Hoppers: RIO's Moorish Hopper, KK's Henneberry Hopper, White Cloud Hopper, Bjorns Hopper

Saw grasshoppers on Tuesday! Seems like it could be an epic hopper year. Hot weather and more stable flows have brought on the other bugs in a big way too. The water is still high, but starting to decline. The fishing should remain consistent if there are no drastic fluctuations. The weather forecast is for hot. Get out there when you can.   

Proven Winners (left to right from top to bottom): Black Squirrel Leech, Simi Seal Leech, Rio's Jelly Leech, Shammy Leech, Willy's Fruit Roll-Up, Boom Leech.

There are lots of bugs around! Caddis are around most evenings in large numbers and are the most consistent hatch. Caddis hatches can happen at almost any time of the day. However, those willing to hang out late into the evening are sometimes rewarded with an extremely large caddis hatch, and pods of rising fish. The Golden Stoneflies are going strong, and early risers are often being rewarded with early risers. It's worth it, you only feel sick until you catch the first one. Hoppers are also in play. They are small right now, so maybe size 12 or 14.

Polarized sunglasses are one of the most important part of any fishing adventure. Not only do they greatly enhance the contrast you can see in the water, but they will protect you from errant casts. Yours and others. Lots of styles and price ranges.

Nymphing remains probably the most effective way to put fish in the net. Stonefly nymphs have been working great. Hopper dropper rigs are a great way to work rifflie waters. A stonefly nymph or leech behind your stonefly dry is definitely worth trying.

Streamer fishing has been very good. Fish have moved in tight to the banks with the steadier high water. If the flows continue to decline the fish should settle back into their more typical lies.

Skating flies using the trout spey continues to work well, but a small soft-hackled fly is also fun. Surprisingly large trout are caught swinging a size 16 or 18 fly. A small soft-hackle fished on floating tip, and a poly, or fresh water leader, can make for a fun day of working the water. 

Eastern Slopes Update: 

The Eastern Slopes are doing great. Tons of bugs, willing fish, beautiful days. What could be better?

Most eastern slope streams are high and clear. Fishing has been good, 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 PMD's are also in the mix. Grasshoppers have been around for a while, and should be on the menu. Don't be afraid to throw a streamer.

Dries: True Stonefly, Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Yellow & Orange Stimulators, H&L Variant, Parachute PMD & Western Green Drakes, KK's Henneberry Hopper, White Cloud Hopper

Nymphs: Traditional Prince, Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear Nymphs, Smethurst's Stone Bomb, San Juan Worms, Will's Chai Tea

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

Please 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:

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. 

Fly Boxes. We have a bunch. If we don't have exactly what you are looking, we probably have something you didn't even know you needed. 

Bow River Flies to try:

Dries: Swisher's Dancing Caddis, Peacock Caddis, Purple Haze, Galloup's Double Stack Caddis, Yellow Rubber Legged Stimulator, RIO's Skater Tot, Chubby Chernobyl, Micro Chubby, RIO's Moorish  Hopper, KK's Henneberry Hopper, White Cloud Hopper, Bjorns Hopper, Juicy Hopper.

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.

If there was ever a time for shorts, it's now! Lot's of styles to beat the heat. Don't forget sunscreen. Burnt knees are are reaching epindemic levels. If that  happens, we also have pants.

 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 were on the steady decline during the week and look to be taking a down turn. The conditions in and downstream of, Calgary will depend on the water management upstream. Please wade with caution and watch for floating debris.

Tight lines!

FTFS