Fall Fly Fishing - Bow River Fly Fishing

Navigating June High Water: How to Catch Bow River Trout During Runoff

June on the Bow River is a test of patience, skill, and adaptability. While most anglers dream of gin-clear water and predictable hatches, the reality of early summer in southern Alberta is a river swollen with snowmelt, stained the color of chocolate milk, and pushing flows that can double or triple their baseflow levels in a matter of days. But here’s the thing most people get wrong: runoff season doesn’t mean the fishing shuts down.

The trout are still there, still eating, and often concentrated in predictable spots that a prepared angler can target with confidence. Catching Bow River trout during high water requires adjustments to your approach, your flies, your rigging, and your expectations, but the rewards can be surprisingly good. Some of the biggest brown trout of the year are caught during these turbid weeks, pushed out of the main current and feeding aggressively in the margins. If you’re willing to adapt, June can deliver some of the most memorable days you’ll have on any Alberta river.

Understanding June Runoff and Bow River Hydrology

The Bow River’s June personality is shaped by forces that begin thousands of meters above it. Snowpack in the Rocky Mountain headwaters, accumulated from October through May, begins its annual release as daytime temperatures consistently push above 10°C. This melt feeds tributaries like the Cascade, Spray, and Kananaskis rivers, each contributing to a surge that builds through late May and typically peaks between mid-June and early July. In 2026, with snowpack levels tracking near historical averages across the Bow basin, anglers should expect the classic pattern: a gradual rise starting in late May, a sustained peak through most of June, and a slow recession heading into July.

Rain events compound the picture. A warm June rain falling on an already-melting snowpack can spike flows dramatically within 24 hours. The Bow at Calgary can jump from 150 cubic meters per second to over 350 in a matter of days during these combined events. Understanding this hydrology isn’t academic: it directly determines where the fish will be and how you need to fish for them.

The Impact of Snowpack Melt and Rain on Water Clarity

Water clarity during runoff is the single biggest factor affecting your fly selection and presentation. The Bow typically drops to less than 30 centimeters of visibility during peak runoff, meaning trout are relying heavily on lateral line detection and silhouette recognition rather than sight feeding. Glacial silt and suspended sediment from tributary drainages create a milky, grey-green turbidity that differs from the brown, organic stain you’d see after a localized rain event.

This distinction matters. Glacial turbidity tends to be finer and more persistent, meaning the river can stay off-color for weeks even after flows begin to drop. Rain-driven turbidity, by contrast, often clears within 48 to 72 hours. Checking the real-time hydrometric data from Water Survey of Canada stations at Cochrane and Calgary gives you a reliable picture of what you’ll encounter. When flows are dropping and clarity is improving, even by a few centimeters per day, fishing quality improves dramatically.

Identifying Safe Flow Rates for Wading and Boating

Safety is non-negotiable during high water. The Bow at flows above 250 cubic meters per second becomes extremely dangerous for wading anglers, and even experienced drift boat operators need to exercise serious caution above 300. At peak runoff, flows can exceed 400 cubic meters per second, and the river carries significant debris: logs, root balls, and other hazards that can appear with little warning.

For wading, stick to flows under 200 cubic meters per second, and even then, confine yourself to well-known shallow bars and bank edges where you can maintain solid footing. A wading staff isn’t optional during June: it’s essential. For drift boats, experienced rowers can safely operate at higher flows, but the margin for error shrinks considerably. Walk and wade trips become the smart choice during many June days, keeping you on stable ground while accessing productive bank water that boat anglers often blow past.

This is one reason guided walk and wade trips, like those offered by outfitters based near Calgary, are so effective during runoff: they put you exactly where the fish are without the risks of navigating heavy current from a boat.

Locating Trout in High-Volume Current

Finding trout in a blown-out river is fundamentally different from fishing during normal flows. The fish aren’t holding in their usual lies. The main current seams, riffles, and mid-river runs that produce so well in July and August are largely vacant during peak runoff because the energy cost of holding in that heavy flow exceeds the caloric benefit of any food drifting past. Trout are economic creatures. They relocate to spots where they can hold comfortably while still intercepting food, and these spots are overwhelmingly along the river’s margins.

Targeting the Soft Water Margins and River Banks

During high water, the first three meters of water along each bank become the most productive zone on the entire river. Trout stack up in the slow current created by bank friction, tucking behind rocks, root wads, and any structure that breaks the flow. Grassy undercut banks, which the Bow has in abundance, become prime holding water as the river pushes into vegetation that’s normally above the waterline.

