Bow River Fishing Report - October 17, 2026

The fish continue to be spooky, as we approach Halloween. Clear, low, water continues to make angling a bit of a challenge, especially when trying to fool consistent risers. The weather is forecast to be relatively sunny and warm, so the current river conditions should continue until some precipitation falls to add to the river volume.

There are still plenty of bugs. The cold is taking its toll on the grasshoppers, as well as regular caddis, but has brought on the Water Boatmen, BWO's, and October Caddis. Small flies still seem like they are the way to go, but larger streamers have started to work pretty well too. 

Bow River Flies - Staff Picks - Will

Left to Right from top: Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow, Hughes' Mini Fleein' Cray, Peacock Dub Leech, Christiaen's GT Adult, BWO Para Wulff, Harrop's CDC Biot Dun, Juan's UV Kryptonite Jig, Tereyla's Lightsaber Jig, Will's Chai Tea

Bow River Fishing

Smaller Dries, and small Grasshoppers, have generally worked quite a bit better for catching rising trout on the Bow recently than larger dry flies. A light, and stealthy, presentation is often necessary to entice fish to eat the dry fly in the very low, and clear conditions. This type of presentation is often difficult to achieve with a larger fly, and heavier tippet.

Smaller flies are also the way to go when it comes to nymphing. Longer than usual leaders, along with light tippets have been the way to successfully hook plenty of fish in the Bow River. Keeping them on the smaller, and lighter, than usual tippet, and small hook is the issue. It takes some skill, and often a bit of patience, to successfully land a fish using lighter than normal gear.

The streamer fishing has improved slightly, and more fish seem to be chasing, and eating, streamers. Smaller streamers are still working well, but large articulated streamers have also started to produce. Trailing a Water Boatman behind your streamer is a excellent fall strategy. The Boatmen have just started to hatch in earnest, and are a bit late in arriving this year. Just like almost everything else it seems.

The trout spey fishing has been pretty good so far this fall, and has become significantly better with the arrival of the Water Boatmen. Small, dark, streamers, and wet flies can be swung through riffles, and runs. Often with great results. Hits, as well as misses, on the swing tend to be quite violent.

For more useful information on fall fishing check out out our Small for Fall article.

Try our new line of tying products from Upavon. 

Eastern Slopes

It's cold in backcountry, but soon the season will be over, and there won't be any chances until next season. Get out there while the weather, and regulations, allow. Still lots of bugs, but the low clear water could present some challenges. Be prepared to resort to long leaders, light tippet, and tiny flies. Layer up, but be prepared to layer down, if the weather turns out nice.

Level One Fly Tying Course - Fall 2026 and Winter 2027

Our Level One Fly Tying Course is designed to provide new tiers with the skills needed to sit down at the vise and tie most flies.

In this course you'll learn the key fundamentals of fly tying, including but not limited to:

• Vise and Tool Use
• Proportions
• Material and Hook Selection
• Proper Finishing Techniques

This course is one evening per week for five weeks. Classes start at 7 pm and run for about 2 hours. Courses are offered in-person at Fish Tales Fly Shop in our fly tying space.

Courses are limited to five participants.  or visit the store to secure your space today!

Fall 2026 Course Dates:

Session 1 - Tuesdays - October 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24

Register Here for Fall 2026

Winter 2027 Course Dates:

Session 1 - Tuesdays - January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16

Session 2 - Tuesdays - March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Register Here for Winter 2027

Pike

The fall is a great time to catch pike as they fatten up for the long winter to come. Get out there before you can't. Click to learn about tips and tactics for Northern Pike.

Books

Bonefishing books. It is nice to read up on, and anticipate, your saltwater trip and the species you are after.

Flies & Foam at Prairie Dog Brewing

Flies & Foam is back with an all-new lineup of fly tying events hosted at Prairie Dog Brewing.

Tickets for each event are $25 and include a materials kit for the night's flies and a $9 credit toward Prairie Dog Brewing food or beverage. Tying will start at 7PM, but participants are welcome to arrive earlier for a bite to eat, or to settle in.

Registration is required for these events.

This winters line-up:

Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 - Flashy Streamers with Gideon

Wednesday, November 18th, 2026 - Life Stages of Caddis

Wednesday, January 6th, 2027 - Leeches for Alberta Streams

Wednesday, February 17th, 2027 - Stonefly Life Stages

Wednesday, March 31st, 2027 - Terrestrials with Ray

Click here to register

Saltwater Tying Supplies for your next saltwater adventure.

Bow River Flies:

Dries: Harrop's Last Chance Cripple, Goddard Caddis, Klinkhammer Dry, Chubby Chernobyl, Heifer Hopper, Lil Pete Copper Hopper, Booty's Cripple, Adams Irresistible, Indicator Spinner Trico, Trina's Hi-Vis Sprout, Doug's Gnatty Boy, Renegade, Parachute Extended Body Mayfly, Parachute Sipper Mayfly

Streamers: Coffey's Sparkle Minnow, Galloup's Flat Head Kitty, Bjorn's Sculpalicious, CH Bow River Bugger, Kreelex Minnow, Lynch's Drunk and Disorderly, Zonker Skullhead, Vampire Leech, Precious Metal, Cheech Leech, Gartside Leech, Bead Head Rabbit Leech

Nymphs: BH UV Zebra Midge, Reese's Pieces, Juan's UV Kryptonite Jig, Tereyla's Lightsaber Jig, BH Extended Body Caddis Pupa, Tungsten BH Rock Grinder Jig, Copper John, Red Shop Dip, CDC Pheasant Tail Jig, Tungsten Tailwater Tiny 

Trout Spey: General Practitioner, Tungsten Energizer Squirrel Jig, Jerry's WMD Sculpin Intruder, Stu's Steelie Piglets, Brett's Klamath Skater, Rickards' A.P. Emerger, Tailwater Soft Hackle, Hot Spot Soft Hackle, Mini Mousey McMouseface

We continue to ask that you handle your fish with care by:

Fish Tales has received a new shipment of Grundens. 

The forecast this week is for sunny, and mild, conditions until Friday, when things take a slight turn for the worse. Cooler temperatures are forecast for the following week, but not the true cold we can expect to show up sooner, rather than later.

Almost all of the leaves have fallen, and winter can't be too far into our future. Fall is a great time for fishing , or any other outdoor activity actually, if the weather cooperates. And it is. The crowds have passed and this is time to take advantage of any break that nature gives us. Maybe use this time to help lessen any mid-winter sadness that might occur in the off-season.

Go have some fun outside.