[Hob]

So, I'm headed to Calgary for a wedding and my wife approved a "fishing day" while I am there. To maximize the experience, I'll be getting a guide.... question is what river? Everything I've read is that the Bow is a no brainer choice. Thoughts? And does anyone recommend a guide from that area? Maybe share your experience? I'll be there mid -July. - G

 

[megajumbos]

The Bow is a awesome fishery with choker browns and bows but it can kick your ass too. If you want a guide check out Bow River Troutfitters in Calgary. They are a good shop. That time of year will probably be PMDs, PEDs and golden stones. If it's hot enough it will be the beginning of hoppers and they fish big streamers a lot too. If you have a day on your own and a car drive a couple hours south and fish the Crowsnest. It's epic and the perfect walk/wade stream.

 

[Stew McLeod]

You flying or driving up? If flying I assume you'll have a car? How long you there for? Calgary is my former home town so I have some insight into things there.

 

[Stew McLeod]

..Reading your post a but more thoroughly I see you say fishing day. I'd recommend taking a guide and spend the day on The Bow. You will not be disappointed. You could go hit the Highwood or Elbow but why when The Bow is right there.

I'd also second Bow River Troutfitters. It was the fly shop I frequented while living in Calgary (although they have since changed the location) and they supplied the guide last time I was there.

Stew

 

[Hob]

Thanks fellas... I will look them up. -G

 

[bloom]

For one day stick to the Bow. Plan to stay late as skating some stones in the evenings at that time can bring some big fish. Check out FishTales in Calgary...one of the best.

 

[roh]

I live here in Calgary and second the Fish Tales reference. Another outstanding independent guide is Barry White, who has been guiding on the river since the late 70s. Definitely a character and you will catch fish.

 

[kritofr]

Good day,

If you have one day and still want to go out on a guided trip, the Bow is a world renowned fishery. If you prefer to hit some smaller streams that still can produce a quality fishing experience there are a lot of streams to choose from within a 2hr drive from Cow-town.

Bow River Troutfitters is a great choice to provide you with quality service and guiding opportunities. Fishtales is also top-notch

 

[Browns_Bask]

You may want to check out the Fly Fish Calgary board, there are a few guides who post there regularly. Also regular river reports.

FFC board

 

[Stew McLeod]

Oh and if you like burgers, hit Peter's Drive-In while there

 

[scottr]

Is it worth fishing the Bow or Elbow right in the city? Going to a wedding as well. Can't do a whole day but was wondering if it would be worth packing my set up to sneak out for a few hours.

 

[Kyle Smith]

Dude get your priorities straight. Some wedding you probably don't want to go to...or one of the top trout streams in the world...

 

[Stew McLeod]

Is it worth fishing the Bow or Elbow right in the city? Going to a wedding as well. Can't do a whole day but was wondering if it would be worth packing my set up to sneak out for a few hours.

That's a tough call but I'd have to go with The Bow. My experience with the Elbow in town was never as pleasant as it was with the Bow. I tended to always fish the Elbow up-stream of Calgary and enjoy the scenery.

Stew

My $0.02 worth. Oh and if I was you'd I'd check out this local Calgary website : http://flyfishcalgary.com/board/index.php ... somebody might give you a spot like Edworthy or the Zoo area to focus on.

 

[scottr]

Thanks Stew! The wedding is at Fort Calgary where the Elbow flows into the Bow. Based on Google maps it looks like there are some riffles and gravel bars that might fish well in the immediate area.