Canada

Eastslope Outpost

Alberta
Species
Trout
Destination Type
Lodge
Fishing Style
Dry Fly and Wading
Season
July - September
Fishing Days
4 - 5
Rate
$$
Why We Go
  • Target westslope cutthroat, rainbows, and browns, primarily with dry flies
  • Hike clear, wild, high-catch rate westslope cutthroat streams
  • Choose from countless beats of water with walk and wade and floating options
  • Enjoy a modest, rustic, no-frills camp overlooking the Alberta prairie
  • Choose from four or five-day packages in late July, August, and early September
Overview

Located on the east side of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, the Eastslope Outpost is a remote, soulful, humble operation dedicated to the simple pleasures of chasing wild trout on mountain streams. Many of their premier systems are dominated by handsome west slope cutthroat trout, most of which are in the 14-to 20-inch class, and all of which respond well to natural drifted dry flies when there is insect activity. Their program is largely based around walk and wade fishing clear mountain streams but as these systems drop into the prairie-lowlands, there are multiple floating options, and the lower reaches of these rivers are often dominated by browns and rainbows. This is a simple, no-frills cowboy camp with hearty meals, basic cabin accommodations, great guides that love to fish dries, and a vast array of interesting and productive waters. For those that like to hear the owls hoot and coyotes howl after a great day of dry fly fishing, this may well be your place.

Fishing Program

Two guests will depart the lodge each morning with their guide and remain out all day, eating lunch streamside. Then operation is not set on guide rotation, as sometimes the chemistry is great out of the gate, and guest want to stick with their guide but the option to rotate is always available. Over the course of the season 70% of the fishing is done while wading. You can wade fish 100% of the time but less mobile folks who like to float can do so as much as they like, water conditions permitting. The hope is that on the majority of your days there will be dry fishing opportunities. The guides love fishing dries and when the conditions are right, it is the most effective method. When the weather turns and aquatic insects or terrestrials are inactive you might dry dropper fish, nymph fish, and on rare occasions Euro nymph. Streamer fishing is not often employed.

The Outpost is located on the bank of the Oldman River above Oldman Reservoir. The entire Oldman system including the upper forks and tributaries in a region called the Gap are all fished by guests at the Outpost. The Oldman Reservoir has two additional tributaries of significance, the Crowsnest and the Castle. These rivers offer lots of great waters and there are multiple forks and tributaries of the Castle that the guides utilize. It is hard to describe just how much water can be reached from the Outpost. It would take months to fish it all.

Accommodations

The Outpost is technically the Anchor-B Ranch. It was built as a fishing lodge many years ago but went inactive for more than a decade due to the failing health of the owner. The Outpost program now leases it out for their fishing season. The facility is somewhat eclectic. There is a colorful, weathered old saloon building, and a more modern dining and living space with a nice outdoor patio overlooking the Oldman valley. It’s nothing fancy but it all works. They have a very small kitchen facility, but they manage well despite limited appliances. The meals are basic and hearty in keeping with the region. Meals are typically served buffet style. Lunches will be packed in coolers and taken streamside.

The program takes six guests per week who will stay in two duplex cabins. The first duplex has two double occupancy rooms each with their own bathroom. The second duplex has two large single occupancy rooms, and these two units share a bathroom that is detached and short walk across a porch from the units. The accommodations are simple, but they have electric light and most have a little wood burning stove. Bedding and towels are all provided. Note that we don’t recommend drinking the tap water.

Itinerary

Sunday: Arrive Calgary, Alberta / Rent car and drive approximately 2.5-hours to the Eastslope Outpost
Monday – Friday: 5 days of guided fishing
Saturday: Depart lodge after breakfast

Rates & Details

2025 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

  • 6 night/5 day package: $4,092
  • 5 night/4 day package: $3,410

*Packages begin on Sunday nights

Included: Accommodations, meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and guided fishing.

Not Included: International or domestic airfare, rental cars, fishing equipment, licensing, alcohol, staff and guide gratuities

Species: Westslope cutthroat, rainbow, brown, bull trout, and brook trout.

Season: Late July – Early September

Capacity: 6 anglers

Fly Water Q&A

Who is best suited to this destination? 
This trip is great for anyone that loves to wade fish mid-sized systems and stalk handsome wild fish. Under most conditions, this program excels as a dry fly fishery, and the region has three major systems to choose from (all with multiple tributaries) and literally 200 miles of fishable water within a 1.5-hour radius. There are sections of river that can also be floated and in addition to westslope cutthroats, there are systems with browns, rainbows, and brookies. There are beats that offer really high catch rates with somewhat smaller fish and there are beats that offer a chance at some really large fish that are not easy, but most of their beats lie in between the aforementioned. This is a place for folks that like simple meals and accommodations and appreciate being able to choose from a four or five day stay that won’t break the bank.

Where is the lodge?
Eastslope Outpost is in southwest Alberta, approximately 2 hours by car south of Calgary, Alberta. 

How do I get there? 
Guests will either fly into Kalispell, MT, rent a car and drive three and a half hours to the lodge or fly into Calgary, rent a car and drive two hours south to the lodge. Guests with private planes can fly into Lethbridge, Alberta for just over a one-hour drive. The lodge is in a rural part of Alberta and guests should follow the instructions on the itinerary they receive once they have booked. 

