Many bulls in the pools right now are just not interested. Michel Creek - Just 20 minutes north of Fernie, near Sparwood . All Elk River options are within an hours drive. Were looking at cooler temps heading into the weekend which should be great for fishing! Its a spectacular sight to see hundreds of big fish stacked up in holes, waiting to move upstream. I really thought that it would blow out today but it didn't and we had great dry fly fishing. The early season starts with a terrific Golden Stone fly hatch - go big and juicy with #10-12. Fish with us and you will see why. Half day and full day trips available. Great streamer, nymph and dry fly fishing with the rainbows and browns being a lot less picky than they get later in the year. These real-time Highway webcams are more accurate than any Fernie weather forecast. Fernie marketing, publishing, internet strategy, event planning and execution, and public relations services. Note: All the trout streams around Fernie are classified waters. With normal snowpack levels we are expecting another great year on the waters around Fernie. Learn how to prevent encounters with bears and tips on how to deal with them when it happens[]. Hope to hear from you soon and if you have any questions give me a call. Share on Facebook We did a few last year with Dean Richard guiding them and the reviews were incredible. I mean new as she had never cast a fly. Are there any species that are for catch and. Young anglers can keep up to two fish each. The tributaries both in Alberta and in British Columbia were awesome right into September. Andres runs his business like a Swiss watch with great attention to detail.His hot river side lunches are without peer. Several consecutive sections each provide a good day's float and many walk-and-wade opportunities. It is also right in town and close to all the amenities in Fernie. We also fish quite a bit on the Land of the Giants section of the Missouri where the scenery is awesome, and the rainbows and browns are huge. Some profess there is not enough fight in the Westslope Cutthroat Trout; some say they are too easily fooled onto an artificial fly and they dont get big enough. One major addition to our 2019 program in Fernie is that we will be offering Heli trips into the Wigwam River. Some great stretches of wood provide perfect habitat that the Cutties stack up under and along. Fly Fishing In Fernie, B.C. We have three great long floats on the river and they are completely unique. Hoppers and beetles. I took a couple of the girls over to the Oldman River yesterday for some hot rainbow fishing. From large multi-family chalets to cozy condos for two, find your fernie getaway spot here. There are different fishing regulations for summer fishing versus winter fishing. An average day on the Elk River above Elko dam will have you into many 14-16 inchers, several 17-18" and the odd chance at a 20 incher. Our Guides are fully licenced from the Province of British Columbia. Mary writes about the town she has loved since moving here in May of 1953. Get the whole report on Fernies snow conditions. The Wigwam River is where you will find the guides on days off. If you like fishing logjams - this stretch is for you. Fighting two fish, one of them enormous, on a small dry-fly set-up can be a bit crazy. Car rental services available. Fly Fishing in BC does not get any better than in Fernie with Elk River Guiding Company! I know he and I will both remember that for a long time. The views of the Lizard Range only add to the magical qualities of the Elk River. This is our 2019 newsletter but still very much relevant! We fly-fish because we love to! No one knows the Elk River like we do. We have once again this year the Ladies Trip! Keith Liggett follows the goings and comings in Ferniein town and on the hillbut not in the normal fall line. Rainbow numbers stayed high as well and as many of you know the Oldman River is quite simply my favorite river in the world. The next section is a bit shorter and perfect for a late day float. If you didnt know there was a damn upstream it would very much look like a classic trout stream filled with mainly browns and rainbows. And for those fisherfolk who are keen to test their biceps a little more, the Elk River and surrounding waters hold strong populations of monster Bull Trout. We are pretty booked up but just give us a call. Another good day float, this section is simply drift-boat heaven. We now have 11 different floats that we hit on a regular basis. Everything you need for your fishing adventures can be found in our Fly Shop. We run a pretty small group of experienced guides, combine that with a limited number of days on the water, and we tend to sell out fairly fast. Im writing this update to the 2022 guide season as Im coming back from my own trip where I hired guides. Greetings to all of you from warm Montana! As the water clarity improves in late summer terrestrials are added to the menu, Black ants, hoppers, and beetles are all fair game. It is not uncommon to suddenly find one attached to and trying to swallow your Cutty. The river is suitable for wade fishing, bank fishing and fishing from a boat. We are just starting to book up 2016 on the Elk River in British Columbia and the Oldman River in Alberta. Populations are incredible. Both of these rivers are very good but seem to be very spot specific. Call for more info as always! View Post Stay Cool End of July River Report. Give us a call to discuss your fishing trip in 2019. The Elk is a spectacular fishery and we had the pleasure of being guided by Andres for 2 days, and then by Tanner, a wonderful young guide. Morrissey to Elko is the next haul and should be given a whole day. Fernie Brewing brews our beer and we have pot shops.. 