Fernie, British Columbia is home to some of the best fly fishing in North America and fall season is a prime time to visit. Combine this with beautiful fall foliage bursting into life during the months of September and October and you have the recipe for some fabulous fishing days.
Starting high up in the Rockies at Elk Lakes Provincial Park, the Elk River is the most accessible, productive and popular river to fish in the Elk Valley. The fishing season on the river runs from June 15th until March 30th.
Guided fly fishing is the best way to experience Fernie. Local guides have been operating for decades and understand where the top spots are at different times of the season. Guides offers full day floats, walk n' wade and learning options. View local fly fishing companies and local fishing regulations.
Guided fly fishing is the best way to experience Fernie. Local guides have been operating for decades and understand where the top spots are at different times of the season. Guides offers full day floats, walk n' wade and learning options. View local fly fishing companies and local fishing regulations.
The Elk River is a prime habitat for pure strain westslope cutthroat trout and big bull trout. Check out this fly fishing video from September 2019 by Fishing BC and Fly Fisherman Magazine featuring Hilary Hutcheson and Elk River Guiding.
A near bluebird day on the Elk River in September. Dogwood Park, where this image was taken from, is located right in town and provides parking, a washroom and a boat launch for anglers. There are a few boat launches along the Elk River, view Elk River Map for more details.
(Image by Mike Cotton Photography)
The Elk River is easily accessed from town along the community river trail for self-guided walk n' wade. All anglers require a fishing license which can be purchased at local fly fishing shops in town along Highway 3, or online.
(Photo by Mike Cotton Photography)
During the month of October the larch trees turn colours and autumn rain typically means snow on the high mountain tops. In fall 2018, Fishing BC shot this fly fishing video with Kootenay Fly Shop & Guiding.
Guiding companies such as Kootenay Guiding & Fly Shop and Elk River Guiding Co. both also offer a fully stocked fly shop to set you up for success.
Just a short drive north from Fernie are some sweet fishing spots - located near the Hosmer Bridge. Hosmer is a small community, but one packed with history and well worth exploring away from the river.
(Image by Mike Cotton Photography)
Fall might just be one of the best-kept secrets of fly fishing in Fernie. There are no crowds, the mountains are putting on a spectacular show, and the Elk River and other streams are still full of opportunity. Add in a friendly mountain town, knowledgeable local guides and miles of clear, fish-filled waters, and you have all the ingredients for a memorable autumn fishing trip. Just bring your rod, your appetite for adventure and a little extra room on the camera roll.
