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Bow River Hookers
Fly Fishing Adventures |
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Fishing Journal
Check back often for river news!
We will be posting photos and talking about the river conditions and fish activity we are seeing on the various waters we guide. Now you will be able to hear about the water you're coming to fish before you even get here!
Journal entries for 2008 will continue right through to late fall. Updates will be posted fairly regularly as time permits. Check back again or call Tom at 1-866-974-8522 for a personal report.
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The Bow - July 10, 2008
Posted by Bill on Friday, July 11, 2008
The Winwood Corporate Float trip is a trip we annually look forward to. This year would see 14 fishermen in 7 boats trying their luck on the Bow River. This is a great bunch of guys looking for a little relaxation, an escape from the pressures of work with a little fishing thrown in. Depending on the guide piloting the boat, the fishers were exposed to all types of fishing from nymphing to stripping steamers and even presenting dry flies to the trout. Every boat saw fish and every style of fishing was productive on this day. While the focus of the day was the fish and fishing, the real reward was the day away from the office on a gorgeous river in great company. Although the day was a bit on the cool side and windy from time to time, it was a great outting for the Winwood participants and the guides alike. Thanks for a terrific day guys ... we're already looking forward to next year.
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The Bow - July 8, 2008
Posted by Bill on Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Stan and Jon Lakefish, a father/son combo, joined me for a perfect day on the river. Under a cloudless sky and only a hint of a slight breeze from time to time, Stan and Jon planned this escape while on a family vacation in Alberta. Stan, a seasoned caster, pick up the "Bow River" style of fishing very quickly. Jon, a virtual neophyte, took a little longer to warm up to the idea of casting a strike indicator and nymphs although he was into fish very early in the float. It wasn't until late in the day he mastered the "tweek" to give the flies movement. Nonetheless, both fishers were into trout throughout the day. Again, samples taken from fish caught were completely different than the flies the trout would take. Caddis nymphs, Hare's Ears and Copper John's were the flies of choice on this day. While the fishing wasn't what it can be on the Bow, it was an above average fishing day and the attitude both Stan and Jon had toward the entire experience was refreshing. Hope the rest of your vacation was a success Stan and Jon and I look forward to the next time we have you on the Bow.
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The Bow - July 6, 2008
Posted by Bill on Monday, July 7, 2008
This was a extra special day for me as I finally convinced by wife Kathleen to join me on the river. Not only was this her first time on the Bow but it was her first time with a fishing rod of any kind in her hand. With the river high and markedly coloured (16" visibility), fishing for a first-time fisher was tough. Although her casting improved as the day progressed, because of her inexperience she was relegated to fishing nymphs and small streamers in runs and seams. Typically we would have casters pounding the banks with streamers under these conditions but simply getting the fly out was enough challenge for Kathleen. There is little doubt that every fisher on the banks of the Bow within earshot was aware something was happening when she got into a fish. Flies of choice were the Hare's Ear, Copper Johns and Copper Bobs. Several other offerings were made with no results. The best fish on the day was a 21" Brown (pictured) and although a number of other nice trout made up the action, Kathleen's enjoyment of the day was the most rewarding.
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The Bow - July 1, 2008
Posted by Tom on Saturday, July 5, 2008
Happy birthday Canada, I celebrated by spending a day on the river with Steven and his grandfather Jim. This will by far be one of the best stories of the season. Kaley Rich, Steve's fiancé booked this float trip for Steve for his birthday. Steve asked his grandfather, who is from Ontario, to join him. After hearing this story I knew this family will see many more birthdays together. Steve has had some experience fly fishing but Jim none and both were very new to the sport but took to the casting very quickly. Jim had a little more difficulty hooking and landing than Steve but both had lots of long distance releases. The most notable fish was a 23" Cut Bow, which is a cross between a Rainbow and a Cutthroat. I haven't seen one of the on the Bow for about three years and never one this big. In all it was a great day on the river with over 40 fish hooked, great company, and even decent weather. Thanks to Kaley who originated the trip. Steve you are a lucky guy.
