Bow River Report
September 03, 2026

Bow River Report

Fishing on the Bow is still going strong, and now that school and hunting season has started you will see a lot less traffic out there. The fish are still happy to eat on top water, and this overcast in the forecast might give you a little bit of an advantage as well. We are still getting reports of fishing eating Trico’s, BWO’s, small Hoppers, and Ants on top during the daytime, and small Caddis in the evenings. If you are having trouble getting that top water eat, nymphs with a soft hackle or CDC collar have been producing quite nicely. Water Boatman are also going to start hatching very soon so it would also be a great option to throw under a hopper, indicator, or behind a streamer. The Browns are going to start feeding quite aggressively to get ready for the spawn in October, so throwing some big streamers to entice those hungry Browns is also a great idea. Try something really flashy like a Sparkle Minnow or Kreelex Minnow to get their attention, and definitely throw a leech behind those streamers for an extra advantage. Don’t let the forecast scare you from getting out, these clouds should make for some deadly BWO hatches, and the fish tend to let their guard down a bit when its cloudy. Good luck fishing this week folks!

How to attack the river:

Nymphing (Most Productive):

Nymphing is always a great way to fish on those hot days when the fish don't want to rise.
Where to Focus:
  • Deflections and pools close to shore 
  • Seams and inside bends and corners
  • Deep drop offs near rip rap banks
Patterns producing the most right now:
  • Bloom's Tungdart (sizes 14-18)
  • Copper John (size 12-18)
  • San Juan Worms
  • Small leeches
  • Jiggy Baetis (sizes 16-18)
  • Dee's Water Boatman (sizes 14-18)
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, you can even try bottom bouncing a small leech. Try changing your presentation style and speed till you find what's working, some fish are looking for a chase.

Dry Flies

Dry fly eats seem to mostly be happening in the morning and evenings
Best Bet:
  • Juicy Hopper (sizes 8-12)
  • Caddis adults (size 12-16)
  • Hi-Viz BWO (14-18)
  • Hi-Viz Cinnamon Ant (14-18)
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 deflcetions and slack water close to shore
Run-off fishing on the Bow River can be technical but rewarding. You have to spend a lot fo time searching for fish, but some real big fish can be close inches from shore.

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, though it may not always be hot you can still burn easily being out all day.

    Weather/Flow Rates, Follow The Link's Below:


    Flies:

    • Streamers: Catch's 4x4 Bighorn #2-4, Bow River Bugger #2-6, Rio's Smolt Brown or Olive #4, Dali Lama Black/Olive #2-6, Wooly Bugger #4-10, Bjoirn's Hog Hooker Black #1, Peacock Bugger Brown #6-12, Coyote Clouser #6, Kreelex Black/Purple/Silver #6, Simi Seal Leech Bloody Olive #8-10, Taupe Leech #4-6, Ron's Cone Leech black or Olive #6-8, Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #4-8, 
    • Nymphs: TJ's Hooker Tan/Brown #6-12, Jimi-Legs Olive/Brown #6-12, Copper John Black #12-16, Purple Prince Nymph #10-14, Theo's Bead Head #14-18, TJ's Jig Assassin Natural #12-16, Jiggy Riffle Drifter Olive #14-18, Quasimodo Pheasant Tail #14-18, BH Squirrel Nymph Rubberlegs #8-12, BH Brassie #14-20, Zebra Midge #16-20, Jiggy Lightning Bug Black #16-18, Optic Nerve Pheasant Tail #12-16, Jiggy Ruberleg Prince #14-18, OCD Caddis Tan #14-16
    • Dries: Adult GT Adams #14-18, Hi-Viz BWO #14-16, Elk Hair Caddis #12-16, BWO Thorax #14-18, Pav's Elk Butt #14-18, H&L Variant #12-16, Parachute Adams #14-18, Parachute Trico #14-16