Iron Bow Fly Shop

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 - $725/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 - $825/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 recommended.