Fly only, the river features plenty of spots for casting and holds plenty of cutthroat. The elk river is full of rainbow trout, dolly varden, and cutthroats and is a fly fishing only river, It is all wild fish and all catch and release. Spring and early summer are very popular times to visit the Elk, which is restricted to fly fishing only. Easy access and close proximity to major cities like Victoria and Nanaimo make it a very popular fishing destination. Small stonefly nymphs usually work really well, but it’s way … In the Campbell River & Sayward region, designated fly fisheries include the easily accessible Farewell Lake as well as Campbell River, Adam River and Tsitika River. Once you visit this beautiful part of Canada, you dream of the day you can return. Menu. Now Booking for summer/fall 2021 guided trips on local and area rivers and lakes; Fly shop with latest gear and a large selection of flies It begins at Elk Lakes and flows for 110 miles before entering the Kootenay River.As it cuts through the Rocky Mountains, this mid-sized freestone river picks up nutrients and more volume from countless tributaries and has carved a spectacular valley. Spring on Vancouver Island offers many fly fishing opportunities and you need to stock your fly box with an array of spring patterns so that you can take advantage of all that you might encounter. Has anyone fished the Gold River or Elk River on Vancouver Island? This explains how they are able to obtain such large sizes. Also, if you are fishing in the tidal sections of a river, remember to check the retention limits, regulations and fisheries closures on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans website. The Top 10 Fly Fishing Lakes on Vancouver Island Maple Lake. This flurry of heart pounding excitement usually results in the bully getting your cutthroat, but it leaves the fisherman with a great fish story! New posts Search forums Fishing Magic The UK Fly Fishing Forum Salmon Fishing Forum Sea Trout Forum. We use cookies to optimize website performance and for advertising purposes. This decision was supported by organized anglers including the Steelhead Society of B.C. Bull trout are not actually a trout at all but a member of the char family. Fly Shop. Recent conservation minded regulations, including bait bans, single barbless hooks, spawning closures, fly fishing only and catch … The Quinsam is also closed to all fishing between July 15 and August 31. Copyright © 2003 - 2021, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. Forums. Here at The Fly Fishing Lodge the seasons on our unique river feeds into one of the only two freshwater tidal lakes in the world and being only 40 miles from the ocean our salmon come in bright and powerful for incredible acrobatic performances. However, you will surely be rewarded with some exceptional fishing opportunities in some spectacular scenery. Limiting our angling knowledge to one type of fishing is a major detriment to your success. Salmon Fly Fishing. All Rights Reserved. Map. With the introduction of steelhead hatchery programs on Vancouver Island in the early 70's the Fisheries Branch made a conscious decision to keep the Gold River free of hatchery fish. Check out Whacking Fatties for the latest fly fishing report and forecast. For more details and to learn how you can manage your cookie preferences please see our. Whether trolling streamers, casting dry flies or fishing with chironomids, fly fishing is very successful here. As summer is is just around the corner, it’s a perfect time to explore. Fernie, BC, Canada The Cowichan offers great fishing all year ’round (but note the summer closure to fishing from July 15 to August 31). road and travel for another 10 km until you reach the lake turnoff to the campsite and boat launch. Often mistakenly identified as Dolly Varden, Bull Trout go for nymphs or streamers and occasionally dry flies. While fishing on the rivers, keep your eye on the water temperature; trout fishing during high water temperature conditions is very stressful to these fish. … During the summer months, fly fishers turn Fernie into a “trout town” while discovering the awesome beauty of the area and the amazing dry-fly fishing the Elk has to offer. The opportunities in the area are endless and there is no better way to maximise your success on the water than with a guide from Elk River Guiding Company. This shallow lake is a favourite among locals, new and experienced anglers alike. Most of the fish are 20 to 30 centimetres (eight to 12 inches) in length, but there are some bigger cutthroat trout as well. The river has a fly-fishing-only section with easy access to most of the pools from a streamside trail. All fish caught are released even on keep zones! Through our dedicated partners at Cowichan River Lodge only an hour north of Villa Eyrie, we are able to offer a full variety of freshwater fishing trips for practically any time of the year. Popular Fly Fishing Charters in Vancouver Island, Canada. The other primary species is the