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Thread: Fernie Bulls?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2020
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    Default Fernie Bulls?

    Just found out that I might be in the Fernie, BC area for a few days late next July. I've already heard about the amazing Cutthroat dry fly fishing that I'm gonna check out, but I read a few things saying that there's some decent Bull trout fishing. I've never caught a Bull, and they're a bucket list fish for me, so I definitely want to try that out too. Just wondering if anyone has any helpful tips for fishing in the area, other than checking out the fly shop! Thanks!

    NK

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
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    Sebastian, FL, USA, Earth
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    23,810

    Default

    I think the best Cutthroat fishing is Aug/Sept up there so you should be good.

    I don't think the average size Cutthroats are very big but it is mostly classic dry fly fishing.

    A friend has a family place up there because they loved it so much.

    He uses a 4 weight for most of his dry fly fishing for Cutthroats.


    Bull trout ( Char) are big predators of the Cutthroats and are usually caught early morning, late evening, or during bad weather with

    large streamers. I think a 6 or 7 weight rod would be best with some kind of fast sinking line, short heavy leader and large streamers.
    Bill Kiene (Boca Grande)

    567 Barber Street
    Sebastian, Florida 32958

    Fly Fishing Travel Consultant
    Certified FFF Casting Instructor

    Email: billkiene63@gmail.com
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    Contact me for any reason........
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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
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    Yuba City, Ca.
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    2,229

    Default

    I was just looking into going to the Metolius a month or two ago for bull trout. Everyone I talked with said I should use an 8 wt. with large streamer fly that imitate Kokonee. In the spring the Kokonee come out of Lake Billy Chinook and the bull trout gorge on them. In the fall after the Kokonee have spawned and died they use large flesh flies and bounce the bottom for the bulls that are eating the dead Kokonee.

    If you go in the fall the bull trout are in full color. The rest of the year they look medium brown speckled.
    Tony
    TONY BUZOLICH
    Feather River Fly
    Yuba City, CA.
    (530) 790-7180

  4. #4
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    Sep 2020
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    Default

    Thanks for the tips! Any advice on how large should I tie them?

    NK

  5. #5
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    Jun 2009
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    I was up that way maybe 15 years ago. Good Cutt fishing, but no Bulls, and it wasn't from lack of trying. The BC non-resident fishing license back then was about $55 for seven days and then the rivers with bulls in them are considered "classified waters" and you needed a special permit to fish them, which was another $22. I would wager it would be more now. Some of the classified rivers are The Elk, The St. Mary, The Flathead and The Wigwam. I focused my efforts on the last two, which were the most remote and see fewer anglers. Like I said, the Cutt fishing was good, not great, but good. I dredged every deep pool I saw with some kind of streamer, mostly Clousers, hoping to hook into a bull, but I came up empty. The country up there is absolutely amazing! Super steep rocky mountains and rock formations almost every which way you look. Very beautiful and dramatic.
    Last edited by Fly Guy Dave; 01-18-2022 at 12:47 PM.
    "Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man." --Jeff Lebowski

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  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    San Diego
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    Bull trout are reported to be widespread in Idaho. My dentist's
    folks live in the Sun Valley area and he has done
    battle with them on occasion.

    Best to all and Happier New Year,
    Larry S
    Sun Diego

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    fernley Nevada
    Posts
    31

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    Fished it in July , lots of good Cutts . Fished above Fernie , limited access with real long floats . Used pmx's . No help from local fly shop ! Fished some other nearby rivers , watch for logging trucks ! Mike

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Somersett Reno, NV
    Posts
    412

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Natekursow View Post
    Just found out that I might be in the Fernie, BC area for a few days late next July. I've already heard about the amazing Cutthroat dry fly fishing that I'm gonna check out, but I read a few things saying that there's some decent Bull trout fishing. I've never caught a Bull, and they're a bucket list fish for me, so I definitely want to try that out too. Just wondering if anyone has any helpful tips for fishing in the area, other than checking out the fly shop! Thanks!

    NK
    I fished with Elk River Guiding Co several years ago and loved it. Fished the Wigwam River for Bulls and did well - but be warned this is walk and wade with a lot of walking - so if you are not in decent shape, pass.

    Jim

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    NorCal
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    Default

    Thanks for all the tips! If I make it up there I'll be sure to post a TR.

    NK

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