Your Principal Guide, Scott Smith
Growing up in Bragg Creek Alberta, you could always find me on the Elbow River or one of the local creeks, avoiding daily chores and curfews. I can remember using a willow branch, a length of mono and some old flies found in my Dad’s tackle box to fool the trout!
Today, I love to get people out on the Bow river and excited about a sport that has given me years of enjoyment and challenges. (I am still avoiding chores and curfews)
I have been fishing the Bow for a dozen years and learn something everyday I am out. I simply love to fish and any time spent on the river is well wasted, no matter how many fish make it to the net.
Guided Trout Fishing on the Bow River
Rainbow and Brown trout will be our target species. We measure the fish by inches around here and 16 to 20-inch trout are the norm. These fish are powerful and will give you spirited runs into your backing on a regular basis, so be prepared to chase one of these angry beasts down the bank!
Fly Fishing Guide, Kevin Hawes
I grew up on a ranch where the north border was the Elbow River. When I was young, my father taught me how to cast a spinning rod, thread a worm onto a hook, and most importantly, where fish are most likely to be holding. I was always fascinated with the river, and with trying to catch trout. I was always taking my father’s rod and tackle (until I got my own) and would spend days exploring and fishing the river and creeks on the ranch.
My first introduction to fly fishing was in my grandfather’s boat and trolling for trout at Hyas Lake, near Kamloops (which was his favorite lake). Later, one of the camp hosts at Hyas Lake took the time to give me some fly fishing/casting lessons from the dock. After that I was ‘hooked’, and have spent years learning and enjoying fly fishing; even on the days where seems like there was a whole lot more “fishing” than “catching”.
Southern Alberta Fly Fishing Guides
For many years, I have enjoyed fly fishing new waters in Southern Alberta and BC when an opportunity presents itself, however, the Bow River is a constant draw for me, and continues to be my favorite place to flyfish for those wylie, mean trout.
I have enjoyed giving several friends and acquaintances their ‘introduction’ to fly fishing. I like stopping to help people who are struggling with casting, etc. or just meeting fellow fishermen and women on the bank and swapping good stories and bad jokes (mostly the bad jokes). I love it when people make me laugh, and I love hard fighting trout, and the joy it brings to all who take up the fight!
Fly Fishing Guide, Luke Russell
Growing up in northern BC, it was almost impossible not to enjoy the outdoors. When I was 9 years old, we were staying at our family cabin when my Uncle took me to the dock and gave me my first lesson on fly fishing. I was enamoured watching fish engulf the fly right off the surface of the water and spent (and still spend) every minute of everyday learning more.
Calgary Fly Fishing Guide
When we moved Calgary, I tested my knowledge and skills on the mighty Bow River. I spent countless hours getting to know the Bow River and the fish that call it home. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the sport with friends and family while also giving some of them their first fly-fishing lesson.
I hope you’re ready to have great day with me on the water and hopefully we can get into some fish as well.