Bow River Fishing Report 2026
Weekly conditions, hatch activity, and fly recommendations from a guide who fishes the Bow 200+ days a year. Real data, not guesswork.
Read Latest ReportThe Bow River fishing report is a weekly conditions update based on real-time flow data from Environment Canada and firsthand observations from the water. Each report covers current flow levels, water temperature, active hatches, recommended fly patterns, and a section-by-section breakdown of the upper, city, and lower Bow River near Calgary. Reports are published every Monday during the April-October guiding season.
Planning a trip? See the hatch chart, fishing regulations, and best times to fish the Bow. Weighing a guide against going solo? See guided vs DIY on the Bow and the guided trip cost breakdown, or jump straight to our guided Bow River trips out of Calgary. New to the river? Start with our complete guide to Bow River fishing in Calgary and the trout you'll catch.
Is the Bow River Fishable Right Now?
Yes — the Bow River is fishing well right now. As of the week of October 18, 2026, the flow is 42 m³/s and falling, water temperature is around 7°C, and conditions are rated good. No fishing restrictions are in effect. The top fly right now is the BWO Cripple / Parachute (#18-20).
Read the full week-of-October 18, 2026 report →Latest Report
Bow River Fishing Report — October 18, 2026
“Dan here. The Bow dropped again this morning. Flow's at 42 cms this afternoon, the lowest it's read in a month, and it lost about 12 cms since 4 a.m. with no rain behind it. That's the dams upstream h...”
Read full report →Past Reports
Bow River Fishing Report FAQ
Is the Bow River fishable right now?
Yes — the Bow River is fishing well right now. As of the week of October 18, 2026, the flow is 42 m³/s and falling, water temperature is around 7°C, and conditions are rated good. No fishing restrictions are in effect. The top fly right now is the BWO Cripple / Parachute (#18-20).
How is the fishing on the Bow River this week?
Conditions are rated good for the week of October 18, 2026. 4 hatches are active, led by Blue-Winged Olive (BWO), and the go-to flies are BWO Cripple / Parachute (#18-20), UV Zebra Midge (#18-22), Pheasant Tail (CDC Jig) (#16-18). Full section-by-section detail for the upper, city, and lower Bow is in this week's report.
What is the current flow on the Bow River?
The Bow River near Calgary is running 42 m³/s (cms) and falling as of the week of October 18, 2026, based on Environment Canada real-time gauge data. Water temperature is about 7°C.
How often is the Bow River fishing report updated?
We publish a new Bow River fishing report every Monday during the April–October guiding season, based on live Environment Canada flow data and firsthand observations from guiding the river 200+ days a year.
What flies are working on the Bow River right now?
The top producing flies for the week of October 18, 2026 are BWO Cripple / Parachute (#18-20), UV Zebra Midge (#18-22), Pheasant Tail (CDC Jig) (#16-18). Match the pattern to the conditions and hatch — see this week's report and the Bow River hatch chart for sizes and timing.