Canada

Silvertip Outfitters

Alberta

Shop Fishing Gear

Accommodations

Comfortable Guest Lodge Rooms // Guest Capacity - 8

Season

July-October

Species

Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout & Pike

Ideal For

Solo Anglers & Friends

Fly Fishing Alberta's Fabled Bow River

Alberta’s Bow River is justifiably world-famous as being known as one of the great North American trout fisheries, and the ideal location to target strong numbers of large rainbows and browns. Less well known is that portion of the Bow that flows through the Siksika/Blackfoot Indian Reserve. Beginning in the mid-80s, Eric Grinnell’s Silvertip Outfitters pioneered fishing in this area, often referred to as “The Bow Nobody Knows”. Over thirty years later, Silvertip is still the only outfitting service regularly operating on this highly productive and under-fished prairie section. Imagine floating and fishing this famous river through its valley surrounded by cottonwood flats, short grass prairie hillsides, and stunning rock cliffs. Imagine hard-fighting silvery rainbows with the occasional large brown thrown into the mix. Imagine setting out for a day’s fishing from their private river access and returning to an intimate guest lodge with a gourmet supper waiting. Tap into an area that is virtually unfished, with the Bow’s most experienced guides, all less than an hour from Calgary Alberta

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Lodging Details
Silvertip’s “Lower Bow Lodge” is located along the Bow near Carseland Alberta, just 35 miles east of Calgary and several miles upstream of the Blackfoot/Siksika Reservation. This intimate lodge accommodates up to 8 anglers (double occupancy) with ensuite bathrooms, common room, and dining room. Guests can gather around the fireplace in the evening or lounge outside at the fire pit. Couples will be happy in the queen bed suite. The “Lower Bow Lodge” is the ideal place to stay when fishing the Bow, the right combination of luxury and country solitude.

Food and Beverages
The in-house chef at the “Lower Bow Lodge” is proud of the cuisine featuring locally-sourced Alberta beef and other fine dishes. Guests are welcome to enjoy their own wine and liquor with dinner. A full and varied breakfast starts each day, and lunch is served streamside. All non-alcoholic beverages are supplied by the lodge.

Typical Length of Stay
Trip packages of any length can be arranged, although anglers typically fish 3 to 4 days with accommodation at the lodge from 2 to 5 nights.

Non-Angling Activities and Options
Jetboat tours through the prairie wilderness of the Blackfoot Reserve can be arranged for non-anglers and children. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the river, view the varied birdlife of the rich valley, and pick up ancient buffalo bones on the gravel bars. Shopping in the cosmopolitan city of Calgary is 45 minutes away, the badlands of Dinosaur Provincial Park are 1.5 hours drive away, as well as the Royal Tyrrell dinosaur museum in Drumheller. Many visitors to Calgary also include a visit to the mountains of Banff National Park and Lake Louise, located 90 miles west of Calgary.

Internet / Communications
Wi-Fi is available at the Lodge and there is good cell phone coverage.

How To Get There
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is served by most major airlines with easy and often direct flights from many American cities. The Lodge is located 45 minutes east of Calgary, near Carseland. Silvertip does not provide transportation so you will want to rent a car.

Arrival and Departure Details / Times
It is recommended that guests arriving in Calgary by air rent a vehicle to arrive at the Lodge. Guests may opt to spend the arrival night in Calgary or to arrive at the Lodge prior to their first-day fishing. The same option is available on departure, either staying the night at the Lodge or returning to Calgary prior to air departure. Silvertip recommends the Delta Calgary South if staying in Calgary. It is the closest luxury hotel to the fishing on the Bow, and close to three fly shops. Please call Yellow Dog for directions to the Lodge.

Documents Required
Recent changes in U.S. law require all people to present a passport when entering or re-entering the U.S. from Canada by car unless they have other appropriate documentation. Canadian law requires all persons entering Canada from the U.S. by car present proof of citizenship and identity. A passport fulfills both of these requirements for U.S. citizens. An Alberta fishing license is required to fish and we do suggest getting your license online prior to your trip.

Drunk Driving or other Criminal Record
Anyone with a criminal record (including a drunk driving conviction) may be excluded from Canada. A waiver of exclusion may be issued, but several weeks are required and a processing fee must be paid.

Travel Arrangements
Yellow Dog provides airline reservations ad ticketing assistance through etcTravel Group, and a full-service airline logistics agent that can help book airline tickets, hotels, rental cars, and more. You can click here to request a quote or contact Yellow Dog for more information at 406-585-8667. etcTravel Group offers dedicated support services for all Yellow Dog clients. Service fees may apply when booking or researching tickets, and etcTravel will discuss this with you before sending quotes.

Travel Tools
– Airline Ticketing
– Moon Phases
– Rent This Rod
– Trip Insurance and Emergency Evacuation
– Global Rescue Membership

General Information
Silvertip Outfitters specializes in fishing “The Bow Nobody Knows” – a section of the Bow River unknown to most anglers, with very little fishing pressure. The 35-mile stretch of the Bow from Calgary downstream to the weir at Carseland is well-known and heavily used by guides and local anglers. Downstream of the weir, however, the Bow flows through private property for about five miles before entering the Blackfoot-Siksika Indian Reserve, remaining within the Reserve boundaries for nearly 100 river miles. There is one public boat access just below the weir, and no additional public access downstream of that. Silvertip Outfitters uses jet drive-equipped boats to access this area of the Bow, returning each evening to the lodge. The jet boats allow for a great deal of flexibility and fishing diversity, and typically anglers are fishing different water each day of their trip. The key to success is always a great guide, and Silvertip has some of the most experienced guides on the river.

