Anyone to BC's Elk, ST.MARY's river or Bow or Upper Columbia rivers in recent years?

[garyk]

Looking at some options for trout trip this summer....

Was interested in Montana's Big Horn but it sounds like they've had water problems.

The Alberta's Bow River was pretty interesting awhile ago, but it's been so long I've wondered how the fishery has held up? I know they've had a couple big flood events.

I really enjoyed the Elk River around Fernie, but again, I don't know how it's doing .... (other than a late run-off this year)

Anyone got recent experiences to share?

[steelymann]

If I were you, I'd look hard at the Crowsnest. It isn't far from Calgary and it is an awesome small stream. I land numerous trout over 20" with a cut that was 28". Fished lots of stims and soft hackles. Stalk and catch.

[grsteelies]

FYI I just watched greg heister fish the elk rvr with "Seasons on the Fly" on Fox sports Northwest at 10:00. Awesome dry fly action for above size cutt's, and BIG BULL'S as well. I wish I was going, but too much $$ for petro! Looks killer to me. Go tear it up.

[Johnandhis4x4]

I am going to Fernie on Friday for a family reunion. I will post what I find/see/experience. Pm me if you dont see anything by monday night. or Pm me if you want some specific info. =)

[garyk]

I am going to Fernie on Friday for a family reunion. I will post what I find/see/experience. Pm me if you dont see anything by monday night. or Pm me if you want some specific info. =)

Lucky you! I think Kootenai Fly Shop in Fernie is the main one.

My primary questions are:

With this big run-off wHen do they HONESTLY think the rivers will drop into shape?

With all the extremes and floods, how are the fish populations in the Bow and Elk rivers doing?

When I last fished the Bow, the AVERAGE fish was 18+ inches, probably closer to twenty. But the Bow doesn't seem to be getting the attention it once did....has the fishery declined that much?

Looking forward to your scouting report!

[Johnandhis4x4]

Good eve all,
So, I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news, the river levels are high, the fish are a little smaller. The good news, the river levels aren't too high. When I was there the river was running high but it was fishable. The color was a nice green with ok visibility. The flows were fast, but there were some really good stretches of river to fish. I only fished a little as my schedule was changed by my girl at the last min. From what I heard/experienced the fish are running about 15'' ave, but there were a fair amount of fish in the river. The largest fish I caught was maybe 18in, but they fought well in the current, and were beautiful fish. I talked with a guide at the boat launch, and he expected the fishing to pick up in the next few weeks and continue into summer. I would have to agree as the river looked great.

:twocents::twocents:

Hope this helps, let me know if you want some more specifics.

-John

[garyk]

Thanks for that update, John.

And a bump to the top....

Anybody else fishing the southern BC and Alberta trout rivers this year?

[garyk]

Also interested in the St.Mary's river and the Columbia, north of the border.