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SEASONS ON THE BOW
Understanding the fishing seasons in the Bow River will enhance your chances of catching your desired fish species. Whether you're aiming for rainbow trout or brown trout, knowing the seasonal patterns will optimize your fishing experience.
Typically we aim to have the jet boat in the lower section of the bow river mid to late March. It is one of our favorite times of year to fish, as the seasons are starting to change , the sun gets warmer ,the air smells better and the prospect of the summer ahead is on the horizon.
As May approaches the rainbow trout start to transition to their spawning tributaries , this often has us seeing more brown trout to the net.
The tactics used: Nymphing with some streamer and dry fly fishing when
applicable.( We always want to streamer fish)
Gear used : Nymphing 5 wt with WF floating line , Dry fly fishing 4 wt with WF floating line , Streamer fishing 7wt with WF floating line and sink tip.
Early Season: March , April , May
Typically run off is forecasted for June, However with the low snowpack in the mountains the last couple of years and low rainfall we have had,run off as early as May. During run off the water level will start to rise and stain , this does turn off a lot of fishermen and it does make the fishing less consistent. With that being said we absolutely love the chance at the fish of a lifetime in low vis water conditions. Nothing makes us happier than seeing a client with their personal best Brown trout. This fishing is not for everyone , so when booking your trip please ask your guide how the fishing conditions are to ensure you book the trip you want.
The tactics used: Streamers tight to the bank
Gear used : Streamer fishing 7wt with WF floating line and sink tip. (Usually sink tip)
Runoff : May / June
As the water level lowers and water visibility improves we adjust our tactics accordingly. Golden stone hatch, it's happening, This mixed with Rainbow trout coming back from spawning can lead to very very aggressive fish. You will start to see the majority of rainbows being caught this time of year , and there are some days you can't do anything wrong.
The tactics used: The Golden stone hatch presents great dry fly and nymphing opportunities and you already know we're going to streamer fish too!
Gear used: Nymphing 5 wt with WF
floating line , Dry fly fishing 4 wt with WF floating line , Streamer fishing 7wt with WF floating line and sink tip.
Post Runoff : July
August and September present great hopper and hopper dropper fishing. Fishing Hoppers tight to the grassy banks or in some riffles can produce heart pounding takes. As we move into September and the temperatures start to drop this puts the fish in their happy place. There is typically a 2 week period in September where the quantity and quality of the fish are hard to match. These 20"+ fish will go on these amazing runs and sometimes have multiple leaps out of the water that put your skills to the test. These are the days we dream about as fishermen.
The tactics used: Hoppers, hopper dropper rigs. Streamer fishing on low vis days and dry fly when applicable.
Gear used: Nymphing 5 wt with WF floating line , Dry fly fishing 4 wt with WF floating line , Streamer fishing 7wt with WF floating line.
Hopper Season: Aug / Sept
We love fishing late into October. This provides us with the opportunity to use the jet boat more and capitalize on the warmer hours of the day.
Brown Trout will start migrating to stage for their spawning and this can make them very aggressive. Rainbow trout are jacked and fat and with this combination why wouldn't you want to be on the water.
With water temps declining this can dictate our tactics from day to day. Sometimes you still get hopper eats and some days you're nymphing low and slow. You already know we will be throwing streamers!
The tactics used: Hopper dropper rigs , its a great time to use this rig as fish can still be in the shallows this time of year. Streamer fishing to find those aggressive fish and we can still trick some fish on dry flies.
Gear used: Nymphing 5 wt with WF floating line , Dry fly fishing 4 wt with WF floating line , Streamer fishing 7wt with WF floating line.
Fall Season: October