Fish these margins methodically. Start tight to the bank and work outward, covering the water in strips. Many anglers make the mistake of casting too far into the current, dragging their flies through the productive zone too quickly. Keep your presentations close: sometimes the fish are literally within a rod length of the bank. Look for subtle current breaks, foam lines that track along the shore, and any spot where faster water meets a pocket of calm. Terrestrial insects get washed into the river along these edges, giving trout a reliable food source even when aquatic insect activity is suppressed by turbidity.

Finding Fish in Backeddies and Side Channels

Backeddies are June gold. These recirculating pools form downstream of points, bridge abutments, and large boulders, and they collect both food and fish. During runoff, a single good backeddy can hold a dozen or more trout, all facing into the swirling current and picking off nymphs, worms, and debris. The key is reading the eddy’s current pattern: fish tend to hold along the seam where the eddy current meets the main flow, facing upstream into the recirculation.

Side channels deserve special attention during high water. Many of the Bow’s braided sections create secondary channels that carry a fraction of the main river’s flow. These channels often maintain better clarity because they’re fed by slower, filtered water. Fish push into these channels specifically to escape the heavy main current, and the reduced flow makes wading safer and presentations easier. If you know the Bow’s geography, you can identify these channels on satellite imagery before you even leave home. They’re worth the walk to reach.

Effective Fly Patterns and Rigging for Dirty Water

Your fly box for June runoff should look nothing like your summer dry fly collection. Visibility is the overriding concern: if the fish can’t see your fly or sense its movement, nothing else matters. This means bigger, darker, and flashier patterns across the board. Subtlety is for August. June demands flies that push water, throw a visible silhouette, and get down to where the trout are holding.

Sizing Up: Large Streamers and High-Visibility Nymphs

Streamers in sizes 2 through 6 are your primary search tool during heavy runoff. Patterns like woolly buggers in black or olive, Circus Peanuts, and Sex Dungeons in dark color combinations produce consistently because they create a large profile that trout can detect through turbid water. Add flash: a few strands of holographic tinsel or a flashy bead head makes a measurable difference when visibility is under 30 centimeters.

For nymph fishing, scale up to sizes 6 through 10. Rubber-legged stonefly patterns, large Prince Nymphs, and Pat’s Rubber Legs are all proven producers. The rubber legs create movement and vibration that trout can sense even when they can’t see the fly clearly. Use tungsten beadheads in black or copper to get weight and a visible flash point at the head of the fly. Hot spots of fluorescent orange or chartreuse on the thorax help with detection in murky conditions.

The Worm and Stonefly Strategy

If there’s a single most effective rig for Bow River runoff, it’s a large stonefly nymph trailed by a San Juan Worm. This combination works because it mimics exactly what’s happening in the river: stonefly nymphs get dislodged by heavy flows, and earthworms wash into the river from saturated banks. Trout gorge on both during June.

Run a size 6 or 8 Pat’s Rubber Legs as your point fly, with 30 to 40 centimeters of 3X or 4X fluorocarbon tippet dropping to a size 8 or 10 San Juan Worm in red or wine. The stonefly provides weight and acts as an attractor, while the worm trailing behind it picks up fish that follow the larger fly but commit to the smaller, more natural-looking trailer. This rig accounts for a disproportionate number of June trout, and it’s simple enough for anglers of any experience level to fish effectively.

Technical Adjustments for Heavy Flows

Standard nymphing setups that work beautifully during summer flows will fail you during runoff. The increased volume and velocity of the current demand modifications to your leader, weight, and presentation technique. Getting your flies into the strike zone, which during high water is often the bottom 15 centimeters of the water column, requires deliberate adjustments.

Using Sink Tips and Heavy Split Shot to Reach the Zone

For streamer fishing, a full floating line won’t cut it. Switch to a sink-tip line with a 10 to 15 foot sinking section rated at 4 to 6 inches per second. This gets your streamer down into the zone quickly, especially when casting into deeper bank pockets and backeddies. If you don’t own a dedicated sink-tip, a poly leader in extra-fast sink is a reasonable substitute that you can loop onto your floating line.

For nymphing, weight is everything. Use enough split shot to tick the bottom consistently: typically two or three BB-sized shot placed 20 to 30 centimeters above your point fly. Set your indicator at roughly 1.5 times the water depth. If you’re fishing a bank slot that’s a meter deep, your indicator should be about 1.5 meters above your lowest fly. Don’t be afraid to add weight until you’re occasionally snagging bottom: that’s how you know you’re in the zone. Losing a few flies to the rocks is the cost of doing business in June.

Short-Leash Nymphing Techniques for Tight Quarters

Euro-style nymphing and tight-line techniques shine during runoff because they give you direct contact with your flies and allow precise control in the tight quarters where fish are holding. With a 10 or 11 foot nymph rod, you can high-stick through bank pockets, undercuts, and eddy seams while maintaining a tight connection that lets you feel subtle takes.

