Canada

Bear Camp

Species
Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout
Destination Type
Lodge,Safari-/-Tent-Camp
Fishing Style
Drift Boat, Dry Fly, and Wading
Season
June - September
Rate
$$
Why We Go

  • Fish for trout on the beautiful Chilko River, Chilko Lake or fly in to pristine alpine lakes
  • Stay in unique lofted and cozy tent cabins for wildlife viewing
  • Enjoy breathtaking views, healthy salmon runs and Grizzly Bear viewing
  • Choose from a number of activities that will keep adventurous groups busy for days
  • Enjoy warm meals and a friendly setting in the main lodge after a day on the water

Overview

Hovering over the banks of the Chilko River is Roam’s Bear Camp, an adventure seeker’s haven and premier destination for the angler looking for a multi-faceted experience. The lodge features furnished tent cabins on a raised platform built for safe bear viewing. The remote location, pristine environment and access to a wide range of outdoor adventures make this location an easy choice for the mixed group, couples, friends and families.

Fishing the Chilko River is an experience the novice and advanced angler will enjoy. With 13-miles of deep runs, gravel bars and side channels, this dynamic river offers a variety of fishing while drifting from the boat and has many options for those who prefer to fish while wading. Anglers may also choose to wade in the shallow bays of Chilko Lake while casting for large, surface cruising rainbow trout, or can strip streamers in front of bull trout. For those looking for something extra, guides will fly anglers by helicopter to an alpine lake to fish from shore for native brook trout. Whether the activity involves fishing, hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding, all guests will make their own itinerary, ensuring an extremely customized adventure.

Fishing Program

The Chilko River is a quickly accessed, healthy fishery for anglers of all abilities. Draining the main lake, the Chilko River’s waters never cloud and have drift and wade options available. Guests will drift in flat bottomed Jon boats or drift boats with motors to return to the lodge and repeat various runs while on the river. Bear Camp provides all the necessary gear to wade and fish this pristine waterway. The river offers one main drift for fly fishing that can be visited multiple times.

Anglers can diversify their fishing experience by spending one or two days on Chilko Lake as well. This large lake offers many exciting opportunities to fish for surface cruising trout. It is common for guests to land rainbows in the 22- to 24-inch range here, if the scenery doesn't fill up your camera's memory card, the fish caught on this lake certainly will. With access to jet boats, canoes and kayaks, there is no shortage of water to explore.

For an added adventure, anglers may opt to take a helicopter in to one a nearby high alpine lake to fish for trout in a pristine and completely wild setting.

Accommodations

The heart of Bear Camp is a historic log fishing and hunting cabin that has been renovated to ensure a comfortable and spacious common area and dining hall. Surrounding the cabin are the safari-tent platforms, perched along the waterline, 16-feet in the air. Tents are outfitted with either a king bed or two double beds, piled with warm down duvets, locally made recycled pine furniture, reading lamps, charging docks for your devices, and plush towels. Guests will share the shower house which has four hot showers and flush toilets.

Each day begins with coffee delivery right to the tent. Meals will be served in the dining room near a cozy wood burning stove. Breakfast is an assortment of granolas and simple dishes like fresh eggs and bacon. Lunches are packed each morning and will be sent with guides for guests going on adventures or will be set out in the dining room for guests staying at the lodge during the day. Dinners are a meat, vegetable and grain dish are paired with an assortment of wine and beer. Special dietary requests can be accommodated with advanced notice.

Additional Experiences

One of our favorite features of Bear Camp, and certainly what makes it unique, is the myriad of activities that guests can participate in while visiting. For the outdoor adventurer, photographer and lover of beautiful scenery, Bear Camp will not disappoint.

There are an endless number of great trails accessible right from Bear Camp. Heli hiking can also be arranged at additional expense and visits a number of valleys and nearby glaciers. In addition to hiking, guests at Bear Camp can also explore many local trails via horseback or on mountain bikes, all with a guide who will tailer each ride to suite the group’s needs.

Chilko Lake offers a myriad of water sports including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing. Those looking for a more adventurous experience can opt for a combo package that adds a one- or three-night river expedition on the Chilko River or Lava Canyon for whitewater rafting.

Rates & Details

2024 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

  • June - August (Multi Sport): 4 night/5 day package: $3,995 plus tax
  • September and October (Bear viewing): 4 night/5 day package: $4,995 plus tax

Included: Deluxe safari tent accommodation, all meals, all beverages, guided activities, park fee and permits, charter flight to and from Vancouver

Not Included: Massage, heli hiking or heli fishing, premium wine, gratuities, fishing license

Species: Rainbow trout, bull trout

Season: June - September

Capacity: 14 guests

Fly Water Q&A

Who is best suited to this destination? This lodge is perfect for the adventurous group or couple looking for some fishing as well as other activities to enjoy the outdoors.

Where is the lodge? Bear Camp is located at the mouth of where Chilko River flows out of Chilko Lake in southwest British Columbia.

