Walk & WADE TRIPS

Walk & WADE TRIPS

About this trip……

A short 1 to 2 hour drive from Calgary are hundreds of miles of Blue Ribbon creeks and streams that wind their way down off the eastern slopes of the rockies through the foothills and out onto the sprawling Alberta prairies. It is these streams and creeks that offer anglers some of the best fly fishing opportunities in North America. If you are looking for a more remote fishing opportunity that offers exceptional fishing, lack of crowds and spectacular scenery on lesser known small streams, spring creeks and rivers, this will meet even the most experienced anglers expectations!!

Most of Southern Alberta’s mountain creeks and streams don’t open until mid June and will generally fish well until they close in October.

The Oldman River and tributarities offers excellent opportunities to walk and wade small to mid size freestone streams teeming with cutthroat, rainbow, bulls and brown trout. They provide superb fishing for the new angler with consistent summer hatches offering dry fly fishing through to the fall. Chances at large bull trout on skillfully placed, aggressively stripped streamers are an added bonus.

Because of altitude and weather conditions these southern streams are on fire from July through September. Streams open June 16th during run-off but you can expect Golden Stones right through the end of June and July. Late June through to early August you can expect great Green Drake hatches. Hatches of PMD’s, BWO’s and Caddis keep the fishing interesting during the summer months. From late July on you will need your Ant and Hopper patterns.

The Red Deer River tributaries offer some of the best brown trout streams in North America, and these streams can offer great opportunities if fished with a guide. The key to these brown trout streams is the local knowledge, private access, and expertise of a guide, which is essential to a positive fishing experience. Fish average between 15”-20” with chances at truly trophy browns.

These foothills streams start to fish with great regularity from May on, with early season hatches of Stone Flies, Golden, Salmon, and Skwala’s. Brown and Green Drakes, Caddis, PMD’s, BWO’s and Trico’s bring these fish to the surface. Many fish are taken on large streamer patterns as well. Later summer and early fall give way to fish aggressively taking Caddis, Water Boatman and terrestrials off the surface. The right hatch will bring almost every brown trout in a pool to the surface, you’ll want to be here for that!!

Anglers should be proficient casters of at least intermediate to expert skill level and in good physical condition to maximize this experience on these brown trout streams. Successful anglers will be adaptable and be able to fish dries, nymphs and streamers.

Gear recommendations

For small stream fishing you will need a 3 - 5wt rod, medium to fast action for a more delicate presentation. A 4wt would be the perfect set-up. If you are looking to land a big Bull Trout, bring a 7wt with a sink tip and your largest streamers. Leave the brightly colored lines at home, many manufacturer’s make line specific for this application. Bright clothing should stay in the closet as well, it could be the difference between catching and not catching!! Bring colors that blend in with the background, camo works great!! 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 Walk and Wade Trip - $800/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 optional 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 - $900/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 optional 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 recommende

Fishing Reports

Bow River Report

Bow River Report

Brown Trout start spawning this time of year, be mindful of where you are wading and angling!

The fishing on the Bow really slowed down with the overnight temps dropping. Blue Winged Olives and Midge make up the bulk of what’s hatching right now, so if you see any rising fish later in the day it is likely eating one of those. That being said you can still get some eats on terrestrial patterns this late in the year, just keep them small. It’s sounding like the most effective rig on the bow right now is a either a leech or worm paired with a small Baetis imitation like a Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail or Prince Nymph. Another great option to fish in the later season is a small streamer with a Water Boatman pattern tied in behind it. You’ll want to swing that right into shore and fish tend to eat that Boatman pattern very close to shore. Keep in mind that the Brown trout are starting their spawning season. If you see fish just hanging out in the open, or in shallow water with clear patches of gravel, it’s recommended to leave them alone and let them spawn. Keep an eye out where you are wading as well, you don’t want to go stomping around on those fresh spawning beds. The forecast for the coming looks great for fishing, good luck if you head out this weekend!

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
    Southern Alberta

    Southern Alberta

    The Crowsnest:

    We’re back on the tiny fly grind! It’s mostly BWO’s and Midge hatching these days, which can make for some picky eaters. Keep your dries tiny and your tippet light if you want to target the fish on top water. Small Baetis and Midge patterns work great on the Crow if you are nymphing during the daytime, and there should be some Water Boatman scooting around in the shallows as well. With the growing Brown Trout population in the Crow keep an eye out for spawning fish in the open and clear patches of gravel and give them lots of space. Good luck if you head down this weekend!

    The Oldman:

    The hatches in the western streams are starting to dwindle with the colder nighttime temps. It sounds like fishing small BWO and Rusty Spinner patterns were working the best for top water action. You can still get some terrestrial action as well, but you are going to want to target the top water later in the day when the water warms up and the fish become more active. Nymphing small Baetis patterns and worms will normally work in the daytime if they aren’t looking up. I would also have some big streamers on me as the Bull Trout should be wrapping up any day now and they are going to be hungry and looking to bulk up before winter hits! If you head down this weekend, enjoy the great weather and good luck!



    The Strategies that are getting the job done: 

    Streamer and nymph fishing if working best in the mornings while we wait for the water temps to warm up. Afternoon dry fly and hopper fishing can be really effective right now, but don't be afraid to throw a dropper on cause sometimes that gets the fish looking up. 

