RIVER FLOAT TRIPS

ST. MARY RIVER

Born in the Purcell Mountains, the St.Mary River is a classic free stone stream which flows gently for some 50 miles before joining the Kootenay River. We at the St.Mary Angler consider it to be one of the finest dry fly fisheries in North America. You will enjoy wild West Slope Cutthroats and Cutbows from 12 to 18 inches and catch rates of 10 to 50 fish per day. As an added bonus, there is a good chance you will not see another angler during your float. The lack of angling pressure is due to the absence of roads along the length of the River. Fortunately, we have secured a number of private launching sites that you will be using.

The St.Mary becomes fishable in mid June with good hatches of stoneflies, caddis and midges. By July and all the way through August most attractor patterns work well. Terrestrials are the flies of choice from September to late October, with Blue Winged Olives emerging mid day, all through October.

ELK RIVER

The Elk River begins its journey in the MacDonald Range of the Rocky Mountains. It flows some 80 miles south and drains into the Kootenay River. With wild West Slope Cutthroats from 13 to 20 inches and Bull Trout from 18 to 30, the Elk is our regions' best-known river. It has quickly gained a reputation as a must fish river when you come to this region of British Columbia. During the fishing season you can expect catch rates from 10 to 30 cutthroats or bulls per day.

The season on the Elk River usually begins in late June with good hatches of stoneflies and some mayflies. Nymphing with a Prince Nymph, Bead Head Stoneflies and Hares Ears will work well all summer long. Any good attractor or terrestrial will work great all of August and September. October is a great time to fish Blue Winged Olives

UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER

The section of the Upper Columbia River in southern B.C. is one of the largest tailwater fisheries in North America. It is also one of the finest spring and late fall fisheries around for big rainbows. With the trout averaging nearly 20 inches and runs into your backing the norm, you will understand our excitement for guiding this stretch of tailwater downstream of Castlegar, B.C.

You will chase the big rainbows on the upper Columbia River from a 16 foot jet boat. This boat has the added advantage of being rowable which allows us to power to the top of the run and drift our way back down, then do it all over again. It is perfect for the big river and allows us to get into very shallow water over the cobbles where most boats don't dare to go.

The Upper Columbia River is a year round fishery, but the prime months to fish for the very large rainbows are April, May, June, and late in the season in October. In the spring the hatches of stoneflies, mayflies and midges are abundant. In October the water cools from the summer heat and the large rainbows feed in the riffles and big runs with reckless abandon!

The Upper Columbia River is truly an exceptional fishery. If you are up for the challenge of big river rainbows on a big piece of turning water, and aren't afraid to do a little work to catch them, then this experience is for you.

Upper Columbia River Rainbow

BULL RIVER

Emerging from the Macdonald Range of the Rockies, the Bull River flows about 50 miles southwest until it joins the Kootenay River. It is an intimate stream with an extraordinarily robust population of west slope cutthroats. While most of the cuts are from 10-12 inches - with some to 14 - catch rates are from 20-100 per day.

The Bull River has a lot of structure to it with many large rocks and boulders and is narrower than the St. Mary or Elk rivers. In addition, there is a lot of Class 2 and 3 water which our skilled guides will manoeuvre you through. A float on the Bull is a particularly beautiful trip as the River flows along the back side of the  "Steeples"  which are part of the Hughes Range of the Rockies making the views spectacular.

The season on the Bull River is from late July through August. The River is blessed with robust hatches of caddis and mayflies. Any good attractor pattern works well - i.e. Royal Wulff, Royal Coachman, Parachute Adams, etc. Since the fishing pressure on the Bull is very low and the number of cuts is quite high, you are in for some fun days on the scenic little gem.

KOOTENAY RIVER

The Kootenay River is one of the best early season bull trout fisheries in North America. In April and May the bull trout congregate at the mouths of the tributary streams entering the Kootenay where they feast on emerging whitefish and kokanee fry. Fishing for big bull trout is very good with catch rates from 2 to 10 a day and the catch averaging from 23 to 35 inches in length.

The portion of the Kootenay River you will fish is from Canal Flats to the community of Skookumchuck just upstream of Lake Koocanusa. We will access this stretch of the Kootenay from our 16 foot jet boat or by Moravia drift boat, depending on the River conditions. The Kootenay River also offers anglers some fine springtime fishing for rainbows and cutthroats.

SKOOKUMCHUCK RIVER

This small free stone tributary of the Kootenay River has some of the largest wild West Slope Cutthroat in the region. An average fish will go 16 inches with some big guys over 20.

The Skookumchuck is our primary walk and wade stream. It offers the beginner or advanced angler the opportunity to fish a truly pristine piece of water with a good chance of catching Cutthroats that are measured in pounds not inches.

Because of a long spring run off, the Skookumchuck does not start fishing well until mid July. At this time attractor patterns work great. Hoppers and other terrestrials are best through August and September. October is usually cooler which bring good hatches of Blue Wing Olives and Green Drakes.