Bow River Fishing Report - October 31, 2026

Please note: the Fish Tales Bow River Fishing Report will be posted monthly going forward, until the weekly report resumes next spring.Well, the past week was our first taste of winter. Awesome! The cold probably took out most of the grasshoppers and many of the mayflies. BWO and midges should still be in play, on the less cold, and windy days. There have also been some October Caddis sightings.

Fishing this week was tough. The Bow is still running low, clear which continues to make the fish pretty wary. Nymphing will probably be your best bet to hook on to some trout, but keep an eye out for any steady risers. It will take a keen eye, however, with fewer bugs for fish to rise to. This weeks forecast indicates sunny skies and warmer temperatures, which should provide some more fishing opportunities to anglers who are keen to extend their season.

Bow River Flies - Staff Picks - Rob

Left to Right from top: Mohair Leech, Clousaboo, Boulden's Egg Sucking Flesh Fly, Hi-Vis Parachute Midge, Stillborn Midge, Doug's Natty Boy, Nygren's CDC Nong Jane, BWO Killer Jig, Tung Jig Flash Back Pheasant Tail

Bow River Fishing

Find consistently rising fish is becoming harder, and harder, as the number of bugs on the surface has been greatly reduced by the cold weather. Prospecting with a hopper-dropper rig can be effective at this time, but the dry fly hits are become much less frequent. Very small flies are usually needed to catch any of the consistent risers that you do spot.

Nymphing continues to be the most effective technique to catch trout on the Bow River. When it comes to nymphing you are seeking deeper, walking pace, pools, and runs. Smaller nymphs, and Water Boatmen, are pretty good choices at this time of the year. Try to concentrate your efforts on the larger deeper holes that will become winter holding water, this is where fish will tend to concentrate.

New products from Upavon.

The streamer fishing has improved slightly with this weeks higher water levels, but there seems to be more chasing flies than eating flies going on. Trailing a Water Boatman will sometimes improve your results, and you have nothing to lose by trying it. Smaller, sparsely dressed, flies that can get quickly into the zone, are usually a very good choice at this time of the year.

Trout spey continues to provide some great opportunities to effectively cover a lot of fishable water. Medium sink tips, with leech, and boatmen imitations, fished on the swing, have proven quite effective.

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

   Level One Fly Tying Course - 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.  

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

Books

Books by John Gierach. Many titles from one of fly fishing's great story tellers.

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 remaining line-up:

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

We have a great selection of Flats Boots for your winter getaway.

Bow River Flies:

Dries: Harrop's Last Chance Cripple, Goddard Caddis, Klinkhammer Dry, Booty's Cripple, Adams Irresistible, Doug's Gnatty Boy, Renegade, Parachute Extended Body Mayfly, Parachute Sipper Mayfly, Hi-Vis Parachute Midge, Stillborn Midge

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

Monday Night Tying Workshops - Fall 2026/Winter 2027

Join us for one-night tying workshops featuring popular patterns and techniques presented by guest fly tiers and Fish Tales staff. A $15 registration fee includes instruction and the trying materials for the evening. Bring you vice, and tools, and enjoy some instruction, and good company.

• November 9, 2026 - Stillwater Staples with Hai
• November 23, 2026 - Two Permit Flies with Joel
• December 7, 2026 - Medusas with Gideon
• January 11, 2027 - Steelhead/Bull Trout patterns with Sasha
• January 25, 2027 - Small Jig Streamers with Hai
• February 8, 2027 - Bow River Bugger with Gideon
• February 22, 2027 - Popper Night with Ray
• March 8, 2027 - Pheasant Tail Simplicity with Craig
• March 22, 2027 - Spring Creek Dry/Dropper with Joel
• April 5, 2027 - Drake and Skwalla Night with Ray

Sessions are hosted at Fish Tales Fly Shop and run from 7pm to 9/9:30pm on the scheduled dates. Registration is required - Register Here.

Bow River Levels and Conditions

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

Please note: the Fish Tales Bow River Fishing Report will be posted monthly going forward, until the weekly report resumes next spring.

This weeks weather is forecast to be sunny, and relatively warm. There is still time to scratch that itch before the real winter hits.

Layer up and get out there.