FAQ

The Weather?

Every one wants to know what the weather holds in store: Weather Network

Average Weather in the Rockies

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Daily Hi (ºC)-5.30.13.89.014.218.722.121.616.110.10.5-5.3
Daily Low (ºC)-14.9-11.3-7.9-2.81.55.47.46.82.7-1.1-8.2-13.8
Rainfall (mm)2.41.71.610.542.458.451.151.237.715.46.02.8
Snowfall (cm)38.230.027.026.317.11.70.00.07.018.933.643.9
Days with Precipitation12101111131413131291012
Hours of Sunlight8.110.012.014.015.516.516.014.512.710.79.07.8

Is that in Canadian dollars?

We are located in Canada and as such conduct all of our business in $CDN. As with most other tourist oriented businesses we will accept payment in many different forms. We accept most major credit cards, travelers cheques, and of course cash. We accept $US at an exchange rate slightly lower than the banks or currency exchanges. 

How big are the fish?

That is one of those questions whose answer often starts with ‘Well, now that all depends on ……’ 

Time of year, location of the fish, visibility, hatch activity, and weather patterns all have a bearing on the response. 

The upper reaches of the Bow River contain mostly brown trout, with a smattering of brookies, rainbow, cutthroat, and bull trout, and of course the ubiquitous rocky mountain whitefish. 

The browns would average 9″ to 13″. Any fish over 14″ is considered to be a good fish, over 17″ large, over 20″ leviathan, and 24″+ legendary. All the other species are somewhat smaller, except for the bull trout, and they can surpass 25″ quite easily in these waters. 

When is the best time of day?

Unlike warm water fishing, stream fishing for trout is not, as often, good early in the morning. Admittedly, this comes from a night owl type personality, so I am more likely to stay on the river well after dark, in favour of the early dawn hours, which, around here means 4:00 am in early summer. 

Most of our best dry fly fishing occurs from about the second week or so of June to mid-August. The hatches which occur this time of year, tend to occur mid morning to early afternoon, and into the early evening. 

When is the best time of year?

Early, pre run off, season can be very productive. Fish are still typically pretty lethargic, and flies need to be presented within inches of the fish. Blue wing Olives may also hatch. 

As the highest and dirtiest water passes and flows begin to recede, even slightly, things begin to pick up. Our golden stone fly hatch normally commences about this time. Reduced flows mean clearer water, and once visibility exceeds a foot, nymph and dry action picks up. 

As summer, June 21, comes so does the green drake hatch, perhaps our most reliable one. 

Summer and early fall see caddis, pale morning dun, and on cool miserable days, more blue wing olive hatches. 

Late summer and fall see some limited action in what I like to call ‘hopportunity time’. With relatively little grasslands along the shores, the upper reaches of the Bow have much less hopper activity than sections from Sebee downstream. 

What flies should I tie?

When the hatch is on, match it!!! When it’s not ……….. Well now ………. The upper river has many of the same insects as all the other freestone rivers up and down the mountains from Alaska to California, however the timing of the hatches will be somewhat different. 

Here’s my list of favorites not necessarily in order of preference: 

Nymphs: bead heads; san juan worm, hares ear, pheasant tail, prince, caddis pupa. 

Streamers: Clauser, muddler, bow bugger, geek leech, sculpin, matuka, woolly bugger. 

Dries: Stimulator, green drake, elk hair caddis, tom thumb, white wulff, Adams, bwo, pmd and of course, hoppers in August and September. 

What equipment to bring?

Although many new comers to the upper Bow consider it to be a big river, compared to the smaller streams of much of North America, Albertans familiar with the lower Bow think of the upper reaches as small water. 

Winds can be persistent, as the Bow valley is one of the valleys from which weather escapes the mountains. 

For these reasons, a good 6 weight rod is perfectly suited, as it is capable of casting big bushy dry flies into the wind, of presenting a small dry with some delicacy, and of lobbing a big weighted streamer or nymph. A powerful 5 wt. or a 7 wt. are also suitable.

The Bow is a mountain stream and as such remains fairly cold throughout the summer, seldom exceeding 14oC. So, a good pair of waders is essential. Either neoprene or breathable waders (with some nice warm fleece underneath) are recommended. 

What can we provide?

Quality rods and reels from Scott, Temple Fork, Teton and Scientific Anglers are available for client use. Note that we always carry an extra rod or two. 

Breathable waders and boots are supplied as needed. 

Can you teach beginners?

Of course we can. As a matter of fact, we get a real charge from turning an non angler into a fly fisher. It is not just about the fish. We include lots of info on casting, presentation, fly selection, reading water, and understanding fish, fish habitat, and behavior (fish and human).