Stories

The flowing waters of Crowsnest Pass provide a sparkling focus to stunning mountain vistas that rivals the peaks, cliffs and tree-shrouded slopes for mind-becalming beauty.

Beneath their surface is an aquatic world where the trout is the monarch. Within a 50-mile radius of The Pass are 500 miles of trout streams that attract hundreds of fly-fishers from around the globe each year.

Although some cast rods hand-crafted from bamboo, and silk lines braided in France, fly-fishing need not be expensive: a complete fly-fishing outfit with rod, reel and line, a few flies, leaders and other essentials, can be purchased for less than three hundred dollars.

“One you have this, all you need is an angling license and you are able to go fishing,” says Vic Bergman of the Crowsnest Angler (fly shop) in Bellevue.

Outdoorsy types – from amateur to experienced – are invited to experience the peace and tranquility of fly-fishing. Lessons, guided tours, gear and even a nudge in the direction of secret fishing spots can all be found at any of the local fly-fishing shops.

What’s with the hashtag?
Fly fishers from around the globe share their fly fishing images on social media using the popular hashtag #keepemwet. Those fishing for sport will “catch and release” fish – and this is the spirit behind the phrase “keep ‘em wet.”

FISHING SEASON:

Open from mid-June to the end of October, although portions of the Crowsnest and Oldman rivers are open year-round.

PLACES TO FISH:

• Oldman River
• Castle River
• Waterton River
• Crowsnest River
• The refuge just above Lundbreck Falls along the Crowsnest River is great for walk and wade.

TYPES OF FISH FOUND IN THE AREA:

• Rainbow trout
• Brown trout
• Cutthroat trout
• Bull trout
• Brook trout
• Golden trout
• (Rocky) Mountain whitefish (or Greylings)

SHOPS/TOUR PROVIDERS:

Crowsnest Café and Fly Shop and Alberta Fly Fishing trips (Coleman, Alberta)

Crowsnest Angler (Bellevue, Alberta)

Packaged tours with local B&B, Country Encounters Hospitality