Southern BC
*Important to note*
From Aug. 2 until Sept. 10, 2023, angling in these areas will be closed from 2 p.m. until midnight. To ensure people have an opportunity to fish, these closures will be in effect only for the times when the water temperature is at its highest.
This order applies to Michel Creek, Morrissey Creek, Lizard Creek, Coal Creek, Sand Creek, and the lower St. Mary's River, as well as streams listed in Management Units 4-3 to 4-9. These waterways are located throughout the Kootenays, near Grand Forks, Fernie, Sparwood, and Cranbrook.
Water temperatures in these systems are peaking at approximately 20 C in the afternoon to evening. Angling fish at these elevated temperatures has been demonstrated to have harmful, and sometimes lethal, effects on fish, and any fish released after being caught will have difficulty recovering.
If you would like more information in regards to time of day angling restrictions copy and paste this link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/fishing/fishing-regulations
The Elk and surrounding waters are dealing with the same low water conditions that we are seeing here on the Bow. Currently, the elk is flowing right around where it would be in late September. With that being said the Fernie area saw rain earlier in the week which has helped a bit. The small bugs are starting to come back and the fish are happy about it. A trip down to the elk is a great choice for your last fishing trip of the season especially with how well it has been fishing as of late.
As mentioned, small mayflies are starting up again and fish are on 'em hard. Not only are they eating mayflies, though. They are also clobbering terrestrials of all sorts. Anything from a Water Walker to a Humpy Chernobyl are getting the job done. Keep in mind though that the fishing in the mornings has still been a bit slow. So, that means that your morning is going to consist of either nymphing or throwing streamers. But as the day carries on you will see a very apparent shift happen and when it does, it'll be a thing of glory. Currently, there are a good amount of hoppers (from size 6-12), caddis (in a 14 or 16), midge, ants, and BWO's as well! If dries don't yank your chain and you would prefer to throw the big meat. Then, our suggestion would be to try and fish something that resembles a baitfish (along the lines of Sex Dungeon or Keller's Dream Catcher). With your streamers it is important to get them deep so don't be too worried about ripping the streamer lightning fast. No matter the style make sure you stay persistent. As long as you do, you should have some luck!
Remember that when you are hitting the water, the fish are in their usual holding spots for this time of the year. This means that if you see something that you think might be fishy by all means, fish it. You never know what might be hiding. It seems that when fishing the faster water as of late you can get the job done with a hopper on the smaller side (as small as a #12), a nice classic mayfly imitation in a #16ish size, or a flying ant. But, as far as the slow stuff goes, well, that's where you are going to have to lengthen that leader and tie on something small and techy (like a #20 spinner perhaps). The fishing can be tough in the slow stuff but if you can get the job done the reward can be quite good.
Flies:
- Streamers: McClure's Kill Whitey Mottled Tan #1/0, Galloups Dungeon White #2, Dolly Lama Flesh/Tan as well as Pink/White #2 or #6, CH Sparkle Minnow Pink #6, Yo Mama's Lama Tan #2 or #4, Skerik’s Apex Predator Pink #5/0, Skerik's Public Flasher Pink or Grey #2, Trick or Treat White/Pink #2/0, Brayden's Musky Killer Chartreuse/Black #5/0, Menage a Dungeon Olive/Yellow #4
- Nymphs: Optic Nerve Pheasant Tail #12-16, Purple Prince Nymph #14-16, Dirty Hipster Olive #10-14, Tungsten Jig Assassin #12 and 14, Czech Nymph UV #12-16, Dirty Hipster Black #12-16, Evil Weevil Purple #16-18, TJ Rainbow Assassin #12-16, TJ's Hooker Black/Coffee #8-12
- Dries: Bloom's Stealth Ant Purple #12-18, Hi-Vis Flying Ant Black #14-18, CDC Thorax Slate Grey Drake #12-14, Jake's High-Vis Caddis Tan #12-18, Dornans Micro Water Walker #12-18, BWO Polywing Spinner #16-19, Water Walker Black #10, Humpy Chernobyl Black #10-16, Griffith's Gnat #18-22
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