Trout Chasers River Company
The Bow River's Premier Guides Since 1988
Early Season Trips
Introduced in the 2023 season, Trout Chasers offers Early Season Drift and Jet Boat trips at a reduced rate. Although a lot of the "cool stuff" isn't happening yet (i.e. steady hatches, reliable dry fly and sight fishing opportunities) there is still great early season fishing to be had on the Bow. What we deem to be early season begins March 1st and ends May 1st. Our discounted early season rate applies to that window.
The prime season to fish the Bow is July - September, and everyone knows it. Early season is your chance to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful day on the river. Typically by early-mid April, water temperatures rise into the mid 40s F, and fish transition out of winter water to begin to find feeding lies. As spring progresses many of the rainbow trout have begun their spawning journeys leaving plenty of vacant haunts for Brown Trout to patrol. This is arguably the best time to find a trophy Brown Trout.
What's Included
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Transportation from predetermined meeting place to the river in the morning, and back after your day
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8-10 guided fishing hours on the water for 1-2 people
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Premium deli style lunch, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
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All rods, reels, lines, terminal tackle, flies and waders if needed
What's not Included
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Guide gratuity
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Foul weather gear
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Hat and sunglasses
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Alberta Fishing licence
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5% GST
Early Season: April - May
Spring on the Bow can vary drastically year to year, be sure to contact us for the latest updates on fishing conditions. On a "good" spring year, fishing can be good throughout April. The banks of the Bow become largely ice free later in the month, yielding scattered Skwala stonefly hatches, good numbers of BWO's, and steady streamer fishing. A cooler than average April fishes more similarly to March. Low and slow winter-like presentations which can still produce great days on the Bow. Fishing becomes more exciting as trout begin to find their way out of wintering holes. There is still some dry fly potential for midging fish and sporadic BWO hatches.
By the end of April, most of the localized snow has melted and lowland run-off has passed. Baring any late spring snow storms or heavy rains, the Bow fishes fairly consistent through the month of May. Water levels are typically on a slow and steady rise. We usually expect sufficient streamer fishing all month, and a hit or miss "Mothers Day" caddis hatch towards the end of May. We've seen plenty of 24" plus Brown trout caught this time of year with a good number on caddis dries.
Gear
This time of year, a 9' 6wt. rod will get the job done in most situations. We usually pair that with a WF floating line, although S4, S5, or S6 sink tip fly lines can be applicable as well. Here's a list of other appropriate gear for your Early Season Trip on the Bow River:
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DRIES: 8' - 9' 4wt or 5wt. rod paired with WF floating line
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NYMPHS/HOPPER DROPPER: 9' 5 - 6wt. rod WF floating line
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STREAMERS: 9' 6 - 7wt rod with a WF floating line and Sink Tip Line 200GR. or Type 4 - 6 sink rate
