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These hatch charts are a very handy reference for any fly angler. These hatches will occur on or around the same date every year, the exact date these hatches start, end, and peak, is based on a number of factors, including the water temperature and weather. The hatch charts below apply to most rivers and streams in Southern and Central Alberta.
Bow River Hatch Chart
| Date | Insect | Imitation | Size |
| April 1 - May 15 |
Blue-winged Olive |
Adams, Blue-winged Olive, Crystal Blue-winged Olive |
16-18 |
| May 15 - June 15 |
March Brown |
Quad March Brown, Adams |
12-14 |
| May 15 - August |
Caddis | Elk Hair Caddis, CDC Caddis |
12-18 |
| June 15 - July 20 |
Pale Morning Dun |
Pale Morning Dun Parachute |
16-18 |
| June 15 - August 15 |
Golden Stonefly |
Yellow Stimulator, Super Stimulator |
6-10 |
| August 1 - Sept 25 |
Grasshopper | Dave's Hopper, Hoppor-cator, Club Sandwich |
6-12 |
| August 1 - Sept 30 |
Tryconthodes |
Trico Spinner |
18-22 |
| August 15 - Sept 15 |
Fall Caddis |
Orange Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis |
6-10 |
| September 1 - Oct 15 |
Blue-winged Olive |
Adams, Blue-winged Olive, Crystal Blue-winged Olive |
18-20 |
Oldman River Hatch Chart
| Date | Insect | Imitation | Size |
| April 15 - May 15 |
Blue-winged Olive |
Adams, Blue-winged Olive, Crystal Blue-winged Olive |
16-20 |
| May 15 - June 15 |
March Brown |
Quad March Brown, Adams |
12-14 |
| May 20 - August 30 |
Caddis |
Elk Hair Caddis |
12-18 |
| May 20 - June 30 |
Salmonfly | Super Stimulator, Orange Stimulator |
4-8 |
| June 10 - July 15 |
Golden Stonefly |
Yellow Stimulator, Super Stimulator |
16-10 |
| June 15 - July 20 |
Pale Morning Dun |
Pale Morning Dun Parachute |
16-18 |
| June 15 - August 15 |
Western Green Drake |
Green Drake, Crystal Green Drake, Olive Paradrake |
8-10 |
| July 20 - Sept 15 |
Grasshopper |
Dave's Hopper, Hoppper-cator, Club Sandwich |
6-12 |
| August 15 - Sept 15 |
Fall Caddis |
Orange Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis |
6-8 |
| September 1 - Oct 15 |
Blue-winged Olive |
Adams, Blue-winged Olive, Crystal Blue-winged Olive |
18-20 |
Recommend Flies
Regardless of where and when you will be fly fishing, I recommend having the following patterns in your fly box for Alberta and most Western Regions. These patterns can come in a multitude of colours, sizes and versions, most of which are effective. Establishing what will work best for you, usually comes from personal experience, and will vary depending on the time, date and location you fish them.
Wolley Bugger, San Juan Worn, Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, BH Prince, March Brown, Stimulator, BWO, Pail Morning Dun, Adams, Green Drake, Caddis, H&L Variant, Chernobyl Ant and a couple different Hopper patterns.
