fly fishing trips calgary

Trout Chasers River Company

The bow river's premier  guides since 1988, 403-6 16-3741.

[email protected]

Why Trout Chasers?

We're authentic, proven guides for the serious angler. Since 1988, Trout Chasers has been specializing in technical dry fly situations and streamer tactics. Our guides thrive with fisherman that are hungry for a challenge, and eager to  improve. Not  only do we flat out catch fish, but our guides place a huge emphasis on developing your angling ability. Our thorough instruction ensures that regardless of your skill level, you leave a better fisherman. Trout Chasers is the top choice in Bow River fly fishing guides. 

"...Dee is without a doubt the most driven and dedicated fly-fisher and guide the Bow river has ever had, and continues to inspire the next generation of guides, as well as those lucky enough to fish with him"

"...while other local guides where complaining about the conditions and the lack of action, we were able to put a number of excellent fish in the boat, including a beautiful 25'' rainbow. I have fly fished all over the world and I can assure you that you will not find a better guide anywhere, Dee's positive approach and attitude further set him apart from other guides and makes for a wonderful day on the river."

"I heard T rout  Chasers were the go-to streamer guides on the Bow...I've been guided on almost 30 trout rivers and after two days on the Bow with Matt,  I can confirm I've  never had a guide that is so connected to the river like he was."      

See What Trips We Offer

100 Sun Harbour Cres. SE Calgary AB

403-616-3741

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Calgary Alberta Fly Fishing

 bow river fly fishing.

Do the tail water “City Float”

Fly fishing the Bow River tail water, float through the heart of the city with a population of 1.3 million people and then enjoy the Calgary night life.

The Famous Tail Water “Prairie Float”

Below the city of Calgary the Bow River meanders and cuts through the Alberta Prairie.

Listen for the Big Browns sip up the latest hatch, and then feel your heart race as they slowly grab your presentation.

Set away from the City life you won't believe the Incredible  Fishery just down stream of Calgary. There is something for everyone.

ALBERTA FLY FISHING

Walk and Wade Alberta's Rocky Mountain Freestone Streams

Alberta offers some of the best Cutthroat and Bulltrout fishing surrounded by our beautiful Rocky Mountains and Foothills

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FLY FISHING THE BOW RIVER

The Bow River starts in the Rocky Mountains of Banff National Park, flowing out of the glacier fed Bow Lake. The river then flows east through several communities of which the largest being the City of Calgary, below Calgary the river starts to cut deep into the Alberta prairies. The section that most anglers float is within the city limits and approximately 55 km downstream from Calgary to the Carsland weir. This section is nutrient rich and produces large Rainbow and Brown trout . The section below the Carsland weir produces some large fish as well and is mainly accessible by jet boat only.

The Bow River is currently open to fishing year-round from the Banff National Park border to the Carsland weir. Locals fish the river year-round, taking advantage of the warm Chinook winds that frequently provide us with winter temperatures well above freezing. Winter fishing success is generally achieved while Nymphing, using patterns such as the San Juan Worm, zebra midge, Blood Worm, Prince Nymph, stoneflys and pheasant tails. Streamers can also produce some nice fish including large pike , although less frequently.

The Bow River contains several desirable angling species including Rainbow, Brown, Cutthroat, Bull Trout, Pike and the occasional Lake Trout . The river also contains an abundant population of mountain white fish along with Burbot and suckers . All species listed above have been caught on the fly , so you may end up with some surprises. I have heard tales of Brook Trout and Walleye being caught as well. Other species include the Longnose Dace, Longnose Sucker, White Sucker, Mountain Sucker, Trout Perch, Brook Stickleback and Spoonhead Sculpin.

The Bow River is strictly a catch and release system between the Banff Park boundary and the Carsland Weir. Although there are studies done that show a small mortality rate from catch and release there are practices and procedures we use to handle the fish properly in order to reduce the chance of mortality. Most fly fisherman on the Bow River use barbless or pinched barbed hooks which reduces harm and allows for a quick, clean release of the fish with minimal handling. If you do need to handle the fish then holding it on its back can settle the fish down which may allow you to retrieve the hook with your forceps. Never grab the fish by the gills! When releasing the fish gently hold it by its belly with one hand and the head facing upstream in the water. This gives the fish the flow of oxygen it needs and allow it to recover. Once you feel it can swim on its own then let her go for another day.

When taking a picture, remember that this fish just fought for its life and may be exhausted, holding it out of the water for any amount of time is like us running a mile and then sticking our head under water, we can’t breathe and recover. Keep the fish submerged in the net and have someone ready with the camera, plan your shot before removing the fish from the water, you should use one hand under the belly of the fish, lift, snap, put it back, always keeping the fish over the net or the water in case you drop it. A well planned picture will only expose the fish to air for only seconds.

 Practicing catch and release and proper fish handling will allow us to enjoy this fishery for years to come.

