The Bow is back to “normal” for this time of year after the mid-June “mini flood.” We've learned that some of the local provincial biologists are considering this year as a 1-in-25-year flood event. For sure the flows were the highest we have seen since the 2013 floods. This high water event was a very good test of river infrastructure. There will need to be some boat launch maintenance, but all launches are in useable condition (Legacy would be the exception depending on the type of vehicle you have. The channel is still running high). Policeman’s needs some road work and will be closed for a day or two when that happens. See Bow River Trout Foundation for updated information.

In typical fashion we will continue to have thunderstorms, generally mostly in the afternoon, so make sure you are prepared for stormy weather if one happens to head your way. (Don't leave home without your rain jacket.)

Using a good weather app that shows radar (when you have reception) is very helpful to see which way storm cells are “generally” headed. A good rain jacket can be crucial and if you happen to be in a boat and hail comes a life jacket over your head makes for good protection! The snow melt has continued to be slow and steady with lower temps which makes the fish very happy. The absolute best way to find out what is happening with the flows is the AB River’s App. Find up to the minute flows at https://rivers.alberta.ca/ If you are new to the App here is a video explanation of what type of information is available.

Hatches slowed during the flooding but are starting up again. Currently we have caddis, sally stone flies, some PMD’s. A few golden stones have just started to hatch in the past few days. Expect the golden (shortwing) stonefly hatch to really start within the next 5 to 10 days.

With the river levels at the volume they are, and the visibility (Wed June 29) only about 8”, streamers have been king! Fishing a leech pattern either under an indicator (or stonefly dry) or as a second streamer with something “meatier” can be extremely effective. Nymphing has also been productive, mostly in the softer water and closer to the undercut banks. Worms and leeches have been the primary food items as proven via throat samples earlier this week. The fish have been eating extremely well during this high water and many are noticeably fat and healthy which is excellent to see.

 Flies To Try:

Nymphs:   Caddis Sparkle Pupa, Prince Nymph, San Juan Worms, TJ Hooker, Jimmy legs,  leeches, wired stones, gummy stones

Dries: Blooms Para Caddis, Swisher's Dancing Caddis, Peacock Caddis, Parachute Adams (a black post is easier to see under dark sky conditions or evening), Skid Bitch, Chubby Chernobyl, Real Golden Stone, Jakes Trigger Belly.

Streamers: Skiddish Smolts, Kreelex Minnows, Gartside Leach (bleeding leech), Galloup's Mini Dungeon, Peacock Leach, Aaron’s Leech (larger leech patterns have been doing well this week). 

Happy Fishing! 

FTFS