Chilko River Fly Fishing Excursion British Columbia Canada Surround yourself with crystal clear water and unspoiled mountain wilderness. Our  seven night River Fly Fishing package offers you six and half days of fully guided river fly fishing for Trophy Native Rainbow Trout, you can also enjoy fishing for amazing Bull Trout on Chilko Lake.    Chilko Lake is 50 miles long and surrounded by the snowcapped peaks of the Pacific Coast Mountains. It is the highest fresh water lake in North America and offers you a wild, scenic backyard as big as it gets. It is considered to one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia.  The Chilko River flows from Chilko Lake and is right outside your front door offering some of the best river dry fishing for wild Rainbow Trout. This river is not stocked, these are wild native rainbow trout living in one of North America's top fly fishing rivers. It all adds up to a great fly fishing trip, fun and good times.   You can float a line from a drift boat, jet sled or float-tube. Wade the riverbank for total serenity. You can spend the day on awe-inspiring Chilko Lake fishing the mouth of glacial streams surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, pristine beaches, and no one for miles. If you want a day off from fly fishing, we have a herd of well trained horses, canoes, kayaks, and miles of horse trails for hiking. Or you can always kick your feet up on the deck and read a book or soak in the hot tub. The choice is yours. Riding with fishing options Meeting: Chilko Lake Airport: Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Transfer: South Terminal Signature Building Riders: Min 1 riders Max 10 riders (per riding group) Max Capacity 14 Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Minimum Deposit: 50 %

    GST (VAT)  5%

Transfer and Other Charges:

Charter flight is not optional.
Check-in at South Airport in Vancouver for 8:50am on Day 1. Return by 1:00pm to Vancouver on last day. Do not book a return flight before 3:30pm.

Whether you are experienced at fly fishing or a beginner, both the Chilko River and Chilko Lake are a great spots to enjoy the sport of fly fishing. This fully guided 8 day excursion with our excellent guides will ensure your fly fishing trip is the best it can be. Our packages are from Sunday to Sunday, offering you six and half days of excellent fully guided fly fishing for wild trophy rainbow trout.

All guides are experienced and passionate about river fly fishing. They are not only avid fly fishers, but great people to spend the day out on the water with.
There is one guide for every two anglers or when fly fishing up the lake, one guide for every four fly fishers. Our guides take care of the details, so you get to relax and enjoy the fly fishing. They offer you helpful tips for the right flies, knots, fish behaviors and casting instructions. 

If you can stand to take your eyes off your fly for a moment you may spot bear, moose, mule deer, eagles, osprey or even the elusive wolverine. But don’t glance away too long, you’ll miss the rise of your beautiful trout and all the action.


Sustainability
The river now, by law, is catch-and-release, fly fishing only, single barbless hook and has a bait ban. The regulations on Chilko Lake are also single barbless hook and have a bait ban.
We feel strongly about the Chilko water system and started practicing and promoting catch and release fishing in 1985. The main reason, we never wanted to see “stocked trout” in the Chilko system.
We are determined to preserve the Chilko River and are proud to call it a true sustainable fishery. In keeping with the ethos of sustainability it needs all of us to contribute to its preservation in a shared goal for the future. The Rainbow and Bull Trout of this river system (and all rivers) must be handled minimally and with the respect they deserve in a bid to preserve them for future generations to come.  If you land a particularly memorable fish then, with reserves, our guides will only be too happy to help with a quick and hassle free photo.
Our goal is to ensure the Chilko River and Chilko Lake species remain a true wild native species. These beautiful fish are a finite resource. We ask all guests to participate in helping us maintain a population of strong and healthy native trout.

Catch and release is effective providing you do it properly, so a few tips to make sure your fish returns to the wild, strong, healthy, and alive.
- use clean, sharp barbless hooks for a quick release of the trout.
- use proper leaders that the fish is not played to exhaustion. 
- for large trout use a rubber net (debate goes on) for a faster catch and quicker release, less handling, and if needed, resting the trout prior to letting it go. Otherwise do a hands-free release, meaning do not touch the fish, just gently remove the bar while it is in the water and let it go. 
-i f you catch a fish while wading, keep the fish in the water, do not drag it onto the rocks, and remove the fly gently, and let the fish go. If it is tired, make sure it is rested prior to doing so.
- it is best to keep the fish in the water so it can keep breathing.  If you bring it out of the water for a quick photo, you can only keep it out for ten seconds, otherwise you are damaging the fish.
- if you are using waders and boots in multiple watersheds, make sure you keep and disinfect your equipment and boots. You do not want to transfer invasive species or viruses between watersheds. If you are bringing your own boots, please make sure you clean them properly before arrival. If you are concerned, we keep a supply of extra Orvis waders and wading boots at your disposal.

