Here's an update on what's happening on the water in and around Calgary. 

Bow River

The Bow is in runoff and being impacted by local rain events. River levels are fluctuating accordingly. If you have been watching the flow forecast reports on Bow River Trout Foundation's site you will notice that the flows are set to be fairly stable over the coming days so the rain will be the primary cause for river fluctuation. Fishing has been intermittent with most success on sub-surface nymphs. The caddis, pmd's, and sally stoneflies are now prevalent, with the big stones primed to hatch in the next week to 10 days. We're seeing lots of Alberta Wildrose blossoms along the river's edge which means stonefly season isn't far off AND soon the water should be the streamer green color as flow rates drop and remain below 200cms. Water temperatures on Monday June 21st on the Mac to Carseland section were already at 59F to 61F in the afternoon so please be aware of this as next week's scheduled heat wave arrives.

This is the time of year the AB Rivers App is extremely helpful. If you don't know the functionality of the app David did a video (AB Rivers App Video) on how to use and understand the information the App provides.

Launch update: All launches are open. Due to the higher flows use caution at all sites but be particularly careful at Policeman's and Legacy.

Flies to try: 

Nymphs: These continue to be your best bet until conditions settle out. San Juan Worms and leeches are consistent producers. Or you could opt for other proven patterns like a beadhead prince, copper john, hare's ear, or stonefly nymphs like jimmy legs, TJ Hookers, and wired stones.

Dries: Elk hair or Swisher's Dancing Caddis, parachute caddis and #8 Stonefly patterns with the imminent golden stone hatch

Streamers: Black and White clousers, skiddish smolt, Kreelex minnows, Bow River buggers, Catch's 4X4, and other "push lots of water" streamers. 

Eastern Slopes Now Open

June 16 was opening day on the Eastern Slopes. We've been checking flow rates and snow pack and some systems are already in good shape. Some are already low and clear which is cause for concern regarding water temps starting next week with the scheduled heat wave. Please use respect and if you are finding water temps in the mountain streams (16-17C 61F to 63F) please consider limiting your fishing or fishing only in the mornings. There is lots of information on best practices to increase survivable of C&R fish on the Keep Fish Wet site. 

****An advisory for the Oldman River Basin has already been issued as of June 23rd which is NOT a promising sign for later in the season.****

The advisory would include Oldman, Livingston, Crowsnest, Waterton, and Castle Rivers as well as all of their smaller tributaries.

Flies to try (mountain streams): 

Nymphs: copper johns, prince nymph, lightning bugs, UV Hare's Ear, and small stones. 

Dries: Lime trude, small stimulators, yellow sally, parachute caddis, trigger belly stone, Real Stone. 

Streamers: take your pick - depending on what you're going to target. Pink gartsides or buggers, white Clark's rat or Dungeon, Kreelex Minnow silver/black, or copper/gold. 

Happy Fishing.