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The Bow - June 30, 2008
Posted by Bill on Monday, June 30, 2008
The Windsor trio (Tom, Dad and I) hit the river today for a fun float. Under cloudless skies through the morning and early afternoon, it was a very hot day and the cloud cover late in the afternoon brought welcome relief. Fishing was spotty and it seemed that whatever the fish appeared to be eating from samples taken from netted fish, anything but those imitations had hits. Beautiful fish were admired throughout the day but the highlight was Dad's colourful, heavy 24 inch Brown (pictured) taken on a size 14 Hare's Ear. Spotty fishing and slow strectches during the day are all forgotten when a monster like this is the prize of the day. Samples taken showed the fish were eating leeches, crane fly larvae, water worms, and caddis larvae. As is the norm, it was a great day to be on the water with great fishing partners.
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The Bow - June 28, 2008
Posted by Tom on Saturday, July 5, 2008
Darrell Boer of Ontario and his brother in law Gordon, of Calgary booked a float trip today. Darrell, mainly a bass fisherman with spinning equipment and Gordon a non fisherman, wanted to give fly fishing the Bow River trout a try. It didn't take long to get these guys effectively fly fishing "Bow River" style and Darrell was into the first fish within 100 yards of the launch, and Gord with his first shortly after. The hook set and landing was a different story, but then this is a big river, the fish are "hot" and this is fly fishing barbless, so I guess the long distance release is understandable. The morning was slow with probably only a dozen fish stung by lunch. The afternoon was a different story with very consistent fishing right to the take out. Not sure who enjoyed the trip more, the bass fisherman, the non fisherman or myself. This is by far one of the best jobs there is, hard, frustrating, humiliating, and long some days, but very rewarding every day. Thanks guys for a great day. Hope to see you again in the near future.
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The Bow - June 27, 2008
Posted by Bill on Saturday, June 28, 2008
Rick Bartlett (Georgia) was in town on business and decided to set one day aside for fishing the Bow. Under cloudless, blue skies, the river had been fishing well and cleaning with every passing hour. Unlike previous days, the trip started out slow. By the lunch break only 4 trout had been brought to hand even though samples taken from the fish suggested the imitations we were offering were among the items on the fish menu. Fishing picked up considerably after lunch. By day's end, 18 trout had seen the net and Rick figured he had touched over 40 fish in one way or another. A wide assortment of flies turned fish on this day and the only thing consistent was inconsistency. While Rick didn't bring a wall-hanger Brown to the boat, he marvelled at the consistently high quality of fish the Bow produces. Maybe next time we'll get that Brown for you Rick.
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The Bow - June 27, 2008
Posted by Tom on Saturday, July 5, 2008
Ron Fry who did a few trips with me last year brought his other son Justin on a float trip today. As this was Justin's first attempt at fly fishing, it took a bit to get in the groove but wasn't long until he landed his first Bow River trout and on a fly no less. The fishing was not quiet as good as yesterday, but still fairly steady throughout the day. There were lots of long distance releases today and so not quite as many in the net as the day previous. Again a great way to spend a day on the river with a couple of great people. The river is dropping steadily now and cleaning seemingly by the hour. The fish have moved off the banks for the most part and we are now finding them in the runs and buckets more accustom to summer time. Samples from fish today was a repeat of yesterday, the difference was if we found something in a fish and tried something completely different we caught fish. Doesn't make sense but then if it was easy it wouldn't be the Bow. Hope to see you again later in the year Ron.
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The Bow - June 26, 2008
Posted by Tom on Saturday, July 5, 2008
Burt and Corey Turnbull of Youngstown Alberta joined me on the river today for a post run-off float trip. The weather was good and the river has cleaned nicely with three feet of visibility. Burt was very interested in fishing the Bow this time of year as it usually produces good numbers of browns. And that it did, not necessarily monsters but very nice browns and a few rainbows as well. Fishing was very good in the morning and slowed in the afternoon, however in all it was a very decent day with over 40 hooked, and at least 20 were put in the net. Samples taken throughout the day showed fish were eating mayfly nymphs, leeches, worms, and the odd caddis pupa. It was another great day on the water with a couple of very enthusiastic, friendly, fellow Albertans.
