The Elk River:
Located in the Southeastern Kootenay district of British Columbia the Elk Valley is home to the Elk River drainage which is a diverse river system offering incredible fly fishing opportunities for a healthy population of Wild Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Bull Trout and Mountain Whitefish.
At 220km (140miles) in length the Elk River originates from the Elk Lakes which is fed by numerous glaciers. The river meanders through the small mountain towns of Elkford, Sparwood, Hosmer, Fernie and Elko; near the continental divide of the Rocky Mountains. With breathtaking backdrops the Elk boasts many tributaries which flow in from other valleys creating endless miles of river freedom for the everyday angler to explore. The Elk Valley hosts anglers from around the world visiting the quaint ski town of Fernie to fish the area. The Elk River is known for it’s prolific bug hatches and amazing dry fly fishing.
The Elk River is a freestone river and is legendary in the angling world being known to many as one of the worlds most premier dry fly fisheries; you can’t beat greedy cutthroat trout aiming to tease and please any angler. Filled with deep pools and buckets, under cut banks, sweet foam lines, big chunky rocks, log jams, dancing riffles, grassy banks and an array of back channels the Elk River offers a variety of angling adventure either walk and wading or drift boat fishing.
There is no doubt about it; the Cutthroat trout in the Elk River are big, beautiful and well deserving of the attention they get with vibrant high colored backs, full deep bellies and average between 14 -16 inches. It is not uncommon to hook into above average cutties that have been know to tape in above 18’.
The Fishing Season:
Make sure to keep posted on our blog for updates throughout the pre fishing season.
