Canada

Brooks Creek Ranch

Species
Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout
Destination Type
Lodge
Fishing Style
Drift Boat, Dry Fly, Sightfishing, Wading
Season
June - September
Fishing Days
6
Rate
$$,$$$
Why We Go

  • Experience a luxury lodge on the banks of the Elk River.
  • Fish several diverse systems with opportunities for trophy fish or high catch rate days.
  • Explore the hip, outdoor oriented town of Fernie, British Columbia.
  • Enjoy world-class meals with ingredients sourced locally.
  • Adventure in the Elk River Valley with diverse experiences outside of angling.

Overview

Brooks Creek Ranch is a luxury fly fishing lodge located on the banks of the Elk River on a ranch surrounded by wilderness and near British Columbia’s and Alberta’s best trout fisheries. The waters of southern British Columbia and Alberta boast uncrowded trout angling opportunities with the option of high catch rates or the chance to target trophy fish.

To compliment the fisheries, Brooks Creek Ranch offers single rooms with great views, attached bathrooms, expansive living areas including a sauna facility, hot tub, fire gazebo, game room and bar. The facility is off the gridon a riverfront ranch with no neighbors for miles. The sense of tranquility, solitude, level of personalized service, quality of cuisine, and world-class trout fishing sets the stage for an extraordinary stay.

From the tranquil Elk River, renowned for its thriving populations of wild trout and incredible scenery, Fernie offers a diverse range of fly fishing and outdoor opportunities that are seemingly never-ending. Particularly when you consider it is a town with less than 10,000 people. It is truly a four-season destination as there are hundreds of miles of biking and hiking trails, lakes, and a world-class ski resort all within 10 miles of the town center to explore.

Fishing Program

The Elk River is BC's trout fishing mecca, offering a diverse range of stretches for floating and wading. British Columbia’s fishery management entity regulates its waters to ensure an uncrowded, wilderness experience. Near Fernie, westslope cutthroat and bull trout are the primary target species.

Beyond the Elk River valley, an array of smaller mountain streams, the St. Mary River, and alpine lakes await exploration, each providing different angling opportunities targeting rainbow, brown, and bull trout. The bull trout fishery is a fun addition to the program where truly large can be enticed on streamers. Although the lodge is licensed on the Wigwam River, they prefer to focus on these fish in the main rivers as it offers a more sporting experience. In smaller waters like the Wigwam or Lodgepole, bull trout tend to stack up for spawning and are particularly vulnerable. Targeting them on the larger rivers provides a more interesting angling experience.

Slightly further afield, Alberta's waters offer both freestone and tailwater opportunities for oversized rainbows, browns, cutthroat, and brook trout. While these waters don't generally provide the quantity of dry fly fishing that the Elk does, they offer amazing opportunities for rainbows and browns ranging deep into the twenty-inch range. A few days in Alberta are a must for anyone visiting Brooks Creek Ranch.

Access to fishing areas is primarily by drift boat or raft though guests can elect for jet boat, heli-fishing or walk and wade adventures. There are literally countless waters to explore and it is easy for the guides to match the interests of the guests to the water of the day. The guides are patient professionals that will take the time to make sure the guest fishing experience is the best it can be no matter the conditions, weather, or skill level.

Fisheries:

  • Elk River: The Elk River, often hailed as one of North America's finest dry-fly fisheries, flows through Fernie, British Columbia. This renowned river draws anglers from all over the world with its diverse fish population, including native Westslope Cutthroat Trout, bull trout, and rainbow trout. Its crystal-clear waters and challenging riffles offer the perfect setting for both beginners and experienced anglers. As the seasons change, the Elk River hosts an array of hatches, making it a year-round fishing paradise for those seeking an exhilarating angling experience amidst the stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop.
  • Bull River: Nestled in the majestic Kootenay Rockies, the Bull River is a hidden gem known for its spectacular beauty and remarkable fishing opportunities. This remote and pristine river is a playground for anglers in search of Westslope Cutthroat Trout and bull trout, renowned for its strength and trophy size. Its serene surroundings and limited angling pressure offer a sense of solitude, making every trip down the Bull River an extraordinary escape into nature. A day spent flyfishing on the Bull River is a testament to the untouched wilderness that British Columbia is celebrated for.
  • Michel Creek: Michel Creek, a lesser-known gem in the Fernie region, offers a unique fishing experience for those seeking solitude and diverse fish species. Flowing through lush forests and rugged terrain this creek is home to cutthroat trout and bull trout. The creek's smaller size makes it ideal for wading, allowing anglers to hone their casting skills while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Michel Creek invites visitors to step off the beaten path and discover a secluded fishing spot that promises a memorable day on the water.
  • Fording River: The Fording River, with its emerald-green waters, is a remote and captivating destination for adventurous anglers. While it requires a bit of effort to reach, the journey is well worth it as the river offers excellent opportunities to catch bull trout and cutthroat. Fording River's challenging conditions and varied pools make it an exciting challenge for anglers that enjoy a walk and wade adventure.
  • Wigwam River: The Wigwam River, located just north of Fernie, beckons with its stunning scenery and premier flyfishing conditions. Flowing through provincial parkland, this river boasts a healthy population of bull trout and Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Its remote location ensures limited fishing pressure, allowing anglers to connect deeply with nature and experience flyfishing at its finest. With its uncrowded waters and the chance to encounter trophy-sized trout, the Wigwam River promises a serene and rewarding fishing experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path. This adventure can be done by truck or helicopter.
  • Crowsnest River: Flowing through the picturesque Crowsnest Pass, the Crowsnest River is a renowned trout fishery that attracts anglers from across the province. This blue-ribbon river offers exceptional dry-fly and nymph fishing opportunities, with a healthy population of Westslope Cutthroat, brown trout and bull trout. Its scenic beauty and easily accessible sections make it an ideal destination for anglers of all skill levels, seeking a memorable flyfishing experience amidst the rugged Rocky Mountain landscapes.
  • Oldman River: Rising in the Canadian Rockies, the Oldman River is a diverse fishery that offers a mix of rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout depending on the stretch being fished. Each stretch of the river presents unique fishing conditions and challenges. Anglers can find both easy access points and more remote areas, ensuring a variety of angling experiences. Surrounded by stunning alpine vistas and lush river valleys, the Oldman River provides an idyllic setting for a day of flyfishing for slightly larger fish than the Fernie area provides.
  • Castle River: Flowing through the Castle Wildland and Provincial Park, the Castle River is a pristine flyfishing destination teeming with healthy populations of Westslope Cutthroat Trout and bull trout. With its clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop, this river invites anglers to immerse themselves in the serenity of nature while testing their skills on the rewarding fishing opportunities it presents. The Castle River is one of Southern Alberta's finest.
  • Livingstone River: Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, the Livingstone River is a tributary of the Old Man, a scenic and diverse fishery known for its wild trout populations. This river offers a mix of rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout, providing fly anglers with a wide range of fishing experiences. The Livingstone River meanders through beautiful landscapes, offering anglers opportunities for both wade fishing and float trips. Its abundant insect hatches and breathtaking scenery make it a favorite among local and visiting anglers alike.
Accommodations