Keep your leader simple: a section of 20-pound butt material, a sighter section of bi-colored monofilament, and a tippet section of 4X fluorocarbon. Total leader length should be roughly 1.5 times your rod length. Lead your flies downstream with the rod tip, maintaining just enough tension to feel the bottom and detect strikes. In dirty water, trout often take aggressively, so the strikes aren’t always subtle, but the direct connection of tight-line nymphing ensures you detect even the softer grabs that an indicator rig might miss.

Safety Protocols and Essential High-Water Gear

June’s high water demands respect. Every year, anglers underestimate the power of the Bow during runoff, and the consequences range from lost gear to genuine danger. A few non-negotiable rules will keep you safe and fishing. Wear a wading belt cinched tight at all times: it prevents your waders from filling with water if you go down. Carry a wading staff and actually use it, planting it before each step in any water above your knees. Check current advisories, fish with a partner whenever possible, and let someone know your plan and expected return time. A whistle attached to your vest is a simple safety measure that could save your life.

Your gear list for June should include studded wading boots for grip on algae-slicked rocks, a rain jacket regardless of the forecast, polarized glasses with amber or copper lenses that improve contrast in turbid water, and a landing net with a rubber bag for quick, fish-friendly releases. Speaking of releases: during high water, trout are already stressed by elevated flows and reduced oxygen in warmer, sediment-heavy water. Keep fish in the water as much as possible, wet your hands before handling, support them horizontally, and limit photo time to under 10 seconds. These fish need every advantage you can give them.

High-Water Alternatives: Back-Up Rivers Near Calgary

If the Bow is running too high or too dirty for your comfort level, consider nearby alternatives. The Sheep River, roughly 45 minutes south of Calgary, holds populations of brown trout, rainbow trout, and bull trout in a smaller, more wadeable setting. The Highwood River, about 90 minutes southwest, offers excellent cutthroat and bull trout fishing and often clears faster than the Bow due to its smaller watershed. The Oldman River system, roughly two hours south near Lethbridge, provides outstanding brown and rainbow trout fishing and frequently runs clearer during peak Bow runoff because its tributaries drain different terrain. Each of these rivers offers quality walk and wade fishing that can save a trip when the Bow isn’t cooperating.

Making the Most of Runoff Season

June high water on the Bow isn’t a reason to stay home: it’s a reason to sharpen your skills and fish smarter. The trout are concentrated, often feeding aggressively, and the crowds thin out because most anglers wait for the postcard conditions of late summer. By targeting soft water margins, fishing big flies on heavy rigs, and respecting the river’s power, you can turn what many consider the worst month on the Bow into some of your best fishing.

If you want to accelerate your learning curve and fish with someone who knows exactly where the trout hold during every stage of runoff, consider booking a guided trip with Bow River Fly Fishing. Their walk and wade packages are perfectly suited for June conditions, putting you on productive water with expert instruction tailored to your skill level. Book your trip today and experience what the Bow has to offer, even when it’s running high and dirty.

Best Fly Fishing Packages in Calgary This Autumn

September 25, 2025/in Bow River, Calgary, Fall Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing Lessons, Fly Fishing Tips

Why Autumn is Prime on the Bow River

Seasonal Scenery and Mild Temperatures

Autumn along the Bow River is nothing short of spectacular. As the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange, red, and gold, the riverbanks transform into a painter’s palette. Mild temperatures make for comfortable days on the water, perfect for those who prefer to avoid the summer heat or the biting chill of winter. The crisp air invigorates both anglers and fish alike, creating an ideal environment for fly fishing enthusiasts.

Calgary’s proximity to the Bow River means you can enjoy this stunning seasonal shift without a long trek. The river itself is renowned globally as one of the best freshwater trout rivers on the planet, making it a top destination for anglers seeking prime autumn fishing experiences.

Fish Behavior in Cooler Months

As the water cools, trout become more active, feeding aggressively to prepare for the winter months. This behavior makes autumn an excellent time to fish, as trout are eager to chase a well-presented fly. The Bow River’s clear, cold waters offer excellent visibility, allowing anglers to spot rising fish and tailor their approach accordingly.

Additionally, the cooler months bring about changes in insect hatches, which influence trout feeding patterns. Understanding these seasonal shifts can significantly improve your catch rate, and that’s where expert guides come in handy.

Overview of Our Fly Fishing Packages

What Sets Our Autumn Adventures Apart

Our fly fishing packages in Calgary this autumn are designed to cater to every skill level, from complete beginners to seasoned anglers looking to sharpen their skills. With access to the Bow River and nearby smaller streams like the Sheep River, Oldman River, and Highwood River, you’ll experience diverse fishing environments all within a short drive from Calgary.

