Brown Trout are still spawning this time of year, be mindful of where you are wading and angling!
Well we’re back to winter conditions on the Bow, which means small flies and slow presentations are key to catching fish. Midge will be the only thing we’ll see hatching from now until February, but the fish will still eat well presented baetis pattern like a Prince Nymph or Pheasant Tail. Stonefly nymphs can also work great in the winter conditions because it offers a bit more a substantial meal at this time in the season. A few fish have still been seen rising, so if you want the challenge of catching them on dries this late in the season stock up on Griffith’s Gnats and Smoke Jumpers. If streamer or Spey fishing is more you’re style this time of year, get you’re flies low and swing or strip them slow. Smaller streamers like Woolly Buggers, Bow River Buggers, or smaller leech patterns tend to work the best this time of year. Just a heads up that Browns can still be found on redds so watch where you are wading out there folks!
How to attack the river:
-
Deep and slow moving runs
- Deep drop offs close to shore
- Tungsten Zebra Midge (sizes 16-20)
- Copper John (size 14-18)
- San Juan Worms
- Small leeches
- Jiggy Baetis (sizes 16-18)
- Dee's Water Boatman (sizes 14-16)
- Hi-Viz Griffith's Gnat (sizes 16-20)
- Dun Midge Cluster (size 16-20)
- Midge Emerger (sizes 18-20)
- Smoke Jumper (sizes 18-20)
Things to remember no matter the fishing technique:
- Use sink tips or heavily weighted flies
- Focus on deeper runs, 3'-6' in depth and walking pace
Safety Considerations:
- Be Sure of your footing, the Bow is pretty slick this year. Felt soles or studded rubber is definitely recommended
- Don't forget to wear sun protection at this time of year, even though is can be chilly durring the day you can still get burnt out there.
- Bundle up, the cold water can definitely wear on you throughout the day.