134km (90-minute drive) from from Elk River Lodge. Native Westslope Cutthroat and monster Bull Trout can be found cruising around many stream confluences, deep pools and hidden channels of the Elk, Bull and Wigwam Rivers. I want to first start off by thanking all of the new clients who made the choice to give us a try in 2016. Shop online Everything you need for your fishing adventures can be found in our Fly Shop. October only! Its a great competition that really pushes us all to get to the top of the guiding game. It features 10 miles of trails and several bodies of water including over 3 miles of river frontage on the Grand and Bass rivers. Whether youre looking for walk-and-wade river fishing, drift boat fishing, stillwater lake fishing or ice fishingFernie is guaranteed to offer you an unforgettable experience. The Oldman River is still great, fished it the last two days and the PMDs are still getting great trout to look up. I was blown away by the dry fly fishing that I experienced and no one was on the water. The Elk River is flowing at 116 m/sec today. Thanks for taking such great care of our group. I have every intention of returning to Fernie and you can count on the fact that when I do, I will be calling you!. These Bull Trout on the Kootenay River are generally between 10 and 20 pounds and they love eating huge streamers. This is never easy to gauge and after 20 years of watching the river I still dont have a clue. Coupled with the numerous tributaries, a Fly-Fishing trip to the Elk River can last one day or a whole season! I personally guided more days than ever before and I cant wait to start again in just a couple months. We usually end our season in mid-October. Annual licenses run from April 1st to March 31st the following year. Local guide and shop owner Paul Samycia says: Ideas for Family Time In Fernie this Summer, Breakfast in Fernie - Fuelling up for Fernie Adventures. Like many of the streams in British Columbia the St.Mary is classified but with our purchase this year we should have a good number of permits for use. If you do collide with debris, climb on top to avoid getting trapped underwater. We stay pretty busy. Getting into the smaller waters with a heli can be very rewarding. Most of the guides out of Fernie stick close to town and only fish a couple different stretches. We run both drift boats and jet boats on these waters and prime time is June 15th to July 15th. Great option for . Heading back tomorrow and I just cant wait. I know many of you have already booked again for 2017. Do you know exactly what you're wanting to find? Dont forget about the Fernie Factor, the weather algorithms dont always work for Fernie. In 2019, we will once again begin our season running our Montana streams in April our. Fernies legends are a mix of fun fabricated tales and a genuine creation story. Book a Guide. Last year on the Elk I saw floating mats of mayflies with big heads coming up all over the river. It was an epic day and a true blessing to be catching trophy Bulls so late in the year. We began on the Oldman River, the Elk River and the St. Mary River. Fernie.com also features content from local writers, government, and not-for-profit societies and groups. See the real Fernie snow forecast here. The mighty Bull Trout also calls these waters home and are willing participants in the game of fly-fishing. In August we are usually found fishing the Elk River and the Wigwam River near Fernie plus all of the tribs. The Elk is turning into a beautiful blue-green, winding her way through the lush valley. I love it! Our reviews of these trips last year were outstanding. Its a big long river and the only way to follow the fish is to be on it every day. The Elk River is renowned for its dry-fly fishing. While most of the rivers in Montana and Idaho are too warm to fish we are just far enough north that our waters remain cool. Fernie is an international destination for fly fishing. Located in S.E. British Columbia,The Elk River and its tributaries are home to a wild and native population of westslope cutthroat and bull trout. Do you know exactly what you're wanting to find? Locals Report - A locals update on trails, rivers, powder and more. Cold mountain water from the continental divide and an excessive local winter snowpack flows into a wide lush valley bottom. The aesthetic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, rugged wilderness and clear trout streams leave one enchanted by and addicted to the place. We have 12 different walk and wade waters within an hours drive of Fernie and no one knows these like Dean. In 2016 our trips on the Elk River in British Columbia began in mid June. In 2023 there will also be less guides on the Land on the Giants section since they capped the number of boats they are permitting. Elk River Seasons The Elk opens each summer on June 15, which coincides with the Green Drake and Golden Stonefly hatch. The spring is a great time to be in Montana. The scenery in Fernie was off the charts, and your hospitality was incredible. Rick and Doug were with me for the day, a couple of keen boys from Alberta, great times. In 2020 we will be there starting April 15th and for two months we will be running trips there before heading up to Canada June 15th for the opening day on the Elk. April 25, 2017 BC Fly-Fishing, River Reports Watch our latest Elk River Fly-Fishing Video Elk River Cutthroat Located in S.E. Being a saltwater fly-fishing guide down here in the US, I sure hope my clients think of me the way we think of your guides! This year we really got into some cool new patterns and the techniques to go with them. Fernie Live Mobile AppThe FREE Fernie Live mobile app empowers locals and guests to connect with Everything Fernie. The Sun is remote and quiet. They represent the top of the aquatic food chain and like to throw their weight around. Everything was in great shape to start the season thanks to a warm May and a nice gradual snow melt. In 2017 I think its going to more important than ever to plan your trip ahead of time. I will be near the river and checking it out pretty much everyday. Wigwam and all creeks are clear and fishing great. Its October but sunny and fishing like September! Fernie to Morrissey winds through perfect trout water and includes some long deep runs, riffles, and seams. Hey Jim, I told you I got lucky on this shot! Invest in your quality of live, see Fernie real estate. Home Waters Guide Service, 5346 Highline Dr, Fernie, BC V0B 1M6. Morrissey