Clagary Fly Fishing

[PaulRitten]

Hi folks:

Going to be up in Calgary next week and was told that there is a river near our office that offers pretty good fishing (I think its the Bow river, but not sure). Apparently nobody up there fly fishes, so they can't give any advice. Soooo, anybody have any suggestions as far as tackle/flies/etc. My best (most packable) rods are 3 and 4 weight - would these be enough? I can bring a two piece rod if I need a heavier rod since we'll be on the corporate jet, but its still a bit of a pain. As far as flies, they say there are grayling in there - having never fished for them do they take the same stuff as trout?

Thanks,

Paul

[Baldy]

The Bow River is arguably the best trout river on the continent, however I do not believe there are any grayling there.
Exzcellent time of the year to go actually, before the runoff begins and the river should be in good shape.
5 or 6 wt. would be best but a decent 4 wt. should be OK.
There are a number of local fly shops and guides that would be able to help with fly selection.
You shouldn't be disappointed with fishing the Bow, browns & rainbows, and lots of them, up to 5 - 6 lbs.
Best of luck.
Paul

[PRM]

Hi, Paul -

My bestest flyfishin' buddy was on the Bow 2 years ago. He raves about the fishing, and about the guide he used. He's been with many, many guides over the years, many with me taggin' along, and he says that Jim McLennan is the best guide he's ever had. Quite a recommendation, I'd say...

Check out Jim's web site:
http://www.mclennanflyfishing.com/

[PaulRitten]

Thanks for the info, unfortunately it will probably just be a quickie hour or two in the evening after meetings, so no guide or fly shops to go to for advice. I'll probably just assume that Colorado trout aren't that different from Canadian trout (hmmm, maybe I should tie some metric flies just in case) and use the flies that have been working here.

Thanks again,

Paul

[Duffin Boy]

I would google Calgary fly shops near where you are staying and drop in for a few flies and some advice. Local flies can make a world of difference sometimes.
Make what little time you have count.
Some people plan for years to visit the Bow and fish.

DuFf

[Baldy]

The Bow River at the South end of Calgary is probably your best bet, Fish Creek Park and work downstream below highway 22X (now called Marquis of Lorne Trail). Beautiful stretch of river, about 100 yards (91.44 meters) wide, more of a riffle - pool type of structure, a ways downstream of the waste treatment plant so lots of nutrients flow into the river which keeps it open most of the year and provides lots of fuel for the local underwater insect life.
Usually lots of smaller trout but there are many in the middleweight & heavyweight classes.
As DB says, check with the local fly shops for not only fly selection but also the runoff, the melt from the Rockies can get the river going pretty good but from what I recall you should be OK this time of year.
And you are correct, metric flies usually work better!
Also check out this page, it will give you some insight and also has somewhat of a hatch chart.
http://bowriveradventures.googlepage...outthebowriver
Also note that there are pike in the river, once caught a 10 lb. northern presumably feasting on young rainbows.

[PaulRitten]

Baldy - thanks for the info and link. Looks like our office is right in the section that you mentioned and according to the hatch chart, pretty much the same hatches we get here just a little delayed.

I'll probably make time next time I head up there to get in touch with the local shops (I actually get up there a fair bit), but figured I'd take a rod and have an excuse to get out of dinner one night!

Thanks again,

Paul