Each package is thoughtfully crafted to combine expert guidance, stunning natural settings, and the thrill of fly fishing. Whether you want a relaxed half-day float or an immersive two-day boot camp, there’s something here to match your pace and passion.

Beginners Fishing Lessons

Autumn Advantages for New Anglers

Starting your fly fishing journey in autumn offers several perks. The mild weather reduces the discomfort of learning outdoors, and the active trout increase your chances of success, which can be incredibly encouraging for beginners. Plus, the smaller crowds compared to summer mean more personalized attention from your guide.

Our beginner lessons focus on building confidence and foundational skills in a supportive environment. You’ll learn essential casting techniques, fly selection, and how to read the water—all while enjoying the peaceful autumn scenery.

Half-Day Beginner Lesson Float

Focusing on Fundamentals in Prime Conditions

The half-day beginner lesson float is perfect for those who want a comprehensive introduction without committing to a full day. Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll float down calm sections of the Bow River, practicing casting and presentation techniques in real-time.

This package offers a hands-on approach that balances instruction with plenty of fishing time. It’s an ideal way to get your feet wet and your line in the water during one of the best seasons for trout fishing.

“Level Up” Intermediate Lessons

Perfecting Skills as Fish Patterns Change

For anglers who already know the basics, our “Level Up” intermediate lessons provide an opportunity to refine techniques and adapt to the changing fish behavior of autumn. You’ll learn advanced casting methods, reading subtle cues in the water, and selecting flies that match the season’s insect activity.

These lessons are tailored to help you increase your catch rate and enjoy the challenge of fishing during a dynamic time of year. Plus, the expert guidance ensures you’re fishing smarter, not harder.

Walk & Wade Alberta’s Rivers

Why Autumn is Ideal for Walk & Wade Trips

The Walk & Wade fishing experience offers a more intimate connection with Alberta’s rivers. Instead of floating downstream, you’ll explore wade-friendly sections of the Bow River and nearby streams like the Sheep River, Oldman River, and Highwood River. This style of fishing allows for stealthy approaches to trout, often yielding better results.

Autumn’s lower water levels and cooler temperatures make wading safer and more comfortable. Plus, the peaceful surroundings and stunning fall colors create a serene backdrop for your adventure.

Each of these rivers offers unique characteristics:

Sheep River: Located about 45 minutes southwest of Calgary, the Sheep River is known for its clear waters and healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout. Its smaller size makes it perfect for walk & wade trips that emphasize technique and stealth.
Oldman River: Roughly two hours south of Calgary, the Oldman River offers a more rugged fishing experience with larger trout species and diverse habitats. It’s a great choice for anglers looking to explore beyond the Bow River’s boundaries.
Highwood River: About an hour’s drive west of Calgary, the Highwood River is famed for its scenic mountain views and excellent cutthroat trout fishing. Its varied flow and structure provide exciting challenges for walk & wade enthusiasts.

Walk & Wade trips guided by Bow River Fly Fishing Company emphasize personalized instruction and access to less crowded waters, enhancing your autumn fly fishing experience.

The Bow River Boot Camp (Two Days)

Benefits of Two Consecutive Days in Fall

The Bow River Boot Camp is an immersive two-day experience designed to accelerate your learning and maximize your time on the water. Autumn’s consistent weather and active fish make it an ideal season for this intensive approach.

Spending consecutive days fishing allows you to apply lessons learned immediately, observe changing conditions, and develop a deeper understanding of trout behavior. It’s a fast track to becoming a more confident and skilled angler.

Immersive Learning During Peak Fishing

This package combines classroom-style instruction with hands-on fishing, covering everything from fly selection to advanced casting techniques. The fall season’s dynamic insect hatches and feeding patterns provide a rich learning environment, ensuring every moment on the river is packed with insight and opportunity.

Full-Day Fishing Adventure

Making the Most of Shorter Days

Autumn days are shorter, but that doesn’t mean less fishing time. Our full-day fishing adventure is carefully timed to make the most of prime daylight hours, starting early and wrapping up with plenty of daylight to spare.

This package offers a balanced mix of floating and wading, allowing you to experience different parts of the Bow River and its surroundings. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll have ample opportunity to catch trout while soaking in the breathtaking fall scenery.

Half-Day or Evening Adventure

Scenic Sunsets and Cool Evenings on the Water

For those with limited time or who prefer a more relaxed pace, the half-day or evening adventure is a perfect fit. Autumn sunsets along the Bow River are truly magical, casting golden light over the water and creating an unforgettable fishing atmosphere.

