Canadian fly fishing
Where to cast
Some of the best fly fishing to be had anywhere in the world is in Canada. From the wild aggression and imposing strength of Northern Pike and the 50-pound Lake Trout — to say nothing of the Salmon, Walleye and Arctic Grayling — there are a truly majestic array of fish that await you in Canada’s rivers. Additionally, you will be certain to meet other fly-fishing aficionados from all over North America. You’ll also be happy to know that, if you’re the non-fly fishing half of your party, many outfitters have got plenty of alternative activities planned for you. And, blessed as Canada is with its natural beauty, there are many outdoor respites for everyone to recline into when rod and reel have been exhausted.
Below are some fly fishing outfitters we came across that might just have the fishing vacation of your dreams. As initial preparation, it certainly couldn’t hurt to watch Brad Pitt in the 1992 classic, A River Runs Through It.
Québec
La Réserve Beauchêne —Témiscaming, Quebec
Boasting world-class trout fishing and big game hunting on 50,000 acres of private acres of forest and water, La Réserve Beauchêne also offers stupendous accommodation, fine cuisine and even meeting facilities. With 40 lakes containing seven species of fish surrounded by rich, natural beauty, La Réserve Beauchêne offers something magical to the wilderness and fishing enthusiast.
Manitoba
Dunlop’s Fly-In Lodge and Outpost—Ste. Anne, Manitoba
Dunlop’s is a strictly catch-and-release fishing outpost, with waters abundant in both Pike and Walleye fish. Upon landing at Dunlop’s private air strip, you will be greeted by your hosts and taken down to the main lodge for a tasty bite to eat and then shown to your cabin. With no more than 16 guests allowed at a time, you will never feel overcrowded or rushed!
Nueltin Fly-In Lodges—Alonsa, Manitoba
Specializing in Lake Trout, Northern Pike and Grayling, Nueltin Fly-In Lodges have waters governed by a catch-and-release program that results in an abundance of trophy-sized fish for you to pursue. Nueltin is also exceptionally isolated, leaving the water and surrounding scenery untouched except by you and the small number of other guests.
British Columbia
The Fly Shop—Several Locations in British Columbia & Alberta
Specializing in waters filled with Steelhead and Trout, The Fly Shop has seven fishing lodges in both British Columbia and Alberta. All of the lodges are family owned and operated, giving fishers close attention and care.
Fraser River Lodge—Agassiz, British Columbia
It’s hard to believe that the stunning beauty of the Fraser River is just outside the bustling city of Vancouver, but a Salmon, Sturgeon and Trout-centred fishing holiday at the Fraser River Lodge will let you soak it up. The professional staff will attend to your every need, and the accommodations in the world-class lodge are five star. In addition to fly fishing, there are also spa packages available as well as arrangements for weddings and corporate retreats to name but a few.
Tsylos Park Lodge and Adventures
If it’s outside and you would like to do it in breathtakingly gorgeous surroundings, Tsylos will likely have you covered. From horseback riding and fly fishing to grizzly bear watching, there’s a lot to see and do. The fisher in your group will be fishing the Chilko River, pulling out formidably-sized Rainbow Trout and Salmon.
Kasba Lake Lodge - Parksville, British Columbia
Another fishing outfitter with a long time catch and release policy, Kasba Lake Lodge is “hidden like a jewel in the land of the midnight sun.” It boasts some of the biggest Northern Pike, Lake Trout and Arctic Grayling in Canada. And with coffee delivered to your cabin every morning, meals cooked by award winning chefs and experienced guides, Kasba is quite certain you’ll be returning.
King Pacific Lodge—North Vancouver, British Columbia
A Rosewood Small Luxury Hotel and Resort, the King Pacific Lodge offers catch and release trout and salmon fly-fishing. Yet, because of the tremendous experience of the guides that will lead you, no experience is necessary – arrive with a passion to learn and experience and the rest will be taken care of. And when you’re all tuckered out, you can return to un- paralleled luxury of the lodge. To round out the plethora of possibilities, guided luxury hiking, wilderness kayaking, whale-watching.
Ontario
Wilderness Air Fly-In Fishing Outposts
Possessed of ten outpost camps that each group of fishers is flown into, Wilderness Air promises sparkling waters abundant with fish, clean fresh air, clear blue skies and not even the sound of a car! After a long day of fishing, you can relax in your wood cabin, watch the breathtaking sunset or even enjoy your own private sauna with which most cabins are equipped. In addition, you can hunt bears, moose, wolves, birds and small game. And although you’re secluded from everyday life, the cabins at Wilderness North have all the amenities of home.
Wilderness North—Thunder Bay, Ontario
Giant, Trophy Northern Pike, Tasty Fat Walleye, Big Brook Trout – that’s what Wilderness North is really all about. Whether you’re a seasoned fisher or just thinking about your first fly-in fishing trip, Wilderness North has got 20 years of experience working to give you the best vacation possible.
New Brunswick
Country Haven Lodge and Cottages – Grand Rapids, New Brunswick
Country Haven is your one-stop destination for your outdoor vacation while visiting Eastern Canada. Specializing in guided Atlantic Salmon and Trout fishing tours; canoeing; kayaking; whale watching on the Bay of Fundy; and river-boat cruising.
Newfoundland
Coastal Safari - St. John’s, Newfoundland
With gourmet cooking and hot showers absolute standards, your fishing adventures with Coastal Safari will be unforgettable. You can exploring the Newfoundland coast with a variety of adventures to be had in addition to your fishing, including kayaking and hiking.
Canada - Various Locations
Yellow Dog Fly Fishing
Choose from British Columbia, Alberta or Saskatchewan for your fishing trip with Yellow Dog, and they will take care of the rest. Each location has an exceptionally comfortable lodge with many amenities, so you can concentrate on all those fish you’ll be catching!
Other Resources
Nova Scotia Fishing
A great online resource for conversing with other Canadian Fishing Enthusiasts from all over the world!
The Canadian Fly Fisher Online Magazine
Stay up to date with everything Canadian Fly Fishing! The New Fly Fisher TV series bought the digital rights to The Canadian Fly Fisher in order to publish an on-line magazine to tie in with their popular fly-fishing television show.