Pitt River, BC
A 45 minute drive from Vancouver coupled with a 35 minute boat ride; there lies a watershed that has hardly felt the influence of modern society. The upper Pitt River is a far cry from its turbid southern cousin, the lower. A glacier fed medium sized river, the upper Pitt has a feel of utter remoteness.
Only the excellent fishing challenges the sheer beauty of the area. As with most coastal river the fishing can be quite seasonal, relying on salmon and steelhead returns. However the upper Pitt does boast a strong resident population of Dolly Varden, Bull, Rainbow and Cutthroat trout to make for excellent fishing at any time of year.
The Steelhead runs are all wild and arrive late in the season (end of March Through April), this makes them quite receptive to the fly. Each fish is precious and must be released unharmed after pictures have been taken.
The end of July finds sockeye entering the river in huge numbers. These fish are the largest for their species in the world (often exceeding 10 pounds). Along with the Sockeye come the Chinook salmon (10 to 35 pounds). Although targeting these beauties is forbidden, they are quite the sight to see as they make their way up river.
Sea run Dolly Varden (2 to 10 pounds), Bull trout (5 to 13 pounds) and Cutthroat trout (1-½ to 5 pounds) enter the river through June awaiting the Sockeye and the upcoming bonanza of fish eggs. These fish are eager biters and quite aggressive.
Towards the middle of October wild Coho salmon enter the river in substantial amounts. These fish are silver from the sea and ready to tussle with the avid fly angler. Aggressive and full of fight, these fish are some of the only remaining true wild runs of Coho left in the lower Fraser River water shed.
Jet boats are required to access this river. This, coupled with the run up the lake leaves the river with almost no fishing pressure. It is truly a gem of a river that is easily accessible with in a day from Vancouver.
Harrison River, BCtop
The Harrison River is one of the main tributaries of the Fraser River. Although it is not a long river, exiting Harrison Lake and flowing into the Fraser at the historic town of Harrison Mills, it does have a large water flow and an estuarial look to it. Since the Harrison has a large lake at its headwater no amount of rain will muddy up the water, even though it will rise and fall often in a season. This makes it a sure bet when many of the other local rivers are flowing high and turbid.
The waters of the Harrison are hallowed as being some of the best fly waters of the Fraser Valley. Its low gradient, clarity and estuarial feel make it ideal for the fur and feather tosser. Also, the inaccessibility and need for a jet boat give a fairly remote feel even though it is within an hour of Vancouver.
The Harrison is the single largest salmon-producing tributary of the Fraser River system. All five species of salmon enter the Harrison to spawn and die and/or move up river to their natal streams to propagate and fulfill their life cycle. This often means that in-season, multiple species days can be had.
Sockeye are the first to move into the system in August. They continue to enter until the end of September. The best fly fishing for them is usually the middle of September as the fish enter the upper portion of the river.
Pinks can found entering the system in huge numbers - in the millions - on odd years… 2003, 2005, 2007… towards the end of August, peaking towards the end of September. These are some of the most aggressive salmon you will ever find. Although not huge (3 to 7 lb average), they make up for their smaller size in their sheer willingness to attack a fly and stunning numbers.
Chum are next entering towards the end of September and peaking around the third week of October. These brutes are some of the largest in the world often topping 20 pounds with a good average of 13 pounds. They respond very well to the fly and proliferate the river in the hundreds of thousands. Large number days and exceptionally large fish are the norm when targeting this species.
Sometime in the beginning of October the long awaited return of Coho begins to filter into the system. These fish represent the pinnacle of success for the Harrison River fly fisher. The spookiest and toughest to catch, the Coho is the "trophy" fish of the river. When "in the mood" Coho can become reckless takers, often chasing flies for some distance or making surface attacks in plain view.
Chinook enter the river year round although the most fishable time is usually October and early November. These are the biggest of the big often-exceeding 30 pounds with a 17+ pound average. Timing is everything with Chinook as most of these brutes use the Harrison as traveling grounds and a "run" of fish can easily push through in a few days.
