Article 1
 

After guiding on the Elk River for several seasons there are a few images which seem to come back to me every winter as I sit down to refill the badly beaten fly boxes and try and create a few new “hot” patterns for the upcoming season. Guiding on the Elk every day gives me a good opportunity to test a lot of new patterns and it seems like the trout find a new favorite each season. The Golden Stone hatch is one of the most intense hatches of the year on the Elk River and often this hatch lasts 4-6weeks. In most cases you can actually follow the hatch as is progresses upstream. Trout take in a good portion of their summer food in just a few short weeks and since it is the first significant meal of the year and anglers that have experienced the action the hatch creates know that it is one of the most interesting times on British Columbia’s Elk River.

A few years ago I was floating down the river with a couple friends, Joe Galandy and Steve Harris. I will never forget that day as it was one of the best opening days on the Elk River I have ever seen. The morning started off a little slow as it usually does in mid June but as lunch neared the water began to warm and soon enough a few golden stones were fluttering around in the air above the boat. We were floating between Garrets and Hosmer and it was June 15th, opening day and we all had a few days off before the busy guiding season started. Just after lunch I rowed the boat around a big bend in the river, as we inched closer to the deep bank we all gasped at once, over 40 large cutthroat smashing the surface and trying to inhale as many of these huge bugs as they could. We quickly pulled over to the bank just below the rising trout and anchored the boat. Before Steve and I could even move Joe was flying through the air with fly rod in hand. If you watched him closely it was quite amazing, he had actually managed to make a 30 foot upstream cast just before his feet touched ground. This was a little unusual for Joe as generally he is quite relaxed but clearly the number of large trout was just too much to take for the guy. Within seconds he had two fish at the same time rise to his fly. These are the kind of things which seem to happen all the time on the Elk River. This was Joe’s first float down the magnificent Elk River so he really deserved to be treated well. After he hooked a few more large trout we nudged him out of the way and both caught a few of our own. After awhile we moved on, leaving many of the rising trout to continue to feed uniterupted by us. After all, this is the Elk River and there is no shortage of trout.

The Golden Stone hatch in the first parts of Summer, usually showing up in June.  Since the Elk opens June 15th most years the first few weeks of the season can me the most exciting. The large hatch of Golden's provide Elk River fly fishers with plenty of big bug excitement but let’s take a look at how it all begins to understand the different opportuinites for the angler.

The nymphs are very large, I usually tie my imitations on a number 6 hook and I will carry them in many different colors and weights. The nymphs live in riffles and deep rocky areas with a relatively fast current. These clumsy climbers often lose their footing and tumble down with the current. They are a favorite food source and are taken all year by trout. A well tied pattern drifted slowly near the bottom is one of the best ways to fish the nymph. I recommend carrying as many different patterns and colors as you can get your hands on. A couple years ago I was fishing nymphs early one morning on the Elk and for the first hour I used a dark yellow pattern and had only a couple light takes. I switched to a black pattern and once again fished for almost an hour with no real success. Finally I picked a brown pattern with a golden head and on my first cast I felt the tip of the rod shake. The next couple hours were filled with trout and exciting action. I worked my way back upstream covering the water I had already fished and the trout gravitated to the proper pattern. Many fly shops sell a golden stonefly nymph that is gold in color, but in reality the actual nymph is usually a combination of black, brown and dark yellow.
 
When the nymphs are ready to hatch they crawl to shore and climb out of the water on anything they can find. The large boulders on the Elk River are at times painted with the nymphs wiggling around. In the process of migrating towards shore a large percentage of the nymphs are swept loose and the trout key in on these movements. The life of the Golden Stone last anywhere from 2 to 3 years.  Like all of the other stoneflies they emerge after dark and can be seen crawling out on the shore, where they stay for several days depending on the temperature and amount of sun. The begin mating before the females return to the water to lay their eggs. Golden stoneflies behave similar to Salmonflies, but they are just slightly smaller and begin hatching two or three weeks after the hatch of Salmonflies begin.

The hatch of Goldens overlaps with the Salmonflies, so adults of both species are often available at the same time. Salmonflies seem to get much of the praise around the west but any angler who has witnessed the intensity of the Golden Stones on the Elk River know that the vast numbers of rising trout cannot be taken lightly. Since females lay their eggs in the water during the mid day heat when they are most active. This just happens to be the best time to be on the water for the angler. Many days in the early summer we are just waiting for “after lunch” for the action to really heat up. It’s easy to know when to switch from the nymph to the dry fly. The female stones flutter above the water and finally dive down, slamming their body into the surface tension of the river and then flutter back up. This process will be repeated until all the eggs are knocked free. The eggs then sink slowly down to the bottom of the stream to begin the process once again.

