Wells Gray for Anglers |
| Disclaimer: always check the current Fishing Regulations for current Rules, catch limits and restrictions |
| How many ways can you say "WOW!"? |
| Guided fly fishing: Only one company really offers guided fishing around Clearwater- www.silentsportflyfishing.com Paul and Stephanie offer a great service with hand built drift boats, great gear and a great stretch of river to run just outside the park boundaries. If you're coming into the area from out of country, try this, you'll love it! Note - There is no legal guided fly fishing within Wells Gray Park - so report illegal guiding to the Conservation Service or BC Parks staff. |
Wells Gray has fish in it... Lots of rainbow trout, the occasional Dolly Varden or Kokanee, and in the fall, Salmon. |
Pick a waterfall on Azure Lake, a creek mouth on Murtle, a drop off on Clearwater Lake or drag a fly on Alice or Shadow Lake, all are good for a couple of nice trout. The truly spectacular spots are all catch and release on the upper Clearwater River, areas around Bailey's Chute, and the Horseshoe, many that can be walked into and fished from shore. In late September, experienced fast water fishermen find paradise on the lava beds at the south end of Clearwater Lake- not for the poorly equipped or faint of heart. It's nice to watch someone else do, But I won't recommend it to anyone. Ask the Boat Tour folks, the Marine Patrols on the lakes, and at the local fly shops about what's biting and where. Think size 6-8 hooks. Favorite flies: Muddler Minnows(deer hair with gold or silver wrap) Leech and Dragonfly Nymph patterns, especially in the smaller lakes- like Placid and Alice. Try dry patterns on the river, like Sedges and Damsel Flys. Nothing too big. Fly fishing for Salmon? You're braver than me. |
Trolling the drop offs, cliff bottoms, past waterfalls, and river mouths seems like the thing to do. The north end of Clearwater Lake, west end of Azure, around Rainbow Falls are all popular destinations. Dragging a spinner behind your canoe when paddling to your next campsite will get you trout dinner about half the time. Mahood Lake sees few fishermen, and has a great variety of fish, so if you're looking for an untapped fishing spot, this might be your best bet. The Rainbow Trout(and other species) in these lakes are pretty uncomplicated fish - the most common mistake I see is people using gear too big for the fish. Small 6 or 8 hooks, smaller flatfish and spinners, willow leaf, wedding ring and worm combos seem to catch trout. Depth is some of these lakes also seems critically important, so play around with your trolling depth a bit, it may improve your chances. |
The really good one is the Little Fort Fly Shop, just at the highway 24 junction with Highway 5 in Little Fort. Think local knowledge. Its also the only shop in the area dedicated solely to fishing. Fishing tackle(and usually licences) can also be purchased in Clearwater at: Silent Sport Fly fishing, Home Hardware, Super Save Gas. A few other places carry a bit of stuff, But those are the big ones. Blue River, the supermarket has some stuff. |
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Diamond Lagoon
Bailey's Chute Salmon
22 inch Rainbow Trout on Murtle Lake
| Murtle Lake Hot Spots Straight Creek and File Creek have been known to let loose a few 12+ pound trout, and the occasional 1-2lb Kokanee. You can catch trout just about anywhere, but the creek and river mouths are nearly sure things. Don't believe me? I spoke with a canoeist last summer who caught and released over 70 trout in just 6 hours on his paddle from Diamond Lagoon to the canoe launch! |