Shallow Water Drift Co. 

5.0/5 (10 reviews)
 Travis Crescent Northeast 5631, Calgary, AB T2K 3W1, Canada

Shallow Water Drift Co. 

Calgary, AB, Canada
16 ft
2
5.0/5 (10 reviews)

Come to Langdon, Canada for some amazing freshwater fly fishing with Captain Gene Aquilini, the owner and the head guide of Shallow Water Drift Co. Born and raised in Calgary, he's been fly fishing for more than 30 years and guiding for 19.

He specializes in fly fishing throughout Southern Alberta, focusing on the world renowned Bow River, famous for its Trout fishing. Gene will do everything to put you on the Brown Trout and Steelhead of a lifetime. Trips are strictly catch and release – you'll get to take a photo and then kiss the fish goodbye for another passionate angler to catch.

You can choose from 6, 8, and 10-hour trips, as well as 2-day packages! The first day, Gene will take you to the paid camping site that will be ready for you to occupy. He'll have his trailer and his boat there. You'll eat a nice big breakfast and then go fishing. The fishing trip will take around 10–12 hours before you head back to camp.

There, you'll be served a nice steak dinner with baked potatoes and salad. Besides food, Captain Gene also offers water and other beverages, but the clients can bring beer if they want to. The second day includes fishing a different section of the river. All transportation is provided.

Fishing is done from a 16' Willie Boats drift boat. You'll be floating with the current, equipped with top-notch safety gear. The boat can take up to 2 adult anglers and a child.

There's no minimum age for children, but those 14 and younger must be accompanied by adults. Parents should bring a life jacket their kid is comfortable in. Clients should also bring their waders and boots if they want to go wade fishing. Gene can provide that as well, but he has limited sizes.

The captain provides high-quality fly fishing and conventional gear. He only uses Loop rods and Hatch reels. Spinning lures are not provided – they usually cost around $80, and Gene will be more than happy to advise you on what to get.

All aboard!

Come to Langdon, Canada for some amazing freshwater fly fishing with Captain Gene Aquilini, the owner and the head guide of Shallow Water Drift Co. Born and raised in Calgary, he's been fly fishing for more than 30 years and guiding for 19.

He specializes in fly fishing throughout Southern Alberta, focusing on the world renowned Bow River, famous for its Trout fishing. Gene will do everything to put you on the Brown Trout and Steelhead of a lifetime. Trips are strictly catch and release – you'll get to take a photo and then kiss the fish goodbye for another passionate angler to catch.

You can choose from 6, 8, and 10-hour trips, as well as 2-day packages! The first day, Gene will take you to the paid camping site that will be ready for you to occupy. He'll have his trailer and his boat there. You'll eat a nice big breakfast and then go fishing. The fishing trip will take around 10–12 hours before you head back to camp.

There, you'll be served a nice steak dinner with baked potatoes and salad. Besides food, Captain Gene also offers water and other beverages, but the clients can bring beer if they want to. The second day includes fishing a different section of the river. All transportation is provided.

Fishing is done from a 16' Willie Boats drift boat. You'll be floating with the current, equipped with top-notch safety gear. The boat can take up to 2 adult anglers and a child.

There's no minimum age for children, but those 14 and younger must be accompanied by adults. Parents should bring a life jacket their kid is comfortable in. Clients should also bring their waders and boots if they want to go wade fishing. Gene can provide that as well, but he has limited sizes.

The captain provides high-quality fly fishing and conventional gear. He only uses Loop rods and Hatch reels. Spinning lures are not provided – they usually cost around $80, and Gene will be more than happy to advise you on what to get.

All aboard!

Shallow Water Drift Co.
Charter Operator
Shallow Water Drift Co.
15 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
July 2026
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Almost there...
Bow River Float Trip in the City
Non-refundable
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 15 - Oct 31
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
US $443
Entire boat: 2 people
Walk and Wade Trip
Non-refundable
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 15 - Oct 31
Cutthroat Trout
US $443
Entire boat: 2 people
Lower Bow River Float Trip
Non-refundable
10 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 15 - Oct 31
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
US $496
Entire boat: 2 people
Bow River Mecca Camp and Fish
Non-refundable
2 Day Trip starts at 8:00 AM
Overnight stay, liveaboard
Seasonal trip
Apr 15 - Oct 31
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
US $1,417
Entire boat: 2 people
There are 3 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
10 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (30)

All reviews (10)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 10 reviews
Stan Hickory
Stan Hickory
us
Colorado, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Great trip
Lower Bow River Float Trip on October 2, 20252 adults

I had floated the Bow a number of years ago and did not do well (different company). This trip was different. Caught some great fish!

Jaylene Boire
Jaylene Boire
ca
Saskatchewan, Canada
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Book now so worth it !
Bow River Float Trip in the City on July 5, 20252 adults

I would highly recommend , we came 8 hours for this trip and we are 100% coming back and bringing people with us next time ! . The knowledge and experience that gene had was 100% worth every penny . Hands down best experience of guided fishing . We did 6hrs , and it was enough for what we needed and we had no experience with the fly fishing . Definitely a fishing experience I will never forget . You will not be disappointed with this guide .