Evening fishing can be especially productive as trout often feed more actively during cooler twilight hours. Coupled with the peaceful ambiance of the river at dusk, this package offers a memorable way to end your day in Calgary’s great outdoors.

…ienced angler looking for new challenges, Calgary’s autumn fly fishing packages offer something special. With world-class rivers, expert guides, and stunning seasonal beauty, your next fishing adventure is just a cast away.

Large Group & Corporate Outings

Team Building in Calgary’s Autumn Wilderness

Autumn in Calgary offers the perfect backdrop for large group and corporate fly fishing outings. The crisp air, vibrant fall colors, and tranquil waterways create an ideal setting for team building that goes beyond the usual conference room experience. Whether your group is looking to strengthen bonds or simply enjoy a day of outdoor adventure, fly fishing packages around Calgary provide a unique blend of relaxation and challenge.

Many companies choose the Bow River Fly Fishing Company for their outings, thanks to their expert guides and tailored experiences. Located just a short drive from Calgary, the Bow River is world-renowned as one of the best freshwater trout rivers on the planet, making it a prime destination for both novice and experienced anglers.

Wildlife Viewing and Fall Colors for Groups

Aside from fishing, autumn is a spectacular time for wildlife viewing. Groups often spot deer, eagles, and other native species along the riverbanks. The surrounding foliage bursts into fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, enhancing the scenic beauty and making every cast feel like part of a postcard. This immersive natural experience adds a memorable layer to any corporate retreat or group outing.

Gift Certificates for Fall Fishing

Giving Memories During the Best Season

Looking for a gift that stands out? Gift certificates for fly fishing trips in Calgary are an excellent choice, especially during autumn. They offer the recipient a chance to explore Alberta’s stunning waterways and enjoy the peacefulness of the season. The Bow River Fly Fishing Company, celebrating its ninth year, has introduced new fly fishing trips that make gift-giving both thoughtful and adventurous.

Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or just a special surprise, these certificates can be redeemed for guided trips that include gear, expert instruction, and access to some of the best fishing spots in the region. It’s a gift that promises memories and stories for years to come.

What’s Included in Every Package This Autumn

Gear, Guides, and Local Knowledge

Every fly fishing package in Calgary’s autumn season includes top-quality gear and the expertise of seasoned guides. Bow River Fly Fishing Company provides all necessary equipment, from rods and reels to flies tailored for the season’s trout behavior. Their guides bring decades of local knowledge, ensuring you fish the right spots at the right times.

Understanding the nuances of Alberta’s rivers is crucial, especially as water temperatures drop and fish patterns shift. Guides help anglers adapt their techniques, making the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.

Safety and Comfort for Changing Weather

Autumn weather in Calgary can be unpredictable, swinging from sunny and mild to chilly and wet. Packages include safety gear and advice on layering clothing to keep comfortable throughout the day. Waders, boots, and weather-appropriate apparel are part of the outfitting, ensuring that anglers stay warm and dry.

Guides also prioritize safety, monitoring river conditions and weather forecasts closely. This vigilance allows for a flexible itinerary that maximizes fishing time while minimizing risks, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

Booking Your Trip and What to Expect

Planning for Peak Fall Conditions

Autumn is a peak season for fly fishing in Calgary, with increased angler interest reflected in online searches and bookings. To secure your spot, it’s wise to book well in advance, especially for weekends and group outings. The Bow River Fly Fishing Company’s website offers an easy booking system for their walk-and-wade and boat trips, with clear information on availability and package options.

Expect cooler mornings and evenings, with fishing often best during mid-day when fish are more active. Guides will advise on the best times to fish and the flies to use, ensuring you’re prepared for the seasonal shifts.

Communicating Preferences and Special Requests

When booking, don’t hesitate to communicate any special requests or preferences. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, have dietary restrictions for included meals, or want to focus on a particular river or fish species, the team is happy to accommodate. Their goal is to create a personalized experience that matches your group’s interests and skill levels.

Clear communication helps guides prepare the right gear and plan the most rewarding routes, enhancing your overall trip satisfaction.

Autumn Fishing Ethics and Conservation

Catch-and-Release Best Practices

Respecting the environment is a cornerstone of fly fishing culture, especially on Alberta’s prized rivers. Autumn is a sensitive time for trout as they prepare for winter, so catch-and-release practices are strongly encouraged. Proper handling techniques minimize stress on the fish, helping preserve healthy populations for future seasons.

Guides demonstrate how to carefully unhook and release fish, emphasizing quick and gentle methods. This stewardship ensures that the Bow River and its neighboring waterways remain sustainable fishing destinations.