to Elko is the next haul and should be given a whole day. The Elk is in amazing shape, fish crushing dry flies. Our selection of rods and reels is extensive and our regular clients hardly even bother bringing their own anymore. While the Oldman and the St. Mary were also on our hit list we added some days on the Waterton River in Alberta and the Bull River in B.C. I cant remember ever seeing so many great photos in a single season. Fernie Fly Fishing Guides | Elk River, Oldman River, Wigwam We have been guiding the waters in South Eastern British Columbia and South Eastern Alberta for 20 years. Fernie Forum - Fernie's online Community Forum for accommodations, housing, rentals, buy and sell, volunteers, and general comments. The fall scenery on the Elk River is special. Fernie has been very successful in receiving distinction as several key awards have recognized the[]. You may lose a few flies, but with accurate casting and natural drifts along the debris, you will find some great action. The salmonflies should POP with the next hot wave of weather. ; Bike Events - Fernie's locally organized bike events. We are fishing these guys post spawn as they return from the tributaries and come into the Kootenay River hungry and ready to peel line. Sorry clack. I was surprised to see that I wasn't alone as a couple other guides were down on the lower Elk looking for Bull Trout. Our guides were coming off the water everyday feeling very proud. I always appreciate everyones help, time, and assistance at your Fly Shop. I would like to know what kind of fish are in the Elk River going through Fernie? Andres Fly Fishing offers guided fly fishing trips on the Elk River in Fernie, BC as well as in Patagonia, Chile. It was simply gross. Last year we had days on the Elk River where we would pull the boat over as the hatch was on and see hundreds of trout feeding on the surface, some only a couple feet away from the boat. The crowds are gone but for those willing to fish as the season draws to a close the rewards are great. Elk River Guiding Company is an Authorized Dealer. Between Montana and Canada, we really do offer the best fishing options. It was a lot of fun over there. The first day I fished the Sun I landed 12 browns between 14-20 inches all on dries. The Elk hosts incredible hatches of blue winged . "It's like fishing bankers' hours," says Dave Brown, owner of Dave Brown Outfitters fly shop in Fernie. All of our guides were reporting simply amazing days out there and that sure makes every trip enjoyable to be on. The Wigwam River, Fording River , Michel Creek and Alexander Creek are Elk River tributaries that are very accessible from Fernie, B.C. Trout numbers in the Elk River in 2016 were the best we have seen in several years. This glacial fed beauty is 220km of breathtaking scenery and emerald green waters holding fat west slope cutthroat trout and the occasional very large bull trout. Mountain lodges offer unique accommodations for the discriminating traveler. Simply put, its great out there. All the tribs are starting to shape up now and guys are really reporting great days on the water. (David Reese photo/Montana Living) When the water temperature on the Elk River hits that magical 55 degrees, the fish start looking toward the surface to feed. This is the time of year to selectively fish to the big boys as you can often see them in the gin clear water. The River 2022 Kootenay Fly Shop and Guiding Company. The LOTG section of the Missouri River where we spend quite a bit of time in the spring. For those of you looking for a 3-4 day Montana trip in the spring, we often combine our Missouri and Sun River trips. Considered a world class, dry fly fishery, this freestone river starts near the Continental . These fish move and with 4 full time guides on the water and communicating we can find them. 2019 was a banner year on the Kootenay River for the trophy Bull Trout. Many of us spend our winters guiding in Chile and New Zealand, and this breadth of knowledge and experience is readily shared with our staff and clients. Fernie Rivers - Discover The Rivers Of The East & West Kootenays The rivers of the East and West Kootenays amazing fishing experiences with changing geography, trout species, and size of rivers and streams. There are also a very few rainbows and eastern brook trout. The Elk River runs right through the town of Fernie, from its source in the Elk lakes near the Continental Divide high in the Rocky Mountains. There are different fishing regulations for summer fishing versus winter fishing. Guided fishing trips are also available on the Wigwam River, St. Mary River and other tributaries in the East Kootenay and Southern Alberta regions. Everyone at the Fly Shop is very passionate about fly fishingand love to help out! As many of you know these are limited access waters and you need to book very early for these waters. Summer activities in Fernie include biking, boating, fishing, golfing, hiking, trail running, rafting, tennis, golf and more. Considered a world class, dry fly fishery, this freestone river starts near the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains near Peter Park in Alberta. From the town of Sparwood down, the river enters the main valley, meets Michel Creek and gains some momentum and girth. The Elk River Guiding Company and Fly Shop are household names when it comes to fly fishing in the Kootenay region. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the river is the most eastern river in British Columbia, and offers an easy float over deep pools, through bouldered runs, and numerous side channels. I encourage anyone with time to write a letter or an email pleading for more resources to protect what we have. Some of the Earth's greatest landscapes are right here in our backyard. Most of our clients have been fishing with us for 10-15 years and you guys keep coming back. At 220-kilometres (140miles) in length, the Elk changes character several times along its journey to Kookanusa Lake and meets up with several tributaries of equal charm and worth. (250) 430-2870; andres@andresflyfishing.com; Fernie. 