Reported catch:
Brown Trout
Shallow Water Drift Co.
Response from Charter operator

Thanks for the great review. Definitely was a blast fishing with you both. Cant wait to see you all next year. Gene Aquilini

ABDUL HAMID BIN IBRAHIM KHAN SURATTEE
ABDUL HAMID BIN IBRAHIM KHAN SURATTEE
sg
Singapore
Member since 2023
5.0
Verified
An unforgettable fishing trip
Lower Bow River Float Trip on June 11, 20232 adults

Going on the fishing trip was an enriching experience. Besides picking up fly-fishing, we were able to admire the scenic Bow River and the rich biodiversity it has to offer. Our guide, Mr Gene Aquilini, was very patient while teaching us how to fly fish. He also gave us an educational tour of the Bow River and provided us with a sumptuous lunch. We found fly fishing rather tiring but interesting since it was a new experience for us. Catching rainbow trout was exhilarating. We saw pelicans, eagles, and a lot more birds. In all, we had a really good time and would recommend joining tours like this.

Reported catch:
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Shallow Water Drift Co.
Response from Charter operator

Guiding the World. Let's welcome the boys from Singapore to the Bow River, Alberta, Canada. What a fantastic day Abdul. Your son Dan and yourself did amazing for two guys that had never Fly Fished before. We caught some really nice Rainbow Trout. Thank you for choosing Shallow Water Drift Company for your Adventurer of a lifetime. Enjoy the rest of your holidays well your in Canada. Gene Aquilini Shallow Water Drift Company

Andrew OLMSTEAD
Andrew OLMSTEAD
Repeat angler
us
Texas, US
Member since 2023
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Now River
Lower Bow River Float Trip on July 15, 20252 adults

Geneo was great. Very friendly and knowledgeable about the river. Caught multiple fish and was patient with novice anglers. Highlight of the trip was a warm cooked lunch on the beautiful banks of the river. Highly recommend!

Reported catch:
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
Damian Bhana
Damian Bhana
ca
Alberta, Canada
Member since 2022
5.0
Verified
Half day trip with priceless memories
Bow River Float Trip in the City on August 21, 20222 adults

Captain Gene was an awesome teacher and coach throughout the journey. He really knew how to set us up for the best chances of success catching fish, he explained EVERYTHING to us and helped us learn about the history and current status of the Bow River. Hee also taught us about the ecosystem of the Bow River in Calgary which my daughter found really interesting. This trip was my father's day gift from my daughter and getting to spend that time with her and seeing the big smile when she caught her first fish was priceless. Highly recommend booking a trip with Gene to anyone wanting to try fly fishing in Calgary :)

Shallow Water Drift Co.
Response from Charter operator

Great day with you both on the Bow River. Can't wait to see you guys again😎✌️

FAQs about Shallow Water Drift Co.

Shallow Water Drift Co. offers the following trips to customers:
  • CA $625 per group - Bow River Float Trip in the City (6 hours)
  • CA $625 per group - Walk and Wade Trip (8 hours)
  • CA $700 per group - Lower Bow River Float Trip (10 hours)
  • CA $2,000 per day per group - Bow River Mecca Camp and Fish (2 days)
Trips booked with Shallow Water Drift Co. include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Loop rods and Hatch reels)
  • Snacks (Shallow Water Drift Company, provides healthy snacks on the trip.)
  • Drinks (Non-alcoholic)
  • Lunch (Shallow Water Drift Company, serves the best lunch on the river to suit all dietary needs.)
  • Fly fishing equipment
Shallow Water Drift Co. offers the following type of fishing:
  • River fishing (Shallow Water Drift Company, holds a valid Alberta Provincial Park Fishing Guide Permit that allows us to operate on the Bow River, Oldman River and the Livingstone River.)
Shallow Water Drift Co. offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Spinning (Spinning lures are charged extra)
  • Fly fishing
Top targeted fish species with Shallow Water Drift Co. include:
  • Brown Trout
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)

Your operator

Shallow Water Drift Co.
Shallow Water Drift Co.
Shallow Water Drift Co.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

ID & license verified
10 Customer reviews
Typical response within 7 hours
Member since March 2019

I'm an avid fly fisher and truly passionate about the area I live and fish in. I became a guide because there was no better way to share the excitement, the journey, and the adventure with all anglers from around the world. My addiction to fly fishing is about the cast. The elegant dance of the fly line as it moves through the air. The perfect placement of the fly as it so gracefully lands on the water. Definitely, my favorite fish are Rainbow and Brown Trout.

ID & license verified
10 Customer reviews
Typical response within 7 hours
Member since March 2019

I'm an avid fly fisher and truly passionate about the area I live and fish in. I became a guide because there was no better way to share the excitement, the journey, and the adventure with all anglers from around the world. My addiction to fly fishing is about the cast. The elegant dance of the fly line as it moves through the air. The perfect placement of the fly as it so gracefully lands on the water. Definitely, my favorite fish are Rainbow and Brown Trout.

The fish you can target

Brown Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Unpowered boats
Capacity
2 persons
Boat length
16 ft
Year built
2011
Boat manufacturer
Willie Boats
Boat type
Drift boat

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing
Shallow Water Drift Company, holds a valid Alberta Provincial Park Fishing Guide Permit that allows us to operate on the Bow River, Oldman River and the Livingstone River.

Which fishing techniques you can try

Spinning
Spinning lures are charged extra
Fly Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

What's included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Loop rods and Hatch reels
Snacks
Shallow Water Drift Company, provides healthy snacks on the trip.
Drinks
Non-alcoholic
Lunch
Shallow Water Drift Company, serves the best lunch on the river to suit all dietary needs.
Fly fishing equipment

How cancellations work

Deposit non-refundable

If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup agreed upon reservation

Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.

Child friendly
No minimum age, bring your own life jackets
No alcohol
Catch and release mandatory
Shallow Water Drift Company is strictly catch and release. Take a picture and watch them swim away.

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Checks

 Bank transfer

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