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.
Is the Bow River Fishable Right Now?
Yes — the Bow River is fishing well right now. As of the week of July 24, 2026, the flow is 181 m³/s and falling, water temperature is around 18°C, and conditions are rated good. No fishing restrictions are in effect. The top fly right now is the Foam Hopper (#8-12).
Read the full week-of-July 24, 2026 report →Latest Report
Bow River Fishing Report — July 24, 2026
“The river's finally where I want it. We're down to 181 cms and it fell clean all week, no rain, no spikes, just a steady summer drop. This is the lowest and clearest the Bow's been since the flood and...”
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 July 24, 2026, the flow is 181 m³/s and falling, water temperature is around 18°C, and conditions are rated good. No fishing restrictions are in effect. The top fly right now is the Foam Hopper (#8-12).
How is the fishing on the Bow River this week?
Conditions are rated good for the week of July 24, 2026. 5 hatches are active, led by Terrestrials (Hoppers/Ants/Beetles), and the go-to flies are Foam Hopper (#8-12), Chubby Chernobyl (#8-10), Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16). 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 181 m³/s (cms) and falling as of the week of July 24, 2026, based on Environment Canada real-time gauge data. Water temperature is about 18°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 July 24, 2026 are Foam Hopper (#8-12), Chubby Chernobyl (#8-10), Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16). Match the pattern to the conditions and hatch — see this week's report and the Bow River hatch chart for sizes and timing.