Seasons at Eastslope Adventures

Alberta has a dry continental climate with warm summers and cold winters.

In the summer, continental air masses produce maximum temperatures from 32 °C (90 °F) in the mountains to 40 °C (104 °F) in southern Alberta.

Because Alberta extends for over 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) from north to south, its climate varies considerably. Average temperatures in January range from -8 °C (20 °F) in the south to -24 °C (-10 °F) in the north, and in July from 24 °C (75 °F) in the south to 16 °C (61 °F) in the north. The climate is also influenced by the presence of the Rocky Mountains to the southwest, which disrupt the flow of the prevailing westerly winds and cause them to drop most of their moisture on the western slopes of the mountain ranges before reaching the province, casting a rain shadow over much of Alberta. The northerly location and isolation from the weather systems of the Pacific Ocean cause Alberta to have a dry climate with little moderation from the ocean. Annual precipitation ranges from 300 millimetres (12 in) in the southeast to 450 millimetres (18 in) in the north, except in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains where rainfall can reach 600 millimetres (24 in) annually.[6] In the summer, the average daytime temperatures range from around 21 °C (70 °F) in the Rocky Mountain valleys and far north to near 30 °C (86 °F) in the dry prairie of the southeast. The northern and western parts of the province experience higher rainfall and lower evaporation rates caused by cooler summer temperatures. The south and east-central portions are prone to drought-like conditions sometimes persisting for several years, although even these areas can receive heavy precipitation. Alberta is a sunny province. (Weather information courtesy of www. wikipedia.org)

During most of the summer, expect warm, bright days (bring plenty of sunscreen) with temperatures reaching up into the 80’s and cool nights down to the 50’s – perfect for sleeping after a full day of fishing. Thunder storms can pop-up at anytime and it’s important that you have a light rain-jacket and fleece handy just in case.

The Summer Angling Calendar in Southern Alberta

The fishing season in Alberta is typical for a destination of this latitude (49°), and we usually start (depending on winter run-off) in mid June and run through the month of September.

At the beginning of the season mid June into early July you can expect Stone (Salmon) flies, Golden Stones, Little Yellow Sallies, both dries and nymphs. Usually starting in mid July strong hatches of Mayflies, PMD’s and Green Drakes will start along with a Dark Caddis. Toward the end of July Tricos will start showing up. Terrestrials during peak summer months work well and hoppers, ants and beetles will always bring fish to the surface. As we head into late August through September BWO’s will begin popping. The attraction of fishing Cam’s rivers and streams is the reliable dry fly fishing you can experience. However, if you want to fish nymphs, you can literally be into fish all day. In addition, on some of Cam’s waters you can chuck buggers and large rubber-legged stonefly nymphs to the bank and have some terrific action.