Fishing and sightseeing Opportunities
One of the reasons as to why the Calgary location was chosen for the 2024 ASFI was we understood that many of those visiting from around the world would want to either arrive a few days early or stay a few days after the event to perhaps enjoy some fishing or sightseeing. Below is information regarding both of these exciting opportunities.
Fishing:
The Bow River, just downstream of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is one of the top three trout streams in the world, harboring the most consistently large river run trout you will ever catch. The Upper Bow River near Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise is a pristine, wild, untouched fishery with cold, fast moving, glacier blue water. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world to catch Brown Trout. Southern Alberta is also home to some of the most breathtaking creeks and rivers to walk and wade for both Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout. The Oldman River, Crowsnest River, Livingstone River, Highwood River, Sheep River, Ram River and Racehorse Creek contain surprisingly big trout, with a backdrop that is right out of the movies. Every year, people travel from all over the world to fly fish in these amazing waters. The Bow River flows from Bow Lake in Banff National Park and through the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains before cutting through the city of Calgary and continuing its journey toward the Canadian Prairies. The lower stretch of the Bow River – the section below the city of Calgary – consists of 55 kilometres of nutrient-rich water that’s renowned for its abundant numbers of trophy-sized rainbows and browns.
September ( the month of the ASFI)is the busiest month for fishing on the Bow due to the consistency of the fishing. With cooler nights and warm days the fish are in their happy place and feed actively most of the day packing on the weight before winter comes. You’ll also notice that the average 18 – 19” rainbow seems to have taken steroids. They fight amazingly well and stun even experienced anglers. Hooked-to-landed ratios drop significantly in September due to the strength of the fish and the smaller flies used. You simply will not land as many as you want and that’s just the way it is. Enjoy it!!!
The upper Bow River, running directly through Banff National Park, is known worldwide among anglers for opportunities to catch brown trout, Rocky Mountain whitefish, and the occasional cutthroat, brook and bull trout. Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park, located just minutes from the Banff townsite, is another well-known destination among lake trout anglers.
Fishing License Fees and Licenses can be found HERE
Sightseeing:
Despite being Alberta's largest city - it's also Canada's oil capital, and one of North America's most important business and financial centers - Calgary has never shaken off its "Cowtown" nickname. A reference to the region's long history as the center of a vast cattle-rearing region, it's a name that has in fact been of immense value to tourism marketers, conjuring up romantic ideas of cowboys, cattle drives, and an untamed Wild West.
Which is why, when you pay a visit to this dynamic city, you'll find many related things to do, from catching the famous Calgary Stampede each July to exploring the city's pioneer-era Heritage Park (especially fun for families). It's a particularly stunning place for those who enjoy beautiful vistas, too. The Rocky Mountains on the western horizon appear like an insurmountable barrier rising up from the plain.
The proximity of these mountains, with their well-known national parks, makes Calgary an excellent choice for skiing, hiking, or sightseeing vacations. But for those seeking entertainment right in the city itself, thereare also plenty of tourist attractions. Especially fun at night is walking the city's huge Prince's Island Park and across the iconic Peace Bridge, either before or after enjoying a great restaurant in the downtown core.
To help you cram as much as possible into your Calgary visit, please visit this site which details the top things to see and do while in Calgary. Click HERE