Paul -your next fishing guide!

Paul Grindlay settled in Calgary after years of pursuing musical goals in Toronto. For over ten years he worked as a fly-fishing guide for “Fish Tales Fly Shop” and several other Calgary outfitters. He has led hundreds of trips for clients from near and far, mostly on the Bow River, but also on the Oldman and on Southern Alberta pike lakes. He has also had the great fortune to fly fish for saltwater tropical species in Turks and Caicos, the Grand Cayman Islands, and Hawaii.

Recipe for a great day out on the water:

one boat, two oars, two clients, three lunches, six rods, a dozen reels, thousands of flies, patience, gratitude, a sense of humour… oh, and a spare oar, just in case!
Paul Grindlay

What Clients Have to Say

“I’ve been up and down the Bow River with dozens of guides over the past 25 years, but nobody works harder on the river than Paul Grindlay. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the river, the fish and their food, and has the most extensive fly collection I’ve ever seen. Paul quickly reads the water and is always anticipating the next rod change up, the next fly change up and serving his clients with the absolute best chances of catching fish. Paul is a man of many talents, and it’ll be several trips down the river until you find out how deep that water goes! The conversation is as lively as the fishing and there is never a dull moment in his Clackacraft. More seasoned fishermen will get the most out of a day on the river with Paul, but if you have come to learn, bring your notebook so you can keep track of everything. Great boat, great gear and an excellent guide!

Jay W, Edmonton

The Bow that runs through Calgary is a wonderful trout river. This summer I had a world class experience with Paul Grindlay who was my host and and guide for a day long float trip. Paul has an amazing knowledge of the river and put us into fishy water all day long. Plus he was a great coach on how to maximize reach on a big river like the Bow. Highlights of the float include a big brown, good-sized, scrappy rainbows, plus plenty of enjoyable sights and sounds. It was a special day.

Paul T, Calgary

I have been fishing the Bow River, a world-class Brown and Rainbow Trout stream since 1963 and I have used the services of many guides. Of them all, I would choose Paul Grindlay as my first choice for a trip on the Bow because of his excellent understanding of the fishery and his outstanding knowledge of the flora and fauna to be experienced along the way. He always provides a most memorable trip in addition to the many large browns and rainbows to be encountered.

Richard M, Calgary

I’ve had the great pleasure of spending a number of days on the Bow with Paul.  His knowledge of the river, its fish, and their ecology is exceptional. Paul has a keen understanding of the guide’s trade and works hard to provide fantastic experiences for his clients. Throughout the day he happily shares information on the natural history of the area, his background in music, poetry, travel, as well as all things fly fishing.  His patient coaching and advice is welcomed by experienced anglers and beginners alike. I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the time we spend on the river and look forward to our next trip!

Bruce C, Calgary

Thanks for a spectacular day on the Bow. It was one of the best days on the water that I can remember.

Susan Thrasher, Guide and Wulff School Instructor
Thrasher’s Fly Fishing Guide (Menasha Ridge Press 2020)
Nashville Tennessee

Nothing beats an experienced guide

Have Paul Grindlay be your next guide for your ultimate fishing excursion.