The Bow River has become famous because of its hard-fighting, acrobatic Rainbow and Brown Trout. Lending to that notoriety is the quantity and quality of trout sustained in the tailwater section of the river known world wide as the "Blue Ribbon Bow". It is the combination of these three things (fighting strength, number of trout and size of the trout) that make the Bow River a world class trout stream.
Pound for pound, Bow River Brown and Rainbow Trout offer a fighting challenge as good or better than any trout anywhere else in the world. The Brown Trout tend to fight deep and seek out the current to assist them in their battle. The Rainbow Trout launch themselves from the water, exploding into the air with hooks and line in tow. The successful landing of one of these "hot" Bow River trout is a challenge indeed, even for experienced fly fishers. Battles may take several minutes and may, depending on the size of the trout, involve a down-stream dash to keep the trout on the line. Many fly fishers fall victum to the famous Bow River "long-distance release" when the trout gets the upper hand.

If you are accustomed to fly fishing the still waters of ponds or lakes or slow moving steams for trout, you will be astonished at the power of a Bow River trout. Even the 12 and 13 inchers will give you a battle you have not experienced before. As your reel sings and the trout makes a dash for waters downstream, you'll know you've tied into something special. Leave your 3 and 4 weight fly rods at home, you need a 6 or 7 weight fly rod to adequately match the strength and power of a Bow River trout.

The Alberta Fish & Wildlife Department estimates the trout population in the Bow River at 2500 trout per river mile. While this may not be the highest trout density in a stream in North America, this population estimate certainly places the Bow River in the top 10. Trout population surveys suggest an even age distribution with a stable number of trout from 6 to 25 inches confirming the longevity of this fishery.

Trout size is an subjective reference as most fishermen are notorious for "stretching" the truth. The only accurate reporting generally comes from those who carry with them a measuring stick. By a measuring stick, the average Bow River trout is 18 to 19 inches. The age class distibution is fairly consistent from 6 inches right up to 25 inches. The odd monster above 25 inches is caught and while catching one is a very real possibility, it doesn't happen on every trip. Having said that, every time you cast a fly into the river, the possibility of catching one of those monsters is there.

The lure and magic of the Bow River is a combination of these four things. The possiblity of having an exceptional day of fishing on the river netting upwards of 30 trout. The anticipation of doing battle with a number of trout averaging 18 to 19 inches in length. The expectation of a ferocious battle with a powerful trout aided by a river current of 3 to 5 mph. The dream of, this day, tieing into one of the Bow River monsters.

The lure of the Bow River and its trout is addicting. The magic of the Bow River and its trout is life-long memories.

If you have any comments or questions at all, call Tom Toll Free at 1-866-974-8522.