Fishing · Alberta
Bow River Troutfitters
A downtown Calgary fly shop known for friendly, knowledgeable staff, a big selection in a small space, generous local fishing advice, beginner courses, guided Bow River trips and fast online orders.
What visitors say
Bow River Troutfitters is a fly fishing shop in downtown Calgary with a near-perfect rating. Reviewers describe a compact store packed with premium rods, reels, waders, wading boots, packs and a large fly selection, with one customer claiming it holds more than a big-box store in about 1,500 square feet.
The staff are the main reason people return. Customers say they're friendly, honest and not pushy or elitist, and willing to share specific advice on where and how to fish rather than vague hints. One angler picked up the recommended flies, walked to the Bow and caught ten fish that afternoon. Online buyers across Canada and abroad praise quick shipping, prompt calls about order issues, and fixes for supplier mix-ups.
Beginners are well looked after. Several reviewers bought their first fly fishing outfit here, and the shop runs intro fly fishing and fly tying courses that get strong reviews. Guided float trips on the Bow are also offered and described as memorable, including for first-timers. The shop's videos and blog posts on the Bow and mountain streams get a mention too.
Complaints are rare. The downtown location isn't the most convenient for a quick stop on the way to the river, and one older review found the shop closed during posted hours, so check hours before driving in. One customer in the downtown core said they offered same-day delivery.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 118 Google reviews. Details change — confirm hours, prices and bookings with Bow River Troutfitters directly.