Spring marks the time that new life begins for the salmon's offspring; this is usually sometime in March and peaking towards the end of April. With this newfound birth comes a bonanza of food in the form off salmon minnows. Thousands of gorgeous sea-run cutthroat trout come in from the Pacific to lunch on these hapless victims. Averaging around 14 inches these trout are known for their aggressive takes and great fun on light tackle. Most fishing is sight casting to boiling fish and surface film orientated.
Fraser River, BCtop
The Fraser is the single largest river system in British Columbia; traversing three quarters of BC. It is the major water drainage of the province. It also has the single largest amount of salmon traveling through it, of any other river, during their spawning runs.
Entering the Pacific at the city of Vancouver most of the salmon in the lower reaches are in their prime as they prepare to make their final journeys. Most of the sport fishing in the Fraser is done from the town of Chilliwack to the town of Hope. Jet boats are not a necessity but definitely help in the attempts to get away from the sometimes crowded conditions.
Fly-fishing the Fraser is mostly done from large, gently sloping gravel bars and the cast and swing approach is most often utilized. The waters are fairly dirty year round, often allowing the salmon to feel safe entering very shallow water. Large flies, heavy rods, sink tip lines and a lot of stamina are required.
Sockeye are the main quarry for the fly tosser. Entering towards the end of July and peeking usually towards the end of August. These fish come in huge numbers and are in top shape. Silver sided, these fish are a far cry from the same fish you find on their spawning grounds months later, bright red and beaten. Sockeye will, pound for pound, out fight almost every other salmon. Tail walking, "torpedoing" and screaming runs are tell tale signs of a fresh Fraser River Sockeye.
Chinook or "King" salmon are usually present with the Sockeye allowing for another dimension of a days fishing. These are the largest of the Pacific salmon and are in the most prime shape they will ever be in. Averaging around 16 pounds, only fish over 30 will get more than a nod from fellow anglers. Often one will hook up with one of these brutes while fishing for sockeye; a long hard fought battle usually including a chase with the boat and a very happy and lucky angler is the end result.
Pink Salmon enter the river towards the end of August on odd numbered years (i.e., 2001, 2003, 2005, etc.). The smallest of the Pacific salmon (3 to 7 pounds), what they lack in size they make up for in sheer numbers (average 14 million spawn before Hope in the Fraser) and aggressiveness. A great place for the novice fly fisher to start or experienced fisher to hone skills and have some fun.
Chum salmon arrive around the middle of September but don't peek till the middle of October. Known locally as Dog salmon, these fish are eager bighters and hard fighters. Large numbers are again the norm and will test the stamina and skill of most fly fishers.
Cutthroat are not very conducive to the fly in the main channel of the Fraser. However, they take very well in the clear back sloughs. Floating lines, weighted patterns and the right tide are required for these fish. Fishing for the cutts usually commences around the middle of December and continues until run off occurs towards the end of April.
Lillooet River, BCtop
Situated in the heart of British Columbia`s Costal Mountains lies a hidden gem of a trout and salmon river. Accessible by boat only over the 157 square mile Harrison Lake, the Lillooet valley truly is a land that time forgot. The length and size of Harrison Lake as well as the ability of the weather to turn the lake into a churning ocean like sea of cresting swells, make it a foreboding journey to those who are ill equipped. There are times every year when trips need to be postponed or changed due to the unpredictability of the lake.
However, the rewards for completing the journey far surpass the rigors of making it. Normally a day trip, done in one of our deluxe custom designed jet boats, many of our customers feel that one day was not close to enough time to explore all the possibilities that the river has to offer. For them we have developed our Lillooet River Camp. Nestled in a secluded spot on the bank of the Lillooet River the Lillooet River Camp is a remote wilderness wall tent camp with separate guest, guide and eating quarters. All of the amenities though rustic are here including an outhouse with an incredible view of the river and a hot shower. The camp is all inclusive with the exception of alcohol and all meals are prepared by our fantastic camp chef.
