Shallow Water Drift Co. 

5.0/5 (7 reviews)
 Travis Crescent Northeast 5631, Calgary, AB T2K 3W1, Canada
5.0/5 (7 reviews)
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Travis Crescent Northeast 5631
Calgary, AB, Canada
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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!

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

5.0/5
out of 5 stars from 7 reviews
Boat
5.0/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.8/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (26)

Fly Fishing at its Finest!
Fly Fishing at its Finest!
Fly Fishing at its Finest!
+23

Angler rating

7
0
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

83%

Appropriate for children

80%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

100%

Caught fish

71%

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews
Showing: 5 of 7 reviews
ABDUL HAMID BIN IBRAHIM KHAN SURATTEE
ABDUL HAMID BIN IBRAHIM KHAN SURATTEE

Calgary, AB

5.0/5

Jun 11, 2023

Lower Bow River Float Trip

An unforgettable fishing trip

VERIFIED

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.

Going on the fishing trip was an enriching experience. Besides picking up fly-fishing, we were able to admire the scenic Bow River...  

Captain replied
 ABDUL HAMID BIN IBRAHIM KHAN SURATTEE recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
 ABDUL HAMID BIN IBRAHIM KHAN SURATTEE recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on June 13, 2023
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
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Damian B.
Damian B.

Calgary, Alberta

5.0/5

Aug 21, 2022

Bow River Float Trip in the City

Half day trip with priceless memories

VERIFIED

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 :)

Captain Gene was an awesome teacher and coach throughout the journey. He really knew how to set us up for the best chances of...  

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Captain replied
 Damian B. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
 Damian B. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on August 23, 2022
Great day with you both on the Bow River. Can’t wait to see you guys again😎✌️
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Chris R.
Chris R.

Canmore, Alberta

4.7/5

Aug 14, 2023

Lower Bow River Float Trip

Full day Lower Bow

VERIFIED

Gene was fantastic. I learned a lot from him about nymphing, which was new to me being from the SE US. He was greatly accommodating. His boat is sweet. He went above and beyond.

Gene was fantastic. I learned a lot from him about nymphing, which was new to me being from the SE US. He was greatly accommodating....  

 Chris R. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
 Chris R. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.

Jerome M.
Jerome M.
5.0/5

Jul 22, 2023

Bow River Float Trip in the City

Fly Fishing at its Finest!

VERIFIED

Captain Gino knew all the angles. It was a great time and we learned from the best!

Captain Gino knew all the angles. It was a great time and we learned from the best!  

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Captain replied
 Jerome M. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
 Jerome M. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 24, 2023
Guiding the world!! What a fantastic day with Jerry and his grandson from the USA out on the World Renown Bow River.
Review media 0

The H. F.
The H. F.

Devon, AB

5.0/5

Jul 13, 2019

Lower Bow River Float Trip

Full Day fishing with Captain Gene

VERIFIED

Fantastic trip with Captain Gene. A great guide and host!!! Great laughs, Great fishing. My son and I called it "The Expedition". Lol Dave and Colton

Fantastic trip with Captain Gene. A great guide and host!!! Great laughs, Great fishing. My son and I called it "The Expedition"....  

Review media 0
Captain replied
 The H. F. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
 The H. F. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 15, 2019
Absolutely a fantastic Bow River Day. What an honor to guide this father and son team. Dave and colton you were casting machines. Well done guys.
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Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Almost there...
Bow River Mecca Camp and Fish
Low rate deposit non-refundable
2 Day Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
Overnight stay, liveaboard
Seasonal trip Apr 15 - Oct 31
Price for 2 people
US $615 
Bow River Float Trip in the City
Low rate deposit non-refundable
6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip Apr 15 - Oct 31
Price for up to 2 people
US $416 
Walk and Wade Trip
Low rate deposit non-refundable
8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip Apr 15 - Oct 31
Price for up to 2 people
US $452 
Lower Bow River Float Trip
Low rate deposit non-refundable
10 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip Apr 15 - Oct 31
Price for up to 2 people
US $489 
There are 9 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

5.0/5
out of 5 stars from 7 reviews
Boat
5.0/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.8/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (26)

Fly Fishing at its Finest!
Fly Fishing at its Finest!
Fly Fishing at its Finest!
+23

Angler rating

7
0
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

83%

Appropriate for children

80%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

100%

Caught fish

71%

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews
Showing: 5 of 7 reviews
ABDUL HAMID BIN IBRAHIM KHAN SURATTEE
ABDUL HAMID BIN IBRAHIM KHAN SURATTEE

Calgary, AB

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

An unforgettable fishing trip

VERIFIED

Lower Bow River Float Trip on June 11, 2023

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.

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,...  

 ABDUL HAMID BIN IBRAHIM KHAN SURATTEE recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on June 13, 2023
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
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 3

Damian B.
Damian B.

Calgary, Alberta

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Half day trip with priceless memories

VERIFIED

Bow River Float Trip in the City on August 21, 2022

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 :)

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...  

Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
 Damian B. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on August 23, 2022
Great day with you both on the Bow River. Can’t wait to see you guys again😎✌️
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 3

Chris R.
Chris R.

Canmore, Alberta

4.7/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

4.0/5

Overall

Full day Lower Bow

VERIFIED

Lower Bow River Float Trip on August 14, 2023

Gene was fantastic. I learned a lot from him about nymphing, which was new to me being from the SE US. He was greatly accommodating. His boat is sweet. He went above and beyond.

Gene was fantastic. I learned a lot from him about nymphing, which was new to me being from the SE US. He was greatly accommodating. His boat is sweet. He went above and beyond.  

 Chris R. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.

Jerome M.
Jerome M.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Fly Fishing at its Finest!

VERIFIED

Bow River Float Trip in the City on July 22, 2023

Captain Gino knew all the angles. It was a great time and we learned from the best!

Captain Gino knew all the angles. It was a great time and we learned from the best!  

Review media 0
Review media 1
 Jerome M. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 24, 2023
Guiding the world!! What a fantastic day with Jerry and his grandson from the USA out on the World Renown Bow River.
Review media 0

The H. F.
The H. F.

Devon, AB

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Full Day fishing with Captain Gene

VERIFIED

Lower Bow River Float Trip on July 13, 2019

Fantastic trip with Captain Gene. A great guide and host!!! Great laughs, Great fishing. My son and I called it "The Expedition". Lol Dave and Colton

Fantastic trip with Captain Gene. A great guide and host!!! Great laughs, Great fishing. My son and I called it "The Expedition". Lol Dave and Colton  

Review media 0
 The H. F. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 15, 2019
Absolutely a fantastic Bow River Day. What an honor to guide this father and son team. Dave and colton you were casting machines. Well done guys.
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Review media 5

FAQs about Shallow Water Drift Co.

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The fish you can target

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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

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