Bow River Fly Fishing Report – Glenmore to Carseland (Mid-May 2025)

Introduction: The Bow River is entering prime spring fishing mode by mid-May 2025. From Glenmore (Calgary) downstream to the Carseland Weir, anglers are seeing dynamic conditions with rising flows, improving water temperatures, and the first big hatches of the season. In this friendly, up-to-date report, we cover current river conditions, hatch activity, trout behavior, fly recommendations, effective tactics, and access updates. Read on for a comprehensive Bow River fly fishing report that will help you plan your next outing on this world-class fishery.




River Conditions – Flows, Clarity & Temperature



Spring runoff is underway but not yet at full peak. Recent warm weather and rain have started to bump up flows on the Bow River due to flood-control releases at Ghost Dam . Flows have been fluctuating daily – sometimes rising or falling 15–25% within 24 hours – as water managers balance reservoir levels . This means the river might be slightly different each day, so check the latest flow rates on the Alberta Rivers app before you head out. As of mid-May, flow levels are near seasonal norms for spring and trending upward with snowmelt and rain.


Water clarity varies by location. In the upper river through Calgary, the Bow remains fairly clear with a green tint, offering good visibility for trout. However, tributaries like Fish Creek (at Policeman’s Flats) and the Highwood River are adding some color as runoff progresses . The further downstream you go, the more muddy/tea-colored the Bow becomes – by the time you reach McKinnon Flats and below, visibility drops noticeably . In other words, clearest water is near Glenmore and in the city, while below McKinnon Flats the river is more turbid. If you encounter chocolatey water down low, consider moving upstream to find clearer conditions.


Water temperatures are on the rise but still cool in the mornings. Early day water temps linger in the single digits (°C) but warm into the low teens°C by afternoon on sunny days. These warming trends are triggering more bug activity and feeding behavior. Overall, expect typical spring conditions: moderate flows, gradually warming water, and some day-to-day variability if weather swings. Be cautious wading, as flow increases can make for unstable footing – use common sense and wade safely .


Weather outlook: The next two weeks feature a mix of classic spring weather. Daytime highs in the Calgary area are forecast around 13–18°C on average, with a few warmer days in the low 20s and a few cooler, wet days . Several days of light rain and showers are expected through mid to late May, especially around May 14 and May 16-18 . These rains should boost flows slightly and may momentarily reduce clarity, but they’ll also help keep the river in great shape heading into summer. Nights are still chilly (mid single digits), so mornings can start slow until the sun warms things up. Keep an eye on the forecast – a string of warm days or a heavy rain can quickly change river conditions.




Current Hatch Activity – Spring Bugs on the Bow



Spring hatches are popping on the Bow, offering the first consistent dry-fly action of the year. The Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) mayfly hatch is in full swing now. On overcast days especially, large numbers of BWOs can blanket the water . These tiny olive-colored mayflies (size 16–18) are a staple of May afternoons. Trout are starting to look up for them, so mid-day BWO emergences can bring feeding fish to the surface. If the hatch is thick, it can actually be challenging to get bites – fish have so many naturals to choose from. In those cases, anglers have had success using a cripple or emerger pattern (something a bit “mussed up” to stand out) or even a tiny midge cluster to draw attention when trout get picky .


Midges (chironomids) are another prevalent hatch. Clouds of midges have been present on calmer days, and midge shucks are littering boat launches – you could scoop them up by the handful . Trout (and whitefish) are gorging on midge pupae and larvae subsurface. Early in the day or during non-hatch times, bloodworm (midge larva) patterns have been effective, as throat samples showed fish stuffed with red chironomid larvae . Keep an eye out for tiny rises or “sip” rings, especially in slower back eddies, indicating trout taking midges or BWO emergers just in the film.


The famous “Mother’s Day” caddis hatch is just getting started. Anglers have spotted the first few caddis flies (little brown/black sedges) fluttering in the afternoons and evenings . So far, trout haven’t keyed heavily on the caddis adults yet, likely because the hatch is only in its early stage . But this will change quickly as weather warms. In the coming days and weeks, expect caddis hatches to intensify, especially towards evening. You might see splashy rises in the flats at dusk once trout start focusing on caddis. It’s a good idea to have some caddis dry patterns and emergers handy now – you may not need them every day, but when the caddis “pop” you’ll be glad you’re prepared. In the meantime, if you notice caddis adults skittering and no surface takes, try a caddis pupa or emerger pattern subsurface; trout often grab the pupae just below the surface before noticing the adults.


