Banner: Spring Skwala - courtesy Duncan Reed
Now that the snow has finished, for now, we can get back to some nice weather and spring fishing. The river will be fluctuating in the next few days and that may have an effect on the fishing. The fish have been active this past week with lot's of action on both, streamers and nymphs. Slow and deep presentation has been the key to both techniques. There are dry fly opportunities for those willing, or needing, to try.
We have print editions of the 2025 Alberta Fishing Regulations. They are also available on-line.
Bow River Flies - Staff Picks - Tobias
The warmer weather will continue to increase the chances of Blue Winged Olive and Midges hatches. The soft water at the heads of pools will the most likely place to spot risers. If you spot a consistent riser, or two. Why not? Either match the hatch, if possible, or throw your favorite attractor pattern at them. Skwalas have been spotted, but not in great numbers, or concentrations.
Nymphing is still your best option to consistently catch fish. Fish deep and slow, while targeting walking pace water. Concentrate on getting the fly, or flies, down as deep as possible. It you don't feel bottom occasionally, add weight and/or tippet.
The streamer fishing has been excellent with some very large trout being caught. River fluctuations may slow things down for a bit, but action should resume once water levels stabilize. Spring is the perfect time to fish leech and baitfish imitations on a floating line. Use a 9-12 ft 1 or 2X leader and tumble flies down runs and through heads of pools. Work flies slowly to impart action.
Trout spey has become very productive recently with the fish becoming more active. Lot's of chases and short strikes, which keeps things exciting even if not all of them are hook ups. Small dark streamers and wet flies swung through riffles and runs is a fun and productive ay to cover lots of water, and reach places you may not be able to reach with a single handed rod.
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 starting May 4, 2025. Click here for Course Dates and Register Online
The new line of Patagonia waders are now in!
Keep fish wet and pinch your barbs. Try to keep fish in the water as much as possible. Pinching your barbs will make releasing the fish a lot easier. A good set of plyers, forceps, or mitten clamps can also make the task easier on both of you.
We ask that you handle your fish with care by:
- Pinching your barbs
- Keeping fish wet
- Eliminating the fishes contact with dry surfaces
- Reducing handling time
Novels with a fly fishing theme are always a nice way to take your mind off of fly fishing.
Dries: Steve's Para Sipper BWO, Griffth's Gnat, Doug's Gnatty Boy, Aylward's Pop Top Spinner, Hi Vis Parachute BWO, Double Vision BWO, Silverman's Purple Crystal Stim, Doran's Skwala Water Walker, Black Micro Frank
Streamers: Bow River Bugger, Hi Res Bugger, Tungsten Found Ya Bugger, Slum Lord Jig, FM Olive Sculpin, Clouser Minnow, Complex T Bugger, Kreelex Minnow
Nymphs: San Juan Worm imitations, Jimmy Legs, Rubber Legged Squirrel, Will's Chai T, Kaleidoscope, Tungsten Prince, BWO Killer Jig, Bead Head Prince, Lightning Bug Purple.
Trout Spey: Rio's Pocket Rocket, Aqua Stu's Ostrich Intruder, Jerry's WMD Sculpin, AF Mattoli's Spey Bugger.
FYI - As per the Government of Alberta:
Nice weather is forecast though most of next week. Some consistent weather should in turn produce more consistent fishing, after any river fluctuations and discoloration caused by melting snow.
Wade with caution and use common sense. Keep an eye out for floating ice.
It's go time! Get out there and have some fun. Maybe catch a couple of fish while you are at it.
Tight lines!
FTFS