Bow River Fish CampTrips

July - August

The Bow River is one of North America’s great western trout rivers. Its headwaters flow from Banff National Park before winding east through Calgary, carving out long, classic runs that hold some of the most challenging—and rewarding—Rainbow and Brown Trout in the region. On the right day, fish over 20 inches aren’t just possible, they’re expected. The Bow’s powerful seasonal runoff has shaped trout that are strong, resilient, and unforgettable to hook.

Our multi-day Bow River camps take this fishery to another level. Guests stay on private riverfront property, camping just steps from the water. This quiet, secluded base camp becomes home for the duration of your trip—your fire, your tents, your stretch of river. Waking up on the banks of the Bow means no rushing, no commuting, and no distractions. You simply rise with the light, sip coffee by the river, and launch into a day of fly fishing right from camp.

These trips are designed for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Our guides work closely with you to build confidence and improve every aspect of your angling—reading water, feeding fish, refining casting fundamentals, choosing the right flies, and dialing in effective presentations. We want you to leave with more than great memories; we want you to leave a better, more capable angler.

We fish the Bow primarily from drift boats, and occasionally jet boats when the river and conditions call for it. Both offer stable, comfortable platforms that fish one or two anglers and allow us to cover long, productive stretches. Each boat is outfitted with ample dry storage for your extra gear, layers, and personal items.

High-quality meals are a defining part of the experience. From relaxed riverside lunches to hearty camp dinners, the food is fresh, thoughtful, and tailored to long days on the water. Meals might happen on the boat in the shade or at a full riverside table setup—depending on what the fish are doing and where we want to be.

The Bow offers a range of opportunities, and we love to target trout with dry flies, streamers, and hopper-dropper rigs. Nymphing can be effective and is used when needed, though it’s our least preferred method. The magic of this river lies in its versatility—and in the thrill of watching big, powerful trout rise or chase.

If you’re looking for an immersive, multi-day fly fishing experience, camping on private riverbank property and exploring the Bow from dawn to dark, this is it. A place to disconnect from everything but the river and focus on what matters: fish, water, campfires, good food, and great company.

FISH CAMP DETAILS

Sunrises, sunsets, great meals, campfires, and clear night skies—multi-day Bow River trips settle you into a slower, more connected rhythm. Without launch schedules or daily shuttles, the experience feels relaxed and unhurried, letting you enjoy the river the way locals do.

Our private riverside base camp sits along the 55 km stretch of the Bow downstream of Calgary. Hot, hearty meals are prepared right at the water’s edge, and spacious canvas wall tents with comfortable cots and thick sleeping pads make it easy to unwind after a full day of fishing.

For guests who worry about the “roughing it” side of camping, the facilities are designed to be clean, private, and surprisingly comfortable. A dedicated privacy shelter houses a clean Cleanwaste toilet system, and a hot outdoor shower lets you rinse off and relax each evening.

Everything is set up to remove the usual hassles of camping so you can focus on the river, the fishing, and simply being outside.

• Camp items to pack include: sleeping bag, camp shoes, beer/wine/spirits, headlamp, toiletries.

• Fishing items to pack include: raincoat/pants OR waders, polarized glasses, hat, sunscreen, camera/phone, water bottle, other personal items.

• 5-6 weight fly rods with floating lines are recommended - rods/reels and flies can be provided upon request.

• Alberta angling licence is not provided but is available at Fishtales Fly Shop or online HERE and must be purchased prior to meeting the day of your trip.

• We understand that everyone’s food requirements vary – if you have allergies or preferences they can be accommodated with plenty of notice.

• These trips often book a year in advance - please don’t hesitate to be in touch so we can find dates that will work for you or get you on our waiting list.