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

Southern Alberta

Southern Alberta

June 05, 2026

The Crowsnest:

Run-off is here but the fish are still eating, and they are hanging out in some pretty cool spots. With the water levels up the fish have retreated to the shorelines and are sitting in close deflections. If you head down, I would try fishing a hopper dropper set up with a big Salmon Fly on top and a big stonefly nymph on the bottom. You could also just run a double nymph rig with a stone and worm or leech as a second fly. Good luck if you head down!

The Oldman:

The water levels are peaking right now, and the lower stretch is likely going to be quite blown out. If you do head down and fish the Oldman, I would be dead drifting anything big like stoneflies, worms or leech patterns in any deflection close to shore. Slower streamer presentations could also get you some fish, but it might be a bit of a grind. Good luck out there!



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: Cheater Belly (#6-10), San Juan Worms in red or pink; and small Pheasant Tails (#14-16), Ryacophia Czech Nymph(#10-14).

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 out for big bugs on the water, you could see some big eats.

  • Patterns: Christiensen's Salmon Fly(#6), Franklin's Salmon Fly (#6)
  • If you see fish rising chances are they are earing Salmon Flies or Caddis. 

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.
  • Make sure you have good footing when wading in cloudy conditions, and don't wade to deep, the current is strong and you could lose your footing.

      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
      Bow River Report

      Bow River Report

      May 28, 2026

      Run-off is officially here, but don’t worry because there are still opportunities to catch some nice fish in some weird places. If do you head down the river you should be bringing some big streamers with dark colours and a pretty heavy sink tip. If you’re not a fan of streamer fishing don’t worry, drifting a dark stonefly or leech along seams close to shore can also produce some nice fish. The nice thing is you don’t have to worry about casting far, but if you are willing to cover ground and make a lot of casts, you’re bound to run into a fish or two. If you don’t feel like fishing a river that looks like a double-double, you can always head out to Lower Kananaskis lake. By the sounds of it hanging a leech or a grey Chironomid under an indicator on the southeast end of the lake has been quite productive. Good luck if you get out this week!

      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)
      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:

        Weather

        Flow 


        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, Parachute BWO #16-18, Elk Hair Caddis #12-16, Midge Emerger #18-20, Pav's Elk Butt #14-18, H&L Variant #12-16, Parachute Trico #20-22, Last Chance Cripple BWO #18-20
        Southern BC

        Southern BC

        June 30, 2025

        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