Located in Canada, the fly fishing in Alberta offers more than a half-dozen beautiful trout streams. The best Alberta fly fishing based on popularity are considered to be North Raven River, Crowsnest River, Ram River, Bow River, and Castle River. For a detailed fly fishing river description and printable river access map, just select a Alberta fly fishing river or stream below.
Southwest of Calgary, the Crowsnest River is a popular fly fishing river for rainbow trout averaging 15 inches. The Crowsnest River runs 25 miles down to the Old Man River confluence near Three Rivers Dam. The Crowsnest River has some prolific hatches of Stone Flies (Golden and Salmon), numerous Mayflies, Caddis and Midges.
The Waterton River is well known for its brown trout and is very popular with float fishermen. There are prolific hatches of Salmon Stone Flies and Golden Stone Flies.
West of Calgary and northwest of Bragg Creek, the Bow River is a popular fly fishing river for rainbow trout and brown trout. The best section for fly fishing on the Bow River is the lower 40 mile stretch from Calgary to the town of Carseland. Most fly fishermen float the lower Bow River since wading access is limited.
Southeast of Calgary and southwest of Lethbridge, the Oldman River is a popular fly fishing river that is known for its four species of trout. The fly fishing on the Oldman River is usually divided into three sections: the upper Oldman River, the middle Oldman River, and the lower Oldman River.
Near Red Deer, the Red Deer River is known by local fly fishermen for its brown trout. The Red Deer River is a large spring, freestone creek. You can expect to find brown trout over 20 inches.