Elk River Revisited | Elk River Alternatives

Originating in the Elk Lakes Provincial Park near the Alberta/British Columbia boundary, the Elk River flows south and west 119 miles before pouring into Montana's Libby Reservoir (officially known as Lake Koocanusa). Throughout its length, the river's West Slope cutthroat-trout population, which had been in decline, has rebounded since the Ministry of Environment, Lands, and Parks designated two stretches (about 12 miles) of the lower river catch-and-release and restricted the entire river to single-hook angling. Now the bright, beautifully marked cutthroat readily take dry flies throughout the summer and early fall, and 30-fish days are common. Most fish measure 11 to 16 inches, but some reach 17 to 22 inches. Also, a river-wide 12-inch, one-fish-per-day creel limit in place until 1995 helped improve the cutthroat and bull trout populations.

In the late spring of 1995, the Elk experienced severe flooding that could have destroyed one or more year classes of cutthroat trout, which spawn in the spring, but it seems the fishery has remained strong. To protect against a possible decline in the trout population because of the flooding, regulations now require the release of all trout and char (bull trout) caught in the Elk River watershed.

The upper Elk from the Elk Lakes to the Line Creek bridge is best fished by walking or wading. Large cutthroat frequent this section in early summer, but the average size is generally smaller in the latter part of the summer and the fall.

The river below Elkford meanders through meadows and logged forests, and it is punctuated by undercut banks and log jams. Accurate casts are a must, and anglers new to the area should proceed with extreme caution near the log jams. In the area where 20 years ago I could not raise a trout larger than 12 inches, I recently brought to hand a 17-inch cutthroat and a 14-inch bull trout (also on the rebound), seduced by a large dry fly drifted tight to the log jams.

The river from the Line Creek bridge down to the town of Elko is best floated by boat. The wading is relatively easy and safe, but anglers can ford the river only in a few places and the distances between prime holding lies can wear out the best hikers. This part of the river demands only modest boat-handling skills. The Morrissey bridge-to-Elko stretch is a pleasant and easy drift, with fast, narrow, boulder-studded runs that shelter large, chunky cutthroat. Below Elko, steep cliffs, fast water, and difficult access keep the average tourist away, and only experienced river veterans or fishermen accompanied by a guide should attempt this big-fish but dangerous water.

Patterns and Hatches
The Elk River is a freestone river with mixed, sporadic hatches, so exact imitation is rarely necessary. Large high-floating stonefly and grasshopper imitations drifted and occasionally dragged across the surface can provoke savage strikes. Small Elk-hair Caddis and no-hackle dry flies, such as Comparaduns and Usuals, in various natural colors and sizes #10 to #18, complete an effective assortment of dry flies.

Presenting the fly tight to the banks and log jams can produce large fish, but be prepared to lose some flies to the logs and the fish. Large fish exposed to angling pressure can be difficult to tempt; they require some finesse.

Dry-fly angling can start in mid-June and last as long as the warm weather, but the most reliable conditions for easy dry-fly fishing usually occur from early August to late September. Drifted nymphs, as well as streamers and bucktails, can take trout and char all season long.

The season runs from June 15 to late October. The best dry-fly action occurs in August and early September. Rods in 5- to 7-weight should cover most situations, even when the wind howls on the lower Elk River. Lightweight chest waders with felt soles are recommended, although the river bottom is not particularly slick or dangerous.

Local Contacts
The Elk River has acquired an international reputation for quality angling. It is clear testimony to the efficiency of catch-and-release management, as well as the successful efforts of resource companies, provincial government agencies, and local residents restoring and preserving their natural environment.

To reach the Elk River area, fly into Cranbrook, B.C., and drive to Fernie, or drive four hours southwest from Calgary, Alberta, or drive two hours north from Whitefish, Montana. Elko has campgrounds and cabins. Fernie, Sparwood, and Elkford have hotel and motel accommodations. For a map locating free, user-maintained B.C. Forest Service campsites, call the B.C. Forest Service, Cranbrook Forest District office, at (250) 426-1700. Travel InfoCentres can furnish general information, including private resorts and accommodations. Contact them in Fernie, (250) 423-6868, Sparwood, (604) 425-2423, or Elkford, (250) 865-4362.

For guided trips contact The Crowsnest Angler, The Elk River Angler, Canadian Fly Fishing Services, Elk Point Angling, or Kootenay Fly Shop & Guiding Co. Trusty Creek Trout and Trail guides on the nearby Bull River. Outfitters and flyshops can offer advice on local accomodations.

Erik Poole lives in Burnaby, British Columbia. This article first appeared in the 1997 issue of Fly Fisherman but was updated April 23 with current contact information.

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