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The Crowsnest River is primarily a rainbow trout fishery
that is located in South Western Alberta. The Crowsnest River is 2 hours
from Calgary and 45 minutes from Fernie B.C.. The Best time to Fly fish
the Crowsnest River is from late June thru to October.
If the Bow River enjoys the reputation of being the number one Fly fishing
destination in Alberta,
the Crowsnest River is a close second and for good reason, this
remarkable little river has a Rainbow Trout Population of 1500 trout per-mile, considering the size of this little river, that is
remarkable! The Crowsnest originates on the east slope of the continental
divide, then flows east for around 25 mile, then empties into or joins
the Oldman River above Three Rivers Dam.
Fly Fishing The Crowsnest River
 The
Crowsnest River has some fantastic hatches of a variety
of Stone Flies (including Golden and Salmon) numerous Mayflies,
Caddis and Midges. Depending on the time of year, your fishing will focus
on matching these aquatic insects. In other words the Crowsnest is a
relatively technical stream that fishes more like a tailwater than the
freestone river, so "matching the hatch" is the mainstay
on the "Crow" and during the summer months the hopper
fishing can be spectacular!
 The
Crowsnest River Rainbows average 15 inches and it is not uncommon
to see larger in and above the 20 inch mark. The Crowsnest, due
to the character of the river a great deal of time
can be spent sight fishing to large fish that are stacked
up in reverse currents and seams that because of the
countless high banks form this fish holding structure.
Crowsnest River Season
The Crowsnest River has sections
that are open to Fishing year round, we have found the best time to fish
the Crow is from late April, then after run off which usually
happen in late May. In mid June
thru July is one of our favorite times and the Fall fishing (September & October)
is also outstanding.
Trip Duration
We suggest fishing the Crowsnest for 2 days, keep in mind that it is a
walk & wade as opposed to a Float. A trip to the Crowsnest can be conducted
as a day trip from Calgary or from Fernie B.C. 
Options
The Crowsnest River is close to a number of
good S.W. Alberta Trout Streams including the Oldman, Castle and
Waterton Rivers, there is a high concentration of small streams
in the area and The Elk River is a 45 minute drive over the divide.
The Dave Brown Outfitters Advantage
We have been fly fishing
this river a long time. Some of our staff were
born and raised along the
Crowsnest River so if "local" knowledge
is a concern we have it !
Click
here for the S.W. Alberta Hatch Chart
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