Many people visit once and find themselves coming back year after year to enjoy the laid back west coast lifestyle, along with all … 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. Catch rates and average fish size have increased markedly in the last ten years. Recent conservation minded regulations, including bait bans, single barbless hooks, spawning closures, fly fishing only and catch and release, have given these native cutts a chance to grow and flourish. Pavel is an artist and photographer residing in Victoria, B.C. Vancouver Island has so much to offer when it comes to fishing. Bull trout are not actually a trout at all but a member of the char family. 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. Yarn eggs or trout beads are a good substitute for salmon roe when trout fishing during the fall. Author: Pavel Francev 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. Toward Tofino is the Toquart River, or toward Gold River, the Heber River, Buttle Lake tributaries or the hike-in Elk River all provide excellent sport for the fly aficionado. The Quinsam is also closed to all fishing between July 15 and August 31. Home. and the B.C. Shuttles can be arranged at the Elk River Guiding Co. We sell them at the shop and we will mail them out if you wanted it to help plan your trip! The Elk River and Fly Fishing. New posts Search forums Fishing Magic The UK Fly Fishing Forum Salmon Fishing Forum Sea Trout Forum. There are also a very few rainbows and eastern brook trout. … It is not uncommon to land a cutthroat over twenty inches! For more information about fly fisheries on Vancouver Island, … The icing on the cake is scenery so spectacular, it makes you question if it’s actually real. Beavertail lake is located just off the elk river timber road. 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 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. A variety of sizes and colours of elk hair caddis should have you covered. We’ve got you covered! Copyright Elk River Guiding Company Ltd. Hatchery trout can be identified by the healed scar in place of their adipose fin; wild trout will have their adipose fin intact. Vancouver Island’s salmon fisheries are world-renowned; the Island’s river fly-fishing opportunities are lesser known but offer an equally exciting angling experience. Good availability and great rates. Check out each of the waters we have featured in the Rivers section. Fly Shop. This decision was supported by organized anglers including the Steelhead Society of B.C. Once you visit this beautiful part of Canada, you dream of the day you can return. The Elk River is renowned for its dry-fly fishing. 26” to 30” bullies are not uncommon and some areas host pigs up to 40”. Follow Pavel on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Popular Fly Fishing Charters in Vancouver Island, Canada. The best holding spots in this river … The Elk River is the most easterly river in British Columbia. Prior to that, you can find some privacy on these rivers along with fair fishing for cutthroat trout. Being the island's longest river, you can easily spend days fishing its salmon-packed waters. 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. 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. Fly only, the river features plenty of spots for casting and holds plenty of cutthroat. One thing every do-it-yourselfer should have is the Back Roads Map Book of SE BC. 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. It will take you only a few minutes to turn a few rocks over to see what critters the fish are feeding on, and match your patterns. Some of the more well known fly fishing rivers on Vancouver Island include the Cowichan, Stamp, Campbell, Salmon and Nimpkish. Note that the retention of wild trout in every river on Vancouver Island is illegal; only … 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. Arguably, cutthroat are one of the most beautiful of all the trout species and their willingness to rise freely to a well presented dry fly makes them even more enjoyable to catch. As summer is is just around the corner, it’s a perfect time to explore. Almost all rivers on Vancouver Island have a bait ban, meaning roe is illegal to use. Arguably, cutthroat are one of the most beautiful of all the trout species and their willingness to rise freely to a well presented dry fly makes them even more enjoyable to catch. All Rights Reserved. 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. You head out of Campbell River on the Gold River highway until you reach echo lake. **  Note that some launch sites are primative and require a higher level of experience to navigate in and out of them. 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. The Top 10 Fly Fishing Lakes on Vancouver Island Maple Lake. Spring and early summer are very popular times to visit the Elk, which is restricted to fly fishing only. There are cutthroat trout, Bull trout (Dolly Varden) and whitefish in the Elk River. Read unbiased reviews and choose the best deal for your trip. Salmon Fly Fishing. road and travel for another 10 km until you reach the lake turnoff to the campsite and boat launch. Located in Strathcona Provincial Park, about an hour west of Campbell River along Highway 28, trout fishing there can be ridiculously good. Elk River. Map. The Elk River Guiding Company is the premier outfitter in Fernie for guided float trips and walk n' wade fly fishing. Some of the most popular fly-fishing destinations are the Stamp-Somas river system and the Cowichan, Elk, and Campbell rivers. Fewer anglers offer more opportunities for amazing encounters with wildlife. 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. Elk River Vancouver Island, British Columbia fly fishing report. The Pitt River fishing experience is a unique year round fishing. We feel very strongly about protecting this native fishery and the only thing taken is pictures. The preceding patterns are standards that I carry in my fly boxes all the time and use on a regular basis. This explains how they are able to obtain such large sizes. Forums. They are very aggressive and often will dart out of the darkness of a deep pool and attack a cutthroat that you have hooked up. And speaking of wildlife, this is prime black bear territory; it’s a good idea to carry a can of bear spray with you. Please be courteous when parking so that you do not block access or turn-around points. Vancouver Island has a rich history and is one of the most beautiful spots to visit on the west coast. Limiting our angling knowledge to one type of fishing is a major detriment to your success. The Elk River is renowned for its abundant supply of Westslope Cutthroat (Onchorynchus Clarki Lewsi). With the goal of better understanding fly-fishing patterns and predicting location and ferocity of fishable events, Whacking Fatties presents the Fatty Factor: a fly-fishing success estimation model using proprietary big data analytics. Menu. On most of our waters we will be primarily drift fishing. Also be aware that the Elk River