Bow River Fishing Report
Week of June 16, 2026
By Dan King · Lead Guide, King Trout OutfittersBow River fishing conditions for the week of June 16, 2026 are fair. Flow is 206 cubic meters per second and falling. Water temperature is 10°C. No angling restrictions are in effect. Active hatches include Caddis, Golden Stonefly, Pale Morning Dun (PMD), Yellow Sally (Little Stonefly), Blue Winged Olive (BWO).
What Are Conditions Like on the Bow River This Week?
Quick update from the water. We're past the peak. The Bow topped out around 274 cms last week during runoff and it's been dropping every day since. Sitting at 206 this morning and still falling. That's exactly what you want to see in mid-June. The water still has a bit of color, maybe 2 to 3 feet of visibility, but it's clearing fast. Fish are pushed tight to the banks and into the soft water behind structure. They're not sitting out in the heavy current right now. So get your flies in close. I've been running big stonefly nymphs and San Juan Worms deep through the soft seams, and that's been the bread and butter. Don't sleep on the streamer game either. Olive Woolly Buggers stripped right along the bank are getting eaten. Evenings have a decent caddis hatch if you stick around for it. Honestly, the back half of June is shaping up to be some of the best fishing of the year. As this drops into shape, it's going to be on. If you've been thinking about a trip, now is the time to book.
What Hatches Are Active on the Bow River?
| Insect | Hook Size | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Caddis | #14-16 | moderate |
| Golden Stonefly | #6-10 | moderate |
| Pale Morning Dun (PMD) | #16-18 | light |
| Yellow Sally (Little Stonefly) | #14-16 | light |
| Blue Winged Olive (BWO) | #16-18 | light |
What Flies Are Working This Week?
No restrictions this week. Fish from dawn to dusk. The best window is mid-morning through late afternoon when the hatches are active and the water has warmed a few degrees.
Where Should You Fish the Bow River This Week?
Upper Bow
GoodThe upper Bow above Bearspaw is dropping and clearing faster than the rest of the river. Less water volume up here, so it comes back into shape first after runoff. Visibility is better, maybe 3 feet, and the fish are starting to look up a little. I'm nymphing stonefly patterns and Pheasant Tails through the soft water on the inside of the bends. A few PMDs are starting to show in the afternoon. Not heavy yet, but it's coming. If you want the cleanest water this week, fish up here.
City Section
Hot SpotCity section from Bearspaw down to Carseland is the meat of it right now. Flow is still up at 206 cms so the fish are hugging the banks and the soft water behind boulders. You've got to get your flies in tight and get them down. I'm running a big Pat's Rubber Legs with a worm dropper deep through the seams, and that's been the ticket. Streamers are working too, especially first thing. Olive and black, stripped slow along the grassy banks. The water still has a touch of color but the fish don't care. They're feeding. As this keeps dropping the city section is going to get really good.
Lower Bow
Warming UpLower Bow south of Calgary is carrying a bit more color than the city section. Still very fishable, just go heavier and deeper. Streamers are the call down here in the higher water. Big and dark, banged off the banks. San Juan Worms and stonefly nymphs are producing under an indicator through the deeper runs. I'd hold off on dry flies down here for another week or so. The fish are keyed on subsurface food while the water's up. Give it until the flow drops under 150 cms and the lower will really turn on.
What to Bring This Week
Clothing
- ✓Layers (mornings are cold, afternoons warm up)
- ✓Rain shell (spring weather changes fast)
- ✓Polarized sunglasses
- ✓Hat and sunscreen
Included in Your Trip
- ★Fly rod, reel, and line
- ★Waders and boots (all sizes)
- ★All flies and leaders
- ★Drift boat and guide
Sources & Data
Fish the Bow This Week
Conditions are fair. Half day from $525, all gear included. Book a guided trip and let Dan put you on the fish.