Stoneflies: The early spring stonefly (Skwala) hatch has pretty much wrapped up for the season . A few large dark stonefly adults might still be seen clinging to bankside willows or making the odd appearance on warm afternoons, but they’re no longer a primary food source. Looking ahead, the Golden Stones (the big yellow sallies) are not far off – given the quick snowmelt this year, we could see golden stonefly nymphs migrating and adults emerging earlier than usual, possibly by mid to late June instead of July . For now, trout aren’t really looking up for big stoneflies yet, but an eager angler throwing a size 6–8 stimulator or foam stonefly dry might tempt an opportunistic big brown in the right spot. In any case, keep stonefly nymph patterns in your arsenal – trout will readily gobble them subsurface (more on that below).


Other bugs: Don’t overlook water boatmen – yes, those little backswimmers are present even in spring and can trigger strikes . Some anglers have reported success fishing a small boatman pattern behind a streamer; the erratic, swimming action can provoke explosive takes . Also, as smaller streams in the area report March Browns and lingering Skwala activity, a few of those mayflies and stoneflies could be drifting into the Bow as well (though not in big numbers). The bottom line: the Bow River buffet is expanding. Midges and BWOs are the main course now, with caddis dessert on the horizon and the promise of big stoneflies in early summer.




Trout Behavior – Where Are the Fish Holding?



Springtime trout on the Bow are in transition. A few weeks ago, fish were mostly hunkered down in their winter lies – deep slow pools and troughs – especially early in the day. Now, as flows rise and water warms, trout are spreading out into more typical feeding lanes. You’ll find fish in a mix of spots depending on the time of day and river conditions.


In the mornings or on colder days, many trout still hold in the deeper runs, buckets, and drop-offs where the current is a bit slower near the bottom . These wintering holes remain a safe bet to find fish that haven’t yet started moving much. Nymphing these deep troughs (with ample weight to get down) can produce early-day hookups when the shallow riffles seem lifeless. Whitefish, in particular, are stacked in some deeper seams and readily hit nymph rigs (we’ve seen plenty of 10–14″ whitefish caught on Worms and small nymphs lately) .


By mid-day, especially on sunny afternoons, trout are shifting into softer seams and near structure to feed. As the flows come up, fish seek out comfortable holding water along the banks, on inside river bends, and in softer “frog water” adjacent to faster currents . Current breaks are key – look for trout tucked behind rocks, along shallow shelves, and in front of or behind log jams where they can get out of the main flow. Inside corners (the slower side of a bend) and eddies are prime spots now. In fact, anglers report seeing fish sliding very tight to the banks at times, literally in a foot or two of water right next to shore, especially when the river level bumps up. These edge lies provide shelter from the stronger mid-river current. So don’t ignore the shallow margins – a dry-dropper fished tight to the bank can surprise you with a big brown in skinny water.


Trout still use traditional “feeding lanes” too. If flows are reasonable (not too fast or high), riffles and seam lines that provide food delivery and slightly less current will hold feeding fish. Buckets and tailouts of pools are also productive while spring flows remain moderate . Essentially, the fish are balancing feeding opportunities with conserving energy under variable flows. One tip: when flows fluctuate day-to-day, the fish adjust their positions – on a high flow afternoon they might all be hugging the bank, but after a slight drop in flow they could slide back into mid-river riffles. Be ready to switch locations and tactics during the day as conditions change.


Another notable pattern: Rainbow trout are returning from their spawn in the tributaries, and they’re hungry ! After a spring of spawning, the rainbows re-entering the Bow’s mainstem are looking to put weight back on. These post-spawn rainbows can be aggressive feeders and often less wary than usual. Many anglers are starting to hook into more rainbows each day (in addition to the always-abundant browns). By mid-May the rainbow trout “reunion” is in full effect on the Bow – great news for anglers targeting them. Brown trout, of course, are active as ever. In fact, noted that early season catches were skewed about 4:1 in favor of browns over ‘bows , but that ratio is evening out as rainbows come back. Expect a healthy mix of brown and rainbow trout across all these holding lies. The browns often hold closer to structure or along cutbanks, while rainbows might be more in open seams – but both species are moving around to grab the most food they can.


