Bow River Guided Trip
About this trip……
Alberta is a special destination with the towering rockies as a back drop and a mixture of the foothills and the open landscape to Alberta’s sprawling prairies. It is often compared to our blue sky neighbor’s to the south.
For over 3 decades we have guided and outfitted on the Bow River, you will be hard pressed to find a staff of Guides harder working, friendly, knowledgeable and more professional then our Guides are. This experience only comes with years on the water, our guides spend as much time with beginners as they do with experienced anglers and are excellent teachers that will exceed your expectations and challenge even the most experienced anglers.
The Bow River of southern Alberta offers the fly fisherman some of the most truly pristine trout waters in the world. Anglers from all over the world travel to Alberta to fish the Bow River. The river has become famous for the strength and above average size of wild rainbow and brown trout along with spectacular hatches.
Serviced internationally by most major airlines, Calgary offers breathtaking adventure and pristine wilderness in our unspoiled backyard. We offer the best of both, you will find a wealth of cultural attractions, festivals, diverse restaurants, specialty shopping and trendy nightspots, at the same time the city’s wide open blue skies and moderate climate beckons outdoor enthusiasts. This is a perfect couples destination.
Let us help plan your next Alberta fly fishing adventure!
Best times of year….
The 50 mile stretch of the Bow just below Calgary fishes best from late April and mid October, with June typically being a month of run off (check with the shop for conditions from year to year).
April/May - Calgary springs can be short and sweet, the temperature will average 11-16C (50-60F). Late April will give way to trout starting to move into their summer haunts, with rainbows making their way up to spawn. Hatches of BWO’s are joined by great caddis hatches in early May. Runoff will generally start by the last week of May.
June - June is generally a month or runoff. Water dirties and rises making it a risky month to visit. Locals can experience some excellent fishing if there is a low snowpack and slow runoff.
July/August - These are by far our busiest months, so make sure to book early!! July can sometimes be rainy but a risk worth taking for our amazing Golden Stone hatch. Water running off color pushes the large fish up against the banks where they are willing to eat streamers, stone dries, caddis and PMD’s. August is terrestrial time with hoppers and ants during the day, and evening caddis, PMD’s and Trico’s. The weather is generally more stable in August with it becoming warmer and less chance of precipitation.
September - Evening temperatures start to drop cooling the river temperature, but still one of the better times for fishing. Early September will still be filled with hopper and caddis, with BWO’s as you get into the later parts of September. Waders and layer are a must as September comes to a close.
October - Fish are starting to fatten up for winter, continuing to eat hoppers and BWO’s on top, but most fish will be taken on nymphs or streamers. The sun starts getting low earlier in the day, so wooly’s are a must.
Successful anglers will be adaptable and be able to fish dries, nymphs and streamers. Hatches of Caddis, Stoneflies, BWO’s, PMD’s and Tricos are prolific and large Terrestrials such as Grasshoppers, Beetles and Ants can bring eager fish to the surface. Large streamers thrown to the bank can produce heart stopping takes that may leave you with broken leaders and burned fingers.
Gear recommendations
For Bow River fishing you will need 5 - 6wt rods, medium fast to fast action is best. 9 ‘ long are most common, 5wt for dries and a 6wt for nymphs and streamers. A good strong smooth disc drag reel to balance the weight or rod with 50 to 100 yards of 20# backing. A floating line for the 5wt rod and a type 5 or 6, 10-15’ sink tip for the 6wt would be a perfect all around set up!! We suggest breathable waders, chest or pant highs, wading boots with felt soles are best for the Bow River. Come prepared for all weather conditions, things can change dramatically during the day.
* Please note that we do not offer half day trips, but are more than willing to work with you and any time constraints you may have.
Full Day Guide Trip - $775/day, 1 or 2 anglers
What’s Included
Lunch, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for the day.
What’s Not Included
5% GST is not included on any trips, licences and gratuities for the guides. Please contact the shop if you have questions regarding gratuities. Please ensure that you have a valid Alberta provincial fishing license which can be purchased through www.albertarelm.com.
Full Day “All In” Guide Trip - $875/day, 1 or 2 anglers
What’s Included
Lunch, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for the day. All rods, reels, waders, boots, flies, leaders and tippet.
What’s Not Included
5% GST is not included on any trips, licences and gratuities for the guides. Please contact the shop if you have questions regarding gratuities. Please ensure that you have a valid Alberta provincial fishing license which can be purchased through www.albertarelm.com.
Terms and Conditions
A fifty percent deposit is required at the time of booking in order to confirm all reservations. Final balance is due sixty days from from trip date. All deposits and/or final payments are non-refundable. Refunds or credits cannot be issued for fishing time lost due to inclement weather. If Iron Bow cancels due to weather or water conditions, you will receive a full refund or we can reschedule at the customers request. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses. Travel insurance is highly recommended.