Overview

Today's fishing landscape in Southern Alberta is dominated by receding spring runoff. Many rivers remain high and discoloured, but conditions are improving in some areas. Watch for streams that are beginning to clear and present fishing opportunities. Be cautious of fluctuating water levels following recent high streamflow advisories.

River & Lake Conditions

• Sheep River near Okotoks: Flows have been high at 32.8 m³/s, above normal for this time of year, but are starting to decline. While still challenging, it's worth checking side channels and smaller tributaries for clarity improvements. Use caution near the banks as water levels remain elevated.
• Ghost River: Flowing at 17.2 m³/s and still on the rise, the Ghost River is experiencing high and fast flows. Discolouration is likely, and alternative locations like spring creeks are better options today.
• Highwood River near High River: Currently at 33.7 m³/s, with flows receding. This river is clearing up slowly, and fishing should improve as it approaches summer flow levels. Focus on bank structure and calmer sections.
• Oldman River near Lethbridge: Flowing at 173 m³/s, this river remains high but is on the decline. Larger back eddies and slower sections can be promising for walleye and pike.
• Crowsnest River: Holding steady at 8.1 m³/s, offering relatively stable conditions. Ideal for nymphing, with little change expected in flow.

Weather Impact by Area

• Bow Valley / Foothills: Mostly clear skies with warming temperatures around 13–27°C, and moderate winds (13–23 km/h) from the west. This makes small dry flies challenging, so focus on nymphing and streamer tactics.
• Crowsnest Pass: Expect 14–26°C with northwest winds gusting up to 46 km/h. Conditions favor casting heavier nymphs and streamers in protected areas.
• Central Alberta: Clear skies and warming to 14–26°C with light winds. Fluctuating flow rates might impact clarity, but calmer spots are fishing well.
• Northern Rivers: Warmer temperatures, reaching highs of 25°C with moderate wind presence. These conditions are ideal for evening surface action on lakes.

Hatch Activity & Fly Fishing

• Highwood River: With favorable conditions for Pale Morning Duns and Stoneflies, dry fly action is strong midday. Use PMDs (#16-18) in riffles and runs. Nymphing is highly productive — try a selection of Hare's Ear or Pheasant Tail nymphs. Streamers like Woolly Buggers can activate larger fish in faster currents.
• Crowsnest River: Midges and PMDs are prevalent. Focus nymphing with midges (hooks #18-26) in pools and runs. For dry fly enthusiasts, target evening spinner falls. Streamers are effective with an erratic retrieve.
• Sheep River: Though clarity is a factor, ongoing midge hatches mean nymphing remains viable. Adjust depth and shot placement based on flow speed.

Spin & Bait Fishing

• Oldman River: In back eddies, use 3" Berkley Gulp Minnows on 1/4 oz jigs for walleye. Northern pike are responding well to large spoons and soft plastics at slower retrieves.
• Sheep River: For areas with manageable flows, cast small Blue Fox Vibrax spinners near structure — ideal for targeting rainbow and brown trout.
• Mount Lorette Ponds: Recently stocked, these offer great catch rates on rainbow trout using PowerBait or small inline spinners.

Recent Stocking

Recent stockings have revitalized these waters:

• Mount Lorette Ponds: Stocked with Rainbow and Westslope Cutthroat Trout on June 25.
• Kids Can Catch Pond: Stocked with Rainbow Trout on June 25, providing easy access and good fishing for families.

Top Picks Today

• Crowsnest River: Steady flows make it a good choice for nymph fishing. Use Pheasant Tail or midges (#18-26). Spin anglers can try small Mepps spinners in eddies.
• Highwood River: As flows recede, expect improving conditions. Target trout with PMDs and Copper John nymphs. Spinners with vibrant patterns are effective for browns.

Safety & Regulations

• Waters are still under a high streamflow advisory; expect elevated levels due to controlled reservoir releases.
• Practice catch-and-release for all bull trout, respecting their fragile population.
• During peak spawning seasons, avoid redd areas and be mindful not to disturb spawning fish.
• Variable regional openings — verify all regulations at albertaregulations.ca before fishing.