What is the Upper Bow River?
The upper Bow starts at Bow Lake and the Wapta Icefields in Banff National Park. Runs through Canmore. Then down toward Calgary. Cold, clear, wild freestone water.
Unlike the lower Bow (which gets nutrient-rich water from Calgary), the upper is pure mountain runoff. Flows change with seasons and weather. Fish run smaller but more varied. And the scenery? World-class doesnt even cover it.
The upper Bow near Canmore. This is what mountain fishing looks like.
This is adventure fishing. Elk crossing below your boat. Bears on the banks. Osprey fishing the same water youre casting to. Are the fish as big as the lower river? No. But the experience? Completely different. In the best possible way.
Fish Species & Sizes
More species diversity up here than the lower river. Five different trout species plus whitefish. Yeah, theyre smaller. But the variety makes up for it. Different fish on every cast sometimes.
| Species | Average Size | Trophy Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Trout | 12-16" | 20"+ | Less common than lower |
| Rainbow Trout | 10-14" | 18"+ | Abundant throughout |
| Bull Trout | 16-22" | 26"+ | Catch & release required |
| Cutthroat Trout | 10-14" | 16"+ | Native species |
| Brook Trout | 8-12" | 14"+ | In tributaries |
| Whitefish | 12-16" | 18"+ | Common, fun fighters |
Bull Trout Notice
Bull trout are a species of special concern. All bull trout must be released immediately. Single barbless hooks only when targeting bull trout.
Upper vs Lower Bow River
The Bow is really two different fisheries. Completely different character. Heres the honest comparison:
| Factor | Upper Bow | Lower Bow |
|---|---|---|
| Average Fish Size | 10-14" | 16-22" |
| Fish Density | Moderate | Very high (2,500/mile) |
| Scenery | Mountain peaks, wildlife | Prairie river, city views |
| Crowds | Less boat traffic | More popular |
| Best For | Scenery, adventure | Trophy fish |
| Drive from Calgary | 1-1.5 hours | 15-30 min |
| Water Character | Mountain freestone | Nutrient-rich tailwater |
| Species Variety | More diverse (5+ species) | Browns & rainbows |
Real talk. If trophy size is your only goal? Lower Bow. No question. But if you want mountain fishing with stunning scenery, wildlife everywhere, and fewer boats on the water? The upper Bow delivers something the lower river simply cant.
My Recommendation
First trip to the Bow? Start with the lower river—its what made this fishery famous. Coming back for a second trip or want something different? The upper Bow is a completely different experience thats absolutely worth having.
Best Upper Bow Sections
Banff Section
Banff National ParkInside the national park. Beautiful but requires park fishing license. Smaller fish, incredible scenery.
Canmore Section
Canmore to CochraneAccessible, good fish populations, stunning mountain views. Sweet spot between scenery and fishing quality.
Ghost Dam Area
Cochrane to CalgaryTransition zone between upper and lower. Underrated water with less pressure. Fish start getting bigger here.
When to Fish the Upper Bow
Spring (April-May)
Summer (June-August)
Fall (September-October)
Why Choose the Upper Bow?
Escape the Crowds
The lower Bow gets boat traffic. The upper Bow doesnt. If a relaxed pace matters more than fish size, head upstream.
Mountain Experience
Fish with 10,000-foot peaks in the background. Spot wildlife. Feel like youre actually in the wilderness, not just outside a city.
Species Variety
Five trout species plus whitefish. Catch something different every few casts. The lower river is mostly browns and rainbows.
Summer Escape
When Calgary hits 30°C, the upper Bow is 10 degrees cooler. More comfortable fishing, and fish stay active all day.
Guided Upper Bow Trips
We run upper Bow trips for anglers who want the mountain experience. Different vibe than our standard trips. Heres what to know:
Upper Bow Trip Details
- •Drive time: 1-1.5 hours included in trip (no extra charge)
- •Best as: Full-day trip to maximize river time
- •Pickup: Calgary hotels or meet in Canmore
- •Same pricing: $750 full day, $525 half day
Staying in Banff or Canmore? Even better. We can pick you up there and save the drive time. Just mention it when booking.
Upper Bow River FAQ
How far is the upper Bow from Calgary?
Canmore section is about 1-1.5 hours from Calgary. Banff adds another 20-30 minutes. We include drive time in our trips. You dont pay extra for it.
Are fish bigger on the lower Bow?
Yes. Significantly. Lower Bow fish average 16-22 inches. Upper Bow averages 10-14 inches. If trophy size is your priority, lower Bow is the better choice. No question.
Do I need a national park fishing license?
Only inside Banff National Park boundaries. Canmore and areas outside the park? Regular Alberta license is all you need. Well help you sort out the right one.
Is the upper Bow good for beginners?
Absolutely. Smaller fish are easier to hook and land. Scenery keeps you engaged during slow periods. More relaxed experience than the trophy-focused lower river.
Whats the best month for upper Bow fishing?
July and August. Stable flows. Consistent hatches. Best weather. September is excellent too if you want fewer crowds.
Can I wade the upper Bow or do I need a boat?
Both work up here. We do float trips to cover more water. But some sections are excellent walk-and-wade. Let us know your preference when booking.
Book an Upper Bow Adventure
Ready for mountain trout fishing? The upper Bow is waiting. Stunning scenery, wild fish, and fewer crowds.
Related Guides
Lower Bow River Fishing →
Trophy trout water close to Calgary. Bigger fish, more action.
Bow River Fishing Guides →
Everything about hiring a guide on the Bow River.
Banff Fishing Guide →
Fishing options in and around Banff National Park.
Canmore Fishing Guide →
Local fishing near Canmore and the Bow Valley.