Water levels are rising and run off seems to be underway. Fishing has slowed down, but get out there, if conditions allow. The river has been fishable above the Highwood, but below the Highwood the water dirties up quite a bit. Hatches of blue winged olives and caddis have been prevalent this week, but the cool weather will slow the caddis down a bit, but maybe bring on some midges. It might be a good time to hit the lakes for pike
Flies from top to bottom: Red/Yellow Pike Bunny, Barred Chartreuse Pike Bunny, Orange/Yellow Fishtail Whistler, and Black Flashdance.
If you are able to get out continue to focus your nymphing on deep walking pace water. Fish slowly and deeply. Small nymphs have been working well, as have stone fly nymphs, and San Juan worm variations.
Streamer fishing continues to improve. Deep and slow will still be effective, but the fish are now moving and starting to eat in faster water. Try fishing tight to under cut banks during higher water periods.
Trout spey has been working well. Larger flies and a heavier sink tip have been producing. Once you find your rhythm, spey casting is a very relaxing way to work the water.
Our next After Hours Presentation, "Spey Lines Demystified" with Arron Caldwell (Feather Forge Fly Company), on Wednesday May 22, 2024 in-store, at 7 PM. Aaron is a skilled spey fisher and Instructor, who has honed his skills on BC steelhead.
Pinch your barbs. Pinching your barbs will usually make releasing fish a lot easier. 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
Join us on Saturday May 18, 2024 from 9:30am-12:30pm for Echo Demo Days.
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 decipher 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.
Dates are filling up quickly. The next available date is Sunday June 22. Click here for further course dates and availability.
There are plenty of options to keep your flies floating.
Bow River Flies to try:
Dries: Doug's Gnatty Boy, Griffith's Gnat, Parachute Midges, Zebra Midges, Double Vision BWO's, Foam Emerger BWO Biot, Doran's Water Walker Skwala, or Micro Chubby.
Streamers: Tungsten CH Sparkle Yummy, Karnopp's Space Invader, Tungsten Found Ya Bugger, Bow River Bugger, or Skiddish Smolt.. 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, Tungsten Prince, Copper John's, Zebra Midge's (Red, Olive or Black), Tungsten Soft Hackle BWO, Foam Emerger BWO and Trina's Bubbleback Emerger PMD.
Trout Spey: Rio's Pocket Rocket, 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 |
| 2024-04-19 12:00:00 | 0.895 | 48.50 |
| 2024-04-26 12:00:00 | 0.957 | 56.90 |
| 2024-05-03 12:00:00 | 1.045 | 67.80 |
| 2024-05-10 12:00:00 | 0.996 | 61.60 |
| 2024-05-17 12:00:00 | 1.418 | 143.00 |
The water levels are almost double from last week and clarity may be an issue. Get out there if conditions allow, and wade with caution. Watch for floating debris in the river.
Tight lines!
FTFS