The river is higher than normal and very clear. The weather forecast is for a warm weekend followed by cooler temperatures later in the week. Nymphing seems to be the the most effective technique. Water levels have been fluctuating and making the fishing a bit erratic. Hopefully things will settle down a bit. Get out there before the cold starts in earnest!
Bow River Flies - Staff Picks - Will
Left to Right from top to bottom: Will's Chai-T Peacock, Will's Chai-T Olive
There continues to be October Caddis hatches and the occasional hatch of Blue Winged Olives. Observant, and persistent, dry fly fishers have been occasionally rewarded with pods of rising fish. Blue Winged Olive dries, and emergers, have been often been effective in these situations.
Continue to concentrate your nymphing on deeper walking pace water. Deeper is better, especially at this time of the year. Boatmen imitations can be swung through the faster riffles, and/or stripped up soft seams.
With the impending cold we carry a large selection of Thaw heated products.
The streamer fishing has been erratic. The fish are still chasing hard with lot's of short strikes and bumps. A large streamer followed by a leech, or boatman, is a great way to tilt the odds a bit more in your favour.
Spey casting continues to be an effective way to spend an afternoon covering lots of water. Small streamers and wet flies will be your best options right now.
Is it time to start tying your own flies? A tying kit is a great place to start.
Eastern Slopes Update:
Only a few days left! The season closes for most steams October 31. The Eastern Slope rivers and streams are still low and clear with some fluctuations due to the snow. The fish are eating but you may have to go deep to catch them. The low clear water makes the fish extra wary, so approach carefully. Watch your shadow!
Dries: Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Yellow & Orange Stimulators, H&L Variant, Royal Wulff
Nymphs: Traditional Prince, Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear Nymphs, San Juan Worm variations, Will's Chai Tea
Streamers: Pink/White Dali Lama, Black Conrad Sculpin, Galloup's Mini Dungeon, Clouser Minnows
A release tool can make life easier for both, you and the fish.
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:
- Minimize air exposure
- Eliminate contact with dry surfaces
- Reduce handling time
Back Roads Maps for all of you exploration needs.
Level One Fly Tying - Fall 2024/Winter 2025
Our Level One sessions are one evening per week for five weeks. Classes start at 7 pm and each session is around 2 hours. Click here to register or visit the store to secure your space today.
Dries: Orange Rubber Legged Stimulators, Chubby Chernobyl, Willy's Ant, RIO's Moorish Hopper, KK's Henneberry Hopper, Juicy Hopper, Para-Sipper BWO, Steve's Para Sipper BWO
Streamers: RIO's Precious Metal, Bow River Bugger, Hi Res Bugger, Skittish Smolt. Leeches: Gabriel Leech, Fruit Roll Up, Tungsten Ice Leech.
Nymphs: Jimmy Legs, Rubber Legged Squirrel, Will's Chai T, Kaleidoscope, Tungsten Prince, Puparazzi, BH Extended Body Caddis Pupa, Caddis Sparkle Pupa, Dee's Boatman, Wagler's Boatman.
Trout Spey: Rio's Pocket Rocket, Aqua Stu's Ostrich Intruder, Jerry's WMD Sculpin, AF Mattoli's Spey Bugger, Brett's Klamath Skater, McGovney's Skater.
It's time for some flannel.
FYI:
As per the Alberta River Basins web application
Bow River Level at Calgary - WSC
Bow River Level at Banff - WSC
Tight lines!
FTFS