Rivers & Streams

When to go fishing in Southern Alberta

The Chinooks (warm winter winds) that Southern Alberta is famous for can allow fishing in the middle of winter on some rivers and the actual fishing season starts April 1 but the best time to come to Alberta to fish is from May to September. Some rivers don't open until June 16th because of rainbow and cutthroat trout spawning.

Early May can be great fishing and as the rivers warm the insects start to move and hatch, good news if you're a fish that's hungry from a winter of near fasting. Also good news if you're a fly fisherman going shack happy after a long and cold winter without fishing.

Run off also affects the fishing during late May to early June and its duration depends on the snow pack in the mountains. The fly fishing really gets exceptional after run off, the water is warm and fish are active and hungry and also getting used to looking to the surface for food.

Crowsnest River

Of the three rivers that comprise the Oldman River watershed the Crowsnest is perhaps the most well known among fly fishers. It's amazing fertility produces abundant insect hatches and this, combined with it's smaller size an variety of trout holding water make the Crowsnest a serious fly angler's dream come true. Rainbows, Cutthroat and the occasional Brown trout all reside ere and can be tempted by the astute and learned fly fisher. Walk and wade is the best way to access the 30km of fishable water this river has to offer.

Oldman River

The Oldman River begins its journey not behaving much like it's namesake at all; pouring out of the Rockies in a series of enthusiastic rapids, deep green pools and playful riffles and glides. The fish act as youthful as the river, running and leaping at will when hooked. These fish grow strong and firm in this tough rocky mountain setting. Downstream as it enters foothills country, the Oldman begins to show his age and slows to the moderate ace of middle age, long runs meet long riffles and deep pools all holding the rainbows and cutthroats that increase in size as does the river. This is the floatable section of the river flowing out of foothills to grassy ranch land. Great dry fly fishing can be had along the Oldman's entire length though all methods of fly fishing will be employed. The Oldman slows to the meander of old age before becoming the Oldman River Reservoir.

Castle River

The rainbows that fin their days away in the deep green pools of the Castle River think they can fly. When hooked they nearly always reward the fly angler with an aerial display that that eaves you praying the hook will hold. The takes are always solid and the fish is usually airborne before the angler realizes what's happened. The Castle also holds Cutthroat trout which are quite eager to take the fly. This is one river where you can still success while using attractor type fly patterns. Hopper fishing on a warm breezy day in August or September can often be quite productive.

Getting to the Fishing

Travel

It should be noted that much of South Western Alberta's trout streams run through private land, so please ask for landowner's permission before crossing land to access fishing and when doing so please use respect.

Wild animals are common in all areas of South Western Alberta particularly in the forestry. Grizzly and Black Bears, Cougars and other animals are present and dangerous, contact should be avoided. Stay vigilant and aware of their presence.

From Outside Canada

A flight to Calgary international airport gets you to Southern Alberta. From there you're almost right on the Bow river, a short drive through the city to the south and you will find yourself on the banks of the "blue ribbon" stretch of the Bow famous for it's trophy Browns and Rainbows.

From Calgary South on Highway #2

Head South out of Calgary on highway #2 towards Fort Macleod. Once you've reached the junction of highways #2 and #3 head west on Highway #3 to Pincher Creek, now you're in fishy country. The #6 south will take you into Pincher Creek and South to Waterton Lakes National Park and the Waterton River. Waterton River Access to the Waterton River is limited as it flows South to North mostly through private land; this section holds some good size Brown trout and whitefish. It then becomes the Waterton Dam and access can be gained below the spillway on secondary highway #505. The river below the dam holds Brown and rainbow trout and whitefish.

Calgary to Okotoks and south on highway #22

Oldman River

Highway #22 is the prettiest of the two routes south; working its way through foothills and ranchland and passing some notable fisheries along the way. The Sheep River running through the town of Okotoks provides good fishing for trout as does the Highwood River just outside of Longview noted for its cutthroat trout. The Chain lakes on the west side of the highway also offer good fishing for Rainbows.

Further south, a bridge gives a good view of the Oldman River flowing west to east. Access to the Oldman River can be gained from the campground at the bridge and from various points on either of the two gravel roads that parallel the river one heading east downstream and the other heading west upstream and into the mountains.

Crowsnest River

Follow highway #22 to it's junction with highway #3, from here the Crowsnest river comes into view. The Crowsnest Highway #3 will be the main artery for accessing the rivers in the area. The Crowsnest river parallels highway #3 between Cowley in the east and Coleman to the west, the river can be seen and accessed for most of its length.

Castle River

From Highway #3 turn south at Bumis on the Lee lake road secondary highway #507. This road will take you to another access on the Crowsnest River. As you head south you will pass Lee Lake, a good rainbow trout lake, on the right. Further along a bridge will give a look at the Castle River, access can be found at the Campground to the east or left side of the road after ascending the hill. Another gravel road to the left about a kilometer further will lead you to more access points. Portions of the upper Castle river can be found by continuing south on the paved road, through Beaver Mines and on towards Castle Mountain Ski Resort.