Bow River trout fishing gear

[Newf]

Its been at least 10 years since I've wet a line, and just this past week Ive started to think about brushing the dust off the old fly rod and giving in go. So since I'm In Airdrie I'd like to try my luck on the Bow River for some of the famed trout fishing that it has!

Wondering about the gear setup for the river? Any information would be appreciated.

I've got a 4-5wt 7' rod but from what I read it might be a little too slight for the fish on the Bow, and maybe a 5-6wt 9' might be a better option.

If the rod is adequate, I'll need to buy a new line for sure, I'm thinking maybe a WF line, but how much backing are you guys using? 100 yards? more? less? What about the leaders? tippets?

[270WINCHESTER]

If your primary focus is nymphing, get a 5wt 9'. Thats about the best and most popular rod you can use on the bow. If your going to be streamer fishing mostly however, step it up to a 6 or 7 wt.
You 7' wouldn't be all that bad. but it wouldn't be ideal. Would make it difficult im many situations to control your line, mending and so on. Best option might be to just try it your first time out and see how it feels. If you dont like the shorter rod so much, might want to step it up ti a new 9' rod. If it feels fine you could give it some more time. If you continue to fish the bow however you will more than likely want to upgrade to that 9' rod one day.
For backing, the best bet is to fill the spool as much as it will go with the fly line included. This isn't so you will have more backing to fight the fish, 100yrds is more than enough for the bow. You want this extra backing so your spool will be full. Pick up line faster due to one revolution of the spool reeling in more line. For leaders, i believe the most common size on the bow is a 9' 3X. I like to use a 3x leader, and add some 4x fluorocarbon tippet. This is for nymphing. For streamers i use straight 3-4' of 10-12lb fluorocarbon, when using a sink tip line.

[Newf]

Since I don't know the river or water conditions there, I have to ask....Would a 10' Jon boat be adequate for drifting the river in normal conditions?

[vital shok]

Jon boat would be fine and awesome as long as your competent on the oars and control.

[Bhflyfisher]

Originally Posted by Newf

Since I don't know the river or water conditions there, I have to ask....Would a 10' Jon boat be adequate for drifting the river in normal conditions?

I wouldn't be bashing a riveted boat around on shore/rocks. Very prone to springing some leaks. If its welded, go for it.

[Newf]

Well I went ahead and picked up a new rod, Its a 9' 5wt. Picked up the rod from Geoff Pieroway at Pieroway Rods. What a great guy to deal with! He set me up with the rod, line and a few flies. Cant wait now to get on the river and try my luck!

I'll definitely be going back there to buy more gear when the time comes.