Bow River Hatches

Midges, Winter Stone, Skwala

Midges, Winter Stone, Skwala, Blue Wing Olive (BWO), Western March Brown, Crane Fly, Yellow Sally, Pale Morning Dun (PMD), Mother’s Day Caddis, Leech, Griffiths Gnat.

Blue Wing Olive (BWO), Western March Brown, PMD, Golden Stones, Caddis, Worm, Leeches

Caddis, PMD, Pale Evening Dun (PED), Golden Stone, Yellow Sally, Green Sally

Hoppers, Crane Flies, Tricos, Caddis, Mahogany Duns, Ants, Beatles.

October Caddis, Hoppers, Ants, Tricos, BWO, Water Boatman and Backswimmers

A multitude of bird species make the Bow River home and use it as a stopover during migration as well. It is not uncommon to see nesting pairs of Bald Eagles and Osprey and the occasional Golden Eagle , even in downtown Calgary.   Trumpeter Swans have been noticed wintering on the Bow River alongside the ever present Canada Goose, Goldeneye and Mergansers . Others you may encounter include Downy Woodpeckers, Cedar Waxwings , and Northern Flicker . By far the largest bird on the river and quite abundant during the summer months is the Pelican, frequently observed in groups on the water and squadrons in the sky. Another frequent flier observed is the Cormorant.

Mammals observed along the river within Calgary and below include Beavers, Muskrats, Otters, Deer, Moose and Coyotes with the occasional Cougar and Black Bear . On the upper reaches of the Bow River in Banff National Park and downstream to the Town of Cochrane you may find Elk, Deer, Moose, Black Bears, Grizzly Bears, wolves, Cougar and Big Horn Sheep.

FLY FISHING ALBERTA'S ROCKY MOUNTAIN STREAMS

Alberta is blessed with a multitude of streams and rivers that flow east from the Rocky Mountains onto the Alberta prairie along with a few amazing prairie spring creeks.

Alberta consists of six main river basins; the South Saskatchewan basin is the main area of my guiding operations. My mountain walk and wade trips focus on three mountain watersheds, the Highwood River , the Oldman River and the Castle watersheds. Other options include the Waterton, Belly and St Mary’s rivers further to the south. Within these watersheds can be found some of the best Cutthroat, Rainbow and Bull Trout fishing anywhere in North America. With my focus on Southern Alberta the closest and most productive rivers I enjoy taking clients to are the Oldman River , the Livingston River , The Crowsnest and the Castle Rivers. These rivers flow through some of the most beautiful country in North America, making the scenery alone worth the trip. But of course that’s only part of the reason why we visit these waters. These rivers flow east from the continental divide and rely on snow pack in the winter along with spring and fall rains to replenish the ground water and their flows, with virtually no glacial contribution. The majority of river access is through Crown land (owned by Albertans) with public camping allowed on Crown Land with the purchase of a seasonal permit. There is plenty of private land along the Crowsnest and to some extent along the Castle and Highwood rivers, generally if you can contact the land owner an ask permission for river access the answer is usually yes, but don’t trespass, that gives anglers a bad name.

As far as gear goes, waders and wading boots are recommended, I find aluminum cleats provide the best traction. Carrying bear spray is recommended and travel in at least groups of two making lots of noise, this is bear country, but they are seldom encountered. Let someone know where you are planning to fish and carry a Zoleo, there is little cell service in most areas. A four weight rod for Cutthroat and a six weight rod for Bull trout is recommended.

Depending on the season make sure you have at least the following flies: hoppers, ants, beetles, golden stoneflies, salmon flies, stimulators, brown, grey and green drakes, PMD, caddis, pheasant tail nymph, prince nymph, stonefly nymph, Hairs ear nymph, flashback caddis and baetis nymphs. 

Click here for Pre-Trip Information List.

These waters hold some of the last pure strain Westslope Cutthroat trout in Alberta along with Alberta’s provincial fish the Bull Trout . Both these species are protected by law in these watersheds and must be released. These rivers are a mecca for dry fly fishing, that’s why we fly fish.

The Cutthroat can often not pass up a floating meal as long as it matches the hatch of the day but they can be very finicky and target only one specific hatch, so it can be frustrating some days trying to figure out the right fly. Some will say that cutthroats are the dumbest fish and easy to catch but these fish will give you a challenge one day and take just about anything that resembles a bug the next. Having said that, these fish will provide the first time fly fisher with a fun filled day of top water action and if you’re not careful, will get you hooked on fly fishing for life.  On those challenging day’s nymphing will produce some nice fish as well, dropping a nymph over a ledge or bouncing along the bottom to the tail end of a pool will often produce fish, oh and yes you may catch some healthy whitefish with this technique as well. These waters contain a healthy population of Rocky Mountain Whitefish and some very large ones at that. The Whitefish are an important part of this ecosystem as they are an important food source for Bull Trout, Cutthroat and further downstream, Rainbow and Brown Trout . The Whitefish are also an indicator species of a watersheds health, lots of whitefish equals healthy watershed.

