Overview

Today in Southern Alberta, the recent rise in flows marks an excellent opportunity for both river and lake anglers, especially with favorable hatch conditions on select rivers. However, note that the flows in some rivers like the Ghost River have been rising above typical levels, signalling caution. As always, verify current conditions and regulations before heading out.

River & Lake Conditions

• Sheep River near Okotoks: Flows are rising slightly at 4.2 m³/s, but near ideal for late summer. Ideal for Rainbow and Brown Trout, especially in side channels.

• Ghost River: Flows are rising and currently exceed typical spring runoff levels, affecting clarity. Caution is advised. Best fished when flows stabilize.

• Highwood River near High River: Flows are falling at 3.9 m³/s, offering clearer and more accessible fishing. Bull trout typically favor the deeper pools.

• Oldman River near Lethbridge: Currently high at 40.3 m³/s but declining. Good for walleye in back eddies and side channels where currents slow.

• Crowsnest River: Flows are high but declining at 2.9 m³/s. This tailwater river offers opportunities with caution advised as clarity improves.

Weather Impact by Area

• Bow Valley / Foothills (Including Bow at Calgary and Cochrane): Clear skies and gentle NNW winds (~15 km/h). Expect good visibility with stable flows. Ideal for nymphing along the banks.

• Crowsnest Pass: Windy with up to 27 km/h WNW gusts. Fly anglers should focus on nymphs or streamers as small dries become harder to cast accurately.

• Central Alberta/Highwood Region: Clear sky and mild winds (~17 km/h SW), creating excellent conditions for dry fly presentations in the evening.

Hatch Activity & Fly Fishing

• Sheep River near Okotoks & Ghost River: Midges and Blue-winged Olives are key. Nymphing with midge larvae (#18-26) and Blue-winged Olive nymphs (#18-22) is ideal. Streamers such as Clouser Minnow are useful in murkier waters.

• Highwood River: Blue-winged Olive hatch ongoing. Nymphing (#18-22) is productive. Concentrate on riffles and slower runs.

• Crowsnest River: Favor nymph rigs with BWO and midge patterns. Streamers like Woolly Bugger are useful as flows decline and the river clears.

Spin & Bait Fishing

• Oldman River near Lethbridge: Walleye anglers should use 1/8 to 3/8 oz jigs with soft plastics. Try bright yellow or chartreuse for better visibility.

• Sheep River: Inline spinners such as Blue Fox Vibrax are effective for rainbow and brown trout. Heavier tackle might be needed if flow rates increase further.

Recent Stocking

• Mount Lorette Ponds: Recently stocked with Westslope Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout. Optimal for fly anglers using attractor patterns.

• Sibbald Meadows Pond: Plentiful Rainbow Trout stocked. Ideal for beginners using PowerBait or small inline spinners.

• Mclean Pond: Heavily stocked with Westslope Cutthroat Trout, offering a good variety for both fly and spin anglers.

Top Picks Today

• Sheep River near Okotoks: Flows are rising but manageable, with substantial midge activity. Try a Parachute Adams on fly and inline spinners for spin.

• Crowsnest River: Tailwater conditions are settling, ideal for nymphing BWOs and streamers for fly. Inline spinners for larger trout.

• Mount Lorette Ponds: Recently stocked, suggesting a strong population of catchable trout. PowerBait for bait anglers and Royal Wulff for fly fisherman.

Safety & Regulations

• Watch for uneven footing due to rising flows in places like the Ghost River.
• Bull Trout are catch-and-release only.
• Brown Trout are in pre-spawn, so avoid wading in redd areas and do not target them on gravel.
• Seasons and closures vary by water body and species — always verify at albertaregulations.ca before fishing.