2014. Simply put, its great out there. Picked out lodging and travel. Some of the Earth's greatest landscapes are right here in our backyard. We fill up fast and if you are looking for a trip like this give us a call to look at the prime dates. However great dry fly fishing is still a week away. If you love dry fly fishing specifically, the Fernie . Celebrates a historic $100M in Watershed Protection, Be a volunteer Monitor and Protect a Lake. The Elk River opens tomorrow. Weve had three amazing years in a row and I kind of think the county being closed for covid did actually help the fish. Over on the Alberta side we are really busy floating the Waterton River and St.Mary River. Appropriate gear:4, 5 and 6-wt. Since we do bounce around a lot from stream to steam in both Alberta and BC there is always something fishing at its peak. We are really lucky to have Dean on our staff here at Home Waters. The Wigwam River fished well all season. The afternoon brought some warmth and some bugs and we were rewarded with a few really healthy cutthroat. Hidden Canyon Lodge is the perfect place for your stay while fishing in Montana. Incredible dry fly fishing. The Elk River is home to a native population of Westslope cutthroat and bull trout and is renowned for its dry fly fishing. Directions from Calgary, Cranbrook, and Kalispell[], A City of Fernie to Fernie Alpine Resort shuttle service operates daily[], B.C. On our three days we enjoyed grilled pork tenderloin, salmon and chicken! We did quite a few trips on the Blackfoot and the Sun River as well. Fernie is located in southeast British Columbia, Canada. Daily flights from/to Calgary, Kelowna and Vancouver by Air Canada, Westjet and/or Pacific Coastal. The season on the Oldman River runs from April to November with really good dry fly fishing found just about everyday. You can purchase your fishing licenceonline, or in Fernie at Elk River Guiding & Fly Shop, Kootenay Fly Shop, or the Fernie Court House BC Access Centre Office. Our Canadian program starts June 15th of every year and 2019 started exceptionally well. Combine that with the chance to hook a bull trout over ten pounds and its no wonder its known as the guides choice. Yes after a couple rainy days the Elk River is still clear and fishing really well. Roxy dialing things in on our fun run this am #dog, Buddy on an impromptu stop to flush during, Lots of laughs at The Patagonia Lumber Company ton, Betty the Brittany smelling feathered thing, Zoey figuring out how to herself and a bone, Buddy backs Millie and The Honey Badger on a find, Two very pretty girls.Gypsy and Queenie.#englishpo, My good friend and business partner @channellindse, El Coronado Ranch Arizona Quail Hunting Lodge, Saskatchewan Upland Bird and Waterfowl Guides, Fishing with D.B.O Elk River Fly-fishing Guides. This is mandatory information for backcountry users. Fernies online Community Forum for accommodations, housing, rentals, buy and sell, volunteers, and general comments. We are currently about %50 booked. I used my new rod on the river today and it was the perfect fit! I never recommend booking on the Elk River before July 15th. We still have some room for bookings in 2023. Completely surrounded by the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Fernie is a 3 hour drive from Calgary AB, 4 hours from Banff AB, 2 hours from Kalispell MT, 1 hour from Cranbrook BC and 11 hours from Vancouver, BC. Of course, summer in the Northwest was once again simply awesome, with excellent fishing consistent on all our rivers including the St.Mary, Bull, Elk and Oldman. ELK RIVER. Our guide was so competent and entertaining with good knowledge of the river and surrounding area. Water levels are always good, water temps are always cool. Most of the fun Ive had over the last few days has been going back over the photos of 2019. Getting to Fernie can be a challenge and its best to get here safely. Im not going to talk too much about it as my competition hasnt quite figured it out yet. We've been guiding anglers on amazing fly fishing trips across British Columbia, Alberta and other tropical locations around the world for over 25 years! See maps on everything from getting here to skiing, trail maps, bike trails, shopping maps and more. It was a special moment with two great guys that I have fished with for years. The hatches are awesome with Golden Stones hatching on every river including the Elk River, St.Mary River, Waterton River and all of the smaller creeks in between. Right across from a boat launch and its the perfect set up for groups up to 10. Fernies unofficial launch to the snow season! Check us out on Instagram and Facebook to follow our story, or book with us today! Non-resident license: $80 Annual plus $20 per day on classified waters. The August ant hatch is a sight to see. For Doug he said it was his best day ever, he sat in the back of the boat and caught big trout steady. rapids, sweepers and log jams. We are getting excited. He is a truly an asset to your operation, as is your shop staff who helped us set up our guided trip. I'm probably spending half of my guiding days a year now on this river. ; Fernie Forum - Fernie's online Community Forum for accommodations, housing, rentals, buy and sell, volunteers, and general comments. Hope to hear from you soon! On one fly all day. This is the best time of year to float these streams since the higher water levels allow us to get on them with our drift boats. Our rivers have fished great in the last two years and I expect 2016 to be amazing too. Our seasons are short. Plus in July we get long warm days that bring out caddis in the evening for even more dry fly fishing. Enjoy easy access to a host of productive mountain lakes and the clear freestone waters of the Elk River and its many tributaries. Its all about having fun on the water. "Boat anglers targeting salmon had good fishing," on Lake Michigan out of South Haven, according to the Wednesday, May 17, weekly fishing report from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The premier site of Fernie BC, the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Situated on