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Searching for wild rainbow trout in small, secluded lakes is the true essence of what flyfishing the Cariboo is all about. The combination of soils rich with minerals and waters loaded with nutrients makes for world-class still-water angling
At Stillwater Angling Adventures we will assist you in fishing the many productive lakes that are located in the southern interior region of British Columbia.
Unfortunately flyfishing in lakes has not yet received the same attention that rivers and streams receive through the numerous publications available to the public. With the professional guides of Stillwater Angling Adventures, you will learn a basic understanding of lake biology and entomology, therefore making you a more observant and successful angler.
If you're a well-seasoned stream or river fly fisher, your casting skills can be applied to lake fishing with very little adjustment. There are other similarities as well, such as, how to choose a lake, how to read water and structure, matching the hatch and/or seasonal availability of food sources. All of these are key factors for a successful outing on any body of water. Learning to catch trout is an understanding of the trout and its feeding behavior, no matter where or how you fish!
One could never grasp all there is to learn about flyfishing still waters, and that is what makes this sport so alluring. However the theories and strategies you will be taught can be useful knowledge, applied to whatever situation the incredible sport of flyfishing may lead you to in the future.
The Wary Adversary
There are many types of trout in North America but at Stillwater Adventures our main focus is the Rainbow. Rainbow trout have dark backs with silver sides and white underbellies. After reaching maturity they develop the characteristic red stripe below their lateral line, from which the term 'rainbow' has derived. They are avidly sought after by fishermen not only for their incredible aesthetics but also for their fighting ability and reputable table-fare. One of the richest angling resources we have is the tremendous number of lakes scattered throughout the interior of British Columbia. Some of the best trout fishing in North America, and for that matter the world, is found in the Cariboo region. It is because of this reputation that fishery management works diligently to enhance and monitor the trout stocks in most lakes on an individual basis. Stocking can balance trout population and food sources to provide angling experiences ranging from lakes with an abundance of smaller fish to lakes with fewer, but larger, more challenging fish. The number and average size of trout vary from lake to lake. Contrary to popular belief, large fish are not necessarily found in large lakes or remote ones. Given an abundant food supply combined with a proper population, Rainbow trout can live to be seven to nine years of age on average. They spawn in late April through June (depending on elevation) in small feeder creeks or streams and rivers, or whatever is available to them. Rainbow trout usually begin spawning in their third or fourth year.
Why Lakes?
The Cariboo-Chilcotin region of British Columbia boasts in excess of 8000 lakes within its borders, the vast majority of which support trout populations. With bodies of water that come in every conceivable size, shape, depth and elevation, the possibilities are limitless if not overwhelming on where to begin.
At Stillwater Adventures we narrow the choices by sending you to only trophy waters, and increase your odds by knowing what the trout are most likely feeding on at any given time of the year. Enhancing your chances even further, we supply proven fly patterns created by our expert resident guide/flytyer, explaining how and when to use these proven patterns. Suddenly the odds are stacked in your favor!
Many lakes in this area are shallow and weedy, with prolific populations of aquatic insects, making them a logical choice for fly fishers. Learning to observe and identify the insect life in a lake is a basic skill