The Oldman tailwater is accessible from the dam and downstream for 7 miles. At that point, the river enters the Peigan Indian Reserve where access is not permitted. Good foot access can be gained directly below the dam at the Cottonwood Campground, and 5 miles below the dam on Highway 785 at Summerview Bridge.

The tailwater reach of the Oldman looks like a miniature version of the Bow River below Calgary. As the river winds through the prairie, each bend has a high bank on the outside and a low flat on the inside. The long runs, deep banks, and back eddies all hold fish. There is a good half-day float from the bridge just below the dam to the Summerview Bridge. This is easy water to navigate and is suitable for inflatable or hard-sided boats.

Essential dry flies for the Oldman tailwater are Pale Morning Dun imitations like the PMD Sparkle Dun and Rusty Spinner (#16) and a good hopper such as the Charlie Boy in #8-12. Carry streamers too; a #6 Olive Bow River Bugger is a good choice.

Several attempts have been made to introduce brown trout downstream of the Peigan Reserve near the town of Fort Macleod, but the lack of success keeps most fly fishers upstream.

When somebody says they’ve been fishing the Oldman, they’re not really giving out much information. They could be talking about a tiny mountain creek, a rugged foothill stream, or a broad tailwater. While these multiple personalities may keep the Oldman River out of the spotlight, they also combine to create a great and diverse Western trout stream.

This article originally appeared in the July 2007 issue of Fly Fisherman.