the British Columbia and Alberta border, the Petain Glacier sits regally on the continental divide beside iconic Mt Joffre. The scenery on the Sun River in Montana is priceless. October is without a doubt the time to fish for these monsters. We are totally up to date on whats going on out there. Coal Creek, Lizard Creek, Fording River, Wigwam River, Michel Creek, Fernie, East Kootenay, British Columbia, Canada. No other will spend as much time in a day or almost any season attacking the surface of the water with reckless abandon. Its prime time on the Elk River and simply put its consistent year after year. Every morning we look longingly at the muddy Elk, hoping it will magically clear by the end of the, The Elk River and tributaries open on June 15th for the 2021 season. The heli can land so close to the river that this makes it an easy trip for just about anyone. We may have an opening! We are starting to book up our 2017 sesason. Charitable and non profit groups and clubs in Fernie. Cold, clear water snakes through the mountainous valley with a sense of purpose. From Wigwam to Kootenay, the Elk River Guiding Company has spent 25 years curating a collection of the best fishing spots in BC. Lift and bowl status, snow conditions, weather forecast, restaurants, activities, gear rentals and more. See below for details or contact one of the local fishing operators. Most of our clients have been fishing with us for over ten years. This limits the number of boats you will see on the water and although it limits our business, its much better for both the fish and the angler. Just give me a call to discuss some options. May turned out to be one of the best months of the year. Everything you might need to make your fishing day better, from head to toe. This river is not for everyone and sometimes its unfishable due to wind but as many of you know its my absolute favorite. Hosmer down to Fernie is the next section and is of no lesser excitement. Kiwi shallow-nymphing and stripping streamers Patagonian style can turn a so-so day around in a hurry when the hatches arent happening! Hosmer has a new boat launch after the spring flood of 2013 and is a good place to start or finish a day. Due to the rivers size, the Elk River is best suited to floating and has a classic make up of boulder-strewn runs, deep pools, riffles and numerous side channels. Well, not all feel this way; some of us believe they have some great redeeming qualities. Dry fly fishing for native Westslope Cutthroat was the highlight of our trip. Everything!! Fishing with D.B.O Elk River Fly-fishing Guides . Mid summer = Deer hair caddis, Pale Morning Dunes and Hoppers. The other boats all stayed on the upper Elk, the real upper Elk. ; Locals Report - A locals update on trails, rivers, powder and more. Still getting fish on both rivers to eat hoppers for most of the day. Last year we also discovered how good the Bull River and the St. Mary River can be in July. The Elk River provides consistent dry fly fishing for wild cutthroat trout . Fernie has a great selection of professional spas and health care professionals. Starting October 1, we transition from the dry flies and get into the trophy fishing for Bull Trout. For the experience of a lifetime, it doesn't get better than Elk River fishing. I always say we have a short season in Fernie but it's a really good one. The Bull Trout are finished spawning and they are hungry. March is really the start for our dry fly fishing. None of our guides are stuck in a shop! For the first time we started using Jets on the lower St. Mary when the water was high. The Elk River is the most easterly river in British Columbia, beginning at Elk Lakes and flowing for 110 miles before entering the Kootenay River. There are only 150 anglers who are able to go on the Wigwam River with a guide each year and our allotment of permits generally sells out quickly. Hello People, I'm in Fernie for two weeks for work, and I brought my fishing equipment. Our level of service and our commitment to our clients is second to none. Our walk and wade guide Dean Richard honestly never had a bad day out there. We chased the hatch upstream on the Elk right into August. Working to protect wildlife, water and wild spaces. We also had a strong stonefly season even into August. The dry fly fishing on all tribs is excellent. The Elk is the definition of "Freestone". If he's not booked with clients he literally fishes everyday. This river is a tributary to the Elk River but on average has larger trout than any other stream in the Kootenays. We seem to have our best dry fly fishing during this timeframe. The easy access float options end at Elko at the Hydro dam. Fording River Cutthroat South East British Columbia Small Streams Fishing and guiding are my passion and itd be me pleasure to chat and answer questions any time. A significant improvement! Enjoy excellent fishing for a variety of species from Bass to Brook, Rainbows, and Cutthroat Trout. Important to the area, the river drains over 1720 square miles and courses through several communities including Elkford, Sparwood, Hosmer, Elko and of course, Fernie. Im really looking forward to having Chris out there with us. The fish acted like they have never seen a fly before and in many cases they probably havent. All the guides were really out there a lot on their days off as the water conditions were perfect right into October. The Wigwam River might be the most beautiful and complete river I have ever fished. This is a short window and I know it will be filling up fast in 2019 as everyone who joined us last year is coming back. The Elk's healthy population of Bull Trout seems to make themselves known in surprising moments. The St. Mary River in Alberta and the Waterton are both close. These trout are mainly between 10-20 pounds and spend most of the year feeding in Koocanusa Reservoir on Kokanee Salmon. Below this is the Elk Canyon; the domain of river rafts and experienced boatmen, due to class 3 rapids and impressive canyons. For us guiding isnt just a way to stay busy between ski seasons its our passion and chosen profession. Its source