The Heart of the Kootenays
Though the mighty Columbia River has gained its reputation stateside as a salmon and steelhead mecca, the stretch of river making its way through the small Kootenay town of Castlegar might be one of the provinces greatest opportunities for chasing rainbow trout on dry flies.
Originally home to runs of both salmon and steelhead, a multitude of dams (such as Hugh Keenleyside Dam) leaves these reaches of the Columbia River a home to resident rainbow trout, walleye and even white sturgeon. Though there are opportunities available for most of the year on the Columbia, the most noted is the annual Caddis emergences that take place in early summer.
Though the Columbia is a giant waterbody, it offers a diversity in structure, as well as numerous back eddies which fish will slip into to feed. Oftentimes anglers will find teams of dozens of rainbows feeding in current seams during a caddis emergence. These hatches can often begin late in the afternoon, and carry on well past dark. Though there are ample opportunities for shore anglers, the Columbia is fished best from a drift boat, jet boat, or “power drifter” style craft.
Aside from the world-class trout fishery, Castlegar and the Columbia River also boast as impressive walleye fishery. Though walleye are not a species regularly found west of the Rocky Mountains, they are accessible with both fly and conventional gear, and provide for unprecedented table fare.
Aside from excellent fishing, Castlegar is a great family attraction offering a variety of activities including golfing, hiking, mountain biking, and experiencing the rich culture of Castlegar and the Kootenay region of British Columbia.
