Abundant native salmonid sharing habitat with trout. Subtle takes but strong fighters; great for numbers and winter action.
Where to Catch: Bow River pools and runs below riffles; deeper holes in winter; cool lakes with gravel bottoms.
Best Time to Fish: Year-round in open water; concentrations increase in late fall during spawning activity.
| Season | Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Good with nymphs/small jigs in moderate current. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Very good early/late; drift scuds, midges, small soft plastics. |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Excellent pre-spawn; egg patterns and nymphs in riffles/tailouts. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Fair under safe ice or in open tailwater; tiny jigs/flies near bottom. |
Peak Season: Sept–Nov (pre-spawn/spawn concentrations).
Tackle & Tips
Lures: Small spoons, micro-jigs, beadhead nymphs.
Bait: Maggots, worms, single eggs (where legal).
Leaders: 7–9 ft, 4–6 lb mono or 4X–5X tippet.
Gear: 3–5 wt fly rods or light spinning with sensitive tips.
