Fishing in The Rockies – On a Different Scale

Banff, Alberta.

Someone please tell me if there is a better thing to do than grab a buddy, a cooler of cold ones and your favourite fishing rod before hitting one of the great fishing spots of the Canadian Rockies.

A young child enjoys the peaceful fishing of the Rockies.

A huge selection of healthy, happy fish calls the Rockies home and are only too keen to be spotted by keen fishermen. The area around Calgary in Alberta has some of the most beautiful and productive trout streams in the world. The Bow River boasts some of the biggest river run trout you can ever hope to catch. 

Upper Bow River
The Upper Bow River near Banff and Canmore is what every fisherman dreams of when they get home from a tough day of work. It is pristine, wild, untouched and fast moving. It is a real outdoor challenge in a beautiful location where skill and persistence can really pay off with some incredible Brown Trout.

A man tries to catch a leprechaun at the end of the rainbow.

Lower Bow River
Fish averaging 20 inches are not uncommon in the Lower Bow where there is an incredible 2500 fish per mile. Both Browns and Rainbows are on the menu here. The legendary “Bow River Bullet” rainbows always put on a resistant, acrobatic show.

Fishing Trips
Professional guides can show you around the areas and help for those with less experience. There are a variety of trips through Boy River Fly Fishing including Float trips, Walk and Wade, Lake Trips and hike-in Alpine Lake trips around Calgary and Banff. In the winter, there is also the chance to experience some ice fishing.

Where to stay?
There are several options where to stay but if you are looking for all round ease, Johnston Canyon Resort is a good bet. Easy access to the rivers, friendly staff in a real outdoors location and a lot of knowledge of the local rivers; it is an excellent base to do your fishing from.

More Information:
For more information on species, licenses, accommodation and much more, go to our fishing section.

Related articles:

• Fishing Banff and the Rockies
• Ice Fishing – winter in Banff
• Fishing in Glacier National Park
• Banff Ice Fishing
• Banff Fly Fishing
• Best Summer Road Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• Rafting in Glacier National Park
• Tall tales in Banff National Park
• Rafting and Kayaking the Canadian Rockies, Golden
• Gateway to the Canadian Rockies – Calgary’s Devonian Gardens

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