How do I get there? The best way to access the lodge is to charter in and out because it cuts down on travel time. Guests will fly from the south terminal directly to the lake, there is an airstrip about 300 yards from the camp itself which will be used on clear days, and a small airport further away on cloudy days. Guests who choose not to charter a flight will fly to Williams lake, then take a 4-hour shuttle to the lodge. The charter flies around noon so guests should arrive in Vancouver the night before and be at the airport in the morning to catch their charter flight. South terminal is easily accessible.

When should I go? The best fishing will be from mid-July to mid-August when the temperatures are warm and there is good insect variety. The salmon run starts in late August and that is when the best Grizzly Bear viewing takes place. Because of the immense numbers of salmon, the fishing at this time on the river is not great, but there can still be some fun fishing on the lake. June is an option but can be pretty chilly and a bit windy.

How will I fish? Guests will drift on the river and use a jetboat on the lake. The river has some spots that people can get out and wade, and quite a few areas to anchor and cast. Anglers will fish two per guide, mostly on a dry fly with a dropper or two. On the lake, guests will fish surface cruising trout.

Is there wade fishing? There are sections of the river where anglers can get out of the boat to wade islands and side channels.

Where will I fish? There is one section of river to fish that is about 3 miles long and very wide. All fish caught on this river are catch and release. There is a large boat for fishing on the lake, and guests may also fish from sea-kayaks.

Heli fishing into alpine lakes

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? The lodge is right on the water, so whether fishing the lake or the river, guests will get on the boat straight from the lodge and be fishing in a matter of minutes.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? Rainbow and bull trout are the primary fish in this system.

How many fish will I catch? The average angler can net about 10 fish per day on the river, the lake will have lower productivity but larger fish.

Will I see other anglers? A popular weekend where all lodges are full will see a few other boats on the river.

What are the guides like? The guides range in personality and age. All are full time guides and know the river and the system well.

What are the physical demands? Guests can make this trip as easy or physically demanding as they like.

Are there any special skills required? There are no special skills required.

Does the lodge provide equipment? The lodge provides all equipment and flies for guests

What is your favorite setup for the trip? A 4- to 5-weight trout rod will get the job done.

What are the top flies? The flies will change throughout the season, the guides will have the best flies for the dates of each trip.

[Freshwater only] What are the options if water conditions become challenging? If the river isn’t fishing well there are options to fish the lake however if weather is unfavorable the best way to get through it is to wait it out in the lodge.

What is a typical day like? Each morning coffee is left for guests outside of their tent. Breakfast is served between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, and guests will take off for their day of activities after breakfast. Guests who stay at the lodge for the day can have lunch while there. All guests will return from the day’s activities around 5:00 PM. Cocktail hour starts at 6:30 PM in the Trapper’s Cabin and guests are encouraged to mingle there or outside on the deck. At this time a lodge host will be sure to check in with each party to discuss their plans for the next day. Dinner is served at 7:00 PM at the Harvest Table in the main lodge.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? The lodge caters each day to whatever the guests want, and can very flexible in terms of schedule. Guests are encouraged to enjoy themselves in the lodge as much as they want, or explore the area with any number of activities the lodge provides.

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? The lodge manager is onsite during most hours of the day, and lodge staff around as well to assist guests with any needs they may have.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Each morning coffee is left for guests outside their tent. Breakfast is an option of granolas or hot eggs and bacon fare made fresh daily and served in the main lodge. Dinners are varied with meat, vegetables and grains as a standard, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated (please be sure to discuss this when booking). Lunches are packed and left for guests in the dining room for those staying at camp throughout the day.

What is the alcohol policy? Alcohol is provided by the lodge and guests will have an open bar for cocktail hour and dinner.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? The accommodations are African safari meets Canadian Rockies with seven canvas tents either with king bed or double queen options, rugs, dresser, lights and sitting area. The shower house is nearby with a few showers and separate bathrooms. Because of the many bears in the area, guests will store toothpaste and snacks inside the lodge, not the tent. The main lodge consists of a 1940s trapper cabin that has been converted and one end has a sitting area and kitchen, and the other end has a dining hall. The lodge will accept single occupancy reservations at an increased rate, please call for more information.

Is there internet and/or cell service? There is no cell service in the area. There is satellite internet good for an occasional simple email. There is a satellite telephone to be used in case of emergencies.

Are there other activities? This lodge has many activities and is well suited for the outdoorsy and adventurous party. Guests have access to hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking, white water rafting, scenic drift boat rides, stand up paddle boarding, ample opportunities for photography and buschcraft classes.

Are there any other expenses? Additional guided activities like whitewater rafting, gratuities, fishing licenses, accommodations in Vancouver the night before and after the charter.

Do I need a visa? A visa is not needed for this trip, only a passport.

Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? Mosquitos can be around but there is a regular breeze that keeps them at bay. Being prepared with bug spray is smart. Some horseflies later in the season. Evenings and mornings can get chilly, guests should be prepared with layers to stay comfortable before the day warms up.