Bow River Float Trips
$595.00 (full day)
Calgary—the heart of the New West. A stylish, unpretentious city set in the rolling foothills of the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains; Calgary offers our fly-fishing friends an urban environment that combines warm, western hospitality with a picturesque environment. It is a beautiful, safe, and vibrant city that blends unparallel access to natural recreation. The home of the world famous Calgary Stampede the city enjoys a bustling economy, dynamic nightlife, remarkable history, and panoramic vistas that span from ranch land to river valley to snow-capped mountain peaks.
Above all, Calgary boasts one of the best trout fishing rivers in the world. On the Bow River, below Calgary, fish that exceed twenty-four-plus inches are expected, not dreamed of.
We at Hanson's look forward to you joining us in the "Stampede City" for a memorable fly fishing experience during the months April through October. To make your fishing vacation trip to Calgary is more enjoyable we can arrange hotels in downtown Calgary or at the “River House on the Bow” (add link to page), car rentals, dinner reservations and, of course, big-mean-strong fish.
Southern Alberta's World Famous Bow River
Just imagine a river flowing through a major city where 24" brown trout are a common occurrence. The Bow River flows through the city of Calgary, Alberta where the fishing is truly legendary and is considered world class by many who have fished it.
Many people only dream of catching a 25 +" Trout as they are so rare on many streams and rivers. On the Bow River below Calgary, fish of that size are expected.
A day drifting the bow river is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences that any fisherman could imagine regardless of their experience. At Hanson's, we take your fishing seriously, taking every step to make your day memorable and enjoyable.
The Bow River is a fly fisher's dream, with its world class Rainbow and Brown trout fishery, accompanied by some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see. Starting its descent in Banff National Park, the river winds its way through the Rocky Mountains in a southeast direction on towards the city of Calgary, Alberta.
The 50 or so miles south of Calgary is the most productive section of the Bow River and this is where the Bow has achieved world acclaim by trout fishers such as Lefty Kreh, Gary and Jason Borger, John Gierach and A.K. Best. This stretch of the river carries roughly 2500 Wild, self-sustaining Brown and Rainbow Trout per mile. Trout reaching an average size of 18 to 20 inches and 22+-inch-plus Browns and Rainbows are all part of a day of fishing the Bow River.
The Bow offers a vast array of opportunities for the angler of any experience level. The river is a large freestone river with small stream characteristics with lots of riffles, pocket water and excellent dry fly water.
The river is divided into sections, each day 15 to 20 miles of water will be covered. Fishing is divided between fishing from the boats and walking and wading from shore.
Our normal start time is around 9:00 a.m. and anglers are usually fishing until 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. or later, depending upon weather or fishing conditions. Your day's float is left up to you and your guide and of course, the fishing conditions. Each section floated offers a different fly fishing experience, your guide will take you there with expertise, knowledge and know-how.
All rates are in Canadian dollars and include the following:
- A hearty streamside lunch and beverages
- All tackle excluding flies, leaders and applicable licence
- Instruction
- Transportation to and from the river
Reservations should be made in advance to ensure date and time of trip. Full payment is required at time of booking. In the event of a cancellation after this time a 40% credit will be issued for future trips or in-store credit.