Respecting Seasonal Regulations

Each river has specific regulations that protect fish habitats and spawning cycles. In autumn, certain areas may have restrictions or seasonal closures to safeguard trout during critical periods. It’s important to follow these rules, which guides will explain before and during your trip.

Adhering to regulations not only preserves the ecosystem but also enhances the quality of your fishing experience by maintaining balanced fish populations.

Watch our video below!

Frequently Asked Questions About Autumn Trips

What Do I Need to Pack for a Fall Fly Fishing Adventure?

Packing for autumn fishing in Calgary means preparing for variable weather. Essential items include layered clothing, waterproof jackets, insulated gloves, and a warm hat. Even if your package provides waders and boots, bringing comfortable base layers and quick-dry shirts is recommended.

Don’t forget sunscreen and polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and protect your eyes. A small backpack for snacks, water, and personal items will keep you comfortable throughout the day.

How Can I Book for the Best Autumn Fishing Experience?

To enjoy the best fly fishing packages this autumn, aim to book your trip at least a few weeks in advance. The Bow River Fly Fishing Company’s popularity, especially during peak fall colors and optimal fishing conditions, means spots fill quickly. Early booking also allows for better customization of your experience, ensuring guides can tailor trips to your group’s needs and preferences.

Late September through October is generally the prime window, when trout are actively feeding before winter and the scenery is at its most vibrant.

Fly fishing in Calgary this autumn offers an unforgettable blend of sport, nature, and camaraderie. With expert guides, flexible packages, and stunning rivers like the Bow, Sheep, Oldman, and Highwood, anglers of all levels can find their perfect adventure. Whether you’re planning a corporate outing, gifting a memorable experience, or seeking a personal escape, Calgary’s fly fishing scene is ready to welcome you this fall.

Ready to make your autumn one to remember? Book your trip with Bow River Fly Fishing today and let’s get you on the water!

A Look Back at the 2024 Fly Fishing Season on the Bow River

November 18, 2024/in Beginners Fly Fishing, Bow River, Drift Boat Fishing, Fall Fly Fishing, Fishing Trips in Alberta, Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing Lessons, Fly Fishing Resource, Spring Fly Fishing, Summer Fly Fishing

By Scott Smith, Lead Guide

Reflecting on a Memorable 2024 Fly Fishing Season

The 2024 season has come and gone way too quickly. Thank you to all our guests, guides, and partners for allowing us to avoid real jobs and get on the water every day! Mother Nature kept river flows steady, water temps cooler, and thwarted the drought conditions we were expecting. Healthy, thick, line-ripping trout let us know they also appreciated the stable conditions. Here’s to big snow in the Rockies this winter!

Grateful for Returning Guests and Community Support

I am beyond grateful for all our returning guests! I was kept extremely busy this season, mostly because you came back for more! Several of you came out for multiple guided days in 2024, which means I need new boat jokes. I’m working on new material in the off-season, so be ready!

We have a fantastic guiding community on the Bow River. As an independent outfitter, we often collaborate with other outfitters and guides for group trips or when our staff guides are fully booked. This community spirit was essential, especially during the busy 2024 season. We’re thankful to work in this vibrant fly fishing community!

Most Popular Fly Fishing Trips of 2024

By far, our most popular float trip was the Half Day Beginner Float, which we’ll continue to offer. We love getting people into our sport, and this is a great place to start. A close second is the Bow River Boot Camp. This combination of our introductory lesson package with a half-day float became a real hit during 2024. I had a ton of fun teaching this past season, and it was great to see so many of our guests on the river afterward, practicing skills and enjoying time on the water.

Advice for Beginners: Keep at It!

The best piece of advice I can give anyone starting out in this sport is to keep at it. Grab that fly rod and figure it out. Make a mess. Find out what you can and can’t do, and always return to the fundamentals to correct casting mistakes. You’ll soon learn to move your feet and where to place that fly for the best drift.

Build Your Fly Fishing Skills and Knowledge

Learn your knots so you can quickly change your fly selection or adjust the size of your bug. Soon, you’ll understand why depth matters more than fly selection, and you’ll figure out how and why to fish one rig over another. While there’s plenty of information available, nothing beats getting out the door and onto the water.

Find Your Fly Fishing Community

My second piece of advice is to find your people. I’ve been fortunate to build friendships with great fly fishers and even better people. Some of the best relationships start with, “You Fly Fish?” There are several clubs and groups you can join to connect with like-minded anglers:

For more resources, visit our Fly Fishing Resources page.