Cutthroat will always chase the egg- laying female stones at the start of the hatch and this is the first key for the angler. The splashy rise is easy to notice. The Cutthroat will wise up a little as the hatch progresses and they will start looking for the dead adults that make a much easier meal. Fishing the dry fly during this hatch is arguably the most exciting time of the year for many of my clients. We get to fish huge high floating patterns and at times presentation is not that important. The adults are golden and orange in color but I think that shape and silloette are the most important factors when choosing a pattern out of the fly box. Last year while guiding I carried about 20 different patterns to fish the golden stone hatch. Each year it seems to be a slightly different pattern that really gets the majority of the trout. One of the best patterns over the last few seasons was a pattern I call the Sloppy Stone. This pattern has black foam at both ends of the fly and looks very much like an egg-laying adult. The best way to fish this pattern is sloppy. It needs to be skittered and jerked around on the surface just as a natural would. Most of the time your cast doesn’t need to be all that accurate as trout will move along ways to hit the fly. Later on in the hatch the trout seem to become a little more selective. Often they have gorged themselves with countless stones and moving a few feet to intercept an adult just doesn’t seem as necessary for them. At this point the trout are looking for the dead drifted pattern and accuracy plays an important role in the anglers success. Pattern selection also is key at this time and a more natural pattern may make a big difference.

Last season, June 17th, I was on the Elk River with a friend and client, Ron Myers. We were fishing between Hosmer and Fernie and the weather was just perfect, very sunny and warm in the afternoon. Ron is quite good at finding trout and during this time of year when you find one you will generally find quite a few. The day started a little slow but after lunch we finally began to see some splashy rises. The first few patterns were effective but the trout were not agressevly seeking out his fly. Ron mixed up the presentation perfectly, some splashy casts to imitate the naturals and long drag free drifts as well. Still even with Ron hooking a few trout I knew something was wrong. We were fishing over a 100 foot stretch of river and there must have been a fish per foot in front of us. After switching a few patterns we finnaly found the right one. Almost instantly the trout were moving a long ways to take the imitation. At times we could see fish move as much as 15 feet before smashing the fly. Trial and error is quite often the best way to attack a problem like this and a box full of different patterns is a must.

If you are lucky enough to fish the Elk River during the Golden Stone hatch I hope you are prepared for some of the best fishing of the season. The patterns shown in this article are just a few of my favorites and by no means a complete list but they should be enough to get you hooked up with a few memories of your own.

 

 
 

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The Elk River originates from the melting ice off of the glaciers in Elk Lakes Provincial Park. As it makes its way down the mountains it flows into the Elk Lakes and down the Elk Valley, where it is joined by many tributaries that produce some amazing trout as well. With over 90 miles of fishable water the Elk River is quite possibly the best dry fly fishing river in North America. Largely undiscovered and still only a three hour drive from Calgary and a two hour drive from Kalispell, the Elk River flows through one of the most picturesque valleys in British Columbia.

Whether you’re a novice or expert, a trip to Fernie is something you'll never forget. Casting to rising native Westslope cutthroat from our fully-appointed McKenzie style drift boats is one of the best ways to see the Elk but we also can arrange walk & wade trips to some of the smaller streams which are all located just a short distance from Fernie.

The small town of Fernie is surrounded by mountains on all sides and is often thought of as an alpine village which is famous for the skiing and the legendary powder. Fernie offers plenty in the way of restaurants, hotels and shops.

 

The St.Mary River is located only an hour’s drive from Fernie and this beautiful stream is a perfect combination of spectacular scenery and great fishing. We offer the St.Mary as part of our regular package and have access to six different floats on the river, which is more than any other outfitter around. The fishing on the St.Mary is generally best in August and September with dry flies working for most of the day. Westslope Cutthroat are native to the river along with Bull Trout but over the past few years more and more rainbows have been finding their way into the system. Since access is limited on the river, only a few outfitters have access to the water and very few private boats will be found floating. The solitude of this river combined with excellent dry fly fishing makes it a favorite for many of our returning clients and friends.

 

The Kootenay River was once thought of as nothing more than a mystery. Since all the major streams in the Kootenay Valley empty into the Kootenay River the summer is not the time to fish here. This river is fished best in April and May before runoff when we experience one of the best Mothers Day Caddis hatches found anywhere. It is common to float down this stream and see the banks “popping” with rising cutthroat. Even with all of the exciting dry fly action the Kootenay offers it is the Bull Trout which most of our clients are really after. Since the water level is low and clear many of these huge trout are caught on small streamers and nymphs. Once you spend a couple days on the Kootenay River you will surely be hooked into returning every spring to this unique fishery.

