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!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    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
    US $625
    You will meet the captain at Wyndham Carseland Provincial Park Campground, where a perfectly setup campsite will be waiting for you. This 2-day adventure includes fishing 2 different portions of the Bow River, 2 days of camping, as well as a Cowboy Breakfast and a Cowboy Alberta AAA steak dinner.
  • Private trip
    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
    US $423
    This 6-hour float trip will take you exploring the city of Calgary and enjoying the scenic landscape and diverse wildlife. You'll get to see deer, bald eagles, and other majestic species. The captain can either pick you up from your hotel or meet you anywhere in Calgary. The trip includes all the needed gear, deli-style lunch, drinks, and transportation. Get ready for some unforgettable Trout fishing!
  • Private trip
    Walk and Wade Trip
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Apr 15 - Oct 31
    US $460
    This trip will see you wading in the Oldman River and the Livingstone River located in the foothills of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. You'll be casting dry flies and streamers for Bull Trout.
  • Private trip
    Lower Bow River Float Trip
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Apr 15 - Oct 31
    US $497
    Find out why the Lower Blue Ribbon Bow River is called a "Fly Fisher's Paradise." While drifting, your reel will be screaming from all the dry flying, nymphing, and throwing streamers at giant Trout. The captain will meet you at Langdon and take you drifting along the McKinnon Flats – Carseland section of the river. This trip is usually 10–12 hours and includes all the gear, BBQ Italian sausages for lunch on shore, and all transportation.

FAQs about Shallow Water Drift Co.

Shallow Water Drift Co. offers the following trips to customers:
  • CA $425 per day per person - Bow River Mecca Camp and Fish (2 days)
  • CA $575 per group - Bow River Float Trip in the City (6 hours)
  • CA $625 per group - Walk and Wade Trip (8 hours)
  • CA $675 per group - Lower Bow River Float Trip (10 hours)

Trips booked with Shallow Water Drift Co. include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Loop rods and Hatch reels)
  • Snacks
  • Drinks (Non-alcoholic)
  • Lunch
  • Fly Fishing Equipment

Shallow Water Drift Co. offers the following type of fishing:
  • River Fishing

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)

Meet the Charter Operator

Shallow Water Drift Co.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
7 Customer reviews
Response time 1 hour
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.

About this listing

Targeted species

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

Boat specs

Length
16 ft
Capacity
2 persons

Types of fishing

River Fishing

Fishing techniques

Spinning
Spinning lures are charged extra
Fly Fishing

Amenities

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Loop rods and Hatch reels
Snacks
Drinks
Non-alcoholic
Lunch
Fly Fishing Equipment

Cancellation policy

Deposit non-refundable

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

Listing policies

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

Payment

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

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 7 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 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%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
80%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
71%
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Showing:
5 of 7 reviews
ABDUL HAMID BIN IBRAHIM KHAN SURATTEE
Calgary, AB
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
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...
ABDUL HAMID BIN IBRAHIM KHAN SURATTEE recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
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Chris R.
Canmore, Alberta
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
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....
Chris R. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
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Chris R. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
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Jerome M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
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!
Jerome M. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
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  Shallow Water Drift Co. Charter Operator replied

Damian B.
Calgary, Alberta
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
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...
Damian B. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
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The H. F.
Devon, AB
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
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...
The H. F. recommends Shallow Water Drift Co.
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