GENERAL
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a small
group of fishermen to fish the great trout rivers
of Alberta and British Columbia accompanied by an
AAPGAI Instructor with intimate knowledge of the area
and some of the best Canadian guides available.
You will fish for Brown, Rainbow and Westslope Cutthroat
in the best of the spectacular Rocky Mountain trout
rivers.
Fishing will be tailored to the conditions and will
include both Drift Boat and Wading techniques.
This is not meant to be a relaxing holiday for the
pampered fisherman but a fishing trip for dedicated
anglers who wish to improve their technical skills
whilst fishing some of the best trout rivers in the
world with like minded people!
PROPOSED ITINERARY
Whilst I will endeavour to stick to this itinerary
small changes may be required in order to make the
best of the prevailing conditions and individual requirements.
• Day 1- Arrive in Calgary
– Administration (visit local fly shops, buy
lic’ etc) followed by a Meet & Greet at
a local restaurant. Over night in Calgary
• Day 2 - Fish the Bow River
from McKenzie Drift Boat. Travel to the Crowsnest
Pass ~ 2 hrs.
Dinner at Farmhouse B&B. Fly Tying Demo.
• Day 3- Fish Crowsnest (walk
& wade). Travel to Fernie ~ 1 hr. Accommodation
@ Fernie Loginn (4 nights). Dinner @ local restaurant.
• Day 4– 1 Party Float
Elk River & 1 Party Fish Michel Creek –
(walk and wade). Dinner @ local restaurant, swap fishing
stories.
• Day 5– Swap - 1 Party
Float Elk River & 1 Party Fish Michel Creek –
(walk and wade). Dinner @ local restaurant, swap fishing
stories.
• Day 6- Float Elk River or
Walk & Wade Wigwam. Dinner @ local restaurant.
• Day 7– Travel to Calgary
- Fish the Bow River from McKenzie Drift Boat (Different
section). Accommodation @ North Bow Lodge (1 night).
Final Dinner @ local restaurant.
• Day 8- Expedition Ends –
Drop off at airport/hotel.
Elk River – Fernie
THE FISHING
I have loved these rivers since I was spooled
by my first Bow River rainbow in 1997. The Bow, Crowsnest
& Elk Rivers have all been touted in fishing circles
for their quality and variety of fishing, consistent
dry fly action, and incredible hatches. Expect to
catch large brown, Westslope cutthroat, and rainbow
trout in uncrowded beautiful surroundings. The variety
of waters during this trip range from tiny walk-and-wade
creeks to the best floatable rivers in the world.
I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
BOW RIVER
Located inside and downstream of the City of Calgary
the Lower Bow River boasts a self sustaining population
of 3000 Trout (Brown & Rainbow) per mile that
average 18 inches.
During the course of a day you will find yourself
fishing Streamers and Nymphs from a moving drift boat,
and fishing small dries on 5X to big surface feed
trout.
CROWSNEST RIVER
From the Continental Divide this Blue Ribbon Alberta
trout stream, flows East for the next 25 miles through
the Rocky Mountain Front Range, into the rolling foothills
and finally out onto the prairie.
Its superb reputation is founded on a population
of 1500 Trout per mile with a lot of Rainbows in the
14 to 18 inch class. This is predominantly a Rainbow
Trout fishery with a few Browns, Bulls and Cutthroat
trout thrown in.
ELK RIVER
The Elk River originates from the glaciers in Elk
Lakes Provincial Park and provides over 90 miles of
quite possibly the best dry fly fishing river in North
America.
Whether you are a novice or expert, casting to rising
native Westslope cutthroat from a drift boat floating
the Elk is something you will never forget. |
Westslope Cutthroat
GROUP SIZE
This trip will be limited to a maximum of 4
anglers in order to enhance the camaraderie
of the group whilst ensuring personal attention from
the Guides and myself. There will be an initial Meet
& Great in the UK in June – Loc’ TBC.
ACCOMODATION
Due to the transient nature of the trip you will stay
in a variety of accommodation ranging from modern
hotel rooms to farm house Bed & Breakfasts. Large
comfortable twin bedrooms will be provided and prices
are based on 2 anglers sharing a room.
Accommodation is not provided for the night 1, however,
it would be more affordable and ease administration
if all members stayed at the Best Western –
Okotoks Lodge, 22 South Ridge Drive. Transport can
be provided.
EQUIPMENT
Standard Trout Equipment is all that is required.
Rods in the 9 foot #5/6 range with floating &
sink tip lines are ideal. Reels should have a good
drag system and a minimum of 50 yds of backing. Summer
temperatures average around 70 degrees which makes
breathable waders or wet wading during the day more
comfortable; however it does cool at night. A detailed
equipment list will provided at the meet & greet
in June.
FLIGHTS – NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE
The itinerary has been designed to synchronise with
the ZOOM flights departing from Gatwick at 0745 on
a Wed which is the most cost effective airline.
EXCLUSIONS
International flights. Accommodation & Dinner
on 26 Jul. Breakfast on 27 Jul. Bar tabs; fishing
guide gratuities (C$25 per person per day suggested);
fishing licenses ~ C$60; items of a personal nature.
Travel insurance.
INCLUSIONS
Accommodation & Dinner - Day 2 - Day 8. Round-trip
ground transportation between Calgary, Bellevue &
Fernie. Daily ground transportation to/from lodging
and fishing sites; daily guided fishing; fishing equipment
as required; deli-style lunch and nonalcoholic beverages
during the fishing day.
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