Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi
 


The common name 'Cutthroat' comes from the distinct red or orange slash mark under the lower jaw of this species, which makes it appear as though it has a sliced throat. The presence of slashmarks under the chin and the extension of the upper jaw beyond the margin of the eye separate Westslope Cutthroat Trout from the closely related Rainbow Trout.

Two forms of Cutthroat Trout are recognized in Canada. The Pacific variety, Coastal Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki) ranges from Alaska to northern California in fresh, brackish and salt water with many populations having anadromous reproductive migrations. The Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi) occurs in southeastern British Columbia, southwestern Alberta and Montana (Scott and Crossman 1973). The Westslope Cutthroat Trout differs from its coastal relatives by having spots restricted to the posterior portion of its body and lacks the distinct red lateral band typical of many Coastal Cutthroat Trout populations. The Westslope Cutthroat subspecies designation refers to the western slopes of the Rocky Mountain Divide although this variety occurs east of the Rocky Mountains. In British Columbia Coastal Cutthroat Trout and Westslope Cutthroat Trout are separated by a narrow band through the Interior Plateau where the closely related Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) outcompete Cutthroat Trout for foraging and spawning habitat (McPhail 1998). Occasionally in overlapping ranges, Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout hybridize. There has been some concern that translocated (purposefully transplanted) Rainbow Trout populations have had a deleterious effect on native Westslope Cutthroat Trout populations (Nelson 1965).

Cutthroat Trout frequent lakes and streams with stepping pools and back-eddies. Spawning occurs in small gravel-laden streams during the late spring and early summer, once water temperatures reach about 10° C (Scott and Crossman 1973). Females prepare a redd (salmonid nest) by thrashing their tails while laying on their side to displace gravel until the pocket is about 15 cm deep. Males are aggressive towards other males that appear too close to courted females or her redd. After the spawning ritual is performed, females bury the fertilized eggs in the nest by dislodging gravel on the upstream edge of the redd.

Cutthroat are native and thrive in all cool water drainages of the upper Columbia, upper Kootenay and Flathead systems. The species is less abundant in the lower Columbia and lower Kootenay, and native populations are absent from the Kettle, Okanagan and Similkameen rivers.

 
Oncorhynchus mykiss



The native distribution of Rainbow Trout in North America includes coastal and interior areas west of the Continental Divide, extending south from Alaska to northern Mexico. The popularity of Rainbow Trout as a sport fish has made it a globally translocated species, with successful introductions in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Europe, Africa and South America (McCrimmon 1971).

Many Rainbow Trout populations have been translocated (the introduction of native species into waters they did not originally inhabit) through efforts aimed at improving angling opportunities, and it is presently difficult to differentiate the native, wild varieties from domesticated strains.

Rainbow Trout are highly variable in life history characteristics and appearance, with up to 16 different historic subspecies being designated throughout the species range. Modern taxonomists loosely agree that there are three potential subspecies of Rainbow Trout in British Columbia. These are: Columbia River Redband Trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss gairdneri), coastal resident Rainbow Trout, including the anadromous Steelhead Trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss irideus), and the Athabascan Rainbow Trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss subsp.) of the Mackenzie drainage (Taylor and Haas 1996).

Rainbow Trout are a common species throughout the Columbia Basin, and this species displays a bewildering array of life history and phenotypic variability within the region. The large Gerrard Rainbow Trout (up to 15 kg) from Kootenay Lake and the "yellow fin" Rainbow Trout of the Arrow lakes are unique in terms of their large trophy size and distinct colouration. The steep headwater drainages of the Selkirk Mountains contain mature, dwarf varieties of Rainbow Trout that maintain juvenile characteristics throughout life.

Inland representatives of Rainbow Trout are characteristically a stream and lake fish. Spawning occurs in both inlets and outlets of lakes and small streams with fine, clean gravel during early spring when the water reaches 10-15.5° C (Scott and Crossman 1973). Females dig a redd in riffles above a pool by turning on their sides and thrashing their tails to create a depression of about body length. During the construction of the redd the female may be accompanied by many aggressive males -- usually the largest of the males is dominant and most active in courtship. After the eggs are fertilized, the female covers the nest with gravel and the eggs hatch four to seven weeks later.

Rainbow Trout are often difficult to differentiate from the closely related Cutthroat Trout, and the species often hybridize in areas where their distributions overlap. The upper jaw length of Rainbow Trout never extends past the hind margin of the eye, nor do they exhibit the diagnostic red or orange slash under the chin that is typical of Cutthroat Trout.

 
 

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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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