Fishing Banff now?

[Okotokian]

So wifey has decided we need a relaxing getaway in Banff for a few days. Right in the middle of hunting season, but OK. She did say "well maybe you could fish for a while. Is that allowed there?"

So my reading of the regs for the park (I've never fished there before) suggests that the only thing open is the Bow River itself. Says from Bow Lake down to eastern park boundary. Now I just have to find where Bow Lake is. Any suggestions as to good spots I could hit for a few hours? I'm thinking fly fishing but I could use tackle as well. PM's good.

[Albertadiver]

They found a dead guy right in town on the river the other day. Careful where you cast!

[MTB_FlyFisher]

Sorry, can't help you with spots as I haven't fished the bow in the parks section.

A few things to keep in mind though:
- I'm guessing you're aware of this, but national parks have a different set of regulations that take precedence over the AB fishing regulations. Make sure you have a read through, because you can get ticketed if you forget to take any lead split-shot out of your fishing pack prior to hitting the river or if you're running more than a single nymph under a strike indicator
- I don't know the current state of whirling disease in BNP, but you may want to take a quick look to see if there are any unusual closures currently in effect
- Regarding whirling disease, make sure you're diligent about cleaning your equipment at the end of your trip to help stop the spread. There's an information page on the parks Canada website that goes into a few details HERE
- Bow lake is located on the ice fields parkway (highway 93), Northwest of Lake Louise.

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by MTB_FlyFisher

Sorry, can't help you with spots as I haven't fished the bow in the parks section.

A few things to keep in mind though:
- I'm guessing you're aware of this, but national parks have a different set of regulations that take precedence over the AB fishing regulations. Make sure you have a read through, because you can get ticketed if you forget to take any lead split-shot out of your fishing pack prior to hitting the river or if you're running more than a single nymph under a strike indicator
- I don't know the current state of whirling disease in BNP, but you may want to take a quick look to see if there are any unusual closures currently in effect
- Regarding whirling disease, make sure you're diligent about cleaning your equipment at the end of your trip to help stop the spread. There's an information page on the parks Canada website that goes into a few details HERE
- Bow lake is located on the ice fields parkway (highway 93), Northwest of Lake Louise.

Yup, know I have to buy a separate license and be subject to different regs. I know but had forgotten about the lead ban. Good catch.

Thanks for the Bow Lake location. So basically the Bow anywhere around Banff is good. Thanks.

[thumper]

Okie, - Try the Bow River right where it's joined by the Spray River, and then downstream from there, staying on the Banff Springs Hotel Golf Course side.
You can park 100 yards from your starting point , in the Bow Falls parking lot, and walk across the golf course bridge over the Spray.
Try very small spinners, or if fly fishing, small nymphs like a Hare's Ear - gold bead.

If you're going up to Lake Louise,give me a shout.

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by thumper

Okie, - Try the Bow River right where it's joined by the Spray River, and then downstream from there, staying on the Banff Springs Hotel Golf Course side.
You can park 100 yards from your starting point , in the Bow Falls parking lot, and walk across the golf course bridge over the Spray.
Try very small spinners, or if fly fishing, small nymphs like a Hare's Ear - gold bead.

If you're going up to Lake Louise,give me a shout.

[Jokey75]

Check in at Wapiti Sports in Canmore. Those guys know their stuff and will help you out.

J

[hilt134]

I happen to be a local to the area brown trout rappals work well and yes definetly check with the fishing store in canmore. Depending on where you are from it might be a whole new deal. There are many days i have caught 8 trout but none over 5-7 inches. Cold water generally doesnt make for monsters. There definetly are just few and far between. Good luck!

[bergman]

Originally Posted by hilt134

I happen to be a local to the area brown trout rappals work well and yes definetly check with the fishing store in canmore. Depending on where you are from it might be a whole new deal. There are many days i have caught 8 trout but none over 5-7 inches. Cold water generally doesnt make for monsters. There definetly are just few and far between. Good luck!

And if you bowhunt, you can always go for whitetails during the rut in 410! Weather is nice enough these days for sure!