If you’re keen on streamer fishing or using two-handed rods, note that trout will chase in certain conditions. On sunny days, we’ve seen fish willing to move several feet to intercept a swung fly (trout spey anglers swinging intruder-style streamers had some follows and eats on bright afternoons) . Conversely, when the water dirties up after a flow spike, trout might hunker down and rely more on picking off the occasional meal drifting by their nose. Pay attention to fish behavior – are you seeing flashes near the surface (fish chasing emergers), subtle rise forms (sipping insects), or nothing at all? Adjust your approach to where and how the trout are feeding on that day.


Pro Tip: In late spring, trout often feed hardest during the warmest part of the day (early to mid-afternoon) when water temps peak and insect activity is highest . Morning action can be slow until the water warms enough to get the bugs going . Once that magic temperature (~12°C) is reached, the river can come alive. Plan to fish through the afternoon hatch window, and don’t be in a rush to leave the river early – evening caddis falls or spinner falls can offer bonus dry-fly fishing as the sun gets low.




Fly Selection – Mid-May Fly Recommendations



Spring conditions call for a versatile fly box. You’ll want to be ready for anything from tiny dries to hefty streamers in mid-May. Below are our top fly recommendations by category (dry flies, nymphs, and streamers) for the Bow River right now:




Dry Flies (Surface Patterns)

• Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Mayfly Patterns: Small olive-bodied mayflies are the hatch du jour, so carry a variety of BWO imitations. Parachute Adams or dedicated Parachute BWO dries in sizes 16–18 are perfect for imitating duns . Also have some BWO emergers or cripples – patterns like a Sparkle Dun or Booty’s BWO Cripple can be deadly when trout refuse the fully emerged duns . On cloudy afternoons when BWOs come off in droves, be ready to match them closely or throw something “different” (like a midge cluster) if trout get selective .
• Midge Adults/Clusters: For those calm moments when trout sip tiny bugs, a Griffith’s Gnat or other midge cluster pattern (size 18–20) is effective. Midges hatch in huge numbers, so sometimes a bushy cluster of midges stands out and draws a strike. Use these if you see fish gently dimpling the surface with no larger mayflies evident.
• Caddis Dry Flies: With caddis beginning to hatch, start packing your favorite caddis patterns. An Elk Hair Caddis in tan or olive (sizes 14–16) works well for the emerging Mother’s Day caddis. For a more exact imitation, try a Peacock Caddis or Bloom’s Parachute Caddis pattern . In the cool early period of this hatch, trout may ignore adults, but as we approach late May you’ll want these ready for evening rises. If fish are swiping at caddis but missing, consider skating your dry or using an emerger trailing behind it.
• Stonefly Dries / Attractor Dries: While not a primary hatch now, a large dark stonefly dry (size 8–10) or a dark stimulator can serve as a great searching pattern . Trout will sometimes hit a big dry this time of year out of opportunism, especially later in the month when they’ve seen a few early stoneflies or even hoppers along the banks. These bigger dries also work well as the indicator fly in a dry-dropper rig (they’re visible and buoyant). A few patterns to consider: Skwala stonefly imitations, foam Chubby Chernobyls in darker colors, or a size 8–10 Stimulator in olive/black. They imitate everything from stoneflies to large terrestrials and can pull up a surprise trout in slower water.

Nymphs (Subsurface Patterns)

• Stonefly Nymphs: Spring is prime time for stonefly nymph fishing. Large Pat’s Rubber Legs (Jimmy Legs) or similar stonefly nymphs in black, olive, or brown are deadly right now . An Excelsior Olive Jimmy Legs or a black/brown girdle bug in size 6–10 makes a great point fly on your nymph rig . Drift these along the bottom in deeper runs and seams – they imitate both the remaining Skwala nymphs and the impending Golden Stone nymphs moving around. Many big Bow River trout eat stonefly nymphs year-round, and in spring they’re a staple meal.
• Mayfly & General Nymphs: With mayflies and midges abundant, smaller sub-surface patterns are extremely effective. Good choices include Bead-head Pheasant Tail nymphs (size 14–18) to match BWO nymphs , and Hare’s Ear nymphs (size 12–16) which suggest a bit of everything . Other productive patterns noted recently are the TJ Hooker (a flashy black stonefly/attractor nymph) and flashback Prince Nymphs . Don’t forget caddis pupa imitations as well – a Green Tungsten Caddis Pupa or Peeking Caddis in size 14–16 can fool trout that are starting to key on emerging caddis. Even if you don’t see adult caddis, trout know the nymphs are active.
• San Juan Worms & Eggs: High or rising flows often dislodge aquatic worms – and San Juan Worms are doing damage on the Bow this spring (especially with a slight stain in the water). Whitefish in particular have been all over pink/red worms , and trout will eat them too when the water is dirty. With runoff beginning, it’s worm time! Similarly, trout are tuned into eggs right now due to the sucker spawn. Rocky Mountain white suckers spawn in spring, spilling eggs that trout feast on. An egg pattern (orange or pink yarn egg) drifted along the bottom can be a sleeper tactic for a big rainbow. Better yet, use an Egg-Sucking Leech fly – this presents both an egg and leech profile. Reports say egg-sucking leech streamers have been excellent recently, both swung and dead-drifted . This pattern does double duty as a nymph or streamer, and it’s working thanks to those eggs in the system.
• Leeches and Wormy Things: Aside from the above, small wooley buggers or leech flies fished under an indicator can imitate leeches or minnows that trout are eating as they wake up from winter. A simple bead-head black leech or peacock leech pattern (size 8–10) was mentioned as a top producer by local anglers . You can fish these like nymphs – trout often take them with gusto, especially in slower pools.

