Fishing on the Bow has been excellent this past week. In-city ice has mostly melted or receded to the shoreline, opening up plenty of water. While hatches remain consistent, the recent warm spell has triggered more fish activity—meaning better streamer action and more frequent sightings of rising fish.
Temperatures will hover around 3°C through the weekend and into next week, but the bite is steadily improving. If you’ve been on the fence about heading out, now is the time! Just a heads-up: mornings remain chilly and fish are fairly dormant early on, so there’s no need to rush. The "sweet spot" hits once the sun warms the water, usually lasting until around 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM when storm drain runoff tends to slow the action down.
How to attack the river:
Nymphing (Most Productive):
Nymphing continues to be the most effective method this week.
Where to Focus:
- Deep runs and pools
- Slow seams and inside bends
- Tailouts below riffles
Patterns producing the most right now:
- Midge larva and pupa (sizes 16–22)
- Bloodworms
- San Juan Worms
- Small leeches
- Zebra midges and similar midge patterns
- Black Copper John
Both indicator nymphing and Euro nymphing setups are effective. Depth control is critical — don’t hesitate to add weight.
Streamer Fishing:
Streamers can produce fish, especially larger browns, when fished slow and deep. You can even try bottom bouncing a small leech. The slower the streamer moves the better really.
Dry Flies
Dry fly opportunities are limited but not impossible.
Best Bet:
- Small midge adults or emegers
It is essential to watch closely for subtle rises during midday, when temperatures typically peak.
Things to remember no matter the fishing technique:
- Use sink tips or heavily weighted flies
- Focus on deep bends, structure, and winter holding water
- Slow, deliberate retrieves are key
Winter fishing on the Bow River can be technical but rewarding. While peak dry-fly fishing typically occurs from mid-May through October, winter anglers who focus on subsurface techniques can still find consistent success.
Safety Considerations:
- Be cautious of ice shelves and unstable footing with higher than normal temperatures the ice can become very unpredictable.
- Dress appropriately for it may not be cold weather wise, but prolonged wading can wear on you.
