The Bow River is Alberta's premier trout fishery and a "must fish river" for knowledgeable fly fishers worldwide. The upper Bow, located in the mountains west of Calgary, is undoubtedly the most spectacular stretch of the river but it is the 50-mile stretch of river in and below Calgary that fly fishers are drawn to.
While this western freestone river has an abundance of riffles, runs, seams, undercut banks and pools, holds upwards of two thousand fish per kilometer; it is the fight and the size of the fish that set the lower section of the Bow River apart. The average fish landed, range in size from 16 to 18 inches and it is common to land trout well in excess of 20 inches. Large acrobatic rainbow trout, powerful brown trout and scenic foothills landscapes combine to make a day on the Bow a unique and very enjoyable fly fishing experience.

The Bow River is home to a healthy and varied population of aquatic life. This gives fly fishers an opportunity to test of a number of fishing techniques. While much of the time is spent fishing nymphs such as the popular golden stone fly and small bead heads, fishers will also have an opportunity to entice cruising trout with deep running clousers and other streamers. A day on the Bow would not be complete without casting elk hair caddis or other dry flies and if conditions are right, you may have an opportunity to sight fish to rising trout.

A typical day on the Bow begins between 6:00 and 8:00. Your guide will pick you up, and if necessary, a stop will be made to purchase your Alberta Fishing License. A short drive will see you arrive at one of several possible launch sites where you will gear up and prepare for the day. Much of your day will be spent fishing from a Mackenzie style drift boat, but your guide will make frequent stops to allow you to wade and more thoroughly fish some of the Bow's more productive runs. The length of time spent on the river depends on you and your schedule. Our guides are willing to stay on the river as long as weather and light conditions permit. Half-day outings will see you on the water for four hours while a full day may see you fishing for twelve or more hours.

Clearwater Adventures provides transportation to and from your hotel, all required fly-fishing gear, snacks, a deli lunch, and non-alcoholic beverages. Please note that Federal law prohibits alcohol consumption in watercraft. For this reason, and for safety's sake we do not allow open alcohol in our boats or in our vehicles.
Custom fly fishing outings are available. Whether it's a multi-day camping and fishing adventure on several rivers, or something entirely different, we will be happy to arrange an outing suited to meet your needs.

Phone Toll Free: 1-877-607-4427;
In Calgary Area: 403-607-4427;