I typically make it out to the Bow River for 3 or 4 days per year. As an out of province angler I personally find using a guide a good way to get the trip started, learn something and figure out what the fish are doing. When I get out on my own it gives me a chance to make the remaining days productive on the water.
The fish on the Bow are usually doing a whole lot of different things then they are in my home water.
If you are a beginer or want an easy day take a float. $500.00 bucks to me is reasonable considering most guides provide their own equipment and I am sure the shop gets their cut too. Fishtales has great guys who will embarass you by pushing the boat up river over and over again to get you into fish. If you have 2 guys $250 a day (or $25 bucks an hour) isnt too bad.
If you really want to learn something go out with Max or Brian on a walk and wade. They are both oustanding and will not cost you $500.00 a day. They will keep you out as long as you want. Even on days where the fishing isnt fantastic they will have you working the productive areas all day. Dont take that to mean that they wont get you into fish - they will - but can just put you there and you have to do the job.
As a reference, if you are interested in hiring a guide in Ontario, where the fishing for inland trout is not even comparable to the Bow you are in the same price range. Best I can tell its pretty standard pricing.
