Our skilled crew brings dedication, passion and experience to ensure you get the most out of your next fly-fishing adventure

In the realm of unparalleled service and unmatched reputation, our seasoned guides, long-term residents of the valley, boast an intimate knowledge of local waters that sets us apart.

We love to fish

We’re passionate about what we do and fishing isn’t just a job for us it’s a way of life!

Extensive Experience

The shop has been here for over 10 years and the total years of our guides local experience is over 180 years

Best Guides in the Valley

Our guides stay with us because we are the best and there is no need to shop hop

Customer Service

Our Fly Shop Staff are very friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about fly fishing

Best Fishing spots

All of the staff and guides spend all year finding new fishing spots just for you! Preferred and Private River Access.

Best Equipment

The Fly Shop has all you need including the Best Fly Selection in the Elk Valley

The extra mile

We’ll get it done for you! Just ask and we will do our best to accommodate your requests!

Our trips

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!

Float Trips

Full Day up to 2 Anglers - Quoted in Canadian Funds Approximately $650 USD depending on exchange rate

  • Elk River
    $895
  • Bull River
    $895
  • St. Mary River
    $895
  • Oldman River
    $1095
  • Waterton River
    $1095
  • Kootenay River
    $1095

All trips are based on 1 or 2 Anglers, and are subject to 5% GST (Quoted in Canadian Funds)

Walk ‘N’ Wade Trips

Full Day up to 2 Anglers - Quoted in Canadian Funds Approximately $650 USD depending on exchange rate

  • Elk River & Tribs
    $895
  • Michel Creek
    $950
  • Bull River & Tribs
    $895
  • Crowsnest River
    $895
  • Oldman River
    $895
  • Flathead River
    $995
  • Wigwam River
    $1050
  • Skookumchuck
    $995

All trips are based on 1 or 2 Anglers, and are subject to 5% GST (Quoted in Canadian Funds)

Stillwater

Full Day up to 2 Anglers - Quoted in Canadian Funds Approximately $650 USD depending on exchange rate

  • Local Lakes
    $850
  • Distant Lakes
    $950

All trips are based on 1 or 2 Anglers, and are subject to 5% GST (Quoted in Canadian Funds)

Detailed Information

Important information you should know

    • 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.
    • 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.

    • 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)

  • Booking/Cancellation Policy:

    Trips on hold are not guaranteed until a deposit is secured and may be released at any time. 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.

    -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 from the arrival date the full amount is due at the time of booking.  

    • 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 Within60 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.  If cancelling because of travel restrictions such as full border closures, we would prefer to reschedule your booking to a future date, however we will issue you a refund of all the payments made. Travel restrictions instilled on individuals for any reason are not eligible for refunds. Medical conditions, pre-trip injuries, etc. are all unfortunate and we suggest purchasing third party trip cancellation insurance if you feel it necessary.

    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. We will do our best to accommodate your guide requests, however, our guides operate as individual contractors and there may be changes for reasons beyond our control.  


    WE SUGGEST PURCHASING APPROPRIATE TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE!

FAQ

Here are the most frequently asked questions we get. If you don’t see an answer you are looking for.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yes, a valid passport is needed when traveling from out of country.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

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