What type of holiday are you looking for? Are you traveling with family or friends? When would you like to visit? Let us make some recommendations!
Updated: Aug 22, 2022
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. Where is Fernie?
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 Guiding & Fly Shop.
Guiding companies such as Kootenay Guiding & Fly Shop and Elk River Guiding Co. both offer a fully stocked fly shop to set you up for success.
Fly Fusion Magazine visited Fernie a few years back and produced a series of shows on local rivers including the Wigwam, Elk and St Mary's for the World Fishing Network. View the full series.
Just down the road from Fernie, are the sweet fishing spots located near the Hosmer Bridge. Hosmer is a small village but one packed with history and well worth exploring away from the river.
The Rocky Mountains completely surround Fernie providing epic views in every direction. Mount Hosmer is one of many great peaks and has so much character. Most people associate it with the infamous Ghostrider Legend, but there is even more beauty to this spectacular stretch of the river.
For more information on fly fishing in Fernie, click here. Be sure to book your lodging in advance as well, view current lodging specials.
Image credits: Mike Cotton, Jeremy Koreski, Mike McPhee, Kyle Hamilton and Vince Mo
