Winter is back! But previous to the cold weather persistent anglers were rewarded with some good fishing. Nymphing will continue to be your most effective way to consistently catch fish, but swinging small wet flies has also produced. The river is low and clear. The cold weather will slow things down in the short term, but fishing will resume once the warm weather returns.
Bow River Flies - Stonefly Patterns
When the warm weather returns the will be hatches of Blue Winged Olives and Midges. This will increase as spring gets closer. In the meantime, keep your eyes open for rising fish.
Nymphing is the way to get things done at this time of the year. Worms, Stoneflies and worms are your most logical choices. Lot's of weight and as deep and slow as you can go. Walking pace water speed, or slightly less, will be your target zone.
The streamer fishing is still pretty slow, but the fish are more active on the sunny days, just like us. The fish are still chasing, but not always taking. Deep presentation of a double streamer rig has been fairly successful, as has swinging smaller streamers through runs.
Swinging small streamers and wet flies is a great way to cover lots of water. Spey casting, when done correctly, increases your casting range, while eliminating your need to false cast, allowing you to cover more water in a shorter time.
Level One Fly Tying - Winter 2025
Our Level 1 sessions are one evening per week for five weeks. Session 2 - is Wednesdays, starting March 5, and runs through March 12, 19, 26 and April 2
Classes start at 7 pm and each session is around 2 hours long. Click here to register, or visit the store to secure your space today.
New at Fish Tales the Cottarelli T-Rex Vise Kit.
Pinch your barbs. Pinching your barbs will make releasing the fish a lot easier. A good set of plyers, forceps, or mitten clamps can make the task easier on both of you.
We ask that you handle your fish with care by:
- Pinching your barbs
- Minimize air exposure
- Eliminate contact with dry surfaces
- Reduce handling time
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,
Streamers: Bow River Bugger, Hi Res Bugger, Tungsten Ice Leech.
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.
Good socks can make all the difference in the cold weather.
Weather forecast is for freezing cold temperatures though at least the next week. A return to milder weather should produce more consistent fishing.
Wade carefully. Be careful on ice shelves, and any other positions that may put you in possible danger. Use common sense.
Get out when/if you can.
Tight lines!
FTFS