The lower Oldman and entire Crowsnest also contain some very nice Rainbow trout, Brown Trout and Cutbows, these are hard fighting fish and will take the same presentations as the Cutthroat . Below the reservoir, the Oldman also holds large Brown, Rainbow and Bull Trout.

The Bull Trout is the apex predator in this mountain streams and mainly eats other fish, both Cutthroat, whitefish and sculpin but is not opposed to feeding on aquatic bugs and terrestrials on the surface as well. Often an angler will catch a Cutthroat and have large Bull trout appear from the depths to try and take advantage of the situation and steel your Cutthroat , this usually results in a scream of shock and then excitement from the angler. I have had Bull Trout come and swallow a 14 inch Cutthroat I had hooked, not uncommon. Bull Trout can be found in just about any section of the river but tend to prefer the deep pools, waiting for prey to wash over a ledge into the darkness. Streamers are the go to fly pattern for Bull Trout , sinking line and heavily weighted streamers for the deep pools or just stripping lighter rigs by large rocks and ledges can also be productive. This fish is more elusive and sometimes harder to catch but when you do hook into one you will know it.

Fishing these waters is truly an amazing experience from the beginner to the expert fly fisher. These waters are accessible from Calgary on a day trip basis or if you are willing to camp, a two to three day fishing experience on these waters is a treat you will not forget.

Mountain Stream Hatches

Spring (Season open June 15)

Dries: March Brown, Adams, Yellow and Orange Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Elk Hair Caddis, PMD and Ants all season.

nymphs: Pheasant tail, Prince, Girdle bugs, Jimmy legs, flashback caddis, Hairs ear,

Streamers: sculpin patterns, bow river bugger, Clouser minnows in pale pink, red and white or orange. Larger streamers with Cutthroat or whitefish colours.

Summer (July August)

Dries: Yellow Sally, Elk hair caddis, Parachute Caddis, Brown, Grey and Green Drake patterns, Ants, Beetles, hoppers, Caddis, PMD, Royal Wulf.

nymphs: Pheasant tail, Prince, Girdle bugs, Jimmy legs, flashback caddis, Hairs ear, evil weevil, lighting bug, golden stones.

Fall (late August to end of October)

Dries: Hoppers, ants, beetles, Western Green Drakes, BWO, Caddis

Nymphs: Prince, Hairs ear, pheasant tail, orange stimulator, caddis.

  [email protected]    

Peter Lywood 

Host and Guide

Calgary, Alberta Canada.

Note - Clients are required to sign a waiver . Please Click Link in Pre-Trip Information. 

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Bow River Fly Fishing Company

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Both our full day and half day Bow River Drifts include snacks and/or a deli lunch, non-alcoholic beverages,flies and any fly fishing gear you may require...

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WALK and WADE

The spectacular rivers and streams along the east slope of Alberta's Rocky Mountains are a dry fly fisher's paradise. These cool, crystal clear waters are teaming with eager cutthroat trout and are home to increasing numbers of large, aggressive bull trout. Rainbow trout also inhabit many of these waters while brook trout may be found in a few waters...

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Welcome to our home waters

Guided fly fishing trips in canmore, alberta on the bow river & the best of alberta's east slope mountain cutthroat streams  .

We welcome you to our home waters in Canada's mountain town of Canmore, Alberta - home to the spectacular freestone stretches of the Upper Bow River. Join our small team of career Guiding Professionals, who have made the Bow Valley home for more than 20 years for a day of Guided Fly Fishing like no other. Our trips are authentic & inspired fishing experiences for all levels of angler on the the best of Alberta's fly water.

Suitable for most ages and abilities, choose from a curated selection of our best single and multi-day Guided trips and courses; from the basics of casting a fly rod, Guided Float Trips on the Upper and Lower Bow River, to remote helicopter-accessed angling on Alberta's waters less traveled.  

We'll connect you with the trout; and the beauty and inspiration that comes with the best of our Canadian Rocky Mountain fly fishing water here in Canmore, Calgary and Banff.

The Bow River is a quintessential river for the Drift Boat angler. From the Blue Ribbon tail waters in its lower stretches near Calgary, to the freestone mountain waters surrounding our home in Canmore, Alberta - the best days on the water come on our Guided Float Trips.

Learn more about the Upper Bow  and the Lower Bow here.

Guided Float Trips start at $750 CDN per boat. 1-2 Anglers.

Walk & Wade

Choose a Guided Walk & Wade angling day on one of Alberta's East Slope Mountain Cutthroat Streams. We spend our summers on a host of Alberta's best East Slope Cutthroat Streams - absolute dry fly heaven. Call us today and explore single day trip and package options for your next Guided angling experience on the tributaries of the North Saskatchewan, Red Deer, Bow and Oldman River Drainages.

Learn More about the waters we Guide.

Starting at $650 CDN / day + travel / mileage.   1 Angler included, + $175 for each additional Angler (max. 3).