has many natural features and hazards that can challenge the most experienced river practioner. At Island Tides Fishing Lodge we have over 20 years of freshwater fly-fishing experience on Vancouver Island off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. The river has a fly-fishing-only section with easy access to most of the pools from a streamside trail. Drifting & fly fishing on the Elk | Fishing with Rod - YouTube The Stamp-Somass is well known for its salmon and steelhead fishery, but it’s often overlooked during the summer when it comes to trout fishing. In Town; Covid-19 Update: Store open Monday - Saturday, 9am - 5pm. Elk Falls Campground is located beside these rivers, making it a perfect spot to establish your base camp. Keep in mind all char (including Dolly Varden), wild steelhead, and wild trout caught in streams and rivers within Region 1 must be released. ... Elk River, Salmon River, Oyster River, and many more. Note the freshwater fishing regulations for these rivers: fishing is restricted on some sections of both the Campbell and Quinsam year-round, and some sections of the Campbell are open to fly fishing only. V0B 1M0Contact Us. This shallow lake is a favourite among locals, new and experienced anglers alike. The other primary species is the Bull Trout (Salvelinus Confluentus). When there are a lot of salmon smolts in the rivers, patterns that imitate immature salmon work really well. The river flows through the sleepy ski town of Fernie. Elk River, Photo By Bud Logan. 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. Unlike most Vancouver Island Steelhead rivers, this isn’t a great river for fly fishing, as it’s too narrow in most spots until it nears the ocean. The tributaries feeding our primary rivers are fished by wading. Some huge suckers may also take the fly, usually a sunken nymph. Doing your research while on the river can be the key to a very successful day. This flurry of heart pounding excitement usually results in the bully getting your cutthroat, but it leaves the fisherman with a great fish story! Has anyone fished the Gold River or Elk River on Vancouver Island? If the water is getting too hot, put away your rod, or … head to a lake. For more details and to learn how you can manage your cookie preferences please see our. Small stonefly nymphs usually work really well, but it’s way more fun to cast your dry flies. Copyright © 2003 - 2021, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. Trout fishing on the Elk River Vancouver Island. "a wild trout is too precious to be enjoyed only once". River fly fishing for salmon is best from August to mid November with all five species of Pacific Salmon entering Vancouver Island rivers over this time period. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, in partnership with provincial and federal governments, releases coastal cutthroat trout each year into the Oyster river, and steelhead smolts into the Quinsam, Cluxewe, Somass and Quatse rivers, helping to create a wealth of recreational fishing experiences. Whether trolling streamers, casting dry flies or fishing with chironomids, fly fishing is very successful here. We will also utilize our drift boats to access parts of the river that cannot be reached wading. Fly Fishing in Canada. The variety of species you can target is colossal, and there is no such thing as an off-season – it simply does not exist. Capital Regional District has a good mapwhich labels all the parking lots, fishing piers, boat launches, picnic areas, beaches. Average size varies from fourteen to sixteen with a good number of nice fish in the eighteen inch range. On May 21st ,2010 we saw many simularities to 2009,with the exception of some much larger Cutthroat Trout to be had.The Elk River is now coming on and have been the Quinsam, Qualicum Rivers,Englishman,Oyster and other local streams. The Elk River is renowned for its abundant supply of Westslope Cutthroat (Onchorynchus Clarki Lewsi). The Cowichan offers great fishing all year ’round (but note the summer closure to fishing from July 15 to August 31). The Campbell and Quinsam rivers can be quite busy, especially during late July through August when the pink salmon run starts. 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. 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. 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. Wildlife Federation. 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. Steelhead Fly Fishing. Fernie, BC, Canada Whether he is trying to trick that stubborn trout, chase that grouse in the woods, or paddle that remote lake – his art just happens to be the thing that unites it all, and gives him an opportunity to promote a sporting life. Summer Run Steelhead are slowly making their way into their typical rivers so the season looks good. We also use fish friendly nets and keep the handling of the fish to a minimum. We use cookies to optimize website performance and for advertising purposes. Two boat launches are available at t… Located 5 km south of Courtenay, Maple Lake may be small, but it's a great fishing spot. Turn right on to the e.r.t. Access to many of these smaller waters is difficult and good wading boots and a fair level of fitness is required. Trout fly fishing. Paths along the river are less travelled in summer than during salmon-fishing season. Since the Cowichan River Provincial Park has a campground right on the river, you can make your first cast of the day just two minutes after you get out of your tent. Photos: Pavel Francev PART 2 Sonar Images of the Month - May | Fish the Moment Live Stream #31 Fish the Moment 106 watching Live now 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. Often mistakenly identified as Dolly Varden, Bull Trout go for nymphs or streamers and occasionally dry flies. Recent conservation minded regulations, including bait bans, single barbless hooks, spawning closures, fly fishing only and catch … The fishing pier at the northeastern corner of the lake is a good spot, which can be accessed via Bear Hill Road. Most of the fish are 20 to 30 centimetres (eight to 12 inches) in length, but there are some bigger cutthroat trout as well. 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. Located in Strathcona Provincial Park, about an hour west of Campbell River along Highway 28, trout fishing there can be ridiculously good. For really big Bulltrout, call and ask about the Bull Trout Safari in October! Small stonefly nymphs usually work really well, but it’s way … However, you will surely be rewarded with some exceptional fishing opportunities in some spectacular scenery. Working presentations along under cut banks and runs into pools prove to be very productive from a drift boat. There are plenty of runs, log jams, and structure that warrants getting out and working selected sections of water. Spring and early summer are very popular times to visit the Elk, which is restricted to fly fishing only. 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. 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