Bow River Flies May - Oct

[salmonfan]

I am fairly new to fly fishing and primarily fish the bow river, from Calgary to Caresland. Can anyone suggest what sort of flies I should use starting in May, going through to Oct? I know I need to adapt depending on all sorts of variables, but some general rules of thumb or suggestions would be appreciated as I want to go buy some for the new season.

Thanks.

[Scott N]

One of the basic set-ups for the Bow is a floating line, about a 9' leader, a large (#2-#6) heavy weighted San Juan Worm and a dropper fly about 18" from the worm. Dropper flies might include stone flies, GRHEs, pheasant tail nymphs, prince nymphs, etc.

[brown trout]

Pretty much any trout fly known to Man has worked in that time period... Seriously.

So, sorry I can't be a more specific help. Generically, lets say:

Nymphs: golden stones (#10-12), SJ worms #6-12, BH pheasant tails #14-18, hares ear nymphs #12-16

Dries: Elk hair caddis, parachute adams, parachute light cahill all #12-18. Dave's Hopper/Stimuator #6-12. Trico spinner #18-20.

Streamers:Woolly Buggers and its variants #4-10, Clouser Minnow #4-10, woolhead sculpin #4-10.

Stock those, and you'll be ready for a good start. Obviously that isn't everything. So get those, and every time you go fishing stop at a shop and buy another 2 dozen flies that they recommend (maybe 3 new patterns each time in a couple sizes and colours each, and about 3 to 4 of each fly.

You'll go crazy stocking up for the Bow (or any trout river) all at once...

[onthefly]

Google search "Bow River hatch charts" for a good index of fly pattern for the Bow.

[ironbutterfly]

red san juan worms, wooly bugger micro leach, golden stonefly are good winter flies but are good throughout the year for nymphing. Later on in the spring I use a lot of pheasant tail nymph, hares ear, and copper johns. A lot of people suggest having the rig near the bottom, but I find fish will often come up for the flies and I follow a one foot rule between bobber and each fly. Sometimes I've seen deeper rigs consistently work though too. I just find getting caught on rocks and twigs distracting. I'd also recommend a small piece of split shot near the bottom because the current is quite strong. But loop the mono or fluoro over a couple of times before you pinch it so it doesn't slip down.

I mainly dry fly fish the bow in spring and what I'd suggest is have Caddis flies on you in May. If you catch the right day you'll have an excellent day fishing experience and if it's not one of those days just fish in evening and it will be good as long as you find a good spot. I'd keep a supply of small adams with you as well in case the fish are taking mayflies. Usually that's a bit later. Right now I'd recommend a small mosquito for rising fish.

For any beginning fly fisher I'd suggest getting into the foothills in summer for some cutthroat dry fly fishing. I basically don't even bother with the bow after June when those streams open. I'd recommend caddis, stimulator, green drakes and blue winged olives for those days. A green drake hatch is almost as much fun as a caddis hatch. They're these big green mayflies you can't possibly miss. The cutthroat in SW Alberta are some of the scappiest fish I've had on a line pound for pound. They'll almost take anything you put in front of them and are quite active in the day.

[salmonfan]

Originally Posted by ironbutterfly

red san juan worms, wooly bugger micro leach, golden stonefly are good winter flies but are good throughout the year for nymphing. Later on in the spring I use a lot of pheasant tail nymph, hares ear, and copper johns. A lot of people suggest having the rig near the bottom, but I find fish will often come up for the flies and I follow a one foot rule between bobber and each fly. Sometimes I've seen deeper rigs consistently work though too. I just find getting caught on rocks and twigs distracting. I'd also recommend a small piece of split shot near the bottom because the current is quite strong. But loop the mono or fluoro over a couple of times before you pinch it so it doesn't slip down.

I mainly dry fly fish the bow in spring and what I'd suggest is have Caddis flies on you in May. If you catch the right day you'll have an excellent day fishing experience and if it's not one of those days just fish in evening and it will be good as long as you find a good spot. I'd keep a supply of small adams with you as well in case the fish are taking mayflies. Usually that's a bit later. Right now I'd recommend a small mosquito for rising fish.

For any beginning fly fisher I'd suggest getting into the foothills in summer for some cutthroat dry fly fishing. I basically don't even bother with the bow after June when those streams open. I'd recommend caddis, stimulator, green drakes and blue winged olives for those days. A green drake hatch is almost as much fun as a caddis hatch. They're these big green mayflies you can't possibly miss. The cutthroat in SW Alberta are some of the scappiest fish I've had on a line pound for pound. They'll almost take anything you put in front of them and are quite active in the day.

thanks for the info everyone. where in the foothills do you recommend?

[Lornce]

Originally Posted by salmonfan

thanks for the info everyone. where in the foothills do you recommend?

Google map is your friend