    Nymphing (The High-Percentage Play):

    Most effective method in the morning, get those flies down where the fish are: G Stone (#10-14), Jiggy Baetis (#16-18); and small Pheasant Tails or Copper Johns (#14-16), Ryacophia Czech Nymph(#10-14) Dee's Water Boatman (#14-18)

    Pro Tip: You need to “hit them on the nose.” If you aren’t ticking the bottom occasionally, add more split shot. 

    Mid-Day Dry Fly Opportunity:

    When the water warms up the fish are definitely more active. Try smaller attractor style flies, and Cutties love to eat Ants!

    • Patterns: Hi-Viz Cinnamon Ant(#12-16), Hi-Viz Parachute BWO (#14-18) Hopper Skippy (#8-12) Missing Link Caddis (#12-16) Pav's Cinnamon Toast Ant (#12-14) Monster Beetle (#8-12) Juicy Hopper (#8-12)

    Streamers (For the Aggressive Rainbows and Bulls):

    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) Catch's 4x4 White (#1/0-4) Skiddish Smolt Olive or Brown, Dolly Llama  Pink and Flesh, Cranfords Pandora's Box
    • Pro Tip: Use a sink-tip line and move the fly with very slow, rhythmic pulses rather than fast, erratic strips.

    Safety Considerations:

    • Bears are out in full force, keep an eye out for berry patches, and they can find there way down to the water in the heat of the day. 
    • Stay hydrated in this heat, the cramps and headaches can sneak up on you pretty quick.

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

        Weather

        Flow


        Flies:

        • Dries: Hi-Viz Parachute PMD #16-20, Parachute Midge #18-22, X Caddis Tan #14-18, Pav's Elk Butt #14-18, Ninche's Hangman PMD #16-18, Rocky Mountain Mint Purple #14-18, D&D Cripple PMD #14-18 Snowshoe Caddis Tan #14-16, Donan's Water Walker Golden Stone #8-12, Kenny's Killer Queen Ant #12-16
        • 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, 
        • Streamers: Skiddish Smolt Brown #8, Wilson's Sparkle Minnow #6, Jointed Urchin White #4, Cranford's Pandoras Box, 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
        Southern BC

        Southern BC

        The Elk and its surrounding waters have started off strong this year! The fish are feeding on everything we hope for, making it an ideal beginning to the season. We hope this trend continues throughout the summer. However, there are some concerns regarding water levels and temperatures. Currently, the water conditions are acceptable for mid-season, which has allowed for a more spread-out fishing experience. The fish are hiding in their usual cutthroat spots.

        Bull trout fishing is expected to pick up towards the end of the month. Moving forward, it will be important to keep an eye on the weather forecast and water levels to ensure that the Kootenay Valley doesn’t experience any extreme fluctuations.

        When it comes to bug hatches, having the right flies in your tackle box will significantly improve your chances of success. Currently, the following bug hatches are expected:

        • Golden Stones: Sizes 6-10
        • Green Drakes: Larger sizes this year, particularly sizes 10 and 12
        • Pale Morning Duns (PMDs): Sizes 14 and 16
        • Ants and Beetles: Flying ants in sizes 12-16, along with small beetle imitations around size 12
        • Grey Drakes: Similar sizes to the green drakes, with a focus on size 12
        • Hoppers: Though not yet out, they should be appearing soon if the weather continues to heat up.

        With the right bugs, you should have a successful outing. Remember to cover a good amount of water, as the fish are dispersed across their usual hiding spots. Keep an eye on the surface; cutthroats will reveal themselves if they are feeding on top. Even if they are eating nymphs, there’s a good chance they won't be deep—look for them in the top third of the water column, as we would expect.

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

        Weather

        Flow

         Flies:

        • Streamers: McClure's Kill Whitey Mottled Tan #1/0, SexDungeon White #2, Dolly Lama Flesh/Tan as well as Pink/White #2 or #6, CH Sparkle Minnow Pink #6, Yo Mama's Lama Tan #2 or #4, Skerik’s Apex Predator Pink #5/0, Skerik's Public Flasher Pink or Grey #2, Trick or Treat White/Pink #2/0, Brayden's Musky Killer Chartreuse/Black #5/0, Menage a Dungeon Olive/Yellow #4
        • Nymphs: Optic Nerve Pheasant Tail #12-16, Purple Prince Nymph #14-16, Dirty Hipster Olive #10-14, Tungsten Jig Assassin #12 and 14, TJ Rainbow Assassin #12-16, TJ's Hooker Black/Coffee #8-12, Bloom's Tung Dart #12-16, Drag Queen #14, Tung Stud #12-18, Copper John Green #12-16, BH Anatomical Green Drake #10-14, TB Jiggy Knuckle Dragger Olive #10-16, and Tungsten Jig Yellow Sally
        • Dries: Gt Adult Adams #12-18, Royal Trude #12-17, Better Sweater Adams #12, KGB Green Drake #12, Tilt Wing Green Drake #10-12, Parachute PMD #12-16, Foam back Sparkle Dun PMD #12-16, Water Walker Peanut #6-12, Dornan's Micro Water Walker Golden Stone #10-16, YFG's Fat Frank Grape #6-10, Humpy Chernobyl Red #12-16, Improved Mega Ant #12-16, Hi-vis Flying Ant Cinnamon #12-18

        For more information or to book your Southern Alberta adventure

        Email or call us at 403-288-3474