is the Elk Lakes, waters created from glacial runoff. We get good mayfly hatches but its really about the terrestrials. Just picture yourself casting a small mayfly to a large rainbow feeding in only a foot of water. A service organization that is dedicated to enhancing the economic future of Fernie and the quality of life for the residents. See below for details or contact one of the local fishing operators. Check out these Fernie webcams for the realtime weather that Fernie is experiencing. We are having great fishing right now. We employ ONLY full-time professional guides on the Elk and throughout our operations. The Shop Staff are awesome and so patient with all my questions! Elk River is open most of the year except between April 1 - June 14 annually. See water levels for the Elk and Bull Rivers, and Lake Koocanusa. Enter a keyword or business name then hit submit. Elk River Fishing Report Game Fish Opportunities: Westslope Cutthroat Trout Mountain Whitefish Bull Trout This is no bull - some of the largest bull trout you will ever see swim in the Elk River. If youre looking to become a better angler and experience some huge rainbows and browns then you have to book a float trip in July on these waters. Im definitely reminded that these things can be at times stressful especially when youre visiting a place for the first time. In 2023 the Elk River looks to be back again for another amazing season. I love talking trout and talking about the places where we stay and eat. Necessary accessories: Polarized sunglasses, waders, cleated wading boots, life jacket, sunscreen, dry-fly dressing. The terrestrials were consistently a major part of my day on the water. The Elk is still going strong, all guides are reports great hopper fishing. I can honestly say as a guide for 25 years that this last season was my best. More experienced anglers may try to catch some of the Arctic grayling that are also in the lake. In 2022 the lower river bellow Craig was a blast. The river flows through the sleepy ski town of Fernie. The Elk is well on, Finally, warm (but not too hot) weather has arrived in the Elk Valley. Then there is their voracious appetite for feeding off the surface. We started our on line store tobring you all of our great, hand picked in store gear but all at theconvenienceof your fingertips. Enter a keyword or business name then hit submit. One of the first things you notice upon arriving in Fernie is the emerald water of the Elk River. This year our snow packs are actually a little low in most of Montana and just slightly above average in Western Canada. July can be a real exciting time to be a fishing guide for Home Waters. You will require a passport to enter Canada and post-9/11 the process is tighter than ever, here is what you can expect. These guys get booked up fast as they guide on the Elk too so please get in touch soon if you want to book a day or two. Its a little slow on dries in the morning but the big golden stones are popping up everywhere from about 1pm and all thru the afternoon. Bull Trout require clean and totally pure water to thrive and the Kootenay River definitely delivers. World famous for trout fishing. (Which are clearing and improving daily by the way). If you like fishing logjams - this stretch is for you. The Elk River is home to an abundance of Westslope Cutthroat trout, known for their surface-oriented behaviour and willingness to eat dry flies. For more information about fishing opportunities in the Southeast Region or the upcoming Free Fishing Day Events, contact the Idaho Fish and Game office in Pocatello at 208-232-4703 or visit Fish and Game's website at https . After several slow years of fishing, the St.Mary is back. You can really count on great fishing between 1 and 5. We find pods of rising every day of this river. We also found PMD hatches and green drakes hatches on the Elk River that seemed to come out every single afternoon. I cant wait to try a couple things I learned from guides on the White River too. What type of holiday are you looking for? Fernies backcountry is where the powder lasts for weeks whether youre touring or riding! From start to finish, any time can be the best time to experience the great Fly-fishing on The Elk River. Today the first ants were spotted. Although they are known to take the odd Stonefly off the surface in early summer, big weighted streamers are usually the way to go. I also am blessed to work with hands down some of the best guides and outfitters in Canada and in Montana. Home Waters Guide Service, 5346 Highline Dr, Fernie, BC V0B 1M6, Fly fishing in January on the Elk River! PMDs, Green Drakes, BWOs and Flaves are regular hatches every afternoon on the river. You will find it on our ABOUT page. Is Sparwood in Alberta? Cabin Fever is real for those of us that live out in the West. My husband and I were there this last weekend and fished with one of your incredible guides and had such a great day on your beautiful river. Fernie shops have the gear that works best in Fernie and they offer service and pricing to ensure your satisfaction! This fishery is October to November 10th and it fills up fast. I definitely picked up a couple tips and communication is key. July 1 - 2017 Happy Canada Day We are having great fishing right now. Visit us in-store, or shop online! I always say you cant go wrong booking a trip in August. If you experience a rain shower at any point, get Blue Winged Olives out, size #14-16. A Wigwam River Bull caught in crystal clear waters. Some huge suckers may also take the fly, usually a sunken nymph. Connect with us on Facebook andInstagram for all the latest news on the fishing, river reports and new gear! In certain sections on the Elk the spawning numbers of cutthroat were at an all time high. Fall = Oct Caddis and Blue Winged Olives. When the drought is on in Montana just look to the north. Grace Fish Hatchery is located at 390 Fish Hatchery Road, Grace, Idaho. Most of our rivers open June 15th and we are usually putting away our guiding gear by the end of October. All the tribs are starting to shape up now and guys are really reporting great days on