The Chilko has both resident and non-resident fish spawning, hatching, and emerging at different times of the season. We keep wading to the shelves and avoid wading in the gravel beds. 
We do not anchor in the spawning beds. Dragging an anchor through the gravel beds destroys key fishing spawning habitat.


Seasons
The fishing season starts mid-June to mid-September with the dry fly fishing season in July and August. We are blessed with the certain knowledge that the consistent dry fly action for large, scrappy Rainbows is second to none.
The river opens in mid- June when the wet fly fishing is excellent for both Rainbows and Bulltrout. At the end of June our dry fly season begins as the fish start looking up, throughout July and August the dry fly fishing is second to none. In September as the salmon move into the river, the Rainbows and Bulltrout start to feast on salmon eggs. In mid-September the river closes for fishing from a motor boat in respect of the spawning salmon.


Chilko River
Imagine your perfect big, western trout stream and you’re imagining the Chilko River. The character of the river is punctuated with long, deep pools, riffles, boulder gardens, shelves, structure, white water and braided channels all of which offer a wide variety of fishing opportunities. The river is crystal clear and it’s common to see large trout slowly rising from the river bed to take your fly. The constant flow and temperature of the river maximize insect hatches and the growth of the resident fish. The river flows out of Chilko Lake which acts as a natural filtration system, ensuring consistent water flow and its legendary clarity. The Chilko River then continues north easterly through the Chilcotin plateau and meets the Chilcotin River which, in turn, pours into the mighty Fraser River.
The Chilko River is not stocked; these are wild native rainbow trout living there. No dams, no logging, just clear, drinkable fresh cold water, fed from glaciers that keep our rainbow population healthy, strong and hungry. This offers you exceptional dry or wet fly fishing for beautiful, hard fighting rainbow trout.
These stunning Chilko Rainbows grow to healthy sizes due to the large late summer runs of BC Sockeye, Chinook, and Coho salmon, the spring smolt escapement from the lake and the never ending summertime insect hatches make for some of the best trophy trout fly fishing in the world. Be under no illusions that you will encounter wild ‘bows over 20 inches and perhaps that trophy fish of your dreams in the high twenty inch range.

Fishing on the Chilko river is done is various ways:
- Wade all the different pools and ledges for the first 9 km with full guide support. Your guide will move you from shelf to shelf and offer assistance when needed. Most fishing clients spend a good portion of their time wading on the river shelves. It is a good mix of drifting, wading and floating.
- Drift fish from flat bottom jet sleds. We float the river, stop, wade, and float to the next spot. Once at the end of your drift, the jet motor is used to move upstream for another drift. One person may fly fish from the bow and one from the stern while your guide directs you over the shelves. Usually one day is spent on the "drift boat" taking you down the river about 22 km's and driving back to the lodge by vehicle. We have 4 flat bottom jet sleds that are used as "drift boats" on the river. We also keep belly boats (float tubes) for our guests to use, with the guide moving you back to the top of the runs with the jet sled. On a hot day a float tube on the river is a nice way to spend the day.
- Head up Chilko Lake on the Double LL, fly fish knee deep in clean blue waters, lunch on a pristine beach, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and no one for miles.


Chilko Lake
This lake is considered to be, by many, the most pristine and beautiful lake on the planet. The lake is the largest, high elevation lake in North America and in places reaches depths of over 1600 feet. It supports the 3rd largest run of Sockeye in British Columbia and both the river and lake are the natural spawning grounds and rearing habitat for rainbow trout, steelhead, bull trout, rocky mountain whitefish, sockeye, chinook, and coho salmon. It is home to a healthy population of indigenous Bull Trout, Rainbows and the mythical White Sturgeon.
The Lake boats that we also use are larger and can typically carry four anglers at a time and you will fish off the banks of Chilko lake.

