ArtStream’s mission is to give you the best fly-fishing possible on the trophy stretch of the Bow River. Novice or experienced anglers will enjoy a day custom-planned to meet their needs and their level of expertise.

The River: Widely regarded as one of the best fisheries in North America, the Bow River is a wide, swift river with a rubble bottom, often 75-100 yards wide. The lower Bow, (ArtStream’s specialty), is a superb trout habitat covering about 45 miles of fishable water from Calgary downstream to the small village of Carseland. A typical fishing day covers 6-15 river miles. The Bow has a riffle and pool configuration, characteristic of western freestone streams.

The Fish: The Bow is famous for Brown and Rainbow trout. We frequently catch 18" - 20" fish; trophy fish in the 22"-24" range are not uncommon. ArtStream (and all guide services in the area) fishes the river strictly on a catch-and-release basis.

The Boat: Floating with ArtStream gives you access to the best water. We use a roomy and comfortable Mackenzie style drift boat and get out to fish the riffles and pools as often as we like. Public access to walk-and-wade anglers is very restricted along the river.

When to Come: Fishing is reasonable in May with some hatches possible, and the river fishes at its best from early July to the end of October. Spring runoff occurs anytime early to late June. In recent years, the runoff has been so gradual that we fished successfully right through it; only Mother Natures knows for sure what any year will bring.

What your Day Includes: Your guide picks you up at your hotel or meets you at a conveniently located fly shop shortly after breakfast. After a quick stop for tackle and licenses, you're off to the river for a full day of fly-fishing. Beverages, snacks, and a generous shore lunch are included. We fish till dark unless the client is in a hurry to get back. You are dropped off at your hotel at the end of the day.