Duncan spotted some Skwala's on the river.
The nice weather is here, get out there if you can! Water levels and clarity may be a factor.
Continue to focus your nymphing on deeper pools and runs. Fish as slowly, and as deeply, as possible. If you are not ticking along the bottom at some point in your drift you probably should add split shot and/or more tippet. Getting hung up will happen. Did someone say, "small stonefly" patterns?
The streamer fishing continues to improve. Deep and slow is still the way to go, but fish are now moving and starting to eating more in moderately fast water.
Hatches of midges have resumed, watch back eddies and soft inside edges of pool for snouts. If you do see risers, long leaders and small dry flies are the way to go.
Trout spey can be used to cover open water more efficiently and with minimal effort. Swinging flies through a pool, or run, can be a great deal of fun. If you are interested in trying something new maybe give trout spey a try.
Leaky waders? A little TLC might be in order, or maybe you need new waders. If new waders are in order you should check out our next After Hours Presentation, which is Waders, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
Please pinch your barbs. Pinching your barbs will usually make releasing fish is easier on both you and the fish. A net, and/or catch and release tool, can also help with this process.
- Minimize air exposure
- Eliminate contact with dry surfaces
- Reduce handling time
New to flyfishing? Our Level 1 Fly Fishing Course is a full day introduction to fly fishing. The first half of the day is spent in classroom. Here you will learn the basics about equipment, tying knots, how to deciphering river structure, insect life life cycles and more. The afternoon half of the class will be spent covering the basics of casting in a dry land setting.
This full day course costs $150, lunch included. Register in-store, by phone, or on-line.
The first three sessions, May 5, 11, and 25th, are full. The next available date is Sunday June 2. Click here for further course dates and availability.
Bow River Flies to try:
Dries: Midges: Doug's Gnatty Boy, Griffith's Gnat, Parachute Midges, and Zebra Midges. BWO: Double Vision BWO's, or Foam Emerger BWO Biot are worth a try.
Streamers: Tungsten CH Sparkle Yummy, Karnopp's Space Invader, Tungsten Found Ya Bugger, Bow River Bugger, or Clouser Minnow. Leeches: Aaron's Leech, Tungsten Peacock Leech, and black, brown or olive Woolly Buggers.
Nymphs: Jimmy Legs, TJ Hooker, Rubber Legged Squirrel, Wire Worm, Atomic Worm, Will's Chai T, Kaleidoscope, TJ Hooker, Tungsten Prince, Copper John's, Zebra Midge's (Red, Olive or Black), and Tung Brassie Copper.
Trout Spey: Aqua Stu's Ostrich Intruder, Jerry's WMD Sculpin, Mini Me Graboid, Mike's Mini Sculpin Black, and AF Mattoli's Spey Bugger.
FYI:
As per the Alberta River Basins web application
Bow River Level at Calgary - WSC
| Date | Level (m) | Flow (m³/s) |
| 2024-04-05 12:00:00 | 0.870 | 45.70 |
| 2024-04-12 12:00:00 | 0.762 | 34.60 |
As per the Government of Alberta Website
Reservoir Level Update - April 4, 2024
Water levels in some southern Alberta reservoirs owned and operated by the Alberta government are well below normal for this time of year.
Oldman Reservoir – Current storage is 32%. Normal for this time of year is between 61% and 81%.
St. Mary Reservoir - Current storage is 22%. Normal for this time of year is between 51% and 77%.
Pine Coulee Reservoir - Current storage is 32%. Normal for this time of year is between 74% and 91%.
Waterton Reservoir - Current storage is 72%. Normal for this time of year is between 56% and 69%.
Gleniffer Reservoir (Dickson Dam) - Current storage is 44%. Normal for this time of year is between 46% and 63%.
Get out there! Tight lines!
FTFS