Overview

High streamflows continue across Southern Alberta due to ongoing spring runoff. Many rivers are currently unfishable, with waters discolored and running fast. If you're eager to fish, head to tailwaters and spring creeks, where conditions remain more manageable. Always check current regulations before heading out as some areas might be subject to seasonal closures or advisories.

River & Lake Conditions

• Sheep River near Okotoks: Flow is at 35.9 m³/s, with very high water levels exceeding typical spring highs. The water is discolored, and runoff is receding slowly. Exercise caution.
• Ghost River: Rising quickly at 19.7 m³/s, this small stream faces challenging conditions with heavily discolored water. Prefer spring creeks and tailwaters.
• Highwood River near High River: Rising fast at 38.1 m³/s; expect fast and turbid waters. Consider fishing nearby tailwaters instead.
• Oldman River near Lethbridge: Slightly receding at 210 m³/s, still close to the high water mark. Focus on back eddies for pike and walleye if you venture out.
• Bow River at Calgary: Flow is receding at 237 m³/s, but the river remains challenging with glacially discolored water.

Weather Impact by Area

• Bow Valley / Foothills: Clear skies today with temperatures rising to 26°C and moderate afternoon gusts around 20 km/h from the SW. Small dries will be difficult—switch to nymphing or streamers.
• Crowsnest Pass: Clear skies and temperatures up to 26°C. Moderate winds up to 17 km/h make fly presentations workable, but heavy tactics are advised for turbid waters.
• Central Alberta: Mostly clear with highs near 27°C. Winds of 21 km/h from the SSE around Lethbridge could make lake fishing tricky for small lures—stick to sheltered shores or heavier casting gear.

Hatch Activity & Fly Fishing

• Foothills Rivers: Spotted Sedges and Pale Morning Duns are active on the Highwood River—pre-hatch nymphing is productive. Use Pheasant Tail nymphs or Hare's Ear at varied depths.

- Nymphing: Preferred tactic. Use an indicator setup with size #14-18 Pheasant Tail or Hare's Ear nymph. Place shots to handle swift currents.

- Dry Fly: Limited given strong winds; look out for occasional spinner falls of PMDs during calm evening windows.

- Streamers: Streamers like black Woolly Buggers work well in the high waters. Focus on deeper pools and runs.

Spin & Bait Fishing

• Walleye & Pike: In back eddies of lower Oldman and Bow Rivers, use 3" Berkley Gulp Minnows on a 1/4 oz jig. Chartreuse and perch patterns are effective.
• Stocked Ponds: Opt for PowerBait in brightly colored dough or chartreuse. Inline spinners are suitable for aggressive fish on calmer days.

Recent Stocking

• Mount Lorette Ponds: Recently stocked with Westslope Cutthroat (800) and Rainbow Trout (800). Ideal for family outings with mild wind conditions.
• Lower Kananaskis Lake: Stocked with 5,000 Westslope Cutthroat — favorable for shoreline fishing given mild winds.

Top Picks Today

1. Mount Lorette Ponds: Freshly stocked, great for beginners.

- Fly: Use small attractor dries like #14 Royal Wulff.

- Spin/Bait: PowerBait dough in bright colors.

2. Lower Kananaskis Lake: Recent cutthroat stocking, fish early for the best action.

- Fly: Stimulators or small streamers near shorelines.

- Spin/Bait: 1/8 oz spinners with silver blades.

Safety & Regulations

• Be mindful of high flows and exercise caution near riverbanks; flooding advisories still present.
• Avoid targeting trout on potential spawning redds; practice catch-and-release where required.
• Before fishing, verify open seasons and regulations at albertaregulations.ca.