Overview

Spring runoff continues to dominate Southern Alberta's rivers, with most streams running high and turbid. Many mountain and foothill rivers are challenging due to high flows, making tailwaters and stocked ponds better options today. Temperatures are warming, which should improve terrestrial fishing in the coming weeks.

River & Lake Conditions

Sheep River near Okotoks: Running at 39.8 m³/s, a substantial 6.4× its summer base, with extreme high water due to spring runoff. Flows are receding, so clarity might improve, but stick to back eddies and avoid wading.

Ghost River: At 23.9 m³/s, flow is high and still rising due to peak runoff. Conditions are challenging and likely discoloured; consider nearby spring creeks instead.

Highwood River near High River: Running at 43.6 m³/s and rising fast. Expect discolouration and swift currents. Tailwaters will offer better opportunities.

Oldman River near Lethbridge: With flows at 271 m³/s, conditions are extreme, and fishing is viable primarily in back eddies and side channels.

Bow River near Calgary: Flowing at 239 m³/s, down slightly in recent days. Still, expect high and slightly discoloured water; streamer fishing might yield results.

Weather Impact by Area

Bow Valley / Foothills: Clear skies and temps between 6-23°C, with winds generally in the 10-15 km/h range. Gusts up to 25 km/h make small dry fly presentation tricky. Caddis and PMDs could hatch under lighter wind conditions. Nymph or streamer fishing is advised.

Crowsnest Pass: Currently mild with highs reaching 20°C and winds increasing to 14 km/h by afternoon. Streamer fishing is recommended with possible midge hatches.

Hatch Activity & Fly Fishing

Sheep River: Strong midge activity—use midge larvae and emergers as pre-hatch nymphs.

Highwood River: Conditions favor a range of hatches, including PMDs and Stoneflies. Given the high flows, focus on nymphs like Pheasant Tail or larger terrestrials for early fishing.

Ghost River: High midge activity but challenging conditions. Wait for flows to stabilize post-peak for optimal hatch fishing.

Spin & Bait Fishing

With high flows across many lakes and rivers, focus on slower waters and use heavy spoons or jigs. Walleye anglers should look towards back eddies and deep holes. For stocked lakes, smaller spinners and soft plastics are effective, especially in clearer ponds.

Recent Stocking

• Bear Pond: Stocked recently with 750 tiger trout.
• Mount Lorette Ponds: Stocked with 800 westslope cutthroat and 800 rainbow trout.
• Chain Lakes Reservoir: Latest stock included 2,200 cutthroat—excellent for family-friendly angling.

Top Picks Today

1. Bow River at Calgary: Recent decline in flows makes it viable for streamer fishing. Try Woolly Buggers and larger Rapalas for spin anglers.

2. Mount Lorette Ponds: Ideal conditions for family fishing with fresh stockings of cutthroat and rainbow trout. Use small spinners or PowerBait.

3. Crowsnest River: Flows receding, conditions suit nymph and streamer enthusiasts. Hare’s Ear and minnows are effective.

Safety & Regulations

• High water conditions suggest caution near flooding rivers.
• All bull trout must be released; do not target spawning fish on redds.
• Always verify water body-specific regulations at albertaregulations.ca before planning your fishing trip.

Stay safe and tight lines!