Overview

Spring runoff is influencing most streams in Southern Alberta, with rising flows and potential for colored water due to snowmelt. The Bow and Oldman Rivers are experiencing elevated flows, making fishing challenging. For those looking for clear water, tailwaters and smaller spring creeks might provide more favorable conditions. Remember to verify current regulations at albertaregulations.ca before heading out.

River & Lake Conditions

• Sheep River near Okotoks: Flows at 12.3 m³/s are rising, indicating fresh snowmelt. Fish will likely hold tight to banks in slower water. With notable BWO and Grannom hatches reported, nymphing along bank edges should be productive. Streamers may also entice Bull and Brown Trout in deeper pools.

• Ghost River: With falling flows at 1.9 m³/s, the river is clearing. This is a good opportunity for those targeting Cutthroat and Bull Trout. Nymphing with BWO patterns in riffles is recommended.

• Highwood River near High River: Holding at 34.7 m³/s, use caution due to high water. Focus on side channels and bank structures. Midges and PMDs are active, suggesting dry fly action is possible on calmer stretches.

• Oldman River near Lethbridge: As flows drop to 55.1 m³/s, bank edges and back eddies are great spots to target Rainbow Trout and Walleye. Heavy jigs will help reach fish in deeper pockets.

• Bow River near Banff: High flows at 124 m³/s from snowmelt necessitate caution. Best fishing will be in clearer side channels where BWOs are hatching. Streamers could be effective for targeting deeper pools and Bull Trout.

Weather Impact by Area

• Bow Valley / Foothills: With 25 km/h NW gusts around Cochrane and Banff, nymphing is advised as small dries are difficult to present effectively. Cloudy conditions should aid hatch activity but expect runoff to affect clarity.

• Crowsnest Pass: Mild SW winds at 12 km/h affect the area, providing a more comfortable day for anglers. Rising flows make fishing conditions challenging but BWO hatches on the Crowsnest can offer windows for both nymphing and dry fly fishing in calmer weather.

• Southern Lakes: High temps (up to 31°C near Lethbridge) encourage active feeding; check wind patterns when on larger bodies to position yourself downwind for better casting and presentation.

Hatch Activity & Fly Fishing

• Sheep River: Excellent BWO and Grannom caddis activity today. Nymph fishing with BWO nymphs (#18-22) in riffles has been productive. Look for adult emergence during overcast afternoons for potential dry fly action. Streamers are effective in deeper and discolored sections.

• Oldman River near Lethbridge: Grannom caddis are emerging heavily, creating prime conditions for pre-hatch nymphing. Target riffles with size 14-16 caddis pupa patterns and set nymphs at various depths to adjust for water variability.

• Crowsnest River: The tailwater sections below the dam are seeing strong BWO activity. Tight-line nymphing with midge larvae and emergers as the lead fly is highly effective. Streamers in darker colors can provoke strikes during lower light conditions.

Spin & Bait Fishing

• Oldman River near Lethbridge: For Walleye, use 1/8 oz jigs tipped with minnows in back eddies and slower runs. For Rainbows and Brown Trout, small Rapalas and inline spinners in gold and silver are effective.

• Stocked Ponds: In cooler water, PowerBait and worms remain reliable for newly stocked Rainbows. Try fishing early or late in the day when fish are more active.

Recent Stocking

Highlighting some recently stocked waters:

• Little Beaverdam Lake: With 1,000 Tiger Trout stocked, this is an exciting option for anglers. Present spinners or soft plastics to elicit response.
• Allison Lake: Recently received a significant number of Westslope Cutthroat. Fly anglers should use attractor dries like Royal Wulff or Humpies.
• Mount Lorette Ponds: Stocked with 400 Rainbow Trout on May 14. Wind is moderate today, favoring productive fishing at dawn or dusk with PowerBait.

Top Picks Today

• Crowsnest River: Good BWO and Grannom hatches make this a solid choice. Use size #18-22 BWOs for dry flies. Spin anglers should try small silver Mepps spinners in clear pools.

• Oldman River below Lethbridge: Cleared flow offers opportunities for Walleye and Rainbows with jigs and nymphs. Target early morning with bright lures.

• Little Beaverdam Lake: Recently stocked with Tiger Trout, which are responsive to spinners and soft plastics. Recommend fishing from docks to access mid-lake areas.

Safety & Regulations

• High Water Notices: Exercise caution with high flows reported in Bow and Oldman Rivers.
• Bull Trout: Remember, all Bull Trout caught must be released as they're protected throughout Alberta.
• Spawning Consideration: Avoid disturbing gravel and spawning fish; do not target on redds.
• Verification: Always confirm seasonal openings and specific angling rules at albertaregulations.ca before going out.