Staying at the camp also allows guests the opportunity to fish above the canyon on the Lillooet. This area of the river rarely sees anglers and usually the only foot prints are those you made. Too far from the town of Harrison to go for a daytrip this area of the river can only be fished during multiple day expeditions. During your stay at the camp there will be at least one day spent above the canyon. The camp chef will accompany the guide boats up the river to prepare a hot shore lunch and photograph the morning's adventures. The trout fishing is incredible in this area of the river and there are a number of junction runs between major rapids that migrating salmon and steelhead have to stop and rest in. A day spent fishing above the canyon not to mention the boat ride to get there will surely be a highlight of your fishing experience.
With virtually no travel time from the camp to the fishing the amount of time spent on the water actually fishing is greatly increased. This means more photos in your camera. In fact we had many guests hitting camp water before breakfast in the morning and getting a few fish under their belt before the day even began.
Chinook or "King" salmon are usually present with the Sockeye allowing for another dimension of a days fishing. These are the largest of the Pacific salmon and are in the most prime shape they will ever be in. Averaging around 16 pounds, only fish over 30 will get more than a nod from fellow anglers. Often one will hook up with one of these brutes while fishing for sockeye; a long hard fought battle usually including a chase with the boat and a very happy and lucky angler is the end result.
Our Lillooet River Camp is also a great place for a corporate retreat. Take five of your best salesmen or customers and show your appreciation with a trip, the memories of which will last and be cherished for a life time.
Although the camp is a diehard fly fisher's wet dream it is also an incredible experience for the non-fisher person as well. The surrounding mountain vistas and sparkling glaciers are sure to take you breath away. The wild life viewing is spectacular with exceptional populations of deer, bears, and eagles as well as a plethora of other species regularly seen in their natural habitat.
Want to learn how to fly fish? What better place to learn this ancient piscatorial art then a remote secluded mountain stream. All of our guides are excellent casting and fishing instructors with a multitude of patience and encouragement. Long casts are not often needed to catch fish and it is encouraging for our beginners that they are able to catch fish as they are learning. A multi day trip will allow you to get into a rhythm of casting and catching the skills of which will last you for a lifetime.
British Columbia Fly Fishing Charters is not willing to compromise this outstanding resource to turn a profit so we are limiting the camp to six anglers at a time. We have three outstanding guides who live to fish this river and know it and its fish intimately. Only two guide boats will run each day with three anglers per boat and with more water available than both boats could come close to covering in a week, we and you can be assured that there is not an issue with fishing pressure.
Columbia River, BCtop
The Columbia River, in BC's interior, is home to one of the finest, yet unexploited, trout fisheries in the world. Tens of thousands of large wild rainbows swim these waters, just waiting to sip on your fly! The section of Columbia River that flows from Castlegar, BC to the US border is one of the last free-flowing stretches on this large and beautiful system. The dams that feed this river provide a year round fishery. This is a large river that is best navigated with a jet boat, which greatly increases your fishing success.
Dry Fly Fishing Times
The fly fishing methods used for these wild trout depend on the time of year that you will be visiting. The months of May - October provide dry fly action, with the best fishing period being from the end of June to the end of August. The caddis hatches have to be seen to be believed! Other insects that the fish target are mayflies, cicadas, flying ants, and stoneflies. The dry fly game is best played with a 9ft 5-6 weight rod, with floating lines, and long leaders tapered to 5x. The sight of so many large fish showing themselves so readily will leave you shaken at first, but you will be challenged as you start picking out the fish that you want to target. This can be a very exciting time to fish, as you watch with anticipation, as the large rainbows rise to the surface to feed. This fishing is best done with two anglers in the boat, as you will be fishing the large back eddies and drifting in the boat as you are casting.