Many experienced anglers will argue that the Bow River’s rainbow trout are the hardest fighting strain in all of North America. Fish average 15 to 17 inches and have been caught to up to 28 inches. Brown trout make up only about ten percent of the catch, but they too can reach lengths approaching 30 inches. Silvertip Outfitters offers a unique opportunity to fish for these trout on a piece of river that receives very little pressure. The river also has a population of pike, and fishing for them can be very good depending on conditions. The season usually starts in early July after runoff and continues through September. July offers great fishing on streamers and stoneflies, with evening caddis hatches. Hopper patterns and hoppers with nymph droppers work well August through September. The fall months bring very good hatches of Blue Winged Olives and tricos, bringing up some very nice fish. The river offers good consistent dry fly fishing throughout the summer, with the potential to take a 20-inch fish on a dry most days. Nymphing and streamer fishing is productive at any time. You can expect a mix of fishing from the boat and wading.

When conditions dictate it may be preferable to fish the Bow upstream of the Carseland weir. Silvertip guides are equipped with drift boats and the experience to fish this stretch of river. As well, Silvertip Outfitters guides other southern Alberta waters including the Waterton and Oldman Rivers. The Oldman River below the Oldman dam is a floatable tailwater with large feisty rainbows. Silvertip can create a custom package that might include the Oldman, Waterton, and Crowsnest rivers, all close together and about two and one-half hours south of Calgary.

Boats and Equipment
Silvertip Outfitters utilizes 16-foot drift or jon boats equipped with jet drive engines. These boats are roomy and comfortable and fully set up for drift fishing. The use of powerboats allows anglers to drift as little or as much as they wish during the day. Guides can provide high-quality rods and reels, but bringing your own is recommended. Although guides are happy to share their favorite flies, Silvertip Outfitters encourages a visit to one of the fly shops in Calgary to ensure that anglers have their own supply of the right flies. In a pinch, flies are available for sale at the lodge.

Package Rates
Remember that Yellow Dog’s services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge or outfitter. All prices listed below are per person based on double occupancy in the room and with the guide. Trips of any length of stay can be arranged, so please call Yellow Dog for details and custom package pricing. The prices below are quoted in US dollars.

Double occupancy accommodations / guided fishing
1 Night / 2 Fishing Days = $775.00 per person
2 Nights / 3 Fishing Days = $1,250.00 per person
3 Nights / 4 Fishing Days = $1,725.00 per person
4 Nights / 5 Fishing Days = $2,200.00 per person

Single occupancy accommodations / guided fishing
1 Night / 2 Fishing Days = $1,450.00
2 Nights / 3 Fishing Days = $2,300.00
3 Nights / 4 Fishing Days = $3,150.00
4 Nights / 5 Fishing Days = $4,000.00

What’s Included:

All accommodations and meals at the Lower Bow Lodge as specified
Lunch on the river and all non-alcoholic beverages
Fully guided fishing each day
Use of quality rods and reels if needed
All tackle and flies

What’s Not Included:

Transportation from the original destination to the Lower Bow River Lodge
Alberta fishing license
Alcoholic beverages (BYO)
Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Waders and boots (if needed)

Silvertip Outfitters (Alberta)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS – CANCELLATIONS
For all cancellations, written notice must be sent to and received by Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, LLC. For cancellations outside of 45 days from beginning of the trip, full amount minus a $100.00 cancellation fee charged by the outfitter and a $100.00 per person Yellow Dog handling fee may be refunded or a comparable credit applied to a future trip booked within one year. No refund of credit will be given for trips cancelled inside of 45 days from start of trip, regardless of reason. If a cancelled package is resold by either the outfitter or by Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, then a full refund will be sent minus a $100.00 cancellation fee charged by the outfitter and a $100.00 per person Yellow Dog handling fee. Silvertip Outfitters and Yellow Dog strongly recommend that anglers and guests purchase travel insurance for your trip. Refund will not be issued in the event of poor weather. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the deposit, cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses for these packages.

Payment Terms for All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings
Unless otherwise noted on your invoice, for all trips less than 90 days out, full payment is required after receipt of the confirmation email to secure guides and reservations. For trips outside of 90 days, a 50% deposit is required upon receipt of confirmation email to confirm your reservations.

Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a secure payment portal – a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com to gain access.

Yellow Dog Flyfishing Standard Forms of Payment

Debit card (fee-free) and credit card (3% convenience fee) - to pay via card please utilize the customer payment portal. If you need assistance, reach out to 406-585-8667 ext. #3
Wires - please include name and/or invoice number for reference on your wire. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com for wiring instructions. (client is responsible for wiring fees)
Physical check - please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to 213 S. Willson Ave. Bozeman, MT, 59715

If you have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (406) 585-8667 ext. #3. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT.