Fly-fishing shops in and around Calgary
The Bow River is legendary among anglers for its rugged beauty as well as its healthy trout population. Known to fly-fishermen as one of the world’s best trout waters, it happens to run right through the heart of Calgary. Don’t take this fishy recreational opportunity for granted. Visit these shops to get yourself outfitted with flies and a pole, and take to the Bow.
Hanson's Fishing Outfitters
813 1 St Sw, Calgary AB T2P 7N2A compact shop in downtown Calgary, Hanson’s carries fly-fishing gear from rods to waders as well as outdoor clothing, hats, tote bags and more. The shop also offers guided Bow River float trips to sporting clientele from across the globe. Beginners and experts alike can try a fly-fishing boot camp or overnight stays at Hanson’s own homey “trout hotel” just downstream from Calgary on the south bank of the Bow River.
Fish Tales Fly Shop Ltd
626-12100 MacLeod Trail SE, Calgary AB T2J 7G9This fly-fishing boutique in Lake Bonavista carries rods, reels and flies as well as waders, boots, sunglasses and more. Don’t know a royal coachman from a woolly bugger? No sweat, Fish Tales also offers a number of fly-fishing courses including fly tying. Comprehensive get-started courses start with knot tying and move on to the art of casting. Ask about guided angling trips on the Bow and beyond.
Bow River Troutfitters Inc
120-400 5 Ave SW, Calgary AB T2P 0L6Conveniently located just blocks from the Bow River, this downtown shop carries a splashy selection of fishing gear that includes fly rods, reels and flies. It also offers beginner and intermediate fly-fishing courses. Bow River Troutfitters’ guided fishing forays for parties big and small include float trips on the Bow River and expeditions to the trout streams of the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies.
Country Pleasures
100-10816 MacLeod Trail SE, Calgary AB T2J 5N8Just south of Willow Park Drive on Macleod Trail Southeast, Country Pleasures carries plenty of tie-your-own fly paraphernalia as well as ready-made flies, line, rods, reels and more. Plenty pleasurable indeed, it also offers guided float trips on the Bow River. In preparation for trout chasing, consult the shop for information on free Saturday morning fly-fishing seminars or sign up for a basic or intermediate how-to course in fishing or fly tying. Globetrotting fishers will want to check out the shop’s huge selection of saltwater gear.
Iron Bow Fly Fishing Outfitters Ltd
163-5005 Dalhousie Dr NW, Calgary AB T3A 5R8This Dalhousie shop carries a wide selection of fly-fishing gear by many of the best angling brands as well as commercially tied flies and tie-it-yourself supplies. Learn to put it all to practical fish-catching use in Iron Bow’s lineup of fly-fishing classes. The shop also offers fly-fishing expeditions under the command of trout-savvy guides.
West Winds Fly Shop Ltd
109-9919 Fairmount Dr SE, Calgary AB T2J 0S3West Winds Fly Shop features a rainbow selection of hooks, feathers, rods, reels and a vast array of locally hand-tied fishing flies. This tidy angling shop is also home base to a team of expert fly-fishing guides. Pursue big brown trout and randy rainbows by boat on the Bow River. Also inquire about fishing forays with bed-and-breakfast accommodation on the scenic Crowsnest River in the foothills of the Rockies.
Bass Pro Shops
112-261055 Cross Iron Blvd, Rocky View AB T4A 0G3A monster outdoor-gear mart just north of Calgary in the CrossIron Mills shopping centre, Bass Pro Shops carries every conceivable hunting, fishing and camping device and doodad. It also features a tidy fly-fishing department replete with feathered flies, robust rods and reels, plus oodles of line as well as instructional angling books and DVDs.
Monod Sports
PO Box 310, Banff AB T1L 1A4A recreational gear store, Monod Sports’ basement-level fly-fishing department is the only one of its kind in Banff National Park. The shop is situated close to the Rocky Mountain source of the Bow River, and needless to say, this is gorgeous territory in which to cast a line. Conveniently, the shop sells national park fishing permits. Handling top brand names in rods, reels, waders and fishing vests, here you’ll find every bit of gear required to pursue your scaly quarry.
Wholesale Sports Outdoor Outfitters
25 Heritage Meadows Way SE, Calgary AB T2H 0A7Located in Calgary’s deep southeast just north of Ikea on Heritage Meadows Way, this outdoor gear warehouse is well supplied with fly-fishing gear. It’s also situated close to some of the best in-city Bow River fishing spots. The shop carries fly line, fly rods and reels as well as flies and the fly boxes you’ll need to carry them. Wholesale Sports Outdoor Outfitters also stocks acres of flashy feathers and dandy devices you’ll need to tie your own trout-getting flies.
Flys Etc
811 Centre St SW, High River AB T1V 1Y1The town of High River takes its name from the fish-filled Bow River tributary that flows through the community just a short walk from Flys Etc. The angling and hunting-gear shop carries fly rods as well as a selection of fly tying materials and tools. Also purchase maps and fishing licenses.