Wet Fly Fishing Times
The Columbia, being a tailrace fishery, is fished from August, through the winter months, and into May. Many of the largest fish are taken during the spring, when these bruisers, weighing up to 10lbs, are feeding heavily on the baitfish and large stonefly nymphs. You're not going to catch 10lb fish every day, but they do average a very hefty 4-5lbs! Even the smaller fish will leave you breathless. Sometimes, all you can do is watch your line disappear from the reel as the fish swims for the other side of fast flowing river. One of the favored techniques is the use of spey rods, which help you, get a little more distance on this wide river, and also aid in the mending of your long line. You will be swinging your fly as you would for steelhead… down and across… and the take of these brute, fish will surprise you every time! The lightest tippet that you will be using for this type of fishing will be 10lbs, as anything less will have you being broken off. The favored flies are sculpin and baitfish imitations, stonefly nymphs, and any of the popular steelhead and Atlantic salmon flies, which can be effective as well. Single hand rods can also be used, but you must go up in size, with 8-9 weight rods in the 9-10ft range being the most useful.
There are three main types of Trout that reside in the system. Gerrad, Cutbow and Redside, along with some triploids that enter from the US side of the river. Our professional guide, Bruce Kruk, is a very well respected Spey caster and an equally accomplished single-hand angler. He will guide you to the fish aboard his center-console jet boat, which is perfect for fishing 2 anglers in the large back eddies of the river. When swinging flies from shore, we can comfortably accommodate three anglers and the fishing gear. If you would like some tips with your Spey casting, Bruce will be more than happy to help, teach and explain!
If you like to fish on uncrowded and pristine waters for wild, large and hard-fighting trout, then the Columbia River is a fly fishing adventure that you must experience. Not to mention the unbelievable and breathtaking scenery.
Skagit River, BCtop
If wild mountain Rainbows, clear intimate freestone streams and predictable daytime and evening hatches are what it takes to get your juices flowing then the Skagit River is for you. At just over an hour drive from our base in Abbotsford BC, the Skagit River is the perfect place to spend a day in angling ecstasy. As a dry fly Mecca the Skagit can only be described as perfect. With wade-able tail outs, intense hatches of mayflies, caddis, and stones, and pods of trout sitting every place a trout should there is more than enough here for a Robert Redford sequel.
Opening in the beginning of July, the Skagit normally fishes exceptionally well all summer and through to the fall when it closes at the end of October. A day on the Skagit is the perfect addition to a fall salmon charter for those who want to broaden their angling horizons and sample some of the other fisheries BC has to offer.
The river is VERY fishable from the upper region at Sumallo Grove, all the way to Ross lake. There are a few interesting side trips close to the Skagit as well. There are several lakes close by that have some very good fishing for Rainbow Trout, Bull trout, and Cutthroat Trout. Ross lake holds Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout, Silver Lake has Rainbows, while close by Jones lake has Rainbows and Cutthroat trout.
The scenery in the Skagit valley is STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL. You are still in coastal forest, so it is thick and very lush. The mountains are sharp with snow capped peaks for most of the year with the months of Late July-Mid September having no snow in most years on the peaks.
Guiding opportunities are very limited on the Skagit so please call ahead to arrange a day on the Skagit.
Chilliwack River, BCtop
Our local Chilliwack River is the largest steelhead enhanced river in the province of British Columbia. This means lots of steelhead.
Located just over 1 hour East of Vancouver, this river offers endless kilometers of easily accessible river front, suitable for all levels of fishing.
There are two names for this single river, "the Chilliwack River" and "the Vedder River". The division is the Vedder Crossing Bridge, and everything upstream of this bridge is the Chilliwack River.
The best flyfishing is in March and April when the water warms up and the salmon fry start to hatch. The steelhead get much more aggressive and are more apt to chase a swung fly. The steelhead enter the system starting in December so you can spend a day or week on the water anytime December - May with a very good chance of finding CHROME.
Half days are available.