Bow River Fishing Report - September 19, 2026

So many bugs . . . so many.  Last weeks cooler weather seems to have thrown some sort of switch, and turned up the dial on the hatches. Trico's, Blue Winged Olives, Caddis, Midges, PMD's, Drakes we've got them all. Still lot's of grasshoppers around too. The Water Boatmen have arrived.

The coming week is forecast to be stable temperature wise, and sunny, until Friday's possible showers. Things should stay buggy, and clear, on the river.

Bow River Flies - Staff Picks - Allard

Left to Right from top: Bead Head Sparkle Minnow, Muddler Minnow, Kreelex Minnow, Booties DL Cripple, CDC Elk Hair Caddis, BWO Para Sipper, Collared Pheasant Tail Jig, Wagler's Boatman, Duracell Barbless Jig,

Bow River Fishing

The dry fly fishing is very good. Steady risers were a pretty common sight this week. This should continue with our forecast of stable weather conditions. If you find fish rising, waiting a short amount of time, and observing carefully, between fly changes will often reveal the location of the rising fish. This can give you a good indication of the frequency of rises, which you should try to time when casting your own fly. The more time you spend observing, usually, the better your chances. Very small flies (18-20ish) were often the ticket when fishing to risers this week.

Nymphing is the most effective way to consistently catch fish. Smaller nymphs are in great abundance and that should be the direction your fly selection should take. Tungsten Tailwater Tiny's, UV Zebra Midges. or CDC Pheasant Tail Jigs, are all good options. Weeds will continue be the biggest obstacle when fishing nymphs, if you can tolerate the weeds, you are good to go. However, most of the deeper, walking pace water that you will be seeking out for nymphing will usually have a stronger flow, and gravel bottom, with weeds only on the edge, or in sporadic clumps, so weeds should only be an occasional issue in these situations. Water Boatmen have started to show up, but are small in number, and size, at this point. 

The streamer fishing is going well, even with the crystal clear clarity, and lower water levels. Working the banks, current seams, and pocket water will offer some chances, but the faster water at the heads, and tail outs, of pools will also produce some good fishing. Smaller bait fish patterns, are working well, this may be the time start trailing a water boatman. If you like that sort of thing.

Spey casting takes practice, just like any other skill, in fly fishing. Once you get the hang of it, it is a fun, and productive, way cover a great deal of water. Eventually, with much practice, you will use much less energy spey casting than you ever could covering the same amount of water with a single-hand rod. Now is the time for swinging Water Boatmen, or skating October Caddis. Both are awesome.

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

Eastern Slopes

The Eastern Slope rivers, and streams, are very clear, and running very low. Fishing has been very good, but the low clear water has made for some spooky fish. Still lots of bugs hatching, along with the last of the late season grasshoppers. Light hopper-dropper, or nymph, rigs will be effective. Dry fly fishing is usually what folks head to Eastern Slopes for, and there are still lot's of hatching bugs. There were also plenty of Back Swimmers observed. If you like that sort of thing. And you should. 

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 cooler evenings and shorter days have increased the pike activity. They are actively cruising, and looking to eat as much as they can before winter sets in. Click to learn about tips and tactics for Northern Pike.

Books

Tips and tricks from the experts. Everyone can use some tips to make their fishing experience easier, or better.

Fly Tying Kits to get you started on your tying journey.

Bow River Flies:

Dries: Peacock Caddis, Bloom's Parachute Caddis, Swisher's Dancing Caddis, Harrop's Last Chance Cripple, Foam Run Caddis, Goddard Caddis, Klinkhammer Dry, Chubby Chernobyl, Heifer Hopper, Morrish Hopper, The Chopper Hopper, Lil Pete Copper Hopper, Booty's Cripple, Adams Irresistible, Indicator Spinner Trico

Streamers: Coffey's Sparkle Minnow, Galloup's Mini Bangtail, Bjorn's Sculpalicious, Bow River Bugger, Kreelex Minnow, Sparkle Yummy, Lynch's Drunk and Disorderly, Zonker Skullhead, Vampire Leech, Zoo Cougar, Yo Mama's Lama, Precious Metal

Nymphs: T.J. Hooker, BH UV Zebra Midge, Wire Worms, Reese's Pieces, Puparazzi Tungsten Jig Caddis, 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, Steel Plow Skating Dry, Hoody's Hanger, Mini Mousey McMouseface Need new waders for the coming fall? We have a good selection of sizes, and brands. Something for almost any angler.

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

The Bow River is running clear, and low, in a fairly typical fall fashion. Clear low water can make fish a touch skittish, so try to approach prime spots cautiously, especially if they contain rising fish. Small flies(18-20) , and small tippet(4 or 5X should be fine), have been the useful in hooking up with risers. Patience, and keen observation, are also crucial elements. Catching a targeted rising trout might take a bit of time, and cause you some frustration, but when it does come together it is all worth it. So fun.