The Bow River has been fishing steadily through the Winter months and into Spring. Visibilty before the rain and snow was over 5 feet and now is hanging around 1-3 ft vis. Fish are hanging around in deep troughs and classic winter water and in the 2-3 ft chop water. With this rise in water levels we can expect fish to be pushed more twards the banks. Nymphing has been most productive with worms, small black beadheads, midges, and dead drifting small buggers. Swinging streamers has also been producing a few fish with small leeches and buggers enticing fish to strike. Early in the week clusters of midges were on every bank, and a few stories of a few rising fish to both midges and bwo’s. With reduced vis streamer fishing should be the ticket and if it is slow nymphing is always the next best option!

Hi all,

The Bow River has been fishing exceptional for this time of year! Visibility is very clear and water levels are low. Fish seem to be very non reponsive, you basically have to put it on their noses for them to eat. Leeches swung, and dead drifting nymph rigs seems to be what is producing fish. Worms are a must, and are what a large percentage of the fish are being taken on. BWO nymphs and caddis larva are also a great choice. There has been alot of midges of the water during this warm water but the wind seems to be keeping them from clustering. Be sure to to stop by the shop and pick up some flies for your next outing!

We have been blessed with this weather we have had in the past week. Not only has the weather been hot but the fishing on the Bow River has been hot for winter fishing as well. Fish have been active and aggressive, and even throughout the day have seen a handful of rises, unfortunately nothing constant. Nymphing and streamer fishing is the go to during these winter months. Nymphing, your basics are the ones that are hooking fish, worms, midges, and small black mayflies. White and black streamers are inticing agressive strikes from larger fish. Swinging small black/red buggers have also been productive. Although the winter has been great to us, both with the weather and fishing we cannot wait for the following weeks for the weather to improve and the fish to get more active as the winter months transition into spring!

With that being said be sure to stop by the shop and stock up on equipment for spring such as flies, tippet material, and leader material! We also have the Patagonia Long Underwear for 60% off. A must have for fall, winter, and spring fishing when the weather is subpar and you are not in shorts!

Troutfitters Team