Why July’s Rain Is a Gift for August and September Fly Fishing on the Bow River

July came in wet and wild this year, with heavy rain pushing flows higher across the Bow River. And while wet weather can sometimes make for trickier conditions in the short term, smart anglers know this kind of runoff is great news for late summer and early fall fly fishing.

At Bow River Bank Robbers, we’re already gearing up for what’s shaping up to be one of the best August and September fly fishing seasons we’ve seen in a while.

Let’s break down why this rain is setting us up for success—and why you should be booking your trip now if you want to take full advantage of it.

1. Perfect Water Levels for August and September Floats

The consistent rainfall in July has topped up our flows and brought Bow River water levels back to a healthy range. That means:

    •    More accessible grassy banks

    •    Cooler water temperatures for healthier trout

    •    Better drift speed for floating anglers

This isn’t just good for the fish—it’s good for us. With float fishing conditions shaping up beautifully, we’ll be able to cover prime stretches of the Bow that were tough to access in drier years.

2. Streamer Junkies, This Is Your Moment

Let’s be honest—streamer season on the Bow River is what a lot of us wait for. And thanks to that dirty, higher water in July, big brown trout and aggressive rainbows are already keying in on baitfish patterns.

As the river clears and levels stabilize, we’ll have weeks of excellent visibility and aggressive post-runoff behavior.

Expect:

    •    High-value streamer days deep into August

    •    Big fish tucked tight to cover and banks

    •    Perfect conditions for float-and-strip action

If you love chucking meat, this is your year. Book a Bow River streamer trip with us while prime dates are still available.

3. Hello Hoppers — Terrestrial Season Just Got Better

Here’s the real bonus: higher flows in July have helped keep the banks lush and green. That means terrestrial fly fishing on the Bow—especially with hoppers—is going to be next level this season.

We’ll have the ability to fish tight to grassy banks, where trout will be looking up for:

    •    Grasshoppers

    •    Beetles

    •    Ants

Whether you like drifting foam hoppers off the edge of the current or twitching them through a cut bank, August and early September are going to deliver.

4. Why Now’s the Time to Book Your Fall Fly Fishing Trip

Every year, September on the Bow delivers cool mornings, active fish, and the kind of golden light that makes you fall in love with this river all over again. With higher flows, cleaner banks, and strong bug activity, this fall might be the best we’ve had in years.

Spots are already filling for:

    •    Late August streamer trips

    •    Early September hopper floats

    •    Fall brown trout hunts

We’re running both full-day guided float trips and our new beginner-friendly courses for those looking to get started.

Ready to Rob the Bank With Us?

If you’ve been thinking about booking a trip on the Bow River, now’s the time to act. With ideal fly fishing conditions in Alberta, solid post-runoff streamer water, and hopper season heating up fast, it’s all lining up.

Book your trip online today, or shoot us a message to lock in your dates. Let’s make August and September your best fishing months yet.

Why July’s Rain Is a Gift for August and September Fly Fishing on the Bow River