These single-day, or multi-day remote camp packages, are sublime experiences on waters less traveled. Connect with our 1 of our 3 Full Time Program Managers, or request a consult with your Lead Guide for more information on the waters we Guide. Programs can include complete meal programs, flights with experienced and high hour pilots, and all required angling and overnight equipment for a comfortable remote camp experience.

Costs Range from $2,000 CDN to $4,500 CDN per day for Guiding Services, Flights, Meals. 1-4 Anglers

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• Bow River Float Trip: Full Day
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• Bow River Walk & Wade: Full Day
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• Ram River Walk & Wade Heli-Fishing
• Mag Bay Marlin & Roosters

Guided & Hosted Trips

Out Fly Fishing Outfitters Fly Shop is proud to offer our customers a great selection of guided trips in Calgary and Southwestern Alberta. Out Fly Fishing outfitters Guide Service has been operating since 2003 and is proud to be Alberta's only Orvis Endorsed Guide Service.  We offer float trips, heli-fishing trips and walk & wade options.  In addition we offer hosted trips to multiple exotic destinations, all of which we've personally visited and can vouch for.  Trust that your next fly fishing adventure will be your best yet - let us handle all of the details and let you focus on catching that fish of a lifetime.

Guided Trips

Bow river guided float trips and walk & wades.

Southern Alberta Mountains Guided Walk & Wades  

Hosted Trips

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Bow River Fly Fishing Guides - Calgary & Banff, AB.

Telephone: 403.470.3474(fish) | email: [email protected], video testimonials.

July 2009 - Three days on the Bow River

Trips we offer

• FLOAT TRIPS (Banff / Calgary)
• WALK AND WADE TRIPS
• ICE FISHING TRIPS
• GOOSE HUNTING TRIPS

Corporate Trips

Book a Corporate team building event for your business, or entertain clients that you bring in for an international conference.

Booking Your Trip

Trust the guides at Bow River Fly Fishing Adventures to provide an amazing fly fishing tour on the Bow River in Calgary or Banff. Contact us today with questions or to book by text or phone at 1.403.470.3474 (FISH), email at [email protected], or

Fly Fishing Calgary

The Bow River, just downstream of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is one of the top three trout streams in the world, harboring the most consistently large river run trout you will ever catch . The Upper Bow River near Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise is a pristine, wild, untouched fishery with cold, fast moving, glacier blue water. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world to catch Brown Trout. Southern Alberta is also home to some of the most breathtaking creeks and rivers to walk and wade for both Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout. The Oldman River, Crowsnest River, Livingstone River, Highwood River, Sheep River, Ram River and Racehorse Creek contain surprisingly big trout, with a backdrop that is right out of the movies. Our Season goes all year. Warm chinook winds in the winter trigger good fishing from December to February. Our main season goes from March to November. The best, most consistent fishing is from mid-April until the end of October, with runoff interrupting mid to late June. During runoff, we do Lake Trips for Pike. Prime time for Pike starts when the season opens right after spawn, May 15, until the end of June. During this time of year, the water is cold, and the Pike are feeding aggressively. November is weather dependent and can be great. Contact us if you are going to be in town, and we'll get you out for a fish if the river is fishing well.

The Lower Bow River - Calgary Fly Fishing

The Lower Bow River running through Calgary, Alberta is the Blue Ribbon section of the river and is host to 2500 fish per mile.  The general size range is between 15" - 22" , with fish in the mid-twenties caught daily. Here both Browns and Rainbows are pursued, with the legendary "Bow River Bullet" Rainbows consistently surprising anyone who hooks into one, with how hard they fight and how high they jump. These fish are freight trains - on steroids. Once an angler hooks one, there is no disputing that these special trout have steelhead ancestry. Many anglers come to the Bow River with the hope of landing a 24"+ Brown Trout - and this is one of the few rivers in the world where there is a good chance it can happen. There has been much hype over the past 30 years in magazines, books and videos of what the Bow River can offer, and anglers from all over the world always go home happy and blown away by the consistency of big trout. Our professional guides will put you on fish and give you a Calgary fly fishing trip of a lifetime. Check out our Instagram @bowriverflyfishing to see some of these Huge Slabs!

The Upper Bow River - Banff Fly Fishing

The Upper Bow River, in Banff doesn't boast the huge fish found on the Lower Bow, but it has its place in Angler Heaven as possibly the most breathtaking place to hook Brown Trout on a Dry Fly . Ruggedly beautiful Rocky Mountains surround this braided Mountain River with Elk, Bears, Loons, and Bald Eagles showing themselves as they proudly explore their land. We offer a variety of Float Trips, Walk and Wade, Lake Trips, and Alpine Lake Trips (hike-in and Heli-fishing), around both Calgary, Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise Alberta. We also provide Bird Watching Trips, Ice Fishing opportunities and world class Goose and Duck Hunting!

