Bow River Fishing Information

Getting Your Lure in The Right Spot

Anyone who fishes in Alberta knows that there is great fishing found in our local river systems. We head out in search of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout and hope to hook into a bunch. Every one knows that there are plenty of fish in the Bow River system and we know that we have the right tackle to hook into some. That’s great so off we go fully armed and ready for the fight of a big Bow River fish. We get to the river and tie or favourite knot onto the hook and fire away in hopes of a big fish. I like little one’s too but I would rather hook a big one! I’m sure you would too? But every season dictates where the fish sit in the water, and how high or low they dwell. Different times of the day also play a factor of what depth in the water the fish feed.

So here are some examples of what I speak of. In the spring there is lots of water in the river after the run off so I get down deeper in the river with diving lures such as Countdown Rapalas and Berkley Frenzy’s to target the trout. Or while using spinners like Panther Martin or Bang Tails, I will cast upstream and let the lure bounce on the bottom a few times before reeling slowly back into the shoreline. This keeps the lure down where the fish are feeding as long as possible and hooking me more trout. In the spring stay low to the bottom where the fish are located and you will catch more trout.

Summer months a few things must change, if it is hot out the fish tend to stay low to the bottom of the river so the same rules apply as in spring. Water temperature, and outside air play important factors in what depth you need to fish. If it is hot, 20-30 degrees Celsius you will need to get down deeper in the water. In the early hours of the morning in the summer fish will be rising for flies so fish the top of the water where the fish are feeding or more in the middle of the water. Retrieve speed will help you get the right depth. A faster retrieve will keep your spinner in the middle or at the top or if using a Rapala, keeping your rod tip up higher will also keep the lure at the top. Check the Rapala chart for proper lures and their fishing depths.

Fall in Alberta is a time when water levels slow and drop considerably. Fish your lure or spinner at the middle or near the top of the water. The lures and the techniques you were using in the spring and summer may not work well in the fall. Remember there is less water in the river so your Rapala may dive to deep when the water is shallow. This is when you need to use a different hook or adjust your technique somewhat to improve your odds of hooking into fish.

Winter on the Bow River provides some of the best fishing for trout, especially large trout. Fishing pressure is low and the food source is also low. The fish are feeding on mostly larva at this time so your odds go way up. The trout head into their over-wintering locations so there are many trout in one fishing hole or stretch of river. When winter arrives I give the fish something large to eat as they are usually willing to take big bait in the winter. I increase the size of my lures. I find the bigger the lure, the bigger the fish I catch. The water is shallow at this time of year so I make my way into deeper holes or pools and fish at all depths. The river bed is clean and free of most types of weeds so I start deep and work my way up to the top of the water level. I primarily fish crank baits in the winter or jerk baits in slower calm holes. Great success will be yours if you are able to fish in a prime location of the river.

Fishing your lure at the right depth will increase your chances of catching fish. I try all depths when I fish the Bow River, keeping a close eye on where in the water I catch my fish. It is important to always watch your line and see every fish hooked. You will dial in and have many great days fishing. You will learn the water and know every move of the trout. If you keep learning as you go you will keep catching fish, BIG fish and more of them!