Southern Alberta
May 14, 2026

Southern Alberta

Just a reminder Rainbows are spawning, so watch your step!

The Crowsnest: 

The water levels have been fairly consistent on the Crow, so if you’re going to find rising fish anywhere right now it’s likely there. We’ve been seeing lots of Blue Winged Olives out on the water so a well drifted dry on a long leader might entice a few fish to come and take a bite. If you are not seeing any rises though I would stick to nymphing a small baetis or midge pattern, also with the Rainbows spawning right now you might be able to trick some fish on the old egg pattern. If you see any spawning fish, please leave them be so they can make some more fish for us to catch. If you head down this weekend expect some spring winds as well, good luck out there!

The Oldman:

The level on the Old Man is sitting pretty high right now for this time of year, we had a couple customers head down this week and they said it was a bit of a grind with the water levels. The Blue Winged Olives were hatching strong, but they didn’t see any rising fish. If you are going to head down for the weekend, I would be bringing small baetis and midge nymphs along with some worms and eggs to try and coax some fish into eating. Be mindful of where you are wading and keep an eye out for Redd’s.



The Strategies that are getting the job done: 

The water is warming up so you will start to see fish more eager to move, technical stealthy dry fly tactics could get some fish moving. Deep nymphing will stil be the most effective method of chasing fish. 

Nymphing (The High-Percentage Play):

This will be your most productive method. Use a strike indicator or a Euro-nymphing rig.

Patterns: Zebra Midges (#18-22) in black, red, or olive; San Juan Worms in red or pink; and small Pheasant Tails (#18-20), Black Copper John(#14-18).

Pro Tip: You need to “hit them on the nose.” If you aren’t ticking the bottom occasionally, add more split shot. The trout won’t move far to chase a meal in winter.

Mid-Day Dry Fly Opportunity:

On these warm afternoons, keep an eye on the soft seams and back eddies.

  • Patterns: Parachute BWO (#16-20) BWO Thorax (#14-20) Hi-Viz Spinner BWO (#16-20)
  • Pro Tip: Look for “dimpling” rises. If you see fish rising but can’t see the bugs, they are likely taking midge pupae just under the surface film.

Streamers (For the Aggressive Rainbows):

If the wind picks up (common in the Pass), a slow-stripped streamer can trigger a strike.
  • Patterns: Small leeches (black or olive) or Woolly Buggers (#8-12).
  • Pro Tip: Use a sink-tip line and move the fly with very slow, rhythmic pulses rather than fast, erratic strips.

Important Reminders:

  • Regulations: The mainstem from the outlet of Crowsnest Lake to the Cowley Bridge is open all year, but please double-check the 2026 Alberta Guide to ensure no local emergency closures aren't in effect.

Safety Considerations:

  • It's that time of year where the bears start to wake up, I'd bring your bear spray along just to be safe.
  • Day time temps may be deceiving but it is time to start wearing sun screen and UPF blocking clothing.

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

      Weather

      Flow


      Flies:

      • Dries: Parachute BWO #16-20, Parachute Midge #18-22, Hi-Viz Spinner BWO #16-20, BWO Sparkle Dun #16-20
      • Nymphs: Black Copper John #16-18, Peach Fuzz #12-16, Prince Nymph #12-18, Quasimodo Pheasant Tail #14-18, BH Anatomical Green Drake #10-14, BH Prince Nymph Purple #12-18, Jiggy Catch Rubberleg Coffee #8-12, UV Rainbow Czech Nymph #12-16, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #12-18, TB Blowtorch #12-16, Peacock Perdigon #14-18, TB Jiggy Perdigon Black El Tigre #14-18, Riffle Drifter Olive #14-18, BH Glo-Bug Light Roe #12-#14
      • Streamers: Skiddish Smolt Brown #8, Wilson's Sparkle Minnow #6, Jointed Urchin White #4, Bow River Bugger Brown #6, Rio's LE Marabou Leech Black or Olive #4, Balanced Leech Claret #10, Foxy Clouser #4, Clouser Minnow #6, Flashabou Bugger Peacock/Brown #6-10, Hale Bopp Leech Black #8-10