The Bow River
A World Class Trout Stream!
The Bow River has become famous for its hard fighting, acrobatic, wild, trophy Rainbow and Brown Trout. It is a world class trout stream. The 50 mile stretch between Calgary and Carseland is known as the "famous" Bow, dubbed "the Blue Ribbon Bow" by author Jim McLennan. This is where we concentrate all our fly fishing efforts and guests are presented with unequalled fly fishing possibilities. This stretch of blue ribbon trout water provides some of the best opportunity in the world for catching a trophy trout.
As the Bow River leaves Calgary, the valley is wide, flowing through the transition of parkland to prairie.
Once completely in the prairie region, the Bow River valley narrows with steep towering cliffs of spruce and dry prairie grassland. Apart from the odd farmhouse, it's hard to believe you are only 30 miles from a metropolis of one million people.
This section of the Bow River has it all, slow deep holes, fast runs, and side channels. At every turn there is water for every type of fly fishing. The river is very fertile easily supporting the 2,500 fish per river mile, providing excellent growth rates in these trophy trout. The trout average 17 to 18 inches with many over 24 inches landed every year. In addition to the trout, this fertile valley hosts a variety of wildlife from deer, pheasants, waterfowl, and eagles to white pelicans.
Encounters with other boats and anglers on this section are still minimal compared to other world class trout streams. There is no battle fishing here, enhancing your fly fishing experience. Numerous access points allow float trips to vary in length from 4 to 12 hours. Unlike most other fly fishing guide and outfitter enterprises, Bow River Hookers fly fishing guides will keep you on the water as long as you want.
Evenings and into darkness is the best time for surface activity, however pods are often encountered "sucking" throughout the day.
Having said that, surface activity is the exception rather than the rule. The Bow River is so fertile that the trout don't often come to the surface for a meal. Nymphing is the most consistent way of catching Bow River trout, especially during late morning and midday. Depending on the day, streamer fishing can also provide amazing results.
Many stops may be made throughout the day for more concentrated efforts at preferred spots or when surface activity is observed. The Bow has been touted as a technical river and the fish tough to catch, however if you are willing to adapt to where, what and how the fish are feeding, with our leadership, you will be "hooking-up".
Join Bow River Hookers for your ultimate Bow River fly fishing experience.
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