calgary river conditions

[Steve fly guy]

With the upcoming fly fishing expo in Calgary, I was hoping to get out on the water one day this weekend.How are the bank conditions for wading, amount of ice flow and how has the overall fishing been as of late.

[Jayhad]

good
depends on how warm it is between now and then
most are finding this winter is tougher than previous winters, you will find nice perfect holes..... and no action

[SimonB]

Originally Posted by Jayhad

good
depends on how warm it is between now and then
most are finding this winter is tougher than previous winters, you will find nice perfect holes..... and no action

X2.... Last winter was better .... Catching lots of whites tho just no trout ....

[BigSky]

Fishing has not been as productive in the few times I've been out since December, but I wouldn't say it's been bad. I've had better luck in the early morning. Between a buddy and myself we've managed double digit in one particular spot. I think once you find one there's a good chance you get more

[rycoma]

Agreed all my old winter holes have been really off this year as well

[scel]

Originally Posted by rycoma

Agreed all my old winter holes have been really off this year as well

Yeah. I am used to pulling double digits in the winter. I have been skunked the last 3 times. I have a feeling that my old winter holes simply are no longer winter holes.

[Steve fly guy]

I am sure we are all relearning our favorite piece of water, from the sounds of it the water and it's banks are fishible. I can't wait for this great weekend, fly fishing expo and first wet line of the year!!! Hopefully I see you in either location!!

[Jayhad]

Originally Posted by scel

Yeah. I am used to pulling double digits in the winter. I have been skunked the last 3 times. I have a feeling that my old winter holes simply are no longer winter holes.

Scel,

I think a lot of folks are in the same shoes as you..... I hope it means there is still a yet undiscovered "SUPER" winter hole where all of the Bow's fish have decided to congregate.... fishful thinking

[scel]

Originally Posted by Jayhad

I think a lot of folks are in the same shoes as you..... I hope it means there is still a yet undiscovered "SUPER" winter hole where all of the Bow's fish have decided to congregate.... fishful thinking

*crosses fingers*
I know that pounding the banks will eventually produce results. It has been such a chaotic winter. To make efficient progress, the ice shelves help. I (re)learned that once the temperature goes consistently above zero, the ice cannot be trusted. Even being careful, I had 2 nasty falls/breaks last time I was out. After an hour of dragging my ass through mid-calf to knee-high snow covering an uneven rocky ground, I am exhausted.

The river looks great though. The riverbed is clear. There are plenty of midges. I have not seen any didymo. Apparently, other people are catching fish. I guess I just have to succumb to fishful thinking.

[fisher77]

I have been fishing most of this month. I have caught a lot of whitefish and a handful of trout. I am mostly nymphing and having luck with san wuan worms and really small midges.

[87stocker]

Forgive me for my ignorance, but how do I find out what rivers I can fish through the winter. Am I missing something in the regs?

[Scott N]

Originally Posted by 87stocker

Forgive me for my ignorance, but how do I find out what rivers I can fish through the winter. Am I missing something in the regs?

Look for the part that has specific waters listed. I know that parts of the Bow, Crow, and Oldman are open during the winter, and while I'm sure there are other waters open, I'm not familiar with them.

[scel]

Originally Posted by Scott N

Look for the part that has specific waters listed. I know that parts of the Bow, Crow, and Oldman are open during the winter, and while I'm sure there are other waters open, I'm not familiar with them.

Unfortunately, you have to read the regulations like a manual. You have to be careful, because the big rivers that are open in the winter are not consistent for the entire river.

The best way that I have figured out...

Download the manual

http://albertaregulations.ca/2013-Al...shing-Regs.pdf
Search the document for: Open all year

Good Luck.

[rycoma]

ugh another unsuccessful day on the bow. High winds, steep banks and unstable ice shelfs. I'm getting real ****y with a certain area that used to be a great producer over the winter. Four times out three times skunked. I hate to ask for help but somebody please throw me a bone here. I only fish the bow in the winter. Just a parking spot is all I need and up or down stream. no actual places you fish. Thanks.

[87stocker]

SCEL. Thanks. Ive found lots of info over the past few days since I asked that. Happy fishing to all.

[WhitefishLady]

First time fishing the bow in the winter this year. Two days and skunked at fish creek and around and downstream of graves landing, not even a whitefish . I'm gonna blame the flooding but its probably me as two fish on the bow for me is a good day lol!

[DiabeticKripple]

dont forget that with the flood, your holes have probably been filled in and are no longer fish holding. Probably best trying to find the new holes.