This article first appeared in the summer issue of fly fishing magazine. The article was written by Jeff Mironuck of Home Waters guide service.

Palmer Ranch

Spring creek perfection

Story by Jeff Mironuck

Every year I seem to go through the same, painful three months — December through February — when the snow is usually deep, and most of the decent water still carries a thick layer of ice. It’s the time of the year when I spend all my free time stocking flyboxes and reading all the books that I picked up during the previous season. It’s also the best time of year to research new water, and to dream about hooking 30-inch rainbows on dry flies. Now I know this may seem a little extreme, and I know that it’s usually a 20-inch rainbow that sets the bar; but if you put in your time at the spring-fed ponds at Palmer Ranch, you will have an opportunity to cast to some of the largest rainbows around.

            About six years ago I was tying flies with my friend Brian Oke at his home in Cranbrook, British Columbia. We were gearing up for the guide season, and hoping for some warm days in March, to get out onto local streams and do a little casting. We had Brian’s living room looking like a fly shop that had been completely torn apart — littered everywhere with fly-tying materials. Vices were set up on the coffee table, so that we could tie flies and watch the NHL play-offs at the same time. A pile of fishing videos were handy to fill the void between games. One of the best fishing shows ever, unfortunately now non-existent, was called “Iron Blue Fly Fishing,” with Jim McLennan.  How this show ever went off the air is beyond me. If all those dumb, bass shows can make it, I just don’t know why “Iron Blue” didn’t fare better. I guess some people would rather see a couple of clowns hooting and hollering over a 12-inch rainbow, than watch a really classy show. Anyway, I had been lucky enough to get a few taped shows from a friend; and we stuck in a 4-hour tape one cold March day, as we prepared to tie a pile of Green Drakes. One of the most memorable episodes on the tape was about fishing for huge fish in spring creeks.  In it, host Jim hooked and landed several trout over 25 inches long. This was definitely a place we had to visit. 

            Palmer Ranch, about 2 ½ hours from Calgary International Airport, is a classic, working, cattle ranch in southwestern Alberta, very close to the town of Pincher Creek, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, at the gateway to Waterton National Park. Although not like many of the classic spring creeks and ponds in Montana, the fishing waters here are still similar.  And because Palmer Ranch has an abundance of surrounding water, yet is fished very little, you could easily spend at least a week in the area. The modest ranch accommodations are great for both hunters and anglers. The drive there is beautiful, as you parallel spectacular mountains and prime ranching country.

            For a number of reasons, I will never forget the first time I fished there.  Brian and I arrived on Scott Palmer’s doorstep at about 7:30 a.m., excited but sleepy, after having been up all night, tying midge patterns. After exchanging brief greetings, Brian jumped back into the truck, and I walked off the steps, spraining my ankle on a big rock. Struggling back into the truck, I tried to distract myself from the considerable pain by focusing on the fish that lay in store. Brian drove the truck down the dirt road past the house, stopping just short of a gate; and as I stepped down on the passenger side, on the throbbing bad ankle, I passed out right in the middle of the road. But in the end, the notion of catching 30-inch fish was what kept me from turning around and going to see a doctor. So, with a half a pound of duct tape around the swollen ankle, I finally managed to get myself to the water.

            Because amount of water here is a little overwhelming, it is a lot easier if you can get comfortable on one of the smaller ponds, before heading to big water. Smaller ponds are also quite shallow, so when the sun is high, you can see many of trout cruising the shoreline. After casting on such a pond for an hour or so, we realized that our tippets were too heavy, that our flies were too big, that our casting had been sloppy, or possibly, a combination of all three.  In addition, it was a cold morning with a fresh coat of snow on the ground, with not a bug in site. And even though the ponds remain a fairly stable temperature all year, the air temperature can really kill a hatch. At about two o’clock in the afternoon, the fish started moving around a little bit, and a few adult Chironomids could be seen skimming over the water. It was as if the gods were smiling down upon us when sun finally broke though the clouds, and the water suddenly cleared. We could see huge rainbows actively feeding 3 feet below the surface. Brian put on a tiny indicator and a size-12 Black Chironomid a couple feet below it; almost instantly a 26-inch bow took the fly, and started ripping line across the water. After a big battle Brian gently released one of his biggest rainbows back into the cold water. The rest of the day was simply amazing, as Brian and I took turns landing and photographing one big trout after another. 