Calgary Fly Fishing Map

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A Beginner’s Guide to Fly Fishing in Calgary

The Bow River runs directly through Calgary and has a reputation as one of the best trout streams in the world. Every year, people travel from all over the world to fly fish in these amazing waters. With such incredible opportunities, it can be tricky to know where to start. So we chatted with local fly fishing guides to learn more.

In this guide, expert fly fishers, Jake Halle ( @troutmadness ), Amber & Brendan Toner ( @thebugparade ), and Paula Shearer ( @paulashearer ), share advice on their favourite places to fish, what you can expect to catch, and why fly fishing in and around Calgary is an experience unlike any other.

Here are 7 tips for the best fly fishing in Calgary, Alberta:

1. start with a guide.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Brandon Healey (Brando) (@topwaterflyfishing)

Whatever you’re looking for, hiring a guide can ensure a quality experience. Especially if you’re new to fly fishing, and even if you’re not, Calgary’s Bow River is long and complicated. A guide can take you carefully to hidden spots and pristine walk and wade locations. They’ll be able to enhance your skills, help you catch an epic amount of fish and make sure you’re comfortable before you go solo.

“If you’re visiting Calgary to fly fish, I would suggest booking a guided float with one of the reputable shops and allow them to share their knowledge while putting you onto ridiculously huge brown and rainbow trout.” - @troutmadness

2. Consider the Season

It goes without saying that most any travel requires you to take a calendar into consideration. In addition to figuring out what works with your schedule, you’ll also need to think about when you’re most likely to catch more fish. While most experts recommend the summer months, the coloured waters of the Bow in late spring also mean you can outsmart bigger fish that might not be able to see your line.

Some guides, like @paulashearer , recommend fishing near Calgary from July to mid-October, with the guided fly fishing season kicking off at the beginning of May. Once July comes around, the water temperatures in our rivers rise a little as the water levels start to settle, and the fish start to get more active. Plus, July is also Stampede month.

  It’s warming up in Calgary! Feeling like summer nights and bug hatches on the river are almost here... ••• @redingtongear @fishpondusa @arcadebelts ••• #redingtongear #findyourwater #flyfishing #nikonca #fishpondusa #strapinventureout A post shared by The Bug Parade (@thebugparade) on Apr 23, 2018 at 6:53am PDT

“Though it's fishable year-round, by far the best time to fish the Bow is in the summer months. The Winter and Spring months also offer good fishing on the Bow in the form of nymph or streamer fishing. It all depends on the kind of fly fishing you like to do and how you'd like to fish the river, whether by boat or by foot.” - @thebugparade

3. Choose an Accessible Location

Not interested in venturing far from the city? No problem. Just downstream, the Bow River joins the Elbow River at Fort Calgary . The proximity of the river to downtown makes for a one-of-a-kind fly fishing experience, where you can wade into the water and still see the city skyline in the background.

 “The Elbow River is a good place to fish in the city; you can expect to catch Brown Trout right in downtown Calgary when fishing there. The surrounding areas of the city also play host to some really beautiful mountain rivers on the eastern slopes of the Rockies, where you can have the opportunity to catch species of trout native to Alberta, like Cutthroat and Bull Trout.” - @thebugparade

4. Or Venture into Nature

In Alberta, the same province that includes Kananaskis Country , Banff National Park and Lake Louise , Calgary’s surroundings offer spectacular opportunities to experience the more wild side of fly fishing. The nutrient-rich Bow River, which spans 387 miles and merges in places with the Highwood and Elbow rivers, covers enough ground to allow space between anglers.

But with so many gorgeous, hidden gems to choose from, it can be a bit of a challenge knowing exactly what streams and lakes to fish in. Asking the locals in the area for recommendations is one of the best ways to find the place that’s best for you. Amber & Brendan Toner of @thebugparade , for example, recommend Fish Creek Provincial Park and the spot where Fish Creek meets the Bow River.

  In the place I love with who I love. There really isn’t anything better. ••• @redingtongear @fishpondusa @arcadebelts @electric_fishing ••• #findyourwater #redingtongear #flyfishing #explorealberta #fishpondusa #motherhoodunplugged #nikoncanada A post shared by The Bug Parade (@thebugparade) on Jul 23, 2018 at 7:34am PDT

“Beyond Bow River, I would suggest anyone coming to visit Calgary to head into the mountains to explore some of the beauty they have to offer. There are several hikes to lakes that not only offer spectacular views, but also have unbelievable fishing.” - @troutmadness

  I love where I live 😊 ~ ~ ~ ~ #fishing #flyfishing #southernalberta #tackyflyfishing #simmsfishing #seewhatsoutthere #maketheconnection #finatical #findyourwild #getoutside #outdooradventure #outdoorlife #explorealberta #forgettheforecast #adventure #theriveriscalling #liveyouradventure #mountains #wildernessculture #wildandfree #feelconnected #guidetools #builtforthewild #thegreatoutdoors #comefishing A post shared by Paula Shearer (@paulashearer) on Jul 10, 2018 at 10:11am PDT

“Those visiting Calgary should try hiking into the mountains to fish the streams and lakes. The scenery alone is worth it.” - @paulashearer

5. Come Prepared

No matter where or when you go, and regardless of whether it’s your first time fly fishing or your fiftieth, regulations vary by region. So it’s always a good idea to research local regulations and obtain a fishing license well before your trip. Especially if you’re going to fish in Banff or another protected area, you’ll also need a Park Pass and a park-specific fishing permit .