Discovering Your Favorite Fishing Spot

Lastly, find your water. When I began taking fly fishing seriously, I had a spot I’d visit as often as possible. Even today, I head there whenever I get the chance. This area has become my testing ground and foundation for learning about river anatomy. This stretch of water features a shallow riffle, transitions into an inside run, and then flows into a flat before hitting a second riffle. The second riffle dives into a deep run and forms a soft pool off a defined point adjacent to a high bank.

Fishing here at different times and in varying weather conditions taught me where fish hold, what the bug life is doing, and how fish react to different presentations. It’s time well spent for learning and often being humbled.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Fly Fishing Season

We love being part of your fly fishing journey, and we’ve got some exciting opportunities planned for 2025. We hope you’ll join us on the Bow River! Check out our Guided Fly Fishing Trips for the upcoming season.

Fly Fishing Tale, October 20th – Mr. Big, the Eagle and the Osprey

November 7, 2023/in Bow River, Fall Fly Fishing, Fishing Trips in Alberta, Fly Fishing Tales

I’m at the back of the truck, tailgate down, packing gear while Hopper impatiently wanders but always has me in sight. Hopper, a black shepherd, a year, and a half old and my shadow when I fish alone. If you know German Shepherds, she is my shadow ALL THE TIME! Yes, she is a fly fisherman’s dog, and I named her Hopper, but her nickname is Spaz. Right now, she’s working hard to free a downed fence post from the barbed wire still attached. Spaz. The streamer rod comes out, then the dry rod. Still rigged up from yesterday’s float. The dry rod is a 5 weight with a #18 BWO parachute thingy attached. I haven’t seen the river yet today, but what the hell, it worked yesterday. It’s October 20^th, overcast, a slight north wind. I can’t see the river from where I’m parked but I can almost feel the hatch. I’m really hoping for a fall hatch. Experience tells me I should be in luck, but experience also reminds me the Bow River laughs at experience for fun. I’m betting on BWO’s, but we’ll see.

Hopper sigh’s “Finally!” as I sling the backpack and head towards the game trail leading to the bank. I’m headed to a run I’ve fished for at least 25 years. This past season, I’ve only walked it a few times, but guided guests on it daily from the boat. I’ve seen its structure change every year. Sometimes dramatically to where it’s unrecognizable. The one constant is big trout. Always big trout.

A week ago, the valley was full of yellow, still holding on to it’s fall kaleidoscope. I love this river valley with its stunning beauty during Summer and Fall. I struggle to look up an appreciate what’s in front of me. Do all fly fishers have this problem? Today the landscape is brown and grey. The pretty season is over. This is serious fishing terrain. Nothing to focus on but reading the water and finding happy trout.

Hopper leads the way, approaching the water. She finds a log instantly deciding all seven feet of lumber needs relocation to the rivers edge. The grass is tall, thick, and dusty, but she’s determined as both of us crash through the maze announcing ourselves to the gravel bar with absolutely zero grace or finesse. Hopper wrestles with her log as I shed the pack and get ready to scope out the situation. The situation I want to see is dimples, splashes, disturbances, heads, backs, and tails. Within a reasonable casting distance would be nice. I’ve fished a long time. No need for hero casts around here. Anyways, there’s no one around to see my quirky casting technique.

Before I can settle into the recon part of the afternoon, I see a familiar drift boat up stream. Jason doesn’t recognize me on the far bank. I’m just a random bank fisherman and he’s focused on drifting the boat on its fishy line. So focused. I give him a yell; he looks over and pulls the boat in. Jason is a great guide and guy. I’ve had the pleasure of being guided by him and working with him these past few years. Today he’s fishing with his brother. Guides typically only get to fish in spring and fall around here. It’s the only job I know, where we love heading to work on our days off! We’re catching up on the week, discussing the coming cold weather, while both scanning the river for you know what. A few minutes go by then Jason says,

“Mayflies”

I say, “Yep.”

Another minute goes by. “There’s one”, he says.

“Yep”, I say.

“There it is again. Nice fish.”

“Yep, big tail”

After a few more rises, Jason says, “Grab your dry fly rod, I’ll net it for you.” I love his confidence in me.

Our specimen is about fifteen feet off the bank, feeding in about eighteen inches of water. I position myself downstream so I can get a 45-degree cast above it and the fly will be right on the feeding lane. I’m ready. I did math, I moved into position, I stripped line and did a test cast for distance. I’m so ready. I wait. I wait some more. Jason says,

“I don’t see it.”

“Nope”, I say.

I think I have the right line on where we saw Mr. Big, so I toss the bug. Nothing. One more time. Nothing.

Damn. Fishing. It really is 90% anticipation.