            Near the end of the day we headed downstream to one of the deeper, larger, bottom ponds, which are quite different.  Seeing fish in these ponds is difficult, so I switched to a small, bead-headed leech. After casting and retrieving for a while with no luck, I finally got a hit. I yelled for Brian, who came running with the camera and net. The large trout never surfaced, behaving just as most big fish do, in long and deep, powerful runs. We finally worked it into the net, quickly measuring it at just over 32 inches, and close to 15 pounds. Still my biggest rainbow to date. Late that night, when I removed the tape from the swollen mess of black and blue that was my ankle, I didn’t mind the pain at all.   Somehow, all I could think off were those several moments in the day, when my rod had been so violently bent.

            Private water can really be a joy to fish, and I don’t mind handing out a small rod fee to gain access to some superb fishing waters. Palmer Ranch is committed to enhancing fishing conditions, and the rod fees simply cover the costs of maintenance and annual improvements. Palmer Ranch is nicely divided into several fishable ponds of various sizes, offering extremely varied fishing conditions. While the top two ponds contain more viewable trout, the bottom ponds are where some of the real lunkers seem to hold.

            The ponds of Palmer Ranch hold some huge trout that grow fast for good reason. I have never spent a day at the ranch without witnessing a hatch of some sort. From mayflies and damsels to incredible hatches of caddis-flies, there always seems to be something happening on the surface. On yet another trip, I took my good friend Joe Galandy to the ponds. A veteran of only two years of fly-fishing, Joe had learned how to fish on the St.Mary River near Cranbrook B.C.  Like any good kid from B.C., he had learned quickly that the fish really love a good ol’ Tom Thumb — a tried and tested pattern throughout British Columbia. I would not have guessed in a million years that a Tom Thumb would work on these wily, Palmer Ranch rainbows, as I watched out of the corner of my eye as Joe cast out into the middle, immediately hooking a nice trout. After watching him land a perfectly spotted rainbow, I asked him what he was using. “A size 10 Tom Thumb!” he yelled back at me. I quickly put that out of my mind, and continued searching one of my boxes for another nymph. Surely Joe’s catch had been a fluke. Then he hooked another, and one more after that, just to rub it in — laughing pretty hard as I stared at him in disbelief. Soon enough I had to give in, putting on a Tom Thumb just to try and save face. After a few minutes it became obvious that we were in the middle of a great caddis-fly hatch.

            Midges also hatch here every single day of the year, as the temperature is perfect for them. This gives the angler a chance to take some really huge trout on the smallest patterns in the box. And, actually, most anglers won’t have patterns small enough. Some of the best fish I have ever seen have been taken on 22’s, and smaller.

            I will never forget a day, four years ago, when my guiding partner Steve Harris, and I, were both working one of the lower ponds across from each other, with a few fish working the shoreline in front of us. Like most of my good fishing buddies, Steve is very serious about the sport, and would probably rather be photographed with a big trout than with his wife. As Steve yelled at me, I looked to my left, only to see a huge trout swimming just inches below the surface, 20 feet away, and rising to adult midges every 6 inches.

            I swear I first thought it was a beaver. I froze, as he was a foot off the tip of my rod. I cast out and watched him rise to eat my fly, a size 22 black midge. I set the hook, and then, nothing; he didn’t even notice. Again I cast and he ate the fly one more time; then, nothing. This happened five times before he spooked off into the deeper water. I know that big Palmer Ranch rainbow was at least 20 pounds, but I just couldn’t set the hook.

            Besides the great hatches, you can also expect the same bugs you will find in any lake. Shrimp, leeches and damsels can all be effective. If I really wanted a trout over 30 inches, I would tie up the most realistic leech pattern possible, and spend a few hours on the lower pond. Every couple trips we land, photograph and release one of these monsters — a true “fish of a lifetime” for most. Terrestrials are also a mandatory part of your arsenal. From hoppers and beetles to ants, you should have a pretty good selection. Although the ponds are sheltered by valley relief and large cottonwoods, it is often windy; and these bugs get blown across the water all the time. Many people believe that it’s foolish to try different-looking bugs, arguing that trout aren’t looking for something unusual to eat. I think the people who say this are the same ones who have never witnessed a hatch of ants. The trout react to this hatch like nothing I have ever seen.  It is like they knew they were going to a Chinese smorgasbord, and didn’t want to eat all day until dinner.

            The best time to fish Palmer Ranch is anytime, as the ponds remain mostly ice-free all year.  In other words, any day from April to November could be your best day. The constant water temperature makes traditional hatches tricky to predict; but with preparation and a little patience, you may have the opportunity to cast to a trout of a lifetime.

 
 
 
 
     
     
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.