Homewaters Guide Service was born of one anglers dream to share the beauty and tranquility of his local streams with flyfishermen from around the world.  Born and raised in the East Kootenay’s, Jeff Mironuck spent his youth stalking the freestone streams of the East Kootenay and Southern Alberta with a flyrod in hand, and from this has put together an extensive list of guidable waters in the area.  

 

The guiding area features an array of angling opportunities and fly anglers can find themselves fishing delicately presented dry flies  with 2 wt. rods on small intimate streams   or swinging large bulky streamers for huge browns and bull trout from MacKenzie Style drift boats on the regions mid-sized rivers.  Our extensive portfolio of waters will please the palate of any discerning flyfisherman.

 

The hatches here are diverse and prolific.  As our season begins and the water remains slightly cloudy, Salmonflies begin to pop off in large numbers along the rocky banks of the river.  As they return or fall to the water, the native cutthroats begin hammering these bulky insects with reckless abandon.  Plump Green Drakes also begin their ascent to the surface early in the season and pools will boil and “pop” as rising trout aggressively feed on these large mayflies.  More intense than the Salmonfly, the golden stones begin making their appearance usually 2 weeks after the Salmonfly emergence.  These awkward flyers leave their nymphal forms along the dry rocks of the riverbank and literally paint the rocks with their dry mottled shucks.  The early season is not to be missed if large flies and crushing takes is your preference.

 

As we move further into summer, ever present caddis swarm in thickets close to the bank and smaller stones (yellow/lime sallies) begin their mid-day flights.  This is also the time for the Elk’s famous P.M.D. hatch.  You can pretty much set your watch to these hatches and the spinner falls are a spectacle in the evening light.  More delicate approaches are the rule here and sunken spinner presentations or soft-hackling will prolong the productivity of this hatch

 

Terrestrials become important as the summer sun warms the river and the winds blow hoppers from grassy, overhanging banks.  This presentation requires strong heart over skill as often fish explode on hopper imitations which are skittering atop the surface.  Terrestrials remain solid into the early autumn and one may find themselves hooking  fish on a no. 8 foam hopper at the start of the day and then casting a no. 20 Baetis emerger to an aquarium of rising fish as the day progresses.  Autumn also sees a number of Flavs (lesser green drakes) and October Caddis emerging from the gin-clear waters.

 

We are truly blessed some with excellent hatches and as guides we are able to really jump around the boxes to suit the different hatches that can occur within one day.  It is not uncommon to fish a hatch in which one fish will be selectively rising to a carpet of Baetis while a foot away another sips exclusively on Flavs.   Due to the varying elevations of our streams, you can fish the same hatch that spent itself two weeks earlier in a lower drainage on a high mountain stream and in essence follow the hatch.

 

                As a flyfishing outfitter, Homewaters maintains a hard core work ethic and our level of professionalism remains unsurpassed .  Our guides will go the distance to ensure the best angling opportunities are provided to the clients throughout the day.  This is immediately reflected in the quality of the gear which we use and the dedication to the vise which provides our clients with an extensive and contemporary fly selection.  Novice or accomplished fly angler we have the tools to provide the best guiding experience on your trip to the beautiful Rocky Mountains of British Columbia and Southern Alberta. 

 

Home Waters Guide Service was born of one anglers dream to share the beauty and tranquility of his local streams with fly fishermen from around the world.  Born and raised in the East Kootenay’s, Jeff Mironuck spent his youth stalking the freestone streams of the East Kootenay and Southern Alberta with a flyrod in hand, and from this has put together an extensive list of guidable waters in the area.  

 

The guiding area features an array of angling opportunities and fly anglers can find themselves fishing delicately presented dry flies  with 2 wt. rods on small intimate streams or swinging large bulky streamers for huge browns and bull trout from MacKenzie Style drift boats on the regions mid-sized rivers.  Our extensive portfolio of waters will please the palate of any discerning angler.The Elk River originates from the melting ice off of the glaciers in Elk Lakes Provincial Park. As it makes its way down the mountains it flows into the Elk Lakes and down the Elk Valley, where it is joined by many tributaries that produce some amazing trout as well. With over 90 miles of fishable water the Elk River is quite possibly the best dry fly fishing river in North America. Largely undiscovered and still only a three hour drive from Calgary and a two hour drive from Kalispell,  the Elk River flows through one of the most picturesque valleys in British Columbia.

Weather you’re a novice or expert, a trip to Fernie is something you'll never forget. Casting to rising native Westslope cutthroat from our fully-appointed McKenzie style drift boats is one of the best ways to see the Elk but we also can arrange walk & wade trips to some of the smaller streams which are all located just a short distance from Fernie.