When should I go? 
Late July through early September is the season. The lodge typically books out from the center of their season.

How will I fish? 
The hope is that on the majority of your days there will be dry fishing opportunities. The guides love fishing dries and when the conditions are right, it is the most effective method. When the weather turns and aquatic insects or terrestrials are inactive you might dry dropper fish, nymph fish, and on rare occasions Euro nymph. Streamer fish is not often employed.

Is there wade fishing? 
Over the course of the season 70% of the fishing is done while wading. You can wade fish 100% of the time but less mobile folks who like to float can do so as much as they like, water conditions permitting.

Where will I fish? 
The Outpost is located on the bank of the Oldman River above Oldman Reservoir. The entire Olman system including the upper forks and tributaries in a region called the Gap are all fished by guests at the Outpost. The Oldman Reservoir has two additional tributaries of significance, the Crowsnest and the Castle. These rivers offer lots of great waters and there are multiple forks and tributaries of the Castle that the guides utilize. It is hard to describe just how much water can be reached from the Outpost. It would take months to fish it all.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? 
Depending on where you are fishing each day, drives are 5 minutes to 1.25 hours. Most of the drive times are between 30 and 45 minutes.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? 
The main target species is the westslope cutthroat. There are also rainbow trout, brown trout, bull trout and a few rarely fished creeks with lot of brook trout.

How many fish will I catch? 
This is a truly wild trophy trout fishery and catch rates vary from day-to-day and system to system. On the best days when the fish are feeding on dries guests might have upwards of 20 solid opportunities a day, but when the insects are less active the catch results will reflect it.

What are the guides like? 

Personalities will run the gamut from intense to jovial. All the guides are professionals and know their waters and fish intimately. Most have a long history in the area and really love what they do.

What are the physical demands? 
This is primarily a walk and wade program so expect to spend your days walking from pool to pool through somewhat rugged terrain. With that said, less mobile anglers can be accommodated on easier beats or by floating.

Are there any special skills required? 
A willingness to improve your trout game. If the guides could request one skill in particular, it would be a good reach cast, as it can make or break a day of dry fly fishing.

Does the lodge provide equipment?  
Guests should arrive with their own rods, reels, lines and wading equipment. Terminal tackle and flies will be provided. 

What is your favorite setup for the trip?
A solid 9 ft. 5-weight rod with floating weight forward line is the staple.

What are the top flies?
Throughout the season and over the course of individual days it will be common for your guides to change flies often. Smaller mayflies, ants, beetles and hoppers all come into play, but your guides will have what you need.

What are the options if water conditions become challenging? 
There are several different fishing locations, meaning guides have options if one river is experiencing poor fishing conditions. The guides check the flows often and typically can find a great plan B if conditions become unexpectedly challenging.

What is a typical day like? 
Breakfast is typically served at 7:00AM and guides will arrive to pick up anglers in front of the lodge at 8:00AM. Anglers will be on the river until about 4:30PM and back to the lodge around 5:30PM. Dinner is served at 7:00PM.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? 
The lodge is very relaxed, comfortable and more about the fishing than the amenities.  

Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge? 
Yes, Shane is the on-site manager and head-guide. He has worked for Cam Jensen for multiple years, and this is first venture in a larger role. He is an approachable, good guy and will be eager to help guests with whatever they need.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? 
The Outpost is technically the Anchor-B Ranch. It was built as a fishing lodge many years ago but went more than a decade without guests due to the failing health of the owner. The Outpost program now leases it out for fishing season. The facility is somewhat eclectic. There is colorful, weathered old saloon building, and a more modern dining and living space with a nice outdoor patio overlooking the Oldman valley. It’s nothing fancy but it all works. They have a very small kitchen facility, but they manage well despite limited appliances. The meals are basic and hearty and in keeping with the region. Meals are typically served buffet style.

What is the alcohol policy? 
The lodge is in a dry county and does not provide alcohol. Guests who wish to have alcohol should purchase it before they get there in Kalispell or Calgary.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? 
The program takes six guests per week, and they stay in two duplex cabins. The first duplex has two double occupancy rooms each with their own bathroom. The second duplex has two large single occupancy rooms, and these two units share a bathroom that is detached and short walk across a porch from the units. The accommodations are simple, but they have electric light and most have a little wood burning stove. Bedding towels are all provided. Note that we don’t recommend drinking the tap water.

Is there internet and/or cell service? 
There is no cell service but they have Star Link which enables Wi-Fi calling.

Are there other activities? 
There are no other activities, this lodge is heavily geared toward fly fishing. 

Are there any other expenses? 
Guests should plan on gratuities, car rentals, fishing licenses and alcohol purchase for their trip in addition to the standard rates. 

Do I need a visa? 
You do not need a visa for this destination if you are a US citizen, a passport will work just fine.

Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances? 
Mosquitoes at the lodge in the evenings can be a little aggressive. Weather in the Rockies can be unpredictable, and guests are encouraged to bring layers for cool mornings and evenings with an option for lighter clothes during the heat of the day. Rain and snow are a possibility in most months of the year.  

Wildlife including bears and moose may be spotted on occasion in the mountains. In the uncommon circumstance that a bear is nearby, your guides will be trained in how to handle these situations and while this is an uncommon occurrence, please be aware to keep your distance should you be joined by any wildlife in this region.