Nymph Rig Tip: Given the mix of bugs, try a two-fly nymph rig pairing a larger fly with a smaller one. For example, a rubberlegs stonefly nymph as your point fly and a small pheasant tail or worm on the dropper. This covers multiple food sources. Keep plenty of split shot handy – getting your nymphs deep enough is critical as flows rise. The fish are often near the bottom (except when feeding on emergers shallow), so ensure your flies are bouncing along the rocks in those faster runs. Strikes can be subtle, so a highly visible indicator or a dry-dropper setup will help you detect takes.




Streamers (Baitfish & Large Patterns)

• Sculpins, Leeches, and Buggers: Streamer time is upon us, especially on days when the water runs a bit murky. Patterns that imitate sculpins and leeches are prime. An olive Woolly Bugger is a perennial favorite and has been producing lately . Other go-to flies include the Bow River Bugger (a local sculpin pattern), black or brown Sex Dungeon streamers, and the Flesh Eating Sculpin (don’t mind the name, it’s deadly) . These bulky patterns push water and grab trout attention. Fish tales from the river suggest that while streamer action has been a bit slower in early May, it’s picking up as runoff progresses . Focus on darker colors or flies with a strong silhouette when the water is dirty, and more natural olive or white tones when the water is clearer.
• Baitfish & Flashy Streamers: As water clarity permits, flashy streamers can shine. Patterns like Clouser Minnows, Kreelex Minnows, or the Silver Lightning Bugger have been effective, especially in the upper clearer stretches . A silver or white minnow pattern fished near structure can entice big predatory browns. One recommended pattern is Eric’s Excalibur or Eric’s Jealousy (local favorites) for their movement and flash . These imitate baitfish and also stand out among the debris in the water. Remember, with bits of sticks and leaves coming downriver during fluctuating flows, sometimes the fly that “stands out from the chaff” is what gets eaten . Don’t be afraid to choose a bright or gaudy streamer in stained water – it can help trout locate your fly amidst everything drifting by.
• Egg-Sucking Leeches & Bunnies: As noted, an Egg-Sucking Leech (black/purple leech with an orange bead head) is doing double duty and has been very successful . Also, bunny leech patterns or zonkers in black, olive, or even white can provoke strikes from larger trout. These flies have great movement; fish them slow and deep.
• How to Fish Streamers Now: With water temps still moderately cool, a slow presentation often works best. Many Bow River trout are hugging banks or resting in slower water, so swinging a streamer down-and-across near the bank can be effective – this lets the fly hover in their face. Anglers have reported success on the swing with longer pauses between strips . You can strip streamers too, but consider a strip-strip-pause cadence to give fish time to react. If one approach isn’t moving fish, change up the retrieve speed or angle. Also, get your streamers deep – use a sink-tip line or add weight so that your fly is near the bottom where the big boys lurk . Streamer fishing may not yield high numbers of fish yet, but the ones you do hook can be tanks. And as the Bow’s flows swell toward runoff, expect the streamer bite to keep improving. Whenever the water is murky or rising, think streamers.

Effective Tactics for Mid-May Trout



Nymphing is the bread-and-butter tactic on the Bow right now.  Reports consistently show that nymph rigs produce the most fish throughout the day . A typical setup might be a 9-foot leader to a strike indicator, with 1–2 split shot, a big stonefly or worm as the first fly, and a smaller nymph trailing 1–2 feet below. Focus on dead-drift presentations with absolutely no drag – the Bow’s trout won’t tolerate a drifting nymph that’s unnaturally speeding up. Make frequent upstream mends to ensure your flies drift naturally at the same pace as the current. When done right, nymphing can hook fish in virtually every type of water: deep pools, riffle seams, and banks. If you’re after numbers or learning the river, nymphing is your best bet to find feeding trout.


