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.