Destinations

Site map

In recent years, the Bow River has become known as one of the world's premier trout fisheries. Anglers from all over America, Europe and Japan have fished the river and they are unanimous in their praise. The Bow is home to self-sustaining populations of large Rainbow and Brown Trout that readily take the fly.

The most productive section of the Bow is the fifty miles of river downstream from the City of Calgary . This portion carries a population of approximately 2500 trout per mile. What sets the Bow apart from other quality fisheries is the large average size of fish that it produces. Fish in the 16 to 18 inch class are commonplace, and it is an unusual day when an angler does not hook a fish in excess of twenty inches. These large fish can be taken with a variety of fly-fishing methods. Under proper conditions, heavy caddis and mayfly hatches will bring fish to the surface, and the dry fly fishing can be spectacular. When the fish aren't rising, the fishing is very consistent with nymphs and streamers.

The Bow is a large freestone stream that has spring creek characteristics, lots of riffles and pocket water for the nymph or streamer fisherman, and long flats for the dry fly angler. The river averages 400 feet in width, offering a great amount of water to be explored. Since there are surprisingly few public access points, guides are a practical necessity. This placid river is easily floated in our 16 foot McKenzie style drift boats. These low profile boats are easy to get in and out of and spacious enough to give 2 fishermen plenty of room. The boats are also equipped with ample dry storage for gear.

The river is roughly divided into five sections, each day 8 to 10 miles of water will be floated. Some fishing is done from the boats, but the majority of fishing is done wading and stalking. Our normal start time is around 10am and anglers are usually fishing until 9 or 10pm or later, depending upon weather or fishing conditions. The closest starting point to the city is only 15 minutes away. Your day's float is left up to the discretion of your assigned guide. Each section floated offers a different fly fishing experience.

West Winds usually begins the guiding season guiding season in early May, and operates through until the end of October. The first two weeks of June may be unfishable because of run-off. Each month offers different hatches for the dry fly angler. Fishermen using nymphs or streamers will be successful throughout the season. Anglers should come prepared to fish a variety of techniques. West Wind's guides are skilled in all phases of fly fishing and are willing to teach their skills to visiting anglers. The river offers plenty of opportunities to try new techniques or perfect your favorite.

West Winds also offers guided trips to the Crowsnest River, another blue-ribbon fishery located in the very south west corner of Alberta. The Crowsnest is a small river averaging 40 feet in width, and is very easy to wade. The river is too small to float. The river opens to anglers in June and closes at the end of October. Crowsnest trout are primarily rainbow in the 14 to 18 inch range, but the larger fish are present. The river is a prolific freestone, offering caddis, mayflies, midges and big salmonfly for the dry fly angler. Nymph fishermen will do well the entire season. We would be pleased to show you this small, walk and wade stream.

West Winds is owned and operated by Gord and Mary Kennedy, and is based in Calgary, Alberta. They also operate one of the finest full service fly tackle stores around.

Calgary is very accessible, as most major airlines service this large Canadian city. The city is very clean, and the people are friendly. Calgary is home to several large shopping centers and is only an hour's drive away from Banff and the Rocky Mountains .

2007 Season Rates:

CDN$535.00 per boat per day.

Rate includes guided fishing with 2 anglers per boat & guide, streamside lunches, soft drinks and water. Transfers between hotel and river.

Rate does not include accomodations, meals other than lunch as described above, tackle, license, taxes.