a while. 

Bow River Flies to try:

Dries: Stillborn Midge, Doug's Gnatty Boy, Trina's Hi-Vis Sprout Midge, Micro Frank, Silverman's Crystal Stimi, Harrop's Last Chance Cripple, Ms. Tickle Cripple, Double Vision BWO, Parachute Extended Body Mayfly

Streamers: Conrad Sculpin Articulated, Tungsten Found Ya Bugger, Skiddish Smolt, Lynch's Mini Drunk and Disorderly, Precious Metal, Hot Head Woolly Bugger, Dali Lama, Skiddish Smolt, Jig Slum Lord Mini Leech

Nymphs: Perdigon, Smethurst's Stone Bomb, Goldie Hawn Stonefly Nymph, Hai's Jig Leech Bomb, Stonefly Jig, Rubber Legged Squirrel, Tungsten Red Tie Pheasant Tail Jig, SP Tungsten Bead Mop Fly, Werminator, Gummy Worm, Wire Worms

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

Patagonia Bags for your next adventure. 

Pinch your barbs. This will help ensure that releasing fish is easier for both you and the fish. Mitten Clamps are a great choice for pinching barbs and can also be used for releasing fish. Easier to deploy than traditional forceps, they are opened and closed with the same squeezing motion. This makes them ideal for use with gloves and mittens, but they are also precise enough for every day use.

Please remember to try to keep fish wet and remember to 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:

FYI - As per the Government of Alberta:

Rob