The Bow River below Calgary is one of the premier trout streams in North America — dense populations of large, wild rainbow and brown trout.
Bow River is a premier fishing destination in Alberta. Here's what you need to know: what to catch, when to go, and how to maximize your time on the water.
Trout: June–September (opens the second Saturday in June). The section below the Carseland weir (between Calgary and the Bassano Dam) is the famous stretch.
Drift boat or walk-and-wade. Nymphing under an indicator is consistent; streamers for big browns in the fall. Catch-and-release for trout on the blue-ribbon section is the norm. Bull trout are catch-and-release everywhere.
Some of the highest trout-per-mile densities in North America, with fish averaging 17–20 inches. It's a blue-ribbon fishery an hour from Calgary.
Bow River falls under Alberta fishing regulations. Limits, seasons, and special rules may vary by zone — some waters have reduced limits, slot limits, or catch-and-release-only designations. Always confirm the exact rules for the zone you're fishing before you keep a fish.
👉 See the full Alberta fishing regulations guide — or carry every zone's rules offline in the TrueNorthAngler app.
Yes — anyone 18–64 needs a Alberta recreational fishing licence. See our full guide: Canadian fishing licences explained. The TrueNorthAngler app stores your licence digitally so you'll never be caught without it.
Regulations, forecasts, and maps for Bow River — offline and in your pocket. Free for the 2026 season.