Fish Tales FAQs

What equipment should I bring?

Our guides are happy to provide any gear you may need for your trip and you can also pick up any supplies at the shop that you do not have with you.

Bow River

Versatility is the key to success on the Bow.

Rods/Lines:

4wt with dry line for dry fly fishing during a mayfly or caddis hatch
5 or 6wt with a dry line for nymph fishing. This will be your primary rod. It will also be used for hopper/dropper fishing in mid-August through October.
6-8wt with a type IV or V 10 to 15-foot sink tip line or a 250-350 Grain head such as the Mastery Wet Tip Express or Teeny lines. This set up will be used primarily for streamer fishing.

Mountain Streams/Elk River Area

Fishing in these areas will primarily be for cutthroat trout in the 10-18 inch range, but you'll also have chances at aggressive bull trout up to 30+ inches.

Rods/Lines:

2-4wt with a dry line. Bring your favorite dry fly rod to fish to cutthroats in the crystal clear waters of the Canadian Rockies.
5-6wt with a floating line for larger attractor dries (such as stimulators, Chernobyl hoppers, etc. and a small dropper nymph - where allowed.)
6-8wt with a type IV or V sink tip for streamer fishing to big bull trout that haunt deep holes.

Leaders & Tippet:

Bring a selection of 9-12 foot leaders from 2x-5x diameter and a full selection of tippet from 2x to 6x.

What Type of Clothing should I bring?

Calgary is a high elevation area, which means you need to come prepared for any type of weather. The weather can change very quickly here! And if you don’t have it with you you can’t put it on!

A hat and polarized sunglasses are critical

We recommend bringing clothes you can layer such as fleece, sweatshirts, etc. This type of system will allow you to put on and take off clothing as the weather dictates. If you plan on staying out until dark, remember that it can cool off significantly at night. Also remember that thundershowers are always a possibility, so make sure you have your rain gear with you.

The boats have lots of storage for extra clothing.

What type of boats do your guides use?

Mackenzie style drift boats by Hyde or Clackacraft are used by most guides. These style of boats are extremely comfortable to fish from and have lots of storage space for extra rods and gear.

Some guides have beautifully-crafted wooden boats that they take great pride in.

How long do the trips last?

Trip length really depends on you and the amount of daylight hours. Usually we have you meet your guide at the shop or have the guide pick you up at your hotel between 8 and 10 a.m. Trips get back based on your schedule. If you want to stay for the evening rise, you can expect to be off the river anytime from 8-11p.m. depending on the time of year.

Do you always fish from the boats?

The guides try and accommodate the type of fishing you prefer to do. There will be times that getting out of the boat to work a run or pool will be far more effective than simply drifting through. The fishing/river conditions will also dictate the amount of fishing you'll do from the bank or the boat. All you have to do is discuss it with your guide and they can let you know the best strategy for a successful day.