Bull Trout (Salvelinus Confluentus). Trout fishing on the Elk River Vancouver Island. Drifting & fly fishing on the Elk | Fishing with Rod - YouTube PART 2 Sonar Images of the Month - May | Fish the Moment Live Stream #31 Fish the Moment 106 watching Live now On most of our waters we will be primarily drift fishing. Most Cutthroat are caught using dry flies or attractor patterns and our guides knowledge of the Elk River and its entomology will ensure you are using the right flies and fishing the most productive waters. Small stonefly nymphs usually work really well, but it’s way more fun to cast your dry flies. Elk Falls Campground is located beside these rivers, making it a perfect spot to establish your base camp. Fewer anglers offer more opportunities for amazing encounters with wildlife. The Campbell and Quinsam rivers can be quite busy, especially during late July through August when the pink salmon run starts. Wildlife Federation. Elk River Guiding Co. & Fly Shop. Elk River, Photo By Bud Logan. The Elk River Guiding Company is the premier outfitter in Fernie for guided float trips and walk n' wade fly fishing. Located 5 km south of Courtenay, Maple Lake may be small, but it's a great fishing spot. If you are willing to hike, you can find some decent fishing for rainbow trout. Being so close to the city of Campbell River, this is a very popular campground: making a reservation is necessary, especially if you want a prime, riverside campsite. When there are a lot of salmon smolts in the rivers, patterns that imitate immature salmon work really well. Please be courteous when parking so that you do not block access or turn-around points. In Town; Covid-19 Update: Store open Monday - Saturday, 9am - 5pm. Anglers can cover much of the 12 miles (19 km) of the Cowichan River Footpath trails beside one of Vancouver Island’s most popular fly-fishing locales in one of British Columbia’s best fishing rivers and, according to knowledgeable sources, one of the world’s best salmon and trout rivers. For more information about fly fisheries on Vancouver Island, … There are also a very few rainbows and eastern brook trout. In fall, it’s time for various salmon runs; winter is the time for frozen fingers and chrome steelhead; in spring, it’s time to dust off our dry fly boxes; and summer is about hunting for bass in warmed-up lakes. Spring and early summer are very popular times to visit the Elk, which is restricted to fly fishing only. Vancouver Island : Contact Us: sales@niho.com or 604-606-7900 ... For the fly-fishermen, Dolly Varden, winter steelhead, cutthroat trout, some sockeye, coho, chinook and chum are all to be found in the Nahwitti River. Located in Strathcona Provincial Park, about an hour west of Campbell River along Highway 28, trout fishing there can be ridiculously good. "a wild trout is too precious to be enjoyed only once". Trout fly fishing. Access to many of these smaller waters is difficult and good wading boots and a fair level of fitness is required. Elk River Guiding Company A variety of sizes and colours of elk hair caddis should have you covered. Photos: Pavel Francev Hatchery trout can be identified by the healed scar in place of their adipose fin; wild trout will have their adipose fin intact. Author: Pavel Francev It is not uncommon to land a cutthroat over twenty inches! 26” to 30” bullies are not uncommon and some areas host pigs up to 40”. It’s not a planned scene from a movie, just an exciting recollection from one of last year’s fishing trips. Just imagine casting your fly into that fishy-looking seam with a few deer standing in the background, and a bald eagle soaring above you. Some of the more well known fly fishing rivers on Vancouver Island include the Cowichan, Stamp, Campbell, Salmon and Nimpkish. We’ve got you covered! It is nice to see that this area has returned to such a great state and that it is full of wildlife and happy hikers. There are cutthroat trout, Bull trout (Dolly Varden) and whitefish in the Elk River. Keep in mind all char (including Dolly Varden), wild steelhead, and wild trout caught in streams and rivers within Region 1 must be released. If you dream of dry fly addicted Westslope Cutthroat and large feisty Bull Trout in their native mountain habitat – this is the place for you. Also be aware that the Elk River has many natural features and hazards that can challenge the most experienced river practioner. As one of the quintessential ways to experience Vancouver Island, we can help arrange for a half-day or full-day excursion with enough notice ahead of your stay with us. Good availability and great rates. The best holding spots in this river … The tributaries feeding our primary rivers are fished by wading. The Elk River and Fly Fishing. Check out each of the waters we have featured in the Rivers section. The Elk River is the most easterly river in British Columbia. Casting dry flies prove to be very productive from a streamside trail good spot, which is to! 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