  Casting with 40+ lbs on your back is no easy job (seriously, Loch is almost 30lbs and then add the pack and what’s in the pack 😟). The shoulders ache but Loch sure is amused. Which makes it well worth it. ••• @redingtongear @fishpondusa @arcadebelts ••• #flyfishing #redingtongear #findyourwater #nikonca #explorealberta #yyc #strapinventureout #fishpondusa #motherhoodunplugged A post shared by The Bug Parade (@thebugparade) on May 16, 2018 at 7:14am PDT

“First and foremost, when you are fly fishing anywhere, it’s incredibly important you not only buy your fishing license but that you make yourself well aware of the regulations for that particular river. The rivers in Calgary and the rivers surrounding it are all subject to closures for different times of year to accommodate the spawning cycle of different species of fish.” - @thebugparade

6. Set Your Expectations

If you’re hoping to catch something in particular, the fly fishing in and around Calgary boasts a variety of fish. In 2009, the New York Times reported that the most common trout in Calgary, both B rown and Rainbow, were actually introduced to the Bow river in the 1920s. And today, you can expect to catch fish as big as 25 inches.

Meanwhile stillwater lakes and small streams have Cutthroat Trout that can be caught with a dry fly. But in order to catch a Pike or something different, you’ll need to head into the mountain streams or find a guide who can help you walk and wade.

  A favorite fish from this year. @redingtongear #findyourwater #flyfishing #nikon A post shared by The Bug Parade (@thebugparade) on Dec 20, 2016 at 7:34am PST

“The main species people catch out of the Bow River are Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Whitefish. The Rainbows and Browns vary in size from smaller sizes (10-12 inches) to much larger (25 inches and up).” - @thebugparade

“July through August is one of the best times to fish at Bow River in Calgary. The stonefly hatch is going and the fish have come back from spawn. Their appetite will be full throttle and trout love nothing more than when the stones are out. Stoneflies typically hatch during the evening and warp in the morning.” - @troutmadness

In many locations, a lot of the fish are in ankle- to knee-deep water, so you can easily cast from the shore. Plus, flies like the Bead Head Pheasant Tail and Big Streamers have been known to work year-round.

7. See Other Sights

Don’t limit yourself to the water. The beauty of fly fishing in Calgary is that it offers something for everyone. You can organize a trip to satisfy beginner and expert anglers alike, as well as those who are interested in other adventures. Calgary itself includes the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, with a Botanical Garden and Prehistoric Park. While the Olympic Oval, Banff and Lake Louise offer their own unique, experiences.

  Smoky clouds making their way over from BC #fishing #flyfishing #alberta #tackyflyfishing #simmsfishing #seewhatsoutthere #maketheconnection #finatical #findyourwild #getoutside #outdooradventure #outdoorlife #explorealberta #forgettheforecast #adventure #theriveriscalling #liveyouradventure #bowriver A post shared by Paula Shearer (@paulashearer) on Aug 17, 2017 at 2:48pm PDT

“Visitors could visit WinSport , the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller (it's a dinosaur museum), the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo , the TELUS Spark Science Centre  and Heritage Park .” - @paulashearer

Sure, there’s nothing wrong with fishing all day, but Calgary is home to plenty of adventures and plenty of outdoor patios for a refreshing beverage so that you have a chance to let those waders dry. So get out here and wade into everything Calgary has to offer. 

Incredible Bow River Trout Fishing

Watch the New Fly Fisher travel to Calgary to fish the famous Bow River and meet fun locals along the way. 

Have your own stories about fishing in and around Calgary? Make sure to share your stories and photos of your adventures with #CaptureCalgary when you get out there this summer. And remember, if you have any questions about travel planning, reach out to us on Twitter , Instagram or Facebook and we’ll be happy to help!

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Best Fly Fishing Destinations Near Calgary

Are you an enthusiastic fly angler in search of the ultimate fishing experience near Calgary? Look no further! We have curated a comprehensive guide to help you discover the finest fly fishing destinations in the picturesque surroundings of Calgary, Alberta. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisherman or a beginner eager to learn, this article will provide you with valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to make your fly fishing adventures truly unforgettable. Let’s dive right in!

Table of Contents

• Bow River: Where Fly Fishing Dreams Come True

The Bow River , winding its way through the heart of Calgary, is a world-renowned destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. Known for its abundance of trophy-sized trout, including brown trout and rainbow trout, this majestic river offers an exhilarating and rewarding angling experience. The Bow River’s crystal-clear waters, picturesque surroundings, and prolific insect hatches make it a fly angler’s paradise. Whether you’re targeting rising trout on dry flies or presenting nymphs and streamers in deep pools, the Bow River is sure to leave you in awe of its angling possibilities.

