Shallow Water Drift Co.
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!
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (26)
+23Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
83%
Appropriate for children
80%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
71%
Calgary, AB
Jun 11, 2023
Lower Bow River Float Trip
An unforgettable fishing trip
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
Calgary, Alberta
Aug 21, 2022
Bow River Float Trip in the City
Half day trip with priceless memories
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...
Captain replied
Canmore, Alberta
Aug 14, 2023
Lower Bow River Float Trip
Full day Lower Bow
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....
Jul 22, 2023
Bow River Float Trip in the City
Fly Fishing at its Finest!
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!
Captain replied
Devon, AB
Jul 13, 2019
Lower Bow River Float Trip
Full Day fishing with Captain Gene
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"....
Captain replied
Trip availability and prices
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (26)
+23Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
83%
Appropriate for children
80%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
71%
Calgary, AB
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
An unforgettable fishing trip
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,...
Calgary, Alberta
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half day trip with priceless memories
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...
Canmore, Alberta
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full day Lower Bow
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.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Fly Fishing at its Finest!
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!
Devon, AB
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day fishing with Captain Gene
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
FAQs about Shallow Water Drift Co.
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