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[BladeKid]

I'm going to be going to the Bow river to fish for some big brown trout. Does anybody have any tips or info on what flies to use this time a year?

                                                    Thanks, Michael

[dennyman]

Hi Michael: been a few years since I have fished the Bow River, but getting into  big Browns and Rainbows should pretty much be the same. I would stick to Wooly Buggers, Bow River Buggers, Zonkers and other such bigger flies. Don't rule out nymph fishing as bead head nymphs, prince nymphs and the sort can also work well. Also don't forget about dryfly fishing, especially in the late summer using a grasshopper fly can be quite enjoyable as you fish it close to the overgrown grassy banks. And of course take some caddis dry flies  for the evening fishing. You should stop by a couple of the local shops like Country Pleasures, and Russell's to find out how the river has been fishing recently and to stock up on flies that have been working.  You don't say if you will be walking or fishing from a boat.  If you can line up a boat to use that would be something to consider as that opens up a lot of spots not accessible to the wading fisherman. Have fun and tell us how you made out.

[BladeKid]

I will be wading. I think I'll be fishing near Canmore (i think thats how u spell it) and in Banff.   Thanks for the info.

[dennyman]

Michael : then you will be fishing the Upper Bow River, there are also Brook Trout in that stretch. There are nice sized fish in that stretch, but if you get a chance to get into the river below Calgary that opens up the opportunity to fish for bigger trout, and a greater variety of access spots to fish from. Remember in the Canmore/ Banff stretch of the river you are in Bear country, and the necessary precautions should be taken, bells, bear spray, etc.

[BladeKid]

Thanks for the info....fishing was great! We also managed to get a couple brookies.

[Jonny 5]

I don't fish the upper too much, but there are some fish up there.  If the weather is hot, use dries to rising fish or try to get some to come up in obvious spots (such as log jams) using madam X or other big juicy treats, and of course use a dropper under any large fly if you can (pheasant tail, or prince ect).

Don't forget your bear spray, there can be A LOT of grizzlies in some areas.

Good luck.

Jonny 5.

Edit: looks like I missed this one.  How did you like the mighty bow?

[BladeKid]

I loved it to say the least...I also fished Dead Man's Flats