Join us at 7pm Monday, March 25, 2024 at Canyon Meadows Cinemas for Jeff Currier's presentation The World's Best Trout Destinations
Hear about Jeff's travels as the world's most qualified trout bum. If you haven't attended one of these be sure to get your ticket!
Please note:
As per the Government of Alberta Website
- Bow River near the Mouth – On March 6, the flow was measured to be 39.9 m³/s, the lowest March measurement in the last 24 years.
- Bow River basin – Forecasted March volumes increased 6 to 11% vs February. Flow volumes expected to range from below average to average.
With our return to cold weather things will be slowing down for both fishing and fishing opportunities for a minute. When heading out though, be careful on ice shelves. Always consider what is underneath you, shelves over pools and deeper water are always sketchy. Watch for floating ice and wade carefully.
Please pinch your barbs. Pinching your barbs will help ensure that releasing the fish is easier on both you and the fish.
A net can help with the process.
- Minimize air exposure
- Eliminate contact with dry surfaces
- Reduce handling time
Nymphing will give you your best chance at catching fish. Deeper pools and runs, should be fished slow and as deep as possible. If you are not hitting bottom occasionally, you should add split shot and/or more tippet.
Streamer fishing was improving. When fishing resumes still fish deep and slow. A large point fly with a leech trailer is often the ticket. Let the flies finish out their drift and and give a few short strips to entice any followers before recasting.
Trout spey enables a fisher to cover more water than would be possible with a single handed rod. The longer trout spey rods (11ft.+), use casts based off the roll cast that can be used in tight situations where a back cast is impossible. Spey casts can also be used in open water to utilize the distance and ease of casting. If you are interested in trying something new, or acquiring a new skill, maybe give spey casting a try. Single spey is also an option. Casting spey with a single handed rod can be achieved with a traditional line, but can also be helped along by a single spey line.
Hatches of midges that had resumed in spades with the warm weather will be less active with the return to cold weather. 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.
Need more fly tying materials? We have lots!
Our Level 1 Fly Fishing Course is a full day, comprehensive introduction to fly fishing.
This one day session is spent half in a classroom environment, learning about equipment, tying knots, deciphering river structure, insect life and more. Then students will head outside for an afternoon dry-land casting session.
This full day course costs $150, lunch included. Register in-store, by phone, or on-line.
The first two sessions, Sunday May 5 and Saturday May 11th, are full. The next available date is Saturday May 25. Click here for further course dates and availability.
Check out what else is available on our courses page.
Bow River Flies to try:
Dries: When the weather improves maybe give midges a try. Midges: Doug's Gnatty Boy, Griffith's Gnat, Parachute Midges, and Zebra Midges. For BWO patterns: Double Vision BWO's, or Foam Emerger BWO Biot are worth a try.
Streamers: Small leech patterns like an Aaron's Leech, Tungsten Peacock Leech, and black, brown or olive Woolly Buggers. Bow River Bugger, Clouser Minnow, or Flesh Eating Sculpin.
Nymphs: Wire Worm, Atomic Worm, Ninch's Fish Finder, Chenille Worm Dropper, 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: Mini Me Graboid (all colours), Mike's Mini Sculpin Black, RIO's Pocket Rocket (all colours), and AF Mattoli's Spey Bugger.
Keep warm until the weather changes and then get out there. Tight lines!
FTFS