inter has finally let go of Western Canada. This past month I have had the opportunity to check out spring's progressive flow through various distinct parts of the world famous Bow River. I have also had time to read through TFN Magazine articles I have written over the past year, and I have noticed the frequency I have mentioned the Bow River proves how important this river system is to fishermen; from deep in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, to way out into the prairies of southern Alberta.

Starting its 623 kilometer journey as a small high-mountain stream flowing out of tiny Bow Lake in the Rockies of Banff National Park, the Bow picks up speed and volume as it rushes east through Banff and Canmore before reaching my hometown, Calgary. It is a much larger river by this point as the upper tributaries of the Spray, Kananaskis and Ghost rivers empty into her, then the Elbow river flows in at the heart of Calgary. The Highwood River joins the Bow below Calgary as it slowly twists into the prairies of southeast Alberta. Eventually the Bow joins the Oldman, then several other rivers before finally emptying into Hudson Bay.

The Bow River flows through many diverse geographic zones and ecoregions, yielding an amazing range of land, plants, birds and wildlife. Its endless power is captured by three dams (Seebe, Ghost and Bearspaw) before it reaches Calgary's Western Irrigation District Weir, then a couple more dams at Carseland and Bassano. The stabilized water levels produced by the Bearspaw dam, along with the release of phosphates and nitrates by the city, have helped vegetation growth, providing nutrients and habitat for insects and other trout food. This abundant fish food, coupled with the river bottom's structure, plus the water's speed, depth and temperature, make for tremendous trout territory. No wonder the Bow River is well known as one of the best trout streams in the world, producing unusual numbers of above average size, weight and beauty. Extraordinary Rainbow, Brown, Brook and Bull Trout, along with Rocky Mountain Whitefish and Northern Pike are caught almost anywhere; on spoons, spinners, Buzz Bombs or live bait.

The best flies tend to be nymphs such as the Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tail, Prince, Bead Heads and my favorite, the San Juan Worm. Elk Hair Caddis, Woolly Bugger, Bow River Bugger and Clouser Minnow streamers work well year-round. A number of dry fly imitations are effective at different times of the year but it is best to ask local fly shops what hatch is happening at the time you plan to fish the mighty Bow.

Special rules apply to many parts of the Bow, so be sure to check your fishing license regulations.

The fishing on the Bow is best in and below the city of Calgary, but many people are attracted to the upper Bow by the surrounding beauty of the mountains and foothills. Foot access is pretty good in this region where the number 1 and 1A highways closely parallel the Bow. The easiest access being at the Canmore and Cochrane bridges, or Seebe and Ghost Dams. Other spots in the region above Calgary's Bearspaw Dam are hard to get to because of privately owned land or Indian reservations bordering the river.

A few popular Bow River access locations in Calgary include (from NW to SE):

• Bowness Park - access to park is west of 85 Street, on 48 Avenue NW.
• Edworthy Park - north side access off Bowness Road, at Shaganappi Trail NW - south side and park access at the end of Spruce Drive, west of 45 Street SW.
• Prince's Island/Eau Claire - downtown, at the north end of 2 Street or 4 Street SW.
• Calgary Zoo/St. George's Island - south Zoo parking lot, St. George Road and 12 Street SE.
• Sam Livingstone Fish Hatchery/ W.I.D.Weir - 17A Street SE, north of 17 Avenue SE.
• Russell/Blackfoot - north off Blackfoot Trail on 17A Street SE, take first right through old Russell Steel lot.
• Glenmore - under the Glenmore Trail bridge east of Deerfoot Trail by the Calgary Auto Mall.
• 22X - follow Bow Bottom Trail to the SE section of Fish Creek Park below the highway 22X bridge.

The most common access spots below Calgary are:

• Policeman Flats - east off Highway 2 (Macleod Trail) on Dunbow Road to 40 Street SE, left on 40 Street and follow the road on the right down to the flats.
• McKinnon Flats - east on highway 22X for approximately 22 kilometers then follow signs.
• Carseland Weir - south on highway 24 from 22X, east at 4 way stop then follow signs.
• Access to the Bow is pretty limited below the Carseland Weir because of the Blackfoot Indian Reserve.

Whether you are floating, wading or fishing from shore, with a fly-rod or a spin-caster, you are sure to find a broad variety of scenery and weather around the Bow river. Bring this article along when you come to this neck of the woods and you should find some fabulous fishing opportunities a little easier. Hopefully you'll also find some huge trout that have made this stream so famous.

I look forward to relating some of my Bow river experiences in future articles, as well as telling you about some other great honey holes found all over these beautiful Rocks. I'll help you find the best spots and give you tips on how to tie into a trophy. Have a tremendous day, great fishing, and conserve our wilderness.

© 1997, Norm Sparks. Norm can be reached directly by email at sparks@cadvision.com