Dry-dropper (Hopper-dropper) rigs are another all-star method in spring. This tactic has been producing fish both on the surface and below . Use a bushy dry (large stimulator, foam stonefly, or even a small hopper pattern) as your indicator fly, and tie a nymph 2–4 feet beneath it. Work this rig tight to the banks, through pocket water, and along softer edges. It’s perfect for those fish sitting in 1–3 feet of water near the shore. The dry fly might get the odd eat (we’ve seen some trout nosing up to Skwala or attractor dries lately ), but its main job is to signal strikes on the dropper nymph. Plus, a softly landing dry causes less commotion than a hard indicator, which can be an advantage in clear shallows. Pro tip: Set the hook on ANY slight dip or twitch of that top fly – it’s often a trout subtly eating your nymph.


When bugs are hatching (e.g. a heavy BWO hatch in progress), be ready to switch to a single dry fly and target rising fish. Blind casting dries when nothing is rising usually isn’t effective now (save that for summer), but the moment you see snouts or dimples, take advantage. Identify a rising fish and present your dry fly with a downstream drift if possible (so the fly reaches the fish before your line does). Patience pays off – it’s better to carefully watch a feeding trout and make one good presentation than to cast wildly. Also, don’t be afraid to change flies if a trout refuses your offering. As one guide quipped, if a specific fish refuses you multiple times, try a “Hail Mary” – tie on something completely different (like a midge cluster or even an ant) and see if that triggers a take. Sometimes showing them a contrasting snack amid the hatch can do the trick.


Streamer tactics: As detailed above, slow and deep is a solid plan. Many anglers are having luck swinging streamers down and across in the current – essentially using a wet-fly swing in likely holding water. This is a relaxing and efficient way to cover water: cast at a 45° downstream angle toward the bank, mend once to sink the fly, then let it swing in the current. Watch for a tug or boil behind the fly, and be ready to strip-set. Strip-retrieves are working too, especially with pauses. Try working the head of a pool with a few quick strips and a long pause, then a few more strips. Trout often hit during the pause! If one streamer pattern isn’t moving fish, change size or color before abandoning the technique entirely. A change from an olive bugger to a bright white streamer, for example, can suddenly elicit a chase. Also, when the water visibility is poor, focus your streamer fishing on structure – bang the banks, strip past submerged logs, and work drop-offs, as trout will be tight to those areas.


Adapt to conditions: The Bow’s trout can be moody in spring. One day they’re all about the nymphs, the next they’re ignoring nymphs but slamming streamers or rising to dries. Let the river tell you what to do. For instance, on bright calm days, you might find great dry-fly fishing for BWOs. On a cold front day with gusty winds, the hatch might shut off – that’s when you switch to nymphing deeper or throwing streamers (since wind knocks insects down or prevents hatches) . If the water suddenly colors up after a rain, maybe you stop fishing that size 18 BWO and tie on a worm or flashy nymph that the fish can spot in the murk . Savvy anglers are prepared to change tactics hourly if needed. The most successful anglers recently have been those willing to nymph in the morning, dry-fly fish through a hatch, and then switch to streamers when the afternoon wind muddies the water. Be flexible and you’ll be rewarded.


Finally, don’t overlook the simple things: stealth and presentation. With generally clear spring water (at least in the upper river), trout can see you coming. Try to approach holding areas slowly and low to the ground. Limit wading in shallow spots where fish might be holding. A long leader and fluorocarbon tippet (3X–5X depending on fly size) can help fool those fish in glassy tailouts. And remember to set the hook quickly yet gently – many fish are just “mouth-ing” bugs in the slow water, so if your dry twitches or the indicator pauses, lift the rod. If it’s a snag, no harm; if it’s a fish, you’re on!




Access and Launch Updates (Glenmore, Policeman’s, McKinnon, Carseland)



All the popular access points along the Bow from Glenmore to Carseland are open and ready for anglers as of mid-May. This includes the boat launches and walk-in accesses at Glenmore (below the dam), Policeman’s Flats, McKinnon Flats, and Carseland. After the spring thaw, these launches have been cleared and are being used regularly. In fact, reports confirm that Bow River boat launches are now open – including McKinnon’s Flats which typically is gated in early spring . If you’ve been itching to do the floats (Glenmore to Police, Police to McKinnon, or McKinnon to Carseland), the window is open! Make sure your boat tags and fishing licenses are up to date and enjoy the float season kick-off.


