The spectacular rivers and streams along the east slope of Alberta's Rocky Mountains are a dry fly fisher's paradise. These cool, crystal clear waters are teaming with eager cutthroat trout and are home to increasing numbers of large, aggressive bull trout. Rainbow trout also inhabit many of these waters while brook trout may be found in a few waters. Click here to see the video.
The Highwood River, Livingstone River, Oldman River, and Crowsnest River along with Cataract Creek, Racehorse Creek, and others, tumble and twist through mountain and foothills terrain that is ideal for these fish. Boulders, rocks and countless pools, provide ideal holding water for fish seeking food and relief from the current.
While many fishers are intent on using dry flies exclusively, nymphs and streamers should also be found in your fly box. Using a tandem set up with a dry fly and a nymph dropper is often the most productive method of fishing.
A day spent fishing these rivers is usually a long one. A two-hour drive through the scenic foothills southwest of Calgary will bring you to a pristine mountain river. Depending on conditions, we may fish two or three stretches of one river or we may try our luck on a couple of different rivers or creeks in the area.
Clearwater Adventures will provide snacks, a deli lunch, and non-alcoholic beverages. We will also provide you with any necessary fishing gear. Early summer and fall fishing will require waders and felt sole wading boots and we can usually provide these if you need them. During warmer midsummer days, you may want to leave the waders behind and spend the day wet wading. Wading boots are still recommended. After a full day of fishing we head back to Calgary where we often arrive after 11:00 PM.
Join us for a day or two on one or more of these rivers and enjoy a fly-fishing experience that will leave you wanting more. Clearwater Adventures can arrange camping outings near mountain rivers and with enough advance notice; we can arrange accommodations in a rustic cabin on a working ranch.