East Kootenay, BC

Fly Fishing is right up there in the goodness chart with downward dog and cedar walks. A timeless sport, that can be enjoyed at any age and is something we can all partake in, since you don’t need to be super skilled or a Strava record beater to get your fly wet.

East Kootenay, BC

Norbury Lakes Provincial Park, a short drive South of Fort Steele, just off the Fort Steele/Wardner Road, park in the Day Use area, follow the trail to the lake. Find a shore side area, where you can cast, without any trees (or people) behind you so you don’t tangle up. This is a good option in Spring-time, try chironomid (wet, sinking fly) if you don’t see any surface action, or go dry fly for a variety of patterns, like a caddis.

Skookumchuck, BC

Snugged up tight against the Canadian Rockies, famous within the fly fishing community, as a can’t miss May and June destination for lunkers, but it also makes an all summer treat for spending time out on the water in your small craft casting and enjoying the incredible views of the rocky backdrop.

East Kootenay, BC

Whiteswan and Alces Lakes, two alpine gems, with wonderful Whiteswan Provincial Park campsites available at both, offer limited shore fishing opportunities and both are better suited to fish from boat, but if you don’t have one you can access the North shore trail from Whiteswan Provincial Park, Home Basin Campground, and find areas, providing opportunities to cast your fly for trout.

East Kootenay, BC

St Mary’s River is an absolute gem. With limited access, it is always a good idea to hire one of the local guides. We suggest going when the river water levels drop, perfect fishing levels, usually in mid July to end of August. Try casting dry flies for the hungry cutthroat trout. If trying to access the river on your own you can drive up St Mary’s road (a little over 20 km from Kimberley, B.C.), take a left to St Mary Regional Park, parking on the right in the day use area, where you can walk down the river, casting into holding water behind rocks.

Hwy 3/95
Cranbrook, BC

So easy, so close, Jim Smith Lake Provincial Park, just 5km from Cranbrook, is a great spot to seek trout and or bass. This is a popular family friendly option, so don’t expect to have the lake to yourself, but a great first time fishing experience option. Try your luck with dry flies like the caddis, and if sunny and hot, maybe chuck a hopper pattern.

East Kootenay, BC

People have an innate ability to overthink and dwell on our daily tasks. That’s why it’s so refreshing to focus your mind on something that will take you away from all of those everlasting, swirling thoughts. Forest bathing, trail time, fly fishing.