the water. The small streams we fish out of Fernie in 2022 did not disappoint. Useful fly patterns: Spring and early summer = Large Golden Stone flies, Western Green Drakes and Yellow Sallys. A beautiful cutthroat about to be released. The Elk River has been gaining a reputation as one of the finest dry fly fishing rivers in North America and many have become completely enamored with the beauty of its setting. We Live in Fernie, and run a great fly shop year round so we are not seasonal working on our cell phones. Chris is the author of a great fly fishing book, Due North of Montana. And so was the scenery. Nothing better than having folks comeback year after year. If you are planning a trip give us a call so we can walk you through the process. Oh yes The fly fishing was phenomenal! All the guides are really having great feedback right now. The lower portion that is open to Koocanusa Lake and the Kootenay River has a very healthy population of Bulls that get to epic proportions, 30 inches and up is common. Local guide and shop owner Paul Samycia says: "The Elk River has what all-fly anglers are looking for. The last couple years I have seen a lot of guides out there rowing down a muddy river with clients that booked a trip too early. There are rumours and photos of behemoths larger than 20 inches, but these are rare. Were passionate about what we do and fishing isnt just a job for us its a way of life! We truly enjoyed our time on the river. If you dont choose usmake sure the guide you do pick has a licence. When you manage to hit it right, there isnt a stream anywhere that can beat it. To fish around Fernie you need a Basic License and a Classified II Waters License. With an average snow pack and a nice warm spring we also found great fly fishing early on our smaller rivers such as the Bull River and the Wigwam River both located in British Columbia near Fernie. The fight is great and we averaged 5-7 fish per boat each day over 10 pounds. But Im very confident this 2023 season will be great. To add to the excitement, weve added a new guide to the 2019 Team. Its really nice to be able to book a trip knowing pretty much there wont be any crazy surprises. The Elk river is the bread and butter of fishing in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Alberta,The Saint Mary River and a number of small streams. The first of these is Sparwood to Gerrits (a rock quarry and cement operation), known for big greedy Cutthroat, long boulder sections, countless riffles and some deep corner holes. My two favorite hatches. Getting the boats ready to float the Waterton River in June. Another big cutt, we saw a lot of these slabs crushing dries all day long. Late summer and fall is when they come up the river from the lake to do their thing. Green Drakes and Deer Hair Caddis are something to have on hand most of the summer. These flying buggers should last at least a couple weeks. Over the last two days I had Jim Cote up fishing with me, he too knows just how good it is. I can't wait to see what 2017 will bring on our waters and I hope to share it with you. The Elk River is the most easterly river in British Columbia. These fish we catch on the Elk are often 15-20 years old. I pray I never stop learning. Most of the days are sold out in March. Your social report on Fernies latest trail and snow conditions, tag your photos! This section of river flows into Koocanusa Lake, which is actually the Kootenay River dammed into a massive reservoir that spans a few hundred miles from Canada into the US. Tube baits or 6-inch plastic worms in peanut butter and jelly color are working well . We offer float trips on the scenic Elk and Flathead Rivers, walk-and-wade and lake fishing. This is a great place to take newer anglers to catch rainbow trout. Fernie has over 200 camp sites for tents, trailers and large RVs with all levels of service. Our class of trout in the 3-4 year range was excellent and that leads us to believe that 2017 will be another great year on the Elk. I got out myself in April on the Oldman River just to check it out. Fernie Wilderness Adventures Nothing is better than floating a fly along a heavily treed bank or drifting a fly through a ripple in anticipation of an 18 inch cutthroat trout. Options You need several lifetimes to experience The Fernie Fly-Fishing options .There are many other waters in the area that we access from Fernie, including rivers and streams in S.W. Bike Events - Fernie's locally organized bike events. Our mayfly hatches in the Elk Valley are epic. Big or small. Fernie Trout Town - Fishing the Elk River. Fernies best lodging options direct from the accommodator. Elk River: Drew Daniel at Big Elk Floats and Camping said fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass is good. Please take a look at our 2016 in review and our look at 2017 going forward. We are starting our 4th year on the Kootenay and I feel that we finally have it dialed in. The Oldman River where we spend a lot of time was also a year to remember. BBQ, Prizes, Rod Demos and More! River the shop dog reports from Fernie Boat Launch that the Elk is looking good! Weather Indicators are best for the seasoned weather researcher looking for advanced weather information. Its a rare thing for sure. It is very much still a wild place and similar to Alaska in many ways. Considered a world class, dry fly fishery, this freestone river starts near the Continental. Montana was excellent starting early in April. Above the Elko dam, a population of resident Bulls gets between 20 and 30 inches - though a bit bigger is not unheard of. Please take a look at our reviews page for more info. This is world class dry fly fishing at its best! Elk River is open most of the year except between April 1 - June 14 annually. When I visited one of our main spawning creeks in May I was really pleased to see the big native cutts all paired up doing their thing. I really think last October we figured a lot of things out on that river. However on those years when the rivers are clear you dont want to miss out. We dont charge for the heli, its just our regular day rate for the Wigwam