Fish Species of the Bow River

Alberta’s Bow River originates from the Bow Glacier which in turn creates Bow Lake. The Bow River flows from Bow Lake though Lake Louise and Banff National Park, which is one of the most famous and most visited nature reserves in the world!
From Banff National Park the Bow River then flows south towards the city of Calgary, where it becomes one of the worlds best Trout fisheries. The Bow is known for world-class fly fishing.
• The Bow River is 623 km in length
• Provides life-giving moisture to millions of hectares of prairie farmland
• Endless excitement for fly fishers, hikers, campers canoeists, kayakers and birdwatchers
• Three main tributaries of the bow: Kananaskis River, Elbow River, Highwood River
Did you know? The brown trout that thrive in the Bow River, attract fly fishers from all over the world. But they got there by accident in 1925, when a truck full of brown trout fry broke down at the Carrot Creek bridge. They were forced to dump the fry into the bow river, and Brown Trout have inhabited the river ever since!

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout spawn in the spring, some in river, majority up a tributary called the Highwood River/Sheep River and in the upper city area called Bearspaw.

- 100% wild fish, average size is 18-20”

Brown Trout

Brown trout spawn in the fall, many in the main river and side channels and in a tributary called the Elbow River.

- 100% wild fish, average size is 18-20”, but often grow into the 24” range.