Bow River Fishing Report - October 17, 2025
Oct 18, 2025
The weather forecast is calling for a partially cloudy weekend, with clear skies later in the week. The river is cool, and very low, and clear. The cooler water and evenings have got the fish moving. Whether it's staging to spawn, or stuffing their face in preparation for winter.
Not sure what is going on, but there was a drastic drop in water levels on the Bow at Carseland on Wednesday. The flow dropped from above 70 Cubic Meters per Second to below 20 CMS in less than an hour. According to reports from anglers downstream of the weir, it seems like they let a quite a bit of water through the weir, as opposed to diverting it for irrigation.
For more fall fly fishing tips see: Fall - a favorite fishing season
Still lot's of Trico's, or Pseudos', around, but they should start to taper off with the cold nights. Midges, and BWO's, are increasing in numbers, and will be around until, and into, the spring. Still fish rising. Still lot's of small ones.
Bow River Flies - Staff Picks - Allard
Top to Bottom - Left to Right: JT's Kreelex Minnow, Simi Seal Leech, Clouser Minnow, Griffith's Gnat, White Cloud Hopper, Harrop's Last Chance Cripple Emerger, Tungsten Prince Nymph, Dee's Boatman/Backswimmer, Tung Jig Pheasant Tail
Smaller dry flies continue to be the most effective. Trico, midge, and BWO imitations will work best at this time of the year as far as small flies go. There are still a few large mayflies, and Fall Caddis are around, which will provide your larger dry fly opportunities. Soft seams, and slow backwaters, are prime lies. Risers will be hard to spot, but a keen eye, and patience, will go a long way.
The nymphing has been good. Small nymphs are working quite well when worked through deep runs, and riffles. Don't neglect the tail outs, as they have been very productive lately. In a tail out situation it is important to let your flies finish their drift until the line straightens, and the fly starts its upward ascent. Following trout are often triggered to bite at this point.
Oros. They now have glow-in-the-dark indicator's for your low light situations. We also have a great selection of non-glowing indicators, but they don't make for cool pictures.
Streamers are an effective, and active, way to work the water. A deep presentation, through deep runs, and riffles, is always a good idea, but don't neglect the shallower "nervous" water, which will often hold feeding, or cruising, fish, and contain structure that will hold trout.
Trout spey is a great way to cover a large amount of water, while taking in the fall splendor. Running a small streamer, or wet fly, through a riffle, or run, will provide quite a bit excitement. While the casting has an hypnotic nature of its own.
Eastern Slope rivers, and streams continue to be low and clear, with very small nymphs, or streamers being your most effective options. There are still some fish coming for the dry fly, but the clear, low water, and bright sunlight have made catching them a challenge. Your time is limited on a lot of the eastern slope streams.
The cool weather has the pike actively cruising shallow bays and providing some good action for late season anglers. Click to learn about tips and tactics for Northern Pike.
Books by Alberta conservationist, Lorne Fitch. This includes his latest, Conservation Confidential.
Please try to keep fish wet and remember to also 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:
Casey Underwood Stickers! Just arrived. We have a great, and very cool, selection.
Dries: Lil Pete Copper Hopper, Bjorn's Hopper, Extra Chubby Chernobyl, Pav's X-Caddis, Micro Frank, Rowley's Water Floatman, Arrick's Flying Ant, Royal Ant, Glo Ant, Tom Thumb, Goddard Caddis
Streamers: Bow River Bugger, Skiddish Smolt, Clouser Minnow, JT's Kreelex Minnow, Jig, Slum Lord Mini Leech, Cheech Leech, Gartside Leech, Rickards' BH Seal Bugger Leech
Nymphs: Jimmy Legs, TJ Hooker, Will's Chai T, Tungsten Jig Mic Drop, Tung Stud, Perdigon, Wagler's Boatman, Dee's Boatman/Backswimmer
Trout Spey: Aqua Stu's Ostrich Intruder, AF Mattoli's Spey Bugger, Brett's Klamath Skater, McGovney's Skater, Darkes' Naknek Leech Tube Fly, Jerry's Baby Mouse, Dee's Boatman/Backswimmer, John Deer Caddis, TB Swing Nymph
The forecast is for a bit of cloudiness, and possible precipitation, this weekend with clearing later in the week, and a increased daytime temperature. The Bow continues to be low and clear.
Also, the flow at Carseland has remained low since the sudden drop on Wednesday. Who knows how long this will continue? 
As the weather gets colder base layers become more, and more, important. Be prepared. Don't let the cold drive you out of the water.
Please wade with caution and use common sense. The river is especially slippery this year.
The river is in great shape and the weather will be nice.
Get out there while you can.
Tight lines!
