The river remains sketchy. Water level and colour fluctuations have made the fishing challenging in the past week. The Highwood has mostly cleared up and the levels are dropping, lessening the effect on the Bow down stream. The water is high, but if water levels remain consistent the fishing should also stabilize. The weather forecast for next week is a bit cooler which which may prolong our high water. Get out there when conditions allow. Watch for debris in the river, lots of stuff floating that can take you out if you are not paying attention.   

Proven Winners (left to right from top to bottom): Bloom's UV Tan Parachute Caddis, Tan/Black Skid Bitch, Peacock Caddis, Jake's Trigger Belly, X-caddis, Trina's Orange Stimi  Chew-Toy

Lot's of caddis around, often hatching at all times of the day. Evenings will still be the most consistent, and often the most prolific. Those willing to hang out late are sometimes rewarded with a large caddis hatch combined with the beginning of the Golden Stone hatch. A larger stonefly imitation as an indicator for an caddis emerger, or dry, can be effective, and help to also indicate strikes. Single stone flies can be dead drifted, or skittered, to provoke the strike.

Now that the sun has started to shine, a little sun protection can go a long way. Try a sun hat to protect your noggin from the sun's damaging rays. Lot's of styles and choices.

Stonefly nymphs have been working great, with leeches also being very productive. The water fluctuations can move the fish out of their usual lies. Under cut banks, though difficult to fish, can be very productive during times of sporadic high water. Fish as deep as you can. If you are not hanging up, or ticking off of the bottom, adding more tippet and/or more weight. Fish carefully, and work the water thoroughly. 

Streamer fishing has been very good. Fish have moved in tight to the banks with the steadier high water. If the flows level out for an extended time the fish should settle back into their more typical lies.

Skating flies using the trout spey has been working well. Skating a spey fly through runs and riffles has been producing some good fish. A dry fly fished on floating tip and a poly, or fresh water leader, can make for a fun day of working the water. Exciting strikes, and misses, and no hanging up in the rocks, or weeds.

Eastern Slopes Update: 

Eastern Slopes are looking good.

Hoppers have been heard, and spotted, on the Eastern Slopes.

Most eastern slope streams are high and clear for the most part. Fishing has been good during periods of consistent flows, but things can change rapidly from day to day. Get out if conditions allow. There are tons of bugs around. Stoneflies and caddis will be the most prevalent, but drakes and PMD's are also in the mix.

Dries: True Stonefly, Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Yellow & Orange Stimulators, H&L Variant, Parachute PMD & Western Green Drakes

Nymphs: Traditional Prince, Pheasant Tail and Hare's Ear Nymphs, Smethurst's Stone Bomb

Streamers: Pink/White Dali Lama, Black Conrad Sculpin, White Tungsten CH Sparkle Yummy, Galloup's Mini Dungeon

Please pinch your barbs. Pinching your barbs will make releasing the fish a lot easier for you, and the fish. A good set of plyers, forceps, or mitten clamps can make the task easier for both of you.

We ask that you handle your fish with care by:

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 and tying knots. You will also learn how to decipher river structure, predict insect life life cycles, and a lot more. The second half of the day will be outdoors, covering the basics of casting in a dry land setting. Students should be able to cast 30' by the conclusion of the session.

This full day course costs $150, lunch included. Register in-store, by phone, or on-line.

Click here for course dates and availability. 

Locally Tied Flies (Left to right - top to bottom): Jeff Thompson's - Shammy Leech, Hi Res Bugger, Skittish Smolt, Cone Head Wiggle Bugger, Rainbow Warrior, Tungsten Ice Leech.

Bow River Flies to try: 

Dries: Swisher's Dancing Caddis, Peacock Caddis, Purple Haze, Galloup's Double Stack Caddis, Neversink Caddis, Yellow Rubber Legged Stimulator, RIO's Skater Tot, Chubby Chernobyl, or Micro Chubby.

Streamers: Veil Leech, , Bow River Bugger, Sparkle Minnow, Hi Res Bugger, and Skittish Smolt. Leeches: Tungsten Peacock Leech, Fruit Roll Up, Tungsten Ice Leech.

Nymphs: Worm variations, Jimmy Legs, TJ Hooker, Rubber Legged Squirrel, Will's Chai T, Kaleidoscope, Tungsten Prince, Copper John's, BH Extended Body Caddis Pupa, and Caddis Sparkle Pupa.

Trout Spey: Rio's Pocket Rocket, Aqua Stu's Ostrich Intruder, Jerry's WMD Sculpin, RIO's Artificial Intelligence, and AF Mattoli's Spey Bugger.

Ton's of sun shirts, in lot's of styles. The heat is here! Don't let over exposure to the sun take you off the river. Cover up and drink plenty of fluids.

 FYI:

As per the Alberta River Basins web application

Bow River Level at Calgary - WSC

Bow River Level at Banff - WSC

Water levels in Banff rose sporadically during the week and look to be taking a down turn. The conditions in Calgary, and downstream, will continue to greatly depend on the water management upstream. Get out there when conditions allow. Please wade with caution and continue to watch for floating debris.

Tight lines!

FTFS