• Crowsnest River: A Hidden Gem for Fly Anglers

Just a short drive southwest of Calgary, you’ll find the Crowsnest River, a hidden gem cherished by fly fishing aficionados. This freestone river boasts excellent populations of wild trout, particularly Westslope Cutthroat and Bull Trout. With its diverse range of hatches and varied water conditions, the Crowsnest River offers a versatile fly fishing experience. From intimate stretches with pocket water to meandering sections dotted with deep pools, this river has something to offer anglers of all preferences and skill levels.

• Highwood River: Nature’s Playground for Fly Fishing Enthusiasts

Venture into the stunning Kananaskis Country, just south of Calgary, and you’ll discover the captivating Highwood River. This pristine freestone river provides an idyllic setting for fly fishing escapades. Renowned for its healthy population of cutthroat trout and bull trout, the Highwood River offers an immersive fly fishing experience amidst breathtaking mountain scenery. The river’s diverse aquatic insect life ensures a steady supply of feeding opportunities, allowing fly anglers to showcase their skills with dry flies, nymphs, and streamers.

• Ghost River: Tranquility and Thrilling Fly Fishing

For those seeking tranquility and exceptional fly fishing, the Ghost River is an enticing option. Located west of Calgary, this remote and secluded river offers a peaceful escape from the urban bustle. The Ghost River is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and bull trout. With its challenging riffles, deep pools, and breathtaking canyons, this river demands both skill and patience from fly anglers. The Ghost River rewards those who are willing to explore its untamed waters with the opportunity to land impressive catches.

Essential Tips for a Successful Fly Fishing Adventure

To ensure a successful and fulfilling fly fishing trip near Calgary, consider the following tips:

• Gear and Equipment: Invest in high-quality fly fishing gear and equipment suited for the type of fishing you plan to do. From fly rods and reels to lines, leaders, and flies, having the right tools will enhance your overall experience on the water.
• Fly Selection: Research and understand the local insect hatches to select the appropriate flies for the season and specific fishing locations. Be prepared with a variety of dry flies, nymphs, and streamers to adapt to changing conditions and entice the fish.
• Presentation and Technique: Mastering the art of fly presentation and different casting techniques is crucial for success. Practice your casting skills before your trip and learn various techniques such as dead-drift nymphing, dry fly presentations, and streamer retrieves to maximize your chances of enticing the fish.
• Local Regulations : Familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations and obtain the necessary licenses or permits before embarking on your fly fishing adventure. Adhere to catch limits, size restrictions, and conservation practices to help preserve the fishery for future generations.
• Safety and Preparedness: Prioritize safety during your fly fishing excursions. Be aware of your surroundings, wear appropriate attire, and consider bringing essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and a wading staff for stability in the water. Always inform someone about your fishing plans and be mindful of changing weather conditions.

Embrace the Thrill of Fly Fishing Near Calgary

Fly fishing near Calgary offers an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, challenge your angling skills, and create lifelong memories. Whether you choose to explore the renowned Bow River, venture to hidden gems like the Crowsnest River and Highwood River, or seek tranquility on the Ghost River, each destination will captivate you with its unique charm and abundant fish populations. So, grab your fly rod, tie on your favorite flies, and prepare for an unforgettable fly fishing adventure near Calgary.

About the author

We are a small family owned and operated fly fishing/sightseeing guiding business located in Calgary, Alberta. Our main objective is to provide a memorable, fun and safe float on one of the Glacial Lakes in Banff National Park and down the beautiful upper and lower Bow River in our custom built mahogany drift boat. The upper Bow River will leave an unforgettable impression on you as it waves its way through the romantic Canadian Rockies. This section of the river is known for its amazing landscape and wildlife encounter. The lower Bow River just south of Calgary is a world class trout stream and according to the Alberta Fish & Wildlife Department it holds an impressive 2500 catchable trout per river mile. This section of the river is more nutrient rich compared to the upper Bow River and subsequently making this section more popular among anglers. However it is also flowing through a beautiful landscape that hosts an variety of bird life which is perfect for bird watching.

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Welcome to Flyberta.

A Lifetime of Adventure.

At Flyberta, we strive to teach fly fishing in a casual and flexible manner, meeting your needs wherever and whenever .

Below you’ll find the information you need about our lessons,

our crew, our stories and our resources.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us today.

Fly fishing lessons

Get into fly fishing faster and  easier  than ever before, april flyberta field lesson deal on now.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

And by people we mean some of our coolest customers.

Our family has worked with Will and Harry on three occasions now and they continue to impress. Their enthusiasm for fly fishing, super positive attitudes and overall professionalism make you want to come back time and time again. They’ve worked with three of our kids 11-13, along with myself and have both parents and kids loving our experience. I would strongly encourage you to pursue a lesson with these two, you literally won’t forget it and will fall in love with fly fishing like we have.

