Hatches of Trico's, Blue Winged Olives, and Caddis continue. Grasshopper's are still a thing. The forecast is cooling a bit later in the week. The cooler weather and water temperatures will keep the trout moving, and strapping on the feed bag before winter. Go fishing!

Staff Picks - Gideon

Flies: Left to Right from top to bottom: RIO's Precious Metal, Olive Clouser Minnow, Voodoo Leech, Otter Hopper, Henneberry Hopper, Black Ant CFO, Perdigon, Tungsten Prince, Jig Lightning Bug

The dry fly fishing has slowed down a bit. There are lot's of bugs in, and on, the water. Lots of caddis still around, as well as Trico's and BWO's. Hoppers. Still a fine time for dries, and the only way to catch fish on a dry fly is, still, and always, by fishing a dry.

Nymphing is a great way to catch fish on the Bow. There are a ton of nymphs right now, well all the time really. Deep walking pace water will be your your target when nymphing, but don't neglect the faster heads of pools where fish will seek relief from the heat. Weeds will still probably be your biggest obstacle.

A clean fly line can make a big difference. Give it a try. 

The streamer fishing is still going great. Large streamers, large fish. The fish are chasing and striking hard. Good fun.

Skating dry flies, or swinging soft hackles and small streamers, with a spey rod is a great way to spend your time on the water. 

The mornings are cool, regardless of the afternoon temperatures. Something to keep the chill out is a great idea at this time of the year.

Eastern Slopes Update: 

The Eastern Slope rivers and streams are low, but still in pretty good shape and fishing well. There are Caddis, Trico's and BWOs hatching quite regularly, and still a few PMD's around. Grasshoppers are pretty groggy with cold evenings and less able to fight the wind, which often sends them into the river.

Dries: Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Yellow & Orange Stimulators, H&L Variant, Royal Wulff, Callibaeti Parachute Extended Body, KK's Henneberry Hopper, White Cloud Hopper, Micro Frank

Nymphs: Traditional Prince, Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear Nymphs, Rubber Legged Squirrel, Smethurst's Stone Bomb, San Juan Worm variations, Will's Chai Tea

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

There are still going to be a couple those blazing hot days, or maybe a tropical vacation in your future. A sun shirt can make all the difference.

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:

Plenty of good reads. Essays, manuals, novels, and everything in between.

Bow River Trout Foundation Fall Fishing Festival 2024 is Saturday September 28, 8am - 11pm. Enjoy a fantastic day on the water, and then head down to the Deerfoot Inn & Casino for an evening of good food and great company. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with an Alberta Prime Rib Dinner served at 7:00 PM. 

Enjoy a Bow River update and a presentation from Amelia and Dave Jensen, and then participate in a silent auction in support of the Bow River Trout Foundation. 

For more information, and ticket options, please see the Bow River Trout Foundation Website.

Bow River Flies to try:

Dries: Swisher's Dancing Caddis, Peacock Caddis, Purple Haze, Galloup's Double Stack Caddis, Orange Rubber Legged Stimulators, RIO's Skater Tot, Chubby Chernobyl, Willy's Ant, RIO's Moorish Hopper, KK's Henneberry Hopper, Fat Frank, Bjorn's Hopper, Juicy Hopper.

Streamers: RIO's Precious Metal, Veil Leech, 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.

FYI:

As per the Alberta River Basins web application

Bow River Level at Calgary - WSC

Bow River Level at Banff - WSC

Tight lines!

FTFS