The Angling Report - October 2002 - VOL.15 NO.10

New Lodge Puts Anglers Right On The Bow River

Angling Group

I had read many accounts of the wild rainbows and browns that roam the lower Bow River southeast of Calgary, but I had been reluctant to go there because of the absence of any lodge-like accommodations near the river. The concept of staying in a Best Western in the middle of the city of one million people just does not appeal to me or any of our angling group for our annual western trip. Fortunately, the problem I have had with this river has been solved with the opening of the North Bow Lodge, where our group became the inaugural guests the last week of July 2002. We were delighted with our discovery and think other subscribers will be as well.

The Lodge is newly constructed and is situated in a pastoral bend of the river about 20 miles from the Calgary city limits. It is strategically located four miles downriver from the McKinnon Flats "put-in" and eight miles above the Carseland "take-out." We actually put-in on day at the lodge itself and with some planned tractor work, take-out here will be possible next season.

The property has about a mile of river frontage on the north bank and offers some great, "virtually private" gravel bars and hopper-laden, deep, grassy banks. Unfortunately, we were so tired when we returned each evening we never fished the shore, although the guides told us it was outstanding for its late evening rises.

The lodge was built on the fourth-generation family farm of Michele and Stu Wheeler, and they are delightful hosts. They do not pretend to be outfitters, preferring to present themselves as innkeepers only. Indeed, they do a great job at that! The rooms were new, clean and adequately appointed; the food was very good; and the attitude and service was outstanding. For example, when we didn't get off the river until 10 pm one evening, it was no problem. A hot meal was ready after we showered. When we got blown off the river by a passing weather front with rain, a 25-degree temperature drop and 40 mph winds, they sent a vehicle to retrieve us.

As for the guide services, the Wheelers leave that to the existing area operators, which are many. We utilized Bow River Troutfitters, whom I would also recommend. All of the guides were knowledgeable and experienced and truly enjoy guiding experienced fly fisherman.

Unfortunately, we had bad luck with the weather - rain, murky water and changing water levels - and did not catch large numbers of fish during our trip. We fished dry flies from driftboats, wading the shoals when attractive, and averaged only about five fish per man per day. However, these were all big, strong, wild browns and rainbows. None were smaller than 16 inches, and each of us boated several 24-plus-inchers. There were numerous break-offs, and as these monsters don't like to be netted, 15-minute encounters were common. Unquestionably, we would have caught more fish on nymphs and streamers but watching a big head suck in a No. 8 hopper is worth the tradeoff. All of us would return, but would hope for better weather. - Russ Chandler.

The Angling Report - November 2002 - VOL.15 NO.11

A. Newton Dilley

Continuing subscribers will remember last month's report on North Bow Lodge, that new lodge located right on the Bow River in Alberta. Well, we've now received a second subscriber report about the place. This one is from A. Newton Dilley who stayed at the North Bow during a fishing trip to the Bow and Elk rivers this past July. Dilley praises owners Stuart and Michele Wheeler for their graciousness and willingness to accommodate anglers' schedules with extra-early breakfast and late evening meals. "It is obvious that they are intent on making the lodge a success, and it is already well known among Bow River guides and fishermen," says Dilley.