The streams of the east slopes of Alberta’s Rockies in Central Alberta are well known for their brown trout. The beauty of these small trout streams is typical of a brown trout habitant. Overhanging evergreens, choking willows, tall grass with deep undercut banks and log jams play an intricate role in the life of the trout and the fly angler. Fly anglers from all over the world fish these streams frequently and seriously. The larger browns are usually more difficult to fool but not impossible. To make your angling experience more enjoyable and easy, I have over 40 years experience chasing these critters.
We can choose from three streams: Prairie Creek, Raven and North Raven River(locally known as the Stauffer). There are other brown trout streams in Central Alberta but none compare to these three. I will take you to places where 12 to 18 inch trout are commonplace with 20 inch plus not unheard of.
Prairie Creek finds its source well into the foothills of Central Alberta near the Clearwater and Red River drainages. Its bottom varies from small boulders to pebbles to silt. In the spring, April through May and occasionally into June, runoff does affect it, albeit for a relatively short period of time. Prairie has been described by some as a large spring creek.
Located in the Carloine area of Alberta, the Raven is a similar river to Prairie but smaller in width. This is the location of where the 1924 stocking of brown trout took place and they have not been stocked since.
The North Raven or Stauffer is a true spring fed creek. It finds its source just north of Caroline, east of the Clearwater River. It tends to be heavily fished due to accessibility. Intimate knowledge of this creek is an asset.
The premiere time of the year for angling is considerd to be mid-June through September. As any seasoned fly angler knows, choice of flies will vary throughout the season. I have a large selection of flies in my arsenal to offer the client, however, you are welcome to bring your own.
Casting skills are necessary, as this is not for the beginner. This trip is best experienced by one angler at a time as these streams are small and require the exclusive attention of the angler and guide. (Exceptions for two can be made when the anglers recognize the need for focused attention of the guide.)