Bow River Fishing Report May 17, 2025
May 17, 2025
The caddis are here. The cool weather may slow them down a bit, but they will resume in numbers once warm weather returns. Fishing has been fairly inconsistent mostly due to water fluctuations, and sediment from runoff, both of which should probably continue for the foreseeable future.
Cooler temperatures and rain are forecast, at least though the weekend. Rain combined with runoff may cause changes in water levels, as well as, clarity issues. Water levels are up in Banff, and this should continue to increase. With continued flood mitigation efforts underway there will be spikes in the water levels, which may effect fishing.
Bow River Flies - Staff Picks - Grace
Once the river flows become slightly more consistent it will be dry fly time. Lots of caddis around and the numbers should increase even more with some consistently warm days in a row. The dry fly fishing has has been off and on due to fluctuating river levels, visibility issues, and the wind, of course. The evening caddis hatch is happening, and days with calm sunny evenings and consistent flows are your best bet. See what happens with the river this weekend, and get out there if/when you can. Some Golden Stone Fly shucks have been spotted recently and the hatch should start happening in earnest in the next few weeks.
Nymphing has been great. Get your fly, or flies, down as deep as possible. Continue to seek out deeper walking pace water in pools and current seams to be targeted for nymphing. A two nymph system, using combinations of worms, leeches, and stone flies(in any order you desire), can be very effective in high water. A 9' leader to the first fly, followed by a second fly about 16-18" below. Tie on more tippet using either a double surgeons knot, or a blood knot, and tie the fly on to the lower tag end. You can also follow with split shot underneath, which is very effective, and very difficult to cast. Risk versus reward. Caddis emergers have been working great, in both traditional. and hopper-dropper rigs.
The fish are chasing streamers. Not always taking them, but they are chasing. Some days more than others due to spikes in the water levels along with clarity issues. Large dark streamers have proved the most productive.
Trout spey with large dark flies, and an aggressive sink tip, have been producing in the heavier water. Swinging flies through runs and riffles is an effective way to cover water quickly, with minimal effort.
We have all kinds of new hats. We even got a bunch of branded ones this week, that will be featured in the next river report.
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
Tippet Threaders are a great way get fine tippet through the eyes of small flies. Or, in some cases, it just a case of making your life easier. If you are having issues tying on your flies we may have a solution.
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
Books by well known Fly Tying Masters. Like Lefty, these guys literally wrote the book on modern fly tying.
Session Eight: Bow River Bugs
Wednesday, May 21 - 7 p.m. Join us on the river for this session to help you learn to identify bugs. Check out what you get with a kick sample, investigate the contents of a bug seine, and (maybe) check out the contents of a throat sample. Location to be announced.
Having trouble tying on smaller flies? Maybe readers or sunglasses with a reader component are the answer.
Dries: Klinkhammer BWO, and Pheasant Tail, Doug's Gnatty Boy, Booty's DL Cripple BWO, Double Vision BWO, Black Micro Frank, Galloup's Double Winged Caddis, Keller's Centre Stage Caddis, RIO's Skater Tot, Ninch's Iceberg Caddis,
Streamers: Bow River Bugger, Hi Res Bugger, Tungsten Found Ya Bugger, Slum Lord Jig, FM Olive Sculpin, Clouser Minnow, JT's Kreelex Minnow, Cone Head Lightning Bugger, Marabou Clouser
Nymphs: Jimmy Legs, Rubber Legged Squirrel, Will's Chai T, Kaleidoscope, Tungsten Prince, BWO Killer Jig, Bead Head Prince, MFC Lightning Bug Purple, Puparazzi Tungsten Jig Caddis, 4 Bead Caddis, Juan's Jig UV Kryptonite Caddis, Tungsten Mic Drop
Trout Spey: Rio's Pocket Rocket, Aqua Stu's Ostrich Intruder, Jerry's WMD Sculpin, AF Mattoli's Spey Bugger, King Squirrely Muddler
FYI - As per the Government of Alberta:
The weather calls for rain through the weekend, with nice weather starting on Monday. The river in Calgary, and downstream, has been fluctuating and is down a bit, however levels are currently rising in Banff. The forecast rain will almost certainly increase river flows. As usual, the river levels in the city, and downstream, are dependent on flood mitigation efforts, irrigation, and reservoir capacities. Not sure how things are going to go.
Wade with caution. With river levels fluctuating so much, and so often, make sure that you keep an eye on the river levels if you cross side channels, or wade off gravel points. Make sure you can make it back safely.
Get out there when you can. High water is a great time to fish. Honestly, anytime you can get out is a great time to fish. Persistence is the key. When you hit it right, all of the time you put in will be worth it.
Fish Tales
