Bow River Report
June 25, 2026

Bow River Report

With the water levels coming back down, and the water clearing up, It’s about to get real fun out on the Bow. We have been seeing a good amount of Caddis and Mayfly’s hatching throughout the day, and some fish are starting to eat on the surface. If you can manage a good drift with these higher flow rates you might get some top water eats! As it stands right now drop shot nymphing with worms and stones still seems to be the most effective method, deep and slow streamers presentations are also working. If you don’t like staring at an indicator you can always run a dry dropper rig as well while running a weighted nymph at around 3-4 feet. If you head down to the river, don’t forget your bug spray! The mosquitos are a nightmare right now, Good Luck folks!

How to attack the river:

Nymphing (Most Productive):

Nymphing continues to be the most effective method this week.
Where to Focus:
  • Deflections pools close to shore
  • Slow seams and inside bends
  • Tailouts below riffles
Patterns producing the most right now:
  • Trout Retriever (sizes 14-18)
  • Cheater Belly (size 12-16)
  • San Juan Worms
  • Small leeches
  • Tungsten Ryacophia Czech Nymph (Sizes 12-14)
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 opportunities are limited but not impossible.
Best Bet:
  • Chubby Chernobyl Purple or Patriot (sizes 6-10)
  • Caddis adults (size 12-16)
  • Pale Evening Dun (sizes 14-16)
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:

  • Watch your step and try to avoid wading too deep, the current is strong right now and it is easy to lose your footing.
  • 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: Rocky Mountain Mint Adam's #14-18, Pale Evening Dun #14-16, Elk Hair Caddis #12-16, Midge Emerger #18-20, Pav's Elk Butt #14-18, H&L Variant #12-16, Parachute Adams #14-18, Alex's Biot Parachute Sulphur #14-16