The Oldman River is the major drainage in South Western Alberta, the Oldman River flows through the Mountains, Foothills and praire of S.W.Alberta. The tailwater stretch of The Oldman River is home to brown, cutthroat, bull and rainbow trout and has superb hatches resulting in some outstanding dry fly fishing on the Oldman River tailwater.

Fly Fishing The Oldman River
The Oldman River is the major drainage in S.W.Alberta, it's major tributaries include the Crowsnest River, Livingstone River and The Waterton River. The Oldman River can be divided into three distinct sections and offers a multitude of Angling possibilities, it is also home to 4 species of Trout and has three very distinct sections that fish differently from one and other.

The Upper Oldman River including The Livingstone River
The upper reaches of the Oldman River and its Tribs. are classic high country Cutthroat streams and due to special regulations offer the best Westslope Cutthroat fishing in Alberta.

The Middle Stretch of The Oldman River
Nutrient load and water temperature increase as the Oldman River leaves the mountains and Foothills and the river sees a change in trout species as Rainbows and Cuttbows now replace Cutthroats. From late June into mid July while the Salmon and Golden Stone Flies are hatching we float the river using rafts, as the Summer progresses the flows drop and Walk & Wade Trips are the norm, during this time Anglers can experience some fantastic Hopper fishing especially on warm windy days. The Middle Oldman River offers the visiting angler non-stop Dry Fly fishing with large Attractor patterns large Bull Trout have also been caught on dry flies.

The Oldman River Tailwater
The Tailwater Stretch of the Oldman River is best described as a blending of the Bow, Bighorn and Missouri River's and like all tailwaters it can test your piscatorial skills. This floatable stretch of river is home to a self-sustaining population of Rainbow, Brown and Bull Trout, in fact the Alberta record Brown trout of 16 plus Lbs. was caught on this remarkable Tailwater Fishery. Count on lots of action while you Fish Streamers, Hopper Dropper and double Hopper rigs from a Drift boat, then when the PMD"S Caddis or B.W.O's start to hatch, stalking, presenting and playing large hot fish.

The Season
The Season on the Upper Oldman Opens in Late June, while the Middle and Tailwater stretch are open yer round, we suggest fishing the tailwater and Middle stretch in May, then after run -off which usually end in late June., D.B.O fishes this river until mid October.

Trip Duration
We suggest Fishing the Oldman River for 1-2 days. This is a great option or add-on to a Bow River trip, S.W. Alberta Trip or a S.E. British Columbia Trip as the Oldman river is only 2 hours from Calgary and 1 hour from Fernie.

Other Options
The other Options in the area are the Crowsnest, Castle and Waterton Rivers. S.E. British Columbia's Elk River is an hour away

The Dave Brown Fly Fishing Outfitter's Advantage
We have been guiding on the Oldman River since 1995, and are one of the original guide Services on the Tailwater portion of the river, we are the only guide service that uses Drift Boats on this stretch D.B.O also makes use of Private access so that we can extend your float.

Dave Brown Outfitters is the Only Guide Service in the area that has FULL TIME Professional Guides that have years of experience guiding on a number of waters in S.W. Alberta, S.E. British Columbia and Patagonia Chile.

If the river or fly fishing conditions deteriorate on this stream, D.B.O. has the flexibility and capability to move you to another river with a fully capable Guide, therefore you don't loose any fishing time !

Accommodations
The Anchor “B” Ranch is the accommodations of choice for accessing the Oldman River, and the ranch property has private access to 4 mile of the middle river and is 30 minutes from the Tailwater stretch.
Click here for more info on the Anchor B Ranch

Click here for the S.W. Alberta Hatch Chart