UPPER BOW RIVER FISHING
Upper Bow River, fished on foot.
A beautiful stretch of the Upper Bow River near Canmore, fished on foot. Big brown trout and rainbows, and very hard to catch.
SPECIES
Brown trout, rainbows
STYLE
Walk-and-wade, on foot
SEASON
Best in summer
GUIDING
1–3 anglers, English and French
ABOUT THE RIVER
Fishing the Upper Bow River with a guide
The Upper Bow River near Canmore is one of the most beautiful places I guide. The river runs through islands, so the water changes from branch to branch: white and blue in some, crystal clear in others. I’ll give you the exact meeting point when you book.
The fish are brown trout and rainbows, and they can be big. They are also very hard to catch, and there is a lot of debris in the water, so fishing here is difficult. It is a river for anglers who enjoy a challenge in a beautiful place.
Summer is the best time. I fish PMDs, streamers, and different nymphs, among other flies. The Bow is catch-and-release only, and I recommend barbless hooks. We meet between 9 and 10 a.m.
Big trout. Beautiful water. Good company.
WHY FISH WITH ME
Why fish with Leslie
25+ years guiding hunters and anglers
More than 25 years guiding outdoors, with the experience to put you in the right place.
You learn as you fish
Reading the water, improving your cast, spotting fish, and a lot more, at your own pace. Or simply a quiet day on the water, if that’s what you came for.
Small, private trips
Upper Bow River fishing trips are limited to 1–3 anglers, guided in English or French, on rivers that are easy to reach. Becky, my dog, often comes along.
FISH IT WITH ME
Upper Bow River fishing trips
HALF DAY
About 4 to 5 hours
$700 CAD
for 1 or 2 anglers
Start between 9 and 10 a.m.
Fishing equipment provided
Snack and drinks included
Third angler: +$200
English or French
Photo and video included
FULL DAY
About 8 hours
$900 CAD
for 1 or 2 anglers
Start between 9 and 10 a.m.
Fishing equipment provided
Lunch and drinks included
Third angler: +$250
English or French
Photo and video included
WHAT ANGLERS SAY
Rated 5.0 on TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Leslie was professional, patient and accommodating
Elizabeth M · TripAdvisor, July 2026
★★★★★
Leslie was calm and patient and really knows everything about fly fishing.
Shannon F · TripAdvisor, August 2026
★★★★★
Leslie and Beckie will take you to the most beautiful river fishing spots
Scrat L · TripAdvisor, August 2026
THE DETAILS
What's included, and what to bring
Included
- Guiding by Leslie, on foot
- Fishing equipment provided
- Snack (half day), lunch (full day) or dinner (2 days)
- Photos and videos of your day
Not included
- Alberta sportfishing licence and WiN (both online at AlbertaRELM.com)
- Wading boots and waders (not provided, for hygiene reasons)
- Camping gear on the 2-day trip, at your own expense
- Gratuity for your guide: appreciated, never expected
What to bring
- Your own waders and wading boots
- Layers and a rain jacket
- Polarized sunglasses and a hat
- Water, sunscreen and bug spray
SEE THE RIVER
Upper Bow River, up close
A big brown trout comes to hand on the Bow River near Canmore. Press play to watch the catch.
QUESTIONS
Upper Bow River fishing: your questions
Brown trout and rainbow trout. They can be big, but they are very hard to catch.
We usually meet between 9 and 10 a.m. I confirm the meeting point with you when you book.
Rods, reels, and flies, a snack on a half day, lunch on a full day, two lunches and a camp dinner on the 2-day trip, and a free photo and video package.
Up to 3 anglers. The price covers 1 or 2 anglers, and a third angler costs $200 more for a half-day, $250 more for a full day, and $500 more for the 2-day trip.
Summer. I’ll tell you how the river looks when you book.
Yes. I guide in English and in French.
Yes. Every angler 16 or older needs an Alberta sportfishing license and an active Wildlife Identification Number (WiN). You can get both online before your trip at AlbertaRELM.com
Please check the current Alberta sportfishing regulations
No. There is a lot of debris in the water, and the trout are very hard to catch. It is a beautiful place, and I’ll help you make the most of the day.
It depends on the day. I fish PMDs, streamers and different nymphs, among other flies. Flies are provided.
No. The Bow River is catch and release only, and I recommend barbless hooks.
I’ll send you the exact meeting point when you book.
ON THE WATER
Upper Bow River fishing, in pictures
CHOOSE YOUR WATER
The ten rivers I guide
Upper Oldman River
Intimate upper Oldman water along Highway 40. Wild cutthroat, and bull trout in the deeper pools.
Carbondale River
A freestone river with beautiful pools. Cutthroat, rainbows and a few brown trout.
Castle River
Wadeable Oldman tributary, with a remote West sector and easier East access. Mostly cutthroat. But nice rainbows on the lower section.
Crowsnest River
Fish the Crowsnest River on foot with a local guide and be prepared for action.
Cataract Creek
Narrow, crystal-clear stream with brook trout, cutthroat, bull trout and rainbows.
Racehorse Creek
A small, scenic creek with easy wading and less fishing pressure. Cutthroat on PMDs and nymphs.
Livingstone River
Southern Alberta wilderness water. Cutthroat, and big bull trout in the deeper pools.
Ram River
Clear foothills river by Ram Falls. Westslope cutthroat on dry flies and nymphs.
Highwood River
A Kananaskis gem with deep pools where big trout hide. Cutthroat, bull trout and rainbows.
Upper Bow River
A beautiful stretch near Canmore with big brown trout and rainbows. Challenging, but worth it.
BOOKING
Booking, simply
Deposit and changes
- Deposit: $200 for a half-day, $350 for a full day. It secures your date and is non-refundable.
- Need to change your date? With at least 7 days' notice, your deposit can move to another available date this season or later.
- No-show, or less than 7 days' notice: the deposit is forfeited.
- If I need to cancel because of weather, unsafe water or another unforeseen event: you choose a new date or a full refund of your deposit.
- Balance: due on the day of your trip, in cash. Please bring Canadian dollars.
Ready to fish the Upper Bow River?
The season opens June 16. Send me your dates and I’ll confirm availability for your Highwood River trip.
Prefer to talk? Call or text 514-502-1186.
Guided in English and French