Alexis Creek area 

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	25	33	47	56	65	71	75	76	67	52	34	23
Average Low Temperature (°F)	9	12	21	28	36	43	46	45	37	28	18	7
Average High Temperature (°C)	-4	1	8	13	18	21	24	24	19	11	1	-5
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-13	-11	-6	-2	2	6	8	7	3	-2	-8	-14
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	4	2	2	3	6	9	8	7	5	5	5	5

Source: NOAA

Seasons
The months during which we operate our trips (May, June and September) are usually warm during the daytime, but can get cool in the evenings. During July and August you can expect temperatures in the low 70's to mid 90's Fahrenheit (18 to 30 °C).

Spring
Spring is a burst of new energy and the warmth of the sun. It is new vibrant colors from the first blade of green grass, to the budding of a new leaf, crisp blue skies, and snowcapped peaks. With the spring the river gains in size and large migrations of Sockeye Salmon fry and smolt take place. With a billion one-year old Sockeye heading to the Pacific Ocean and billions of minute fry hatching and making their way to Chilko Lake, the Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout congregate in the river for a feast. Steelheads are spotted spawning in the shallows and leaping out of the Chilko River to have a look around. Wild roses and Sunflowers are starting to bloom on the side hills, giving the land more and more color.

Summer
Summertime means big hatches, blue skies, warm days, alpine trips and wildflowers. Dry fly fishing on the river starts and the laughter can be heard from trail where the riders are cantering through the trees along the water. Life does not get any better than this!

Indian Summer
Indian Summer in September and October is a very special time of year at Chilko. It is an explosion of autumn colors, an abundance of wildlife, and an orchestra of sounds. With the changing seasons the Sockeye & Chinook salmon return in vast numbers, spawning on the river and lake. The water wiggles with red spawning fish, bringing down the Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Herons, Ducks, Ospreys, and other wildlife to feast on the dead salmon that have already laid their eggs for the cycle to begin all over. This is a wonderful time to visit!

Winter
Soft falling snowflakes bury the earth and silence falls within our valley. The Trumpeter Swans move into Chilko and add their grace and beauty to the splendor of the frozen land. Only the running water of Chilko River reminds us of earlier times, and the seasons to come.

Passengers can have 40 lbs. maximum luggage weight per person in soft luggage please.

Our weather can be hot, cold, or wet, appropriate attire suitable to the great outdoors and changing weather conditions is a must. Dressing in layers that you can add on or take off is best. So here are a few items to help ensure you have a great trip. Bring a fleece jacket or sweater for cool to cold evenings.
Camera, batteries, flashlight, sun screen, bug juice, swim suit for Jacuzzi, comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended for around the lodge.

We do have NRS Fly fishing vests at the lodge for you to use. We do require you to wear one on both the lake trip and the drift boat trip. We would prefer you wear them while fishing at all times, but this is your personal choice.


Fishing Gear
We do ask that everyone signed up for the fly fishing package bring chest waders (an inexpensive pair will do just as well as the expensive kind).
Rubber soled wading boots, fly rod 5/6 wt. for the river, 6/7 wt. for the lake, dry line, fast sinking tip line, tippet and leaders 2x,3x, polarized sunglasses, fly vest, hip pack, and a lucky fly hat are also recommended.

Most people bring their own rod and flies. A 9.5 foot 6 weight is ideal. You can use a 5 or 7 weight without any problem. Make sure to bring a floating line and a fast sinking tip line as well.
We keep quality Orvis fly rods and reels at the lodge for your complimentary use in case you need a backup rod. We also have extra waders and boots, but be sure to request this prior to the trip to make sure we have the right size for you.

For the Chilko River, we recommend a 5-6 weight rod with a good reel, floating line with 100 yards of backing.
For Chilko Lake, we recommend a 6-8 weight rod with a 25 foot, type 6-8 sink tip or a full fast sink line.

BARBLESS FLIES TO BRING
DRY FLIES - The staple patterns on the Chilko River include the orange bodied Stimulator, Sofa Pillow, Designated Hitter (sizes #2 - #8) and the Chernobyl ant (sizes #2 - #6). Other dry flies include the Carpenter Ant, Green and Brown sedge, Grey Wulff, Royal Wulff, Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Shadow May Fly in sizes from #8 to #14, the Royal Coachman is also used in sizes #6 - #8.
WET FLIES - Black and olive Wooley Buggers, White Rabbit Leech patterns, Matukas, Muddler minnows, clousers, and Polar Bear Streamers are used. Stone Fly Nymphs, Hares Ears, and egg patterns are also effective dead drifted.