Here are a few notes for each key access:

• Glenmore (Calgary Bow River Upper Launch): This is the put-in right below the Glenmore Dam in Calgary. The reservoir above is at about 55% capacity currently (drawn down for spring) , but that doesn’t affect the downstream launch except that flows can change with dam releases. The path down is clear. No issues reported – anglers are launching drift boats and rafts here to start the float. City construction near the dam has not impacted river access (always check for any City notices, but none are current). Parking is available by the Graves Bridge area. This access gives you the clearest water and a shorter float down to Policeman’s.
• Policeman’s Flats: A very popular spot, both as a take-out (from Glenmore) and as a launch (to float to McKinnon). Policeman’s Flats access is open and the dirt road in is dry for now. Note that with rain in the forecast, that road can get slick – if it’s very wet, use caution driving in/out as it can turn to gumbo mud. The river at Policeman’s is in decent shape; Fish Creek enters just upstream, so water has a slight stain after rain but generally good visibility. No new changes to the parking or launch – it’s the same gravel boat slide and parking area. It can get busy on weekends, so go early to find space. One quirky note: aggressive geese are nesting in the area (common every spring), so give the Canada geese a wide berth when walking to the bank – they will hiss and charge if you get too close to a nest! .
• McKinnon Flats: This is further downstream (accessed off highway 24 east of Calgary). As of May, the McKinnon Flats road and launch are open (the gate is typically opened around May 15, and it’s open now) . The gravel road down the hill to the river is in decent shape – again, avoid it after heavy rain as it can be treacherous when muddy. McKinnon is a common launch for floats down to Carseland (Johnson’s Island) or a take-out from Policeman’s. The river clarity here is usually worse than upstream because the Highwood River enters a few kilometers above McKinnon, bringing in silty runoff . Expect more colored water, especially after rain. Still very fishable, just plan on using maybe bigger, darker flies. McKinnon’s parking area is fine, but there are no facilities (pack out your garbage). This area is more remote – bring bear spray as wildlife roam the river valley.
• Carseland Weir (Johnson’s Island): The end of the line for the Lower Bow float (you must take out above the Carseland weir – going over it is extremely dangerous). The government campground/launch at Johnson’s Island (Carseland) is open. This site often has a concrete boat ramp for take-out. No reported issues; however, always exercise caution approaching the weir. There should be plenty of warning signs and buoys. The take-out is river left before the weir – don’t miss it! If you’re wade-fishing around Carseland, below the weir the river turns into a different fishery (more like a prairie river with different species). But above the weir in the drift stretch, flows and clarity will be similar to McKinnon. No new access restrictions are in place, and the area is fully accessible.

Regulation reminders: The Bow River here is open year-round, but many tributaries are closed until June. Ensure you’re not venturing into any closed waters (for example, the Highwood River is closed until June 16). Be sure to have your 2025 Alberta fishing license – new season licenses became available on April 1, and May Long Weekend anglers need to renew before fishing .


In summary, access points are good to go. Always let someone know your float plan if drifting, and consider the wind forecasts (strong winds can make the row out at Carseland tough). Otherwise, enjoy the great accessibility – you can cover a lot of fantastic water between Glenmore and Carseland with these launch points open.





Conclusion: Mid-May 2025 is an exciting time to be on the Bow River. River conditions are evolving with each passing week of spring: flows are rising but manageable, water clarity is mostly good (with some color downriver), and trout are strapping on the feedbag after a long winter. We have multiple hatches in play – BWO mayflies, midges, and early caddis – giving dry-fly enthusiasts a reason to smile. Meanwhile, nymphing remains highly productive and streamer anglers are finding enough action to keep things interesting. Both brown and rainbow trout are active, with rainbows returning to join the party and big browns prowling the banks. By employing the right flies (as recommended above) and adapting tactics to the day’s conditions, you’ll set yourself up for success.


Remember to stay safe and respectful on the water. Wade carefully in fluctuating flows, keep fish wet and handle them with care, and give fellow anglers space on those popular runs. With all access points open and the river coming to life, it’s a perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy the Bow. Whether you’re floating from Glenmore to Carseland or wading at a favorite spot, you’re in for some fantastic spring fly fishing on the Bow River. Good luck and tight lines!