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.