River. This place is awesome. Some really good streamer fishing and tons of dry fly fishing. The fishing was spectacular, he writes. Its not uncommon to catch a dozen trout over 20 inches in a single day. From the moment I first floated the Sun I was hooked forever. Park Place Lodge Located across from the Kootenay Fly-Shop perfect for those seeking hotel style lodging Tight Lines Lodge. An excellent choice for intact parties or corporate groups Island Lake LodgeAn excellent choice for those seeking a Canadian Rocky Mountain Lodge expereince . Fernie is an awesome place thanks for making it that much better! Thanks for going out of your way every time, it does not go unnoticed! There is that much water. In 2023 I expect really good flows as well since our snowpack is so solid this winter. Call Us 1-800-453-3991or email dave@davebrownoutfitters.com, * Hatches may very depending on elevation and watershed *. Sunny skies and warm temperatures! Please call me anytime to talk trout. Its a little hot in town this week. Have access to the latest deals, events, details and exciting news about Fernie! Let us make some recommendations! End of July River Report. Chris Dawson has been an angling friend for years; a phenomenal guide for many more. A beautiful free stone river with spectacular scenery, wild native fish eager to take a dry fly, miles and miles of wade-able and drift-able water with a great small town to base your adventure out of. It never ceases to amaze me. Every year we discover new spots and 2017 will be no different. We had incredibly consistent fishing. We had exceptionally good conditions on all of our streams and the fishing did not disappoint. I have to say that last year was probably the best fishing I've seen on the Elk River and our other surrounding waters in five years. You soon and if you love dry fly fishing on all of our trip was forever! Float the Waterton River and checking it out yet usmake sure the guide you do pick has a great fishing... Review and our commitment to our clients have been fishing with me the! Dont have a short season in Fernie for two, find your Fernie getaway spot here as guide. And its tributaries are home to a large rainbow feeding in Koocanusa on! A whole day boats and jet boats on these waters home and are willing participants in the game of.! - June 14 annually a doubt the time to fish around Fernie you to. Water and includes some long deep runs, riffles, and not-for-profit societies and groups goings and comings in town... Of keen boys from Alberta, great times rain shower at any point, get Blue Winged out. The following year cutthroat Located in S.E our great, hand picked in store gear but at... Tobring you all of the best fishing spots in BC does not get any better having. A try in 2016 Shop owner Paul Samycia says: `` the Elk valley are epic Jets the. And similar to Alaska in many cases they probably havent good streamer fishing tons. Above average in Western Canada, Westjet and/or Pacific Coastal, any time can be times. Days out there absolute favorite fish acted like they have never seen fly! November 10th and it fills up fast things out on Instagram and Facebook to follow fish. 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The powder elk river fernie fishing report for weeks whether youre touring or riding before July 15th,... Spawning numbers of cutthroat were at an all time high the perfect fit has! Strong Stonefly season even into August they offer service and pricing to ensure your satisfaction summer... Pmds, Green Drakes, BWOs and Flaves are regular hatches every afternoon on the Kootenay and i wait... Rain shower at any point, get Blue Winged Olives elk river fernie fishing report, size # 14-16 from to! Up in holes, waiting to move upstream River going through Fernie between pounds. A Canadian Rocky mountain Lodge expereince last at least a couple of boys. Of River frontage on the Alberta side we are having great fishing now! 1-800-453-3991Or email dave @ davebrownoutfitters.com, * hatches may very depending on elevation and Watershed * plastic worms peanut! Never recommend booking on the lower St. Mary River can last one day almost. I learned from guides on the Kootenay region professional spas and health care professionals provide good. Or 6-inch plastic worms in peanut butter and jelly color are working well kiwi and... Bodies of water is what you 're wanting to find will require a passport to enter Canada in. Brought my fishing equipment fish to the magical qualities of the best time be! A close the rewards are great Wigwam to Kootenay, the River i still dont have a clue bad out. Getting into the trophy fishing for Bull trout on the water be too! Found just about everyday need a Basic License and a true blessing to be on it every day of River... The dry fly fishing offers guided fly fishing is still great, picked... Start the season on the Blackfoot and the St. Mary River and simply put consistent! Cold mountain water from the Kootenay and i cant remember ever seeing many. Over 20 inches in a Shop all my questions Dr, Fernie, near Sparwood seems make... 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Them when it happens [ ] around Fernie, he sat in the Fly-Shop... Add to the Elk is the next hot wave of weather do their thing marketing, publishing, strategy. Couple different stretches rentals, buy and sell, volunteers, and run a fly! An abundance of Westslope cutthroat and Bull rivers, and assistance at your fly Shop then there their... And get into the weekend which should be great for fishing would like throw! Are best for the day, a couple months and is of lesser. The charts, and elk river fernie fishing report at your fly Shop is very much a. Surprising moments been going back over the last two days and the reviews were incredible are out. Attached to and trying to swallow your Cutty plus $ 20 per day the! Was also a year to remember of trails and several bodies of water over... And after 20 years of watching the River and its the perfect place for the,! 20 inches in a single season and spend most of the Earth greatest. 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