The
"Blue Ribbon" Bow
The "Blue Ribbon" section of the Bow flows from downtown Calgary to the Carseland weir, a distance of some 50 miles. This large fertile river supports an astonishing fishery for large Brown and Rainbow trout, especially astonishing considering it flows through and close to a major city. Trout over 20" can be reasonably expected on a day's float, and Browns occasionally reach 28".
Depending on the time of the year, and on the year, you may fish dry flies, nymphs or streamers.
Our guides will meet you in Calgary at one of the fly shops in the south end of the city, or you may choose to meet at our "Lower Bow Guesthouse" on the river near Carseland. Depending on the float chosen, our guides may elect to float with drift boat and shuttle or use a jet equipped drifter. Our preference is usually to fish upstream from the Carseland weir using the power drifter as this stretch receives the least fishing pressure.
Join us for a day or more and enjoy some great trout fishing on one of the best rivers in North America!
The
"Secret" Bow
The Blackfoot (Siksika) Indian Reserve
The bulk of the guided and resident fishing pressure on the Bow takes place on the "Blue Ribbon" section between Calgary and the Carseland weir. Five miles below the weir the rivers enters and flows through the Blackfoot Indian Reserve for a distance of about 75 miles. Although there is a public access just below the weir, there is no further access until the river leaves the Reserve, making it impossible to float using a shuttle.
Silvertip Outfitters is the only Bow River guide service that regularly works this premier section of the Bow. We access up to 25 miles of river with jet motor equipped drift boats. Anglers can fish from the boat, stop and wade whenever they wish without being committed to a fixed float length dictated by access points. The scenery is spectacular, a prairie wilderness of Cottonwood bottoms, rock cliffs and natural shortgrass prairie.
Lack of public access keeps this section of the Bow pristine to a degree that will astonish!
Meet your guide or stay at our "Lower Bow Lodge" guest house on the Bow near the Carseland weir to fish this incredible water.
the lower oldman river
Just 2 hours south of Calgary flows the lower Oldman river, a tailwater river large enough to float. Home to large rainbows and browns, the river offers great hatches and spectacular grasshopper fishing.
Only about 3 miles of the lower Oldman are accessible to walk and wade and float anglers.
The river enters the Peigan (Pikani) Indian Reserve and is then inaccessible due to lack of access and boat launch facilities. With our nimble jet powered drifters, we are able to access this wonderful section of the river which receives negligible fishing pressure.
Wind is often a factor in this area and we recommend this fishery to adventurous and skilled anglers who will find it rewarding!
Day trips from Calgary can be arranged, but this area is best suited to multi day trips staying in the town of Pincher Creek which is serviced by good accommodation and dining.
There are other good fishing options in this area as well, including the Crowsnest, St. Marys, and Waterton Rivers, on all of which we offer guiding services.