Mountain Biking: Surrounded by the rugged Canadian Rockies, Fernie offers an array of world-class biking trails catering to riders of all levels. From thrilling downhill descents to scenic cross-country routes, bikers can explore diverse terrains, including lush forests, challenging slopes, and meandering rivers. The city hosts numerous biking events and festivals, attracting riders from around the globe. With countless trails to choose from, Fernie promises an exhilarating biking experience amidst spectacular natural landscapes.

Exploring the Elk Valley: Fernie offers a diverse range of activities and sets the bar for a town jam-packed with friendly locals. It is well worth exploring for a day during your week at Brooks Creek. Its historic downtown, dotted with charming shops and cozy cafes, invites leisurely strolls and culinary delights. Art galleries showcase local talent, and historical landmarks offer glimpses into the town's rich past. Visitors can indulge in spa treatments, explore cultural museums, local breweries and excellent restaurants.

SUP, Tubing, and Swimming: For families wanting to take a simpler day, the Elk Valley and local lakes offer incredible opportunities to just get out and enjoy a day or afternoon on the water. The Elk is a very safe river to float in either inner tubes or on stand-up paddle boards. For those hesitant to take a day off fishing, there is nothing written that says you can't have your partner enjoy a paddle board for part of the day while you enjoy the dry fly fishing from a drift boat or raft. That said, we will leave that conversation to you.

Additional Experiences

Brooks Creek Ranch guests enjoy unrivaled single accommodations and exclusive access to their own living space with fireplace, comfortable seating, dining room and a small kitchenette. There are no details missed. Outside, a large deck space with BBQ for dining and lower patio with private outdoor hot tub awaits. The chef is one of the finest in the valley and takes great pride in sourcing the best quality ingredients from our garden and the local community. As there are only six guests a week, the lodge offers full flexibility in terms of cuisine and customizing your fishing adventure. Similarly, if you would like to bring a larger group, the lodge is happy to accommodate.

Every room at Brooks Creek Ranch is outfitted with:

  • All natural mattresses from Black Sheep Mattress Co. with Organic Cotton Bedding
  • Spring water tap for hot or cold drinks
  • Refreshing Spa style bath products, bathrobes and slippers
  • 55" TV with Apple TV for accessing complimentary movie library or your Netflix account.

Travel to Fernie is easy for US or international visitors. The best route for Americans is to fly into Kalispell, Montana rent a car and drive approximately 2-hours north. The route to Fernie takes guests north through the Flathead Valley, known for its sprawling meadows and tranquil lakes into Canada at the Roosville border crossing. Fernie and Brooks Creek Ranch lies forty-minutes over the border on Highway 93. It is a gorgeous drive with lots of wildlife. It is also possible to fly into Calgary, Alberta or Cranbrook, British Columbia.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Brooks Creek in the afternoon. Unpack, relax, explore the ranch or fish on your own if desirable. Appetizers and dinner.

Day 2-6: Breakfast at 7am. Full day of fishing. Return for appetizers and dinner.

Day 7: After breakfast, depart for home.

Rates & Details

2024 Rates: Per person based on single occupancy and shared guiding

6 night/ 5 day package: $6,500

Included: Accommodations and meals, guided fishing, beer and wine, classified waters fishing license fee

Not Included: International airfare, transfers to/from lodge, British Columbia or Alberta fishing licenses, staff and guide gratuities, Canadian taxes

Species: West slope cutthroat, rainbow trout, brown trout, bull trout

Season: June – September

Capacity: 10 anglers