It seems like forever, but it’s probably only a minute or so. We see another rise. This isn’t the same fish. It comes up several more times in the same line. I reposition my feet, adjust my distance with a couple of false casts and lay it in there. I absolutely cannot see my fly. It’s a small BWO with a nice parachute, but it’s the same colour as the foam. The sun, although behind cloud cover is just in the right place to cause trouble. If only I was fishing from the other bank! Glare is fun. I move down stream slightly, so my cast will now be closer to straight upstream. More math and measuring. Fishing is hard. Thankfully this trout is still feeding, so I have a shot. I lay the cast in the lane; I can see the fly! It’s perfect. Smack!! A 13-inch brown splashes and makes a fuss. I say 13 inches because 13 is bigger than 12. No one gets too excited. It’s a fish, this trio has all caught them before. Still, it was a damn nice cast to a rising fish. I’m happy. Still, this isn’t the big old boy we saw a few minutes ago. We’ve made some noise now and Hopper crashes the water to check out our little brown friend.

Jason and I fist bump and he heads down river.

I just know Mr. Big is going to show up again. I’m looking up stream, scanning. I get down on one knee so maybe I can see better. Nothing. I head up stream, well back of the rivers edge. There he is! Right where I was looking, but so subtle, I couldn’t see around the glare while down stream of the rise. There’s a lesson here. Fishing isn’t so hard. More dimples. I’m only seeing the back and the tail on this guy. It’s hard to say for sure with the glare, but I go with my gut and tie a little emerger off the back of my BWO thingy. I don’t know the name of the flies I’m using, but the size and colour seem right. Yes, I am a full-time guide. Really. I want to get down stream of him, but I know I’ll never see my presentation. I opt for a downstream presentation. I make sure I have more line than I need so I won’t have to mend. I remind myself to be patient and let the fish eat before I set the hook. As it is, if he takes the emerger it’s a going to be a perimeter set. I know I’m overthinking this, but man I’m having a great time!

Okay here we go! Wait! I feel a dull thud on the back of my knees. WTF! It’s Hopper and a new stick she apparently needs me to see. She’s snuck up behind me and her driftwood slab catches the back of the legs. Perfect. She decides to splash around in front of me, steps on my slack line catching the leader and making a helluva mess. Fishing is hard with Spaz. I swear a blue streak at my companion, she seems to understand and retreats, log firmly in her jaw. I’m getting the eyes from the tall grass, yes dog, I agree, I’m the problem!

I’ve retied. New tippet and both flies. As I retie, I’ve noticed my friend happily sipping, oblivious to the carnage bankside. I look both ways for the Black Menace. She’s wandered off somewhere. Here we go!

The cast lands the BWO about four feet above the last dimple, the glare is horrible, but I can just make out the white parachute. The fly drags on a cross current. I let it float by before I pull it off the water. I work my feet out and upstream a little more. This should be a better line. I don’t like a downstream presentation, but this is the best option and not a completely blind cast. The trout makes another appearance now closer to me. It’s moved up and closer to the bank. I cast, stopping the line short, allowing it to land about six feet above the fish. It’s right online. Come on baby!!! The top fly floats only two feet into its drift and disappears. I feel nothing, I see nothing. Set! It’s there! All hell breaks loose in 18 inches of water! Yeah baby!! The line is tight, the rod is bent! Shit, it’s coming right at me!! My arm goes up way over my head, I’m stripping like a mad man! Why am I so bloody short!! I quickly turn away from the fish, sending my rod tip upstream, stripping line tight!! It turns, headed for deep water. Give it line! Give it line! I must have twenty feet of line in the water at my feet now. It peels off in a split second! Hot Fish! I turn and chase as it heads downstream, hands above my head, hoping I don’t faceplant! We’re in for a ride with this one!

The line goes slack. Just like that. It’s gone. Hopper is downstream where the fish was. She often gives chase to where she sees trout splashing on the line. A beautiful, dark, fall Rainbow got the best of me today. I couldn’t be happier! I watched that fish for at least forty-five minutes before I made a cast to it. Once it ate the fly the whole thing was over in less than fifteen seconds. I hear a Bald Eagle chirp. Looking up I see it chasing an Osprey that has a fish in it’s talons.

An old high school classmate once wrote; “In life, we remember specific moments. Not days or weeks or years, specific moments.”

Hopper and I stuck around and caught several more fish today. We switched to streamers and played around with a hopper dropper after the fish stopped rising. I won’t remember any of those fish in a week, but I’ll remember stalking that one trout. Even if it hadn’t taken the emerger at all, I still would have remembered the chase and the anticipation. I’ll remember my dog harassing me. I’ll remember running into a friend on the river. I’ll remember the eagle and the Osprey.

Here’s to more adventures and moments for all of us!

Archive for category: Fall Fly Fishing