Overview

As September winds down, low and stable flows across most Southern Alberta rivers offer excellent fishing conditions for both fly and spin anglers. Particularly impressive hatches of Blue-winged Olive and midges are enticing trout to the surface, making this a great time for dry fly aficionados. Be mindful of bull trout as they're catch-and-release only.

River & Lake Conditions

• Sheep River near Okotoks: Running at 3.9 m³/s, with flows falling over the past four days. Near summer conditions mean this is a prime location for fall trout fishing. Expect clear water with active fish in shallow riffles and runs.

• Ghost River: Flows are 4.2 m³/s and falling. Although this exceeds the usual spring high-water marks, conditions are clearing, making it favorable for catching bull trout — remember to release them!

• Crowsnest River: Water levels are a little higher than normal at 2.8 m³/s, but conditions are ideal for fishing as the waters are receding. Focus on the clear side channels for the best action.

• Bow River at Calgary: Running higher than normal at 82.2 m³/s but starting to decline, which should improve clarity. Focus on back eddies and deeper holes with streamers and large nymphs.

Weather Impact by Area

• Bow Valley / Foothills: Overcast skies with SW gusts reaching up to 51 km/h make using small dry flies challenging, especially on the Bow River. Stick to nymphing and streamer fishing for better results.

• Crowsnest Pass: Clear conditions persist, with wind speeds of around 33 km/h WNW. Assess where the wind will assist rather than hinder — it can make bank fishing and short casts difficult.

• Central Alberta: Overcast with light winds hitting 14 km/h SW — ideal conditions for seeing good hatches and surface feeding. Slight precipitation should not greatly affect water clarity in this area.

Hatch Activity & Fly Fishing

Excellent hatch conditions across several rivers present superb opportunities for both float and wade fishing.

• Nymph Fishing: Blue-winged Olive nymphs (#18-22) are on the menu for trout across the region. Use a tight-line nymphing technique with these or midge larvae in pools and runs previously associated with hatch activity.

• Dry Fly Fishing: Areas like the Sheep River are seeing significant BWO hatches, especially with today's mild temperatures. Pick sizes #18-22 for the best chances and focus on midday when fish are most active.

• Streamers: These are less relevant today with the relatively low flows and clear waters this late in the season, though larger Muddler Minnows should attract attention early in the morning or late evening.

Spin & Bait Fishing

For spin anglers, focus on smaller inline spinners and spoons for trout, especially in clearer waters like the Crowsnest. Spin techniques can be particularly effective after sharp weather changes, generally catching more active fish.

• Walleye: Consider 1/8 to 3/8 oz jigs tipped with minnows along the deeper water areas. Red Deer River sections are ideal if you're targeting walleye.

• Northern Pike: Large swimbaits and spoons retrieved quickly in Ghost Lake and Pigeon Lake are recommended. The pike are getting aggressive with cooling temperatures.

• Stocked Trout: Recently stocked ponds like Sibbald Meadows Pond provide good action for those using PowerBait or worms, especially under overcast skies.

Recent Stocking

Focus on:

• Sibbald Meadows Pond: Stocked with 2,000 Rainbow Trout.
• Mount Lorette Ponds: Offers both Westslope Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout, great for a varied day of fishing.
• Mclean Pond: Stocked with 2,300 Westslope Cutthroat Trout.

Top Picks Today

1. Sheep River near Okotoks: Great for nymphing Blue-winged Olive nymphs and attracting trout with Elk Hair Caddis on top. Spinners in sizes #1-2 work well for spin fishing.

2. Crowsnest River: Use Pheasant Tail nymphs for underwater action — effective area for catching large rainbows. Mepps Aglia in silver should do well for spin anglers.

3. Bow River below Carseland Dam: Excellent for streamer fishers using large, articulated patterns — ideal for targeting aggressive rainbows. Focus on back eddies with crankbaits for walleye.

Safety & Regulations

• High Water Caution: Some rivers still report higher than anticipated flows, so exercise caution along bank sides and structure.
• Bull Trout: Mandatory catch-and-release throughout Alberta.
• With current fall spawning of Brown and Brook Trout, avoid walking through potential gravel spawning beds.
• Seasons and closures vary by water body and species — always verify at albertaregulations.ca before fishing.