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The Bow - June 24, 2008
Posted by Bill on Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Although the water had coloured and risen a bit compared to the day before, Ned Pankhurst would not be denied his day on the Bow. Ned, a fish biologist from Australia, was here for a symposium at the University and booked this day for his road trip, the Bow his road, the drift boat his vehicle. Fishing was spotty throughout the day with pods of feeding fish in pockets and a fair distance apart. Picking fish was a challenge and although not continuous, it was consistent throughout the float. Ned's thriteenth and final fish of the day was an extremely heavy 24 inch Brown, Ned's biggest to date, that had both drift boat and fisher navigating the stream to track him down in the swift current. An accomplished fly caster and experienced fisher, Ned was a treat to have in the boat. Through his experience with fishery research and various postings, there was never a dull moment on this day. When the fishing was slow, the tidbits of information about fish and fisheries made this day very special for me. Thanks Ned for a great day of fishing and the wealth of information.
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The Bow - June 23, 2008
Posted by Bill on Wednesday, June 25, 2008
For the first really fishable day on the Bow after the spring run-off, Larry Delf (Calgary) and his son-in-law Josh Dubin (New York) joined me on the Bow for a wonderful day of fishing. Both fishers were virtual neophytes to fly fishing and virgins to the Bow. It took a little while for Josh to get the hang of Bow River nymph fishing but once he got the hang of casting, presentation and setting the hook, he was on fire most of the day. Larry took a little longer to warm up to the art of setting the hook although his casting was adequate very early in the float. Many were the frustrations of missed set and even more frustrating, the long-distance releases. Nonetheless, these eager and persistent fishers managed to bring 18 or so fish to hand and a new appreciation for the river and its fish. It was a wonderful day of June fishing with very enjoyable company. Thanks guys. I'm looking forward to having both of you on the water again.
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Beaver Lake - June 2, 2008
Posted by Bill on Tuesday, June 3, 2008
For a fun day of fishing while the Bow River is blown out, Tom, Bill Sr., Jason and Bill headed north and west to Beaver Lake, a small lake west of Caroline stocked with Rainbow Trout and aerated to ensure winter survival. Beaver Lake is a beautiful little lake covering about 120 acres and offers the fly fisher a variety of scenic views, bird life and Rainbow Trout. Tom and Jason were on fire shortly after putting onto the lake and the action remained steady and high throughout the day. Although the majority of the fish caught were in the 10 to 12 inch class, a fair number of better trout in the 16 to 18 inch range were also brought to hand. The lunkers this lake is known to house eluded us on this day. Olive buggers were the order of the day although a number of fish were turned on a variety of other flies. Although the skies were cloudy and the temperatures cool, this was a wonderful day of fishing warmed by a catch of well over 60 fish and terrific fishing companions.
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Eagle Lake - May 31, 2008
Posted by Bill on Monday, June 2, 2008
At this time of year when the Bow River is blown out and unfishable, those of us who are insanely keen fly fisherman search for other water and other fish to take the edge off of not being able to fish the Bow. On this day, Tom and I explored some water just east of Calgary, Eagle Lake. The lake is inhabited by Northern Pike and Walleye and the focus of our attention on this trip was for the Northern Pike. It was of interest to us that there was very little bird life on the south end of the lake and we assume that is because of a lack of vegetation on the south shore. Most of the Pike caught, about 20 on the day, were of relatively the same size although one smaller one was brought to hand. The day started out windy but as time passed the wind subsided and by early evening, the lake was like glass. It was a great day on the water even though it wasn't the Bow and trout.
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The Bow - May 17, 2008
Posted by Tom on Monday, May 19, 2008
Morey Benton, from Ontario, booked a Spring Special trip again this year. Again we floated the "city" section with 2 feet of visibility at best and even more white algae floating. Fishing was tough and very frustrating, however the day started off very good with four fish hooked in the first run not 100 yards from the launch. The longest fish on the day was a 19 1/2 inch brown which was to date Morey's best. In all I figure we netted a dozen fish and lost at least that many, one of which was heavy near the end of the day that we never saw, maybe next year. Over all it was a beautiful day, great company, and not a bad day fishing for only one guy considering the river conditions.
