Fernie, British Columbia
One of my most popular and unique hosted destinations trips is to Fernie, British Columbia in the Canadian Rockies. It is popular simply because the dry fly fishing is outstanding and the Elk River Valley is one of the prettiest places you could ever cast a dry fly. It is unique in that we are not staying at a lodge.
The main fishery for this trip is the Elk River, in southeastern BC. Remote and pristine, it is known for the quality of it's dry fly fishing. Our trips are timed to coincide with both the Golden Stonefly hatch and the Green Drake hatch. The river abounds in nice size westslope cutts and a very nice population of bull trout...which grow big and mean.
There is a lot of productive water to fish in this area...all beautiful water and filled with fish. We have fished the Oldman, Crowsnest, Waterton, and Wigwam rivers plus Michel Creek. But my favorite "bonus" river is the St. Mary River. It is one of Canada's most well managed dry fly waters that gets very little pressure. Beautiful, productive, and truly wild.
Fernie is often described as a "quaint ski village" and an apt description it is. It has a small mountain town feel, yet it has new motels, an excellent array of nice restaurants, and fly shops! We lodge at the Best Western Plus and enjoy dining as a group at different restaurants each evening after fishing.
The main fishery for this trip is the Elk River, in southeastern BC. Remote and pristine, it is known for the quality of it's dry fly fishing. Our trips are timed to coincide with both the Golden Stonefly hatch and the Green Drake hatch. The river abounds in nice size westslope cutts and a very nice population of bull trout...which grow big and mean.
There is a lot of productive water to fish in this area...all beautiful water and filled with fish. We have fished the Oldman, Crowsnest, Waterton, and Wigwam rivers plus Michel Creek. But my favorite "bonus" river is the St. Mary River. It is one of Canada's most well managed dry fly waters that gets very little pressure. Beautiful, productive, and truly wild.
Fernie is often described as a "quaint ski village" and an apt description it is. It has a small mountain town feel, yet it has new motels, an excellent array of nice restaurants, and fly shops! We lodge at the Best Western Plus and enjoy dining as a group at different restaurants each evening after fishing.