About Me

 Hi, I am Gene Aquilini owner, operator and head guide of 

Shallow Water Drift Company. 

I was born and raised in Calgary Alberta. I was introduced to Fly Fishing over 30 years ago - I got HOOKED! I have been guiding for 19 awesome years.

A good friend of mine brought me to a remote alpine lake in Kananaski Country. After an hour hike, I will never forget breaking out of the trees to find this beautiful crystal clear lake with towering mountain peaks above me - Beautiful!

Watching my friend reel in his lure I noticed 4 or 5 Cutthroat trout chasing it. I was standing on this great big boulder aimlessly trying to cast my first fly rod. When my fly finally hit the water, the trout frantically changed direction. All of a sudden I saw this white mouth come up out of the blue depth, swimming with great speed and this trout inhaled my fly - BAM!

This is the day my fly fishing passion began.

WHETHER YOU ARE A SEASONED FLY FISHER OR SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT - I PROVIDE GUIDANCE, INSTRUCTION AND THE TRIP JUST RIGHT FOR YOU.

Shallow Water Drift Company is a fully insured and licensed Fly Fishing Guide Company. I hold my Alberta Parks Guide Permit and hold Red Cross CPR Certification. All water craft meet or exceed Canadian Coast Guard recommendations. All clients that fish with me fill out a daily safety assessment record. 

I am a member in good standing with the Angling Outfitter and Guide Association of Alberta and  the Langdon Chamber of Commerce.

I take pride in my business and the service I provide to my clients. 

My Mandate: Respect for my clients and for the eco-system, a high quality service, in a friendly and safe environment. 

 Shallow Water Drift Company is a premiere fly fishing guiding company. I operate throughout Southern Alberta and I specialize in fly fishing float trips on the world famous Bow River, located

in Alberta, Canada. 

The Bow River is a legendary fishery. Rainbows 16-24 inches long are common, but some are up to 28 inches - THE HOGS! Our Rainbows love to dive to the bottom of the river, scream up stream, then full throttle they take air, jumping - tail walking across the water.

Our Browns average 16 - 28 inches, with standing records of 32 - 36 inches - the PIGGIES! The Bow River Brown Trout are noted for taking deep cover. When you ambush one of these guys and it hits your fly - HANG ON! 

They are going to pull and dive to the bottom, your reel is going to scream, while the burning line runs through your fingers, these trout will be looking for any type of debris to wrap you up and break you off - FISH ON! 

The area where I live and fish attracts the largest population of bird watchers in Alberta. The stunning Bow River valley boast an abundance of wildlife and a bird population that stands above the crowd, truly a photographers " PARADISE ."

I guide "Walk and Wade" trips in the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains, to the Livingstone River and the Oldman River. This area is pristine. The drive up to Indian Graves and over the "hump" is the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. The Cutthroat fishing is amazing. DRY FLY HEAVEN!! 

Big Big Bull Trout live throughout the mountain streams. They are wicked mean, aggressive and love streamers - artificial mice make them go BALLISTIC!

Be ready for an epic adventure, a journey of a lifetime. With breath taking scenery and picture-perfect water and BIG FISH!

Come join us - book your trip today!