—  Paul W.

My partner and I spent a few hours with Flyberta last summer, and we loved every second of it! The informal teaching makes you feel like you're among friends, and the techniques stay with you! Will took us to a fly shop and we were able to pick out specific flies for the season and location of where we fish. Very knowledgeable, personable, and fun. I would highly recommend taking lessons from Flyberta!

—  Mackenzie F.

Fly fishing  stuff  you needed yesterday

Flyberta Catch of the Day T-Shirt (Cream)

Flyberta Flyboy T-Shirt ( Forest Green)

Flygram no wait instaberta.

Discover Fly Fishing Lessons for Beginners in Alberta

By Scott Smith, Lead Fishing Guide 

Welcome to Fly Fishing!

Snake oil and magic beans..

You’ll learn to wave the magic stick over the water and produce fish on every command. You will be flawless in your technique; always make the right fly choice and land every fish you encounter. Your skills will bring fish to your net every time you venture out to your favourite waters.

The truth lies somewhere in the pursuit of perfection, the peace it brings, the need to know what’s around the next corner.  At least that’s why I do it. Your reasons can be entirely something else. Somehow, that makes Fly Fishing a worthy pastime (read obsession) in my opinion.

There are some links included below, so you can explore some of the technical stuff. I can tell you, there is nothing like the real experience of a guided fly fishing excursion !

What Will I Learn on a Guided Trip?

Above all else, Have some fun! This is YOUR Day! Don’t take yourself, or us too seriously. Take lots of pictures.

Fly Fishing Knots and Line

It seems obvious, but often overlooked by new fly fishers. Knots are critical.

Read this great blog post from DriftHook.com about how to tie fly fishing knots .

You’ll need to have a few basic knots in your tool belt. We’ll show you a few basics to tie line together and attach your flies to your line. Yes, you will practice these on your trip.

You can learn about specific knots like the improved clinch knot, blood knot, overhand knot, surgeon’s knot and the albright knot.

Many a fine trout has been lost due to a poorly tied knot. It’s never happened to me, but I’ve heard stories.

There are several knots that have no name, but often have colourful adjectives associated with them. You will become an expert at these with a simple flick of your wrist! The line will be tangled so badly and quickly, you’ll be baffled that what’s before you is actually even real!

I find a sense of humour and a decent set of snippers are critical in these situations.

Learn Fly Casting

You must be able to place a fly well enough to fool your quarry. Yes, we can help you do this!

Your first few casts may appear you are trying to swat the fish away intentionally. However, with some practice and some easy-to-follow instruction, you will begin to present the fly with hypnotic precision! Well, maybe not hypnotic or even precise, but well enough to catch fish. That’s all we need on day one!

Where Are the Fish?

Yes, you are moving the line. It’s obeying and landing mostly where you want it to.  Well done! This is fantastic news and a boost to our confidence! Question, how come you’re not catching anything?

Other than seeing the fish you are casting to; you really need to know how to read the water. That is, you need to know where fish are likely to hold.

Fly casting into the water is an excellent start, but the fish are not actually everywhere in a river.

We will go through this process with you the entire trip and teach you the basics. You will be whispering in big trout in no time!

Bugs, So Many Bugs

Yes, Fly selection is important. Size, Colour, Profile, depth, season etc.

I have heard it or read somewhere that trout have an IQ of about 3.

I am not at all concerned that they fool me consistently. I like to believe I’m matching wits with Mother Nature and not just the small minded, single purposed trout. Yeah, Mother Nature is wise and I’m in sync with her.  Makes me feel better on those slow days.

You’re gonna need plenty of flies! I mean, the rainbow trout will eat one of them, right?

Learn more about which bugs Bow River Trout love and prefer throughout the season on our fly fishing resources page.

We will cover bug identification, selection and how to fish them in very basic terms. This will be enough to get you started on your journey.

 Join Us this Fly Fishing Season near Calgary, Alberta!

Our goal is to introduce you to a pastime that has become a lifelong pursuit for us. We want you to learn to fish and then leave us and see for yourself what’s around the next corner. Oh, and take your fly rod with you.

Book your spot for one of our guided fly fishing trips including our Beginners Float! Get one-on-one fishing lessons from one of our experienced guides and enjoy access to some of the best fishing spots in Alberta.

Fly Fishing Lessons and More!

We offer a variety of fly fishing packages from half day and evening adventures to full day excursions, private shoreline fishing lessons.

We can even put the flies aside and take you on a Bow River sight seeing adventure, where you can experience the beauty of the Bow Valley and Southern Alberta, for its majestic landscapes in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and all of its wildlife.

Learning to Fly Fish on the Bow River could be your next adventure. If so, we’d love to see you. And as always, if you have any questions about our guide services, feel free to contact us here or on social media.

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