The small town of Fernie is surrounded by mountains on all sides and is often thought of as an alpine village which is famous for the skiing and the legendary powder. Fernie offers plenty in the way of restaurants, hotels and shops.

 

The St.Mary River is located only an hours drive from Fernie and this beautiful stream is a perfect combination of spectacular scenery and great fishing. We offer the St.Mary as part of our regular package and have access to six different floats on the river which is more than any other outfitter around. The fishing on the St.Mary is generally best in August and September with dry flies working for most of the day. Westslope Cutthroat are native to the river along with Bull Trout but over the past few years more and more rainbows have been finding their way into the system. Since access is limited on the river, only a few outfitters have access to the water and very few private boats will be found floating. The solitude of this river combinded with excellent dry fly fishing makes it a favourite for many of our returning clients and friends.

 

The Kootenay River was once thought of as nothing more than a mystery. Since all the major streams in the Kootenay Valley empty into the Kootenay River the summer is not the time to fish here. This river is fished best in April and May before runoff when we experience one of the best Mothers Day Caddis hatches found anywhere. It is common to float down this stream and see the banks “popping” with rising cutthroat. Even with all of the exciting dry fly action the Kootenay offers it is the Bull Trout which most of our clients are really after. Since the water level is low and clear many of these huge trout are caught on small streamers and nymphs. Once you spend a couple days on the Kootenay River you will surely be hooked into returning every spring to this unique fishery.

 

Homewaters Guide Service was born of one anglers dream to share the beauty and tranquility of his local streams with flyfishermen from around the world.  Born and raised in the East Kootenay’s, Jeff Mironuck spent his youth stalking the freestone streams of the East Kootenay and Southern Alberta with a flyrod in hand, and from this has put together an extensive list of guidable waters in the area.  

 

The guiding area features an array of angling opportunities and fly anglers  can find themselves fishing delicately presented dry flies  with 2 wt. rods on small intimate streams   or swinging large bulky streamers for huge browns and bull trout from MacKenzie Style drift boats on the regions mid-sized rivers.  Our extensive portfolio of waters will please the palate of any discerning flyfisherman.

 

The hatches here are diverse and prolific.  As our season begins and the water remains slightly cloudy, Salmonflies begin to pop off in large numbers along the rocky banks of the river.  As they return or fall to the water, the native cutthroats begin hammering these bulky insects with reckless abandon.  Plump Green Drakes also begin their ascent to the surface early in the season and pools will boil and “pop” as rising trout aggressively feed on these large mayflies.  More intense than the Salmonfly, the golden stones begin making their appearance usually 2 weeks after the Salmonfly emergence.  These awkward flyers leave their nymphal forms along the dry rocks of the riverbank and literally paint the rocks with their dry mottled shucks.  The early season is not to be missed if large flies and crushing takes is your preference.

 

As we move further into summer, ever present caddis swarm in thickets close to the bank and smaller stones (yellow/lime sallies) begin their mid-day flights.  This is also the time for the Elk’s famous P.M.D. hatch.  You can pretty much set your watch to these hatches and the spinner falls are a spectacle in the evening light.  More delicate approaches are the rule here and sunken spinner presentations or soft-hackling will prolong the productivity of this hatch

 

Terrestrials become important as the summer sun warms the river and the winds blow hoppers from grassy, overhanging banks.  This presentation requires strong heart over skill as often fish explode on hopper imitations which are skittering atop the surface.  Terrestrials remain solid into the early autumn and one may find themselves hooking  fish on a no. 8 foam hopper at the start of the day and then casting a no. 20 Baetis emerger to an aquarium of rising fish as the day progresses.  Autumn also sees a number of Flavs (lesser green drakes) and October Caddis emerging from the gin-clear waters.

 

We are truly blessed some with excellent hatches and as guides we are able to really jump around the boxes to suit the different hatches that can occur within one day.  It is not uncommon to fish a hatch in which one fish will be selectively rising to a carpet of Baetis while a foot away another sips exclusively on Flavs.   Due to the varying elevations of our streams, you can fish the same hatch that spent itself two weeks earlier in a lower drainage on a high mountain stream and in essence follow the hatch.

 

                As a flyfishing outfitter, Homewaters maintains a hard core work ethic and our level of professionalism remains unsurpassed .  Our guides will go the distance to ensure the best angling opportunities are provided to the clients throughout the day.  This is immediately reflected in the quality of the gear which we use and the dedication to the vise which provides our clients with an extensive and contemporary fly selection.  Novice or accomplished fly angler we have the tools to provide the best guiding experience on your trip to the beautiful Rocky Mountains of British Columbia and Southern Alberta. 


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