Remember to bring a selection of leaders from 2X - 4X with plenty of tippet material.

Fly Shop
We keep a well-stocked fly shop at the lodge with wet and dry flies, leaders, tippet, floatant, hats, fleece jackets and vests, fly fish shirts, t-shirts, and stuff.

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Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights will be spent at the same location.

Description
The wilderness log lodge provides a warm and welcoming gathering place to enjoy good times with your fellow travelers. Situated adjacent to the Chilko River, the location of the lodge and guest cabins all take advantage of offering you beautiful views of the river, valley, and the Coast Mountains. The lodge hosts the dining area, the great room with a big stone fireplace, a fully stocked bar of beer, wine, and spirits, Jacuzzi, barbecue area, and big decks. The lodge is a great place to share a drink, play a great game of cards, soak in the Jacuzzi over looking the river, or take advantage of the big deck while viewing millions of stars. Of course an option is to sit by the roaring fire sharing  a great story of the day. Canoes and kayaks are also available for use.
Please note there is no cell phone reception or WIFI. 


Cabins/ Rooms
We have 3 log cabins and 4 rooms in the lodge to accommodate up to 16 guests (a mix of riders, fly fishers, or bear viewers. Riding groups are kept to 6 to 8 riders max). Each unit is set up for two people and offers private bathrooms, comfy beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and duvets, gas fireplaces, or a wood burning stove. The accommodations are very comfortable. There is daily maid service to ensure that your room or cabin is kept comfortable for your stay at the lodge. We have a laundry machine available and clothesline at the lodge, which can be used in the evening- otherwise the cabin attendant can do laundry for a small fee.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement will include a private room but may have a shared bathroom with the same gender.



Meals
All meals are included in this trip from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day.

Life at the lodge is focused around the great outdoors. The gathering of everyone for meals is a special time of the day. We serve all meals at the lodge "family style."
Wonderful Canadian breakfasts as well as fresh fruits, cereals, yogurts, and juices are served before you active day on the river, lake or trail.
Lunch is spent streamside, on top of a mountain, or wherever your wanderings have taken you, giving you total freedom throughout the day.
The evening meal is especially nice. After a great day, everyone can relax with a good dinner, a glass of wine, and great company, sharing stories from their adventures. Wonderful meat dishes, breads, salads, pastas, vegetables, delicious desserts and table wines are served. This is all "no guilt" eating, as your active day ahead needs the energy!

Another highlight is a fully stocked bar located within the lodge where you can purchase drinks for an extra fee. It is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail while you sample tasty appetizers made by the in house chef. The bar is fully stocked with an assortment of spirits, beer and wines.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to vegetarians with prior notice.
 

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Quarter horses, Arabs, Appalossa, Draft, Thoroughbred and various crosses.
Pace:		Moderate - Walk, trot and some canters. | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2 to 3 out of 5)    All Levels
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 10 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 14

Bull Trouts
Bull Trout are built for predation and here we target these apex predators both on the Lake and in the Chilko River. They grow to trophy sizes and are often seen hammering shoals of salmon smolt on the lake and will even chase down hooked rainbows to the boat. They offer exciting sub-surface action. The average size of these predators is between 5-8lbs with much larger fish caught on a regular basis. You will fish off the banks of Chilko Lake using large streamers on sink-tip and full sinking lines on 6-7 weight rods. A day on the lake comes highly recommended and depending on weather conditions, we will get you up there to experience a little bit of paradise.

Non-Fishing Activities
Although this is first and foremost a fly fishing trip, if you want a day off from fly fishing, we have a small herd of well trained horses and miles of wonderful trails to explore. Our guides are really good at matching each riders personality and abilities with the perfect horse. Our horses are well trained, fit, and most importantly willing. Our herd consists of around 35 horses and is made up of a mixture of many different breeds (Quarter, Arab, Appaloosa, Paint, Draft and Thoroughbred). You will be amazed at how well they do their job!

Passports

Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:

(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;

(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;

(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).

Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);

(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.

Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.

Passport Note

Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognized for travel to Canada.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:

(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;

(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;

(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.

Types of Visa and Cost

Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.

Validity

Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)

Working Days Required

10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	1
USA	2
Other EU	3
Visa Required?
British	No/4
Australian	No
Canadian	N/A
USA	No
Other EU	5
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	N/A
USA	No
Other EU	Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.