THE CROWSNEST RIVER
This stream is southwestern alberta's little gem. If we didn't have the Bow, it would
receive a LOT more press than it does. Even so, it is still a popular river and has been written about many times. It holds
beautifull fish. It runs through gorgeous country, and mountain landscapes. It is easy of access. It is easy to wade. And,
sometimes, it is easy to catch fish. What more could you want?
The Crowsnest River flows out of Crowsnest Lake, and through the quiet towns of Coleman
and Blairmore, and then down towards the Alberta prairies as it exits the rocky mountains and flows eastward, eventually ending
up dumping into a large reservoir. The fish are plentifull, and some are downright lunkers
for the size of a river they inhabit. The fish are primarily rainbow trout, but there are also bull, brook, cutthroat, brown,
and lake trout in this river. Yes, you heard me right, lake trout! We know of at least 4 that have been landed in this
river over the years.
The rainbows are feisty and scrappy, and will average between 14 and 18 inches. Fish near
20 are not uncommon, and the largest rainbow we've landed is a 24 incher. Your main target when fishing the crow will be these
rainbows, as all the other fish are just not here in huge numbers at all, and most are a bycatch when fishing the rainbows.
The fishing for the rainbows is very good, and days of 20-30 fish are the norm, not the exception. The thing that stands out
about the fish here, is how pretty they are. Bright red stripes, dark spots, and dark green backs make these some of the prettiest
trout in Alberta.
Below the falls and downstream to the reservoir we run into the odd brown, and bull trout.
The browns can reach large sizes but are pretty rare to find. The bulls are slightly more common, and, if targeted, we can
expect to catch a couple. The river isn't really known for bull trout fishing though, as there are better places for pure
"bull trout hunts". The odd brook trout will be found in the far upper reaches as well.
The fishing can be extremely good on nymphs all year. The crow fishes very well in the
early months (Feb, March, April) on nymphs. We've had some of our best days during the pre-runoff fishing. Once runoff comes
down the hatches on this river are prolific. PMD's, Green Drakes, Caddis, Stoneflies, Salmonflies, BWO's, Midges, and more!
The river almost always has fish coming to the top during a hatch. They can be quite spooky when feeding on top, but that's
what light rods and 6 or 7x tippet are for!
When thinking of the perfect river for all levels of fly fisherman, we think of the Crowsnest
River. It's ease of wading, beautifull pools, babbling runs, and scrappy fish, make for the perfect day. We'll find "easy"
fish by nymphing the riffles, and then if your up to a big challenge we can try tiny dries for the BIG fish in the back of
some of the pools in crystal clear water. This is sight fishing at it's best, but one mistake WILL send them scattering all
over!
CROWSNEST RIVER WALK AND WADE - $400 , Fish this great river
with someone who knows all the tricks and techniques to get into these often finicky fish. A lot of people struggle to catch
fish on this river, and there are a few secrets we'd like to show you that will put fish on the end of your lines! Once fishing
this river properly, you can expect a really good day on the water, with a lot of action, in a gorgeous setting.
