Columbia, Slocan & Salmo Rivers

Fly Fishing in Nelson BC

Nelson's eclectic downtown has an abundance of unique shops, excellent cafes, galleries, great restaurants and a surprisingly robust nightlife. Friendly folk are everywhere and nobody moves too quickly here - it’s referred to as "Kootenay time”. You’ll be able to sink into Nelson and relax. The mountains and lake provide plenty of recreational opportunities in summer and winter. This  region of British Columbia has remained relatively unknown to the fly fishing world, yet it hosts some of the finest rainbow trout fishing waters in the province.

Situated at the top of the Kootenay Lake and nestled deep in the towering Selkirk Mountains, the scenery here defines BC as a province.

Fishing on the Columbia River

The West Kootenay's Columbia River is one of the most exciting tailwater fisheries in North America and is home to some of the largest rainbows you will ever see. Native and wild rainbows on this river are absolute brutes, capable of spooling out your reel upstream against 75,000 cfs currents.

The caddis hatch of June and early July reaches epic proportion.
These hatch periods peak in the evening and draw massive pods of rainbows. The fish are timid but abundant; dry flies with proper drifts will result in a good number of hook ups and some punishing battles.

 

Salmo & Slocan Rivers

As tributaries to the Columbia, the Slocan River and Salmo River are subject to the same stunning hatches. If you are into big fish on a small river, let us take you there. It's dry fly heaven. The Salmo and Slocan are relatively untouched and chances are you will not see another soul all day!

Columbia River 2 Person Drift

• pick up and drop off at your hotel
• 8 hours on the water
• a big delicious lunch (with non alcoholic bevies)
• flies

What to Bring With You

• 4-5 weight rod for dry fly casting
• 6 weight for nymphing or streamer patterns.
• Waders (recommended)
• Bevies