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The Bow - May 16, 2008
Posted by Tom on Monday, May 19, 2008
Steve and Chad, a couple of local fly fisherman who have had limited success on the Bow, booked a Spring Special trip to try and figure this river out. Due to the recent snow storm and with Fish Creek dumping mud into the river we were forced to float the "city", Glenmore to Police. The day started off slow but once we hit Fish Creek Park things picked up. In all over 20 fish were hooked on the day with lots of long distance releases. Most of the fish were taken in likely spots while out of the boat walking and wading. With only 2 1/2 feet of visibility and lots of white algae floating the fishing was tough and samples throughout the day showed the fish were not eating. Both Steve and Chad were nymphing effectively by the end of the day and hopefully they now have confidence in this amazing river.
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The Bow - May 15, 2008
Posted by Bill on Friday, May 16, 2008
Tom and I spent the day on the river keeping in touch with the river and fish. It was a spectacular day of cloudless skies, hot sun and fishing. The day was hampered by a farily strong NW wind and cloudy water conditions. Visibility at Glenmore was about 3 feet but the chocolate contribution by Fish Creek reduced visibility considerably below her confluence although the river held her contamination to the right bank for several bends. At Police, visibility on the left bank was about 18 inches while on the right bank it was only about 6 inches. Nonetheless, we had a pretty good day of fishing. Tom nailed four browns right out the gate which ended up being the most productive stretch of fishing from the boat. For the remainder of the trip, productivity was highest out of the boat working seams and runs. Although we touched well over 40 fish on the day, nothing of any particular size was brought to hand. Several beautiful, fat trout in the 18 inch range made up the catch highlights of the day. The other highlight, the gosslings have hit the water and although not everywhere, several clutches distracted our attention from fishing throughout the day.
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The Bow - May 13, 2008
Posted by Bill on Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Today was a fun float day although the wind and cool temperature made it somewhat less than perfect. Joining Dad and me on the river was Diana Cerda, an exchange student from Mexico, who had never fished before let alone fly fished on a river like the Bow. Diana is a quick study and took to the casting of flies with a nymph rig like fish take to water. With a little coaching she was stripping, backcasting and shooting line like a far more experienced fly caster. Although she was reluctant to actually handle her catches, we did manage to coax her into holding one (pictured). She brought a rainbow and brown to hand and turned a number of other trout that threw the hook in the distance.Fish Creek is flowing mud and colouring the Bow significantly below her confluence. The east bank below Fish Creek has about 5 feet of visibility while on the west bank it is only about 2 inches. A bend or two above the Deerfoot extension the mix extends across the entire river with about 18 inches of visibility from there to Policeman's. Fishing success was significantly higher above the mix on the clearer side of the river. Worms were the order of the day even though a number of offerings were presented.
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The Bow - May 5, 2008
Posted by Tom on Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Today we put two boats on the water with five guides and fisherman for a fun float. We again got access to the private launch at Policeman's and floated to there from Fish Creek. The day started off cool with a strong southeast wind but shortly after launching the boats the wind died down and it turn into a beautiful spring day. Dad, Bill, Jason, Clint, and myself were the group for the day. First trip of the year for Clint and second trip of the year we were able to float downstream of Calgary. Although a few fish were taken on streamers and small nymphs, the majority of fish came on the worms both our new red wire and our special chenille. In all over 50 fish were hooked during our 6 hour outing. During one of our stops in a favorite run the river produced over a dozen for Bill. The largest fish brought to hand was a 24" brown Bill landed and I'm sure we saw this same fish on our last trip on this section. There was a very heavy blue winged olive hatch with the water temperature around the 50°F mark. With the trees starting to bud, hopefully this trip will signal the official start of spring and we will continue to see increased insect activity with each passing day. A great day on the river with a great bunch of guys.
