Fishing and Fly Fishing
When it comes to fly fishing, Fernie is “Trout Town”. Every June 15th, the gorgeous Elk River that winds near the western border of the historic mountain town opens for fly fishing. For the next nine months, anglers arrive from every corner of the world to take in the breathtaking panorama of the Canadian Rockies and cast dry flies at the largest remaining population of wild and pure Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Those who want to include a bit of muscular resistance training to their fishing can pit their dry-fly prowess against a healthy Bull Trout population.
The Qanuk at Fernie can be your basecamp for a weekend fishing adventure or an extended excursion to all 8 rivers. Returning to your room at the end of the day, you’ll be only minutes away from fine food, a wonderful brewery, a distillery, and shopping. You can pick up everything you need from one of the many tackle and adventure outfits located right in town. From licenses to waders and the largest selection of dry flies you’ve ever seen, you’ll find it all for your next fly fishing trip. Fernie also has a number of guided fishing trips you can sign up for.
Elk River – The pristine, emerald waters of the Elk River are world-renowned for premier dry fly fishing. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the river is the most eastern river in British Columbia, and offers an easy float over deep pools, through bouldered runs, and numerous side channels. For the experience of a lifetime, it doesn’t get better than Elk River fishing.
Michel Creek – Just 20 minutes north of Fernie, near Sparwood, Michel Creek is a small tributary of the Elk River and is without doubt one of the finest North American walk-and-wade streams for a day of dry fly fishing.
Wigwam River – Accessible just minutes south of Fernie, the Wigwam River is one of the most beautiful rivers in the world and carries you through the Canadian backcountry for a full day of pitting your skills against the guile of Bull Trout.
Bull River – Directly west of the Qanuk, on the other side of the Lizard Range, the cold, clear waters of the Bull River flows with “cutties” (cutthroat trout) just waiting for your dry fly to catch their eye. The Bull River is so remote that you’ll feel you’re the only one who’s ever fished the beautiful waters.
Also on the western slope of the Lizard Range, just west of your room at The Qanuk Lodge, you can experience the clear, wild waters of the Kootenay and St. Mary rivers. Just north of Fernie the fishing experience of a lifetime awaits you. In the magical waters of the Folding River, you’ll find abundant rainbow and cutthroat trout in the cold waters of Alberta’s Crowsnest River. Those who enjoy fishing from a slow-floating canoe will enjoy the crystal waters of more than 50 lakes.