Blue Ribbon Bow

Proclaimed one of the greatest trout streams in the world, "a magnificent accident" and "the most misunderstood fishery in North America," the Bow River has for decades been luring fly-rodders to its banks. In this history of the river and its anglers, acclaimed outdoor writer Jim McLennan traces the ancient, glacial origins of the river and follows it to the modern day, where the chance combination of natural and man-made elements has transformed the Bow into one of the world's finest trout fisheries. From there he examines the impact of human activity on the river and offers guidance on how to preserve the only première trout stream in North America to flow through a major city. He traces the river's path from its headwaters high in the Rocky Mountains to its middle and lower reaches and along the way offers a veteran's advice on tackle, technique and flies for successful angling through the seasons.