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The Bow - May 2, 2008
Posted by Tom on Monday, May 5, 2008
On the river today with Bill and Dad for Dad's first float of the year. It was quite windy and cool and the fishing started off quite slow. We floated the city section today as the boat launches south of Calgary are either still iced up or not ready for use yet. It wasn't until about 1/2 way through the trip the fishing picked up. Again there was a midge hatch and a sparse scattering of BWO's. For the most part, fish came on the San Juan however about 30% came on small nymphs imitating the midges and BWO's. In all about 30 fish were hooked on the day, however only about 18 were brought to hand, lots were given the famous long distance release. Most of the fish were found in slower deeper holes as the water temperature is still cold. Today, as expected during this time of year, all the mature fish were browns. The only rainbows we saw were of the pre-spawn size 17" or less. Despite the wind and consequently the cool day it was great to get out on the river and now hopefully this will be a regular event as the weather should get better and better as summer approaches.
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The Bow - April 26, 2008
Posted by Bill on Sunday, April 27, 2008
There are some days on the river that are purely exceptional. The second day for Fred Jr. and Fred Sr. from Austria was one of those days. Lauching at 17th Ave. under a cloudless, sunny sky, expectations were high. Those expectations gradually waned as bend after bend no fish were to be seen. After having a good Brown chase a nymph right up to the boat but no take, a quick switch to a streamer produced a beautiful 21 incher. That was the only landed trout until mid-afternoon. After the hot river-side lunch both fishers and fish were recharged. From that point on the Bow made good on her reputation producing close to 20 trout in the 18 plus inch class. After landing a couple of good Rainbows, Fred Jr. caught a 25 inch female Brown, a trout many fishermen fish the Bow all year for. Half an hour later he caught another 25 inch Brown (pictured), this time a male, dark and heavy. Despite the cold of the previous day and the lack of action through the morning on this day, both Freds were troopers and battled through adversity to finally bask in the glory the Bow River and its trout can present, a pair of trophies most fishers only dream of. I trust their memories of these trophy trout will stay with them until next time we have them on the river.
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The Bow - April 25, 2008
Posted by Bill on Sunday, April 27, 2008
April fly fishing on the Bow River can be a test of fortitude. Such was the case on this day as Fred Jr. and Fred Sr. from Austria joined us for a very cold day of fishing. With considerable cooperation from the folks responsible for twinning the Glenmore bridge, we put in at the brand new Glenmore launch, the first boat to use that launch according to the workers. Fishing was spotty from start to finish as is expected for April. The count at the end of the day was 4 Rockies and 6 Rainbows. Several other fish, approximately a dozen, were turned or fought but escaped as both Freds practiced their long-distance release techniques. Of those, one notable Brown was brought to the surface for viewing but not to the net for pictures. The prizes of the day were a 21 inch Rainbow and a 20 inch Rainbow (pictured) Fred Jr. caught mid-way through the day. The biggest challenge of the day was the continual clearing of ice that built up in the eyes of the rods. In spite of the frigid temperatures, both Freds were a treat to have in the boat and on the River. They tirelessly sent offerings to reluctant trout from put in to take out.
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The Bow - April 16, 2008
Posted by Tom on Saturday, April 19, 2008
Finally we are officially back on the river. With the recent bad weather and the boat launch construction this float was a long time coming. Jay, Bill and I did a short float today for the first one Fish Creek to the new boat launch at Policeman's Flats. The weather was less than ideal with a very cool northwest wind but the fish didn't seem to mind. Within 100 yards of the launch Jay landed the first fish of the year, a beautiful 18" brown. Then things slowed until our first stop where we got out of the boat and fished a very nice run. In all over 20 fish were netted on the day with only 3 under 16". Surprisingly, we even managed to fool 4 rainbows over 20". Usually they are out of the river on their spawning run. The browns over the 20" mark are still very colorful and remarkably healthly. There was an amazing midge hatch that made the boat black that I'm sure the fish keep full on throughout the winter. Fish were taken on worms, leeches, and small nymphs and they seemed to prefer them with some movement.
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