Fly Fishing the Crowsnest River, Small Fly Paradise

Summer Time On Crowsnest River

The Crowsnest River, affectionately called the "Crow", is a beautiful, classic walk and wade stream in southwestern Alberta that is rich in insect life. I first visited it from afar 10 years ago. I was so taken with the quality of the angling I moved to the region 6 months later. Now I live within walking distance and during the season wade it at least a couple of times a week.

After Spring run-off sections of the Crow fish like a tailwater or spring creek and there is plenty of opportunity to hunt for trout and sight-cast with a dry fly. The largest rainbows in the river, in the 15 to 19 inch range, can be taken this way. This is when the river is in its prime and dry fly anglers like me get giddy! Generally it is small fly angling; flies size 16 and under; not too small but small enough. Between hatches fish can be spotted sipping on leftovers, so some surface action still can be found. It keeps you in the game

Crow trout can be selective so matching the hatch, especially fly size and attitude in the water, is important. You don't need a Richardson's five tray chest fly box to fish this river but a good fly selection is needed with a couple of different patterns for each potential hatch. Think flatwater patterns that ride low.

The rainbows are wild and wary, and often hold in difficult locations which makes angling that much more intense and demanding. Locating fish is not always easy as many feed softly and in spots where anglers often wade or walk by. It is a subtle river; very subtle. That is part of its charm. When fly fishing with dries you have to pay attention to the "little things", slow down and above all stop casting! The key is observation and patience. You search for a fish ( hopefully find one), then strategize your approach, wade cautiously and try to carefully present your imitation. It is quality not quantity angling. You generally have to do things well in order to be rewarded, which makes a "hook-up" that much more satisfying. Spending time on this river will make you a better angler.

The most consistent dry fly fishing occurs in the Summer and Fall, July through October. Like on any river the hatches can vary from year to year. I've learned that if there are bugs on the water surface feeding fish can usually be found. Season after season I've found the river to be a consistent producer and a small dry fly angler's paradise.