Private Charter Pricing at a Glance
Private charters give your group exclusive access to a guide and drift boat. No strangers, no compromises. Each boat accommodates 2 anglers plus the guide. For groups larger than 2, we coordinate multiple boats that fish together on the same stretch of river.
Group Sizes & Multi-Boat Pricing
We accommodate groups from 2 to 12+ anglers. Here's how pricing scales:
| Group Size | Boats Needed | Half-Day Total | Full-Day Total | Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 anglers | 1 boat | $525 | $750 | $375/person (full day) |
| 4 anglers | 2 boats | $1,050 | $1,500 | $375/person (full day) |
| 6 anglers | 3 boats | $1,575 | $2,250 | $375/person (full day) |
| 8 anglers | 4 boats | $2,100 | $3,000 | $375/person (full day) |
| 10+ anglers | 5+ boats | Custom quote | Custom quote | Contact us |
Multi-boat coordination: When your group books multiple boats, all guides communicate throughout the day. You'll leapfrog down the river, meet up for lunch, and compare catches. It's social but not crowded—boats spread out to fish different runs.
Corporate & Team Building Outings
Fly fishing is the anti-golf corporate outing. No cell service, no distractions, no pretending to enjoy it. Here's why companies book us:
Genuine Team Building
Fly fishing requires patience, focus, and humility. You see who people really are when they're learning something new.
Unplugged Time
No laptops, no emails, no Slack. Eight hours of actual conversation on a beautiful river.
Scalable Groups
2 boats for a leadership team or 6 boats for the whole department. We've done both.
Memorable Experience
No one remembers another conference room. Everyone remembers catching their first trout on a fly.
Past corporate clients: Law firms, tech startups, energy companies, real estate brokerages, and medical practices. We've hosted executive retreats, client appreciation events, and annual team outings.
Special Occasions
Some of our best trips are celebrations. Here's what works well:
Bachelor Parties
We've hosted hundreds. Full-day trips work best—fish all morning, lunch on a gravel bar, more fishing, then dinner in Calgary. Most groups book 2-4 boats.
Father-Son/Daughter Trips
Quality time without screens. We see multi-generational groups regularly—grandpa, dad, and kids all in the same boat or across multiple boats.
Milestone Birthdays & Retirements
Turning 50? Retiring after 30 years? A day on the river beats another dinner party. We can arrange a celebratory lunch setup.
What's Included
Private charters include everything you need for a day on the water:
Equipment (All Included)
- Premium fly rods and reels
- Waders and boots (all sizes)
- Flies, leaders, and tippet
- Drift boat and all safety gear
Services (All Included)
- Hotel pickup and dropoff (Calgary)
- Lunch and snacks (full-day)
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- Photo opportunities and fish pics
What You Need to Bring
- Alberta fishing license — $29 resident / $55 non-resident (how to get one)
- Layered clothing for variable weather
- Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses
- Camera or phone for photos
- Tip for your guide (15-20% is customary for good service)
What to Expect: Full-Day Timeline
Here's how a typical private charter unfolds:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private Bow River charter cost?
Private charters start at $525 CAD for a half-day (4-5 hours) or $750 CAD for a full-day (8 hours). Prices are per boat with 1-2 anglers per boat. Groups of 4+ require multiple boats at $750 per boat for full-day trips. A group of 6 anglers would book 3 boats at $2,250 total ($375 per person).
How many people can fish on a private charter?
Each drift boat accommodates 2 anglers plus the guide. For groups larger than 2, we use multiple boats. We've hosted groups up to 12 anglers (6 boats) on corporate outings. Each boat fishes together but can spread out on the river for a more exclusive experience.
Are private charters good for corporate team building?
Excellent. Fly fishing requires focus, patience, and communication—all transferable skills. Groups bond over shared challenges, celebrate each other's catches, and disconnect from devices for 8 hours. We've hosted law firms, tech companies, and executive retreats. Lunch on the river provides natural networking time.
Can beginners join a private charter?
Absolutely. Private charters are ideal for mixed-skill groups because each boat gets individualized instruction. Your guide tailors the experience—beginners get more casting help while experienced anglers can focus on technique refinement. No one holds anyone back.
What's included in a private charter?
Everything you need: premium fly rods and reels, waders and boots (all sizes), flies and tackle, drift boat transportation, lunch and snacks (full-day), bottled water, and hotel pickup/dropoff in Calgary. You just need an Alberta fishing license ($29-55 depending on residency) and appropriate clothing.
Can we do a multi-day private charter?
Yes. Multi-day charters let you fish different sections of the Bow River system and try various techniques. We offer 2-day and 3-day packages with lodging recommendations near prime fishing areas. Contact us for custom multi-day pricing.
How far in advance should we book a private charter?
For groups of 4+ during peak season (June-August), book 3-4 weeks ahead. Bachelor parties and corporate events should book 4-6 weeks out to ensure availability. Spring and fall bookings can often be arranged with 1-2 weeks notice.
Do you offer bachelor party fishing trips?
Bachelor parties are one of our specialties. We've hosted hundreds over the years. Full-day trips work best—plenty of fishing, a riverside lunch, and great photo opportunities. Groups typically book 2-4 boats. We can recommend post-trip dinner spots in Calgary.
Plan Your Private Charter
Tell us your group size, preferred dates, and any special requests. We'll put together a custom quote within 24 hours.
Request Quote