Fly Fishing

Fly fishing on the Columbia River and Arrow Lake can be challenging, but an understanding of seasonal hatches and big water goes a long way to successfully landing wild rainbow trout that average three-to-five pounds and up to 10-pounds on secluded but accessible water.

Fly anglers use everything in their arsenal on the four-season fishery, from going deep with a full-sink line for walleye and winter rainbows, trolling bucktails for Gerrards and bull trout, nymphing stoneflies for spring trout, or casting dry flies in the heat of summer to rising rainbows.

The Columbia’s amazing hatches promise dry-fly purists and the most ardent nymph anglers one of the finest fishing experiences in North America. With about 1,000 trout per kilometre and low angler pressure, throwing string on the last free-flowing section of the Columbia is both satisfying and productive. Fly casters can expect a peaceful but exhilarating journey on this 56-km section of the Columbia River.

Whether you’re floating the river in a drift boat, powering up in a jet boat, or accessing the river by foot, you’ll find a variety of prime fly-fishing spots from large revolving eddies, massive feed lines and deep pools, oxygen-rich riffles, tailouts and long, trout-filled runs.

If fly fishing is your passion, don’t let this opportunity get away. Put it at the top of your bucket list and let us be your guide.

A six-weight rod when casting dry flies or nymphing is recommended, but when using full-sink line with streamers and/or woolly buggers, a 7– or 8-weight would be the rod of choice.

A good arbor fly reel with about 50 yards of backing is recommended. Wild rainbows make long line-peeling runs and if they get out into the main current you’ll need every inch of your backing to get them under control.

When targeting big rainbows in winter or early spring use a fast–sink Type 4 to 6 line or sink tip with four to six feet of 8-to-10-pound mono for the leader.

In the heat of summer wet-wade the Columbia with a pair of shorts or light wading pants and wading boots with a studded rubber sole to keep from slipping on the algae that covers many of the large rocks in shallow areas. Otherwise a pair of Gortex waders with fleece underneath is comfortable for those shoulder-season days when the weather and river fluctuate.

A boat is a great accessory to have on the Columbia, but because it’s big, powerful water fly-fishers should only go out on the river with those who know it well. Hire a guide the first couple of times out, or go with someone local that has an abundance of experience on the Columbia River.