With an appealing exchange rate, our USA clients are taking advantage of a great deal. Don’t be afraid to Book your trip early!
With all our trips, float or walk n’ wade, we offer the most professional guided fly fishing experience in the Elk Valley – our service and reputation are second to none. All of our guides have worked and lived in the valley for many years and know the in’s and out’s of the waters in their own backyard like no one else. We have 7 different floats on the Elk River alone, and 100’s of miles of walk and wade fishing. Let us put together a fishing adventure of a life time!
Our Guides are fully licenced from the Province of British Columbia and we are fully insured – if you don’t choose us…make sure the guide you do pick has a licence and insurance.
Float Trips: (Quoted in Canadian Funds. Approximately $650 USD depending on exchange rate )
- Elk River: $850
- Bull River: $850
- St. Mary River: $850
- Oldman River: $850
- Waterton River: $850
- Kootenay River: $995 “Bull Trout Safari”
All trips are based on 1 or 2 Anglers, and are subject to 5% GST (Quoted in Canadian Funds)
Walk ‘N’ Wade Trips: (Quoted in Canadian Funds. Approximately $650 USD depending on exchange rate )
- Elk River & Tribs: $850
- Michel Creek: $850
- Bull River & Tribs: $850
- Crowsnest River: $850
- Oldman River: $850
- Flathead River: $850
- Wigwam River: $995
- Skookumchuck: $995
All trips are based on 1 or 2 Anglers, and are subject to 5% GST (Quoted in Canadian Funds)
Stillwater (Lake) Trips: Spring & Fall
- Local Lakes: $600
- Distant Lakes: $650
All trips are based on 1 or 2 Anglers, and are subject to 5% GST (Quoted in Canadian Funds)
All Trips Include:
- Access & use of our extensive fly selection specifically selected for the waters we fish.
- Plenty of beverages during the trip
- Tasty lunch
- Our expertise and experience in fly fishing the rivers, tributaries, and other local waters
- Transportation to and from our fly shop
- Full Day Float Trips on Mackenzie Style Drift Boats or drift rafts, or full-day Walk N’ Wade trips
- We offer a Full-Service Fly Shop and fly fishing equipment can be purchased upon your arrival, and can also be pre-ordered to ensure availability when you arrive. Call us for more details.
Not Included on Trips:
- BC or Alberta Angling Licenses
- Guide Gratuity – Gratuities should go directly to the guide at the end of the trip and should not involve the fly shop. A fair gratuity for a guided day is 60$ per angler or $120 for two anglers (plus or minus based on the guides efforts that day).
Elk River Guiding Company is a full-service Fly Shop that is open year round. We offer a wide range of fly fishing equipment and gear from the beginner fly angler, all the way up to the most seasoned angler! If needing any gear for your guided trips, feel free to pre-purchase it online at our new online store, or upon your arrival in Fernie! Call us for more details.
What to Bring & Fishing Equipment Required:
- Hip Waders, preferably lightweight and breathable as it does get warm.
- Felt soled wading boots, the river rocks are very slippery.
- Sweatshirt / Fleece
- Rain Coat
- Hat and Sunglasses (polarized if possible so you can see deeper into the water)
- Fly rod and reel (4, 5, or 6 weight)
- Dry fly line and some 5X leaders.
- Sunscreen & Hat
- Camera
- Back Pack – when going on guided walk n wade trips!
Gear Rental is Available (subject to availability)
Elk River Guiding Company Reservation Policy:
Booking Policy:
-Upon making the reservation the guests understand that a BC Fishing License and Classified Waters License must be purchased by all anglers in the fishing party, and is not included in the package cost
-The dates reserved for guided fishing are non-transferable unless prior arrangements have been made and the date changes are approved by Elk River Guiding Company Ltd.
-Once the reservation is made and a deposit taken, a reservation confirmation letter as well as information and details about the fly-fishing trips will be emailed to the individual on file.
Deposit Policy:
-50% deposit is due at the time of the booking to secure the trip date and guide. Payments can be made with a credit card, Visa, Master Card or Amex. The remainder of the balance is due 60 days prior to your trip date and will automatically be charged to the credit card on file unless otherwise instructed at the time of booking. If making the reservation less than 60 days to arrival date the full amount is due at the time of booking
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations Within: 60 Days or More
If the reservation is cancelled 60 or more days to the guided trip date an administration fee of $100 (+5% GST) is charged per guide /per day to the account and the balance of the deposit is returned. Packages with third party accommodations are subject to the accommodator’s policy.
Cancellations Within: 60 Days or Less
If the reservation is cancelled less than 60 days prior to the guided trip date no refund will be given. Absolutely no refunds are given on any accommodations if cancelled less than 30 days prior to arrival.
COVID-19 Cancellation Policy:
If cancelling because of travel restrictions due to border closures, we would prefer to reschedule your booking to a future date, however we will issue you a refund of the payment made as per our regular cancelation policy with the exception of forgiving the 60 day time period.
Travelling during a pandemic can expose people to many risks. When planning your trip during this time, you are assuming there is a risk of potentially contracting COVID-19 prior to your trip. With this being stated we will not offer a refund to anyone with Covid-19 or any other illnesses or medical issues. If you have concerns, please make sure to purchase the appropriate cancellation insurance.
Due to the nature of the fly-fishing activity, poor weather and or less than desirable water conditions are not accepted reasons for cancellations. In some instances, Elk River Guiding Company may move trips to different waters than requested. If deemed necessary to cancel trips due to unsafe conditions a transfer to a future date will be made. Covid-19 has been challenging for everyone involved, we will do our best to accommodate your guide requests, however there may be changes upon your arrival.
WE SUGGEST PURCHASING APPROPRIATE TRIP CANCELLATION & COVID-19 INSURANCE!
Drifting the Elk is a great way to spend the day!
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is the best dry fly fishing in Fernie?
We usually recommend the last three weeks in July, throughout August, and the first two weeks in September. This of course is based on the weather, which as you know is hard to predict! The river’s open up officially to fishing as of June 15th every season. Depending on when the spring runoff is, we can have phenomenal dry fly fishing as of June 15th straight through into October.
What is recommended for tipping?
This is at the client’s discretion, but we generally recommend a good starting point for Guides is $100.00 per day per boat (ex: 2 Anglers = $50 each). It is best to tip your guide directly, rather than paying with a credit card through the Fly Shop.
What airport should I fly into?
There are 3 options. We usually suggest flying into Kalispell, MT or Calgary, AB as flights tend to be more cost effective. Most clients will then rent a car from the airport and drive to Fernie. If driving from Kalispell, MT please factor into your travel time the potential wait at the USA/Canada border.
- Cranbrook, BC / Canadian Rockies International Airport / 1 hour drive to Fernie, BC
- Kalispell, MT / Glacier Park International Airport / 2 hour drive to Fernie, BC
- Calgary, AB / Calgary International Airport / 3.5 hour drive to Fernie, BC
Do I need a valid passport when traveling to Fernie, BC?
Yes, a valid passport is needed when traveling from out of country.
Can a purchase a BC fishing license at Elk River Guiding Company?
Yes, you can. We usually recommend when going on a guided trip to purchase your BC fishing license upon arrival at the Fly Shop. This way we can make sure that the appropriate rivers as well as the outfitter are selected. If you are fishing on your own then see the link on our Blog page for on-line purchase of BC fishing licences.
Should I be concerned about bears?
We recommend being “Bear Aware” when out fishing. We suggest making noise as well as carrying bear spray, and or bear bangers. Both bear spray and bear bangers are sold at Elk River Guiding Company. The Elk Valley is home to black bears as well as grizzly bears.
What flies should I tie prior to arrival?
This depends on the time of year you are visiting, please feel free to review the hatch chart https://www.elkriver.ca/fly-fishing, but here are a few examples:
- Dries: Golden Stoneflies / Fat Alberts / PMX / Caddis / BWO / Adams / Western Green Drakes / Ants / Beetles / Hoppers
- Nymphs: Golden Stoneflies / Prince Nymphs / Cooper Johns / Leech Patterns
- Streamers: Black, White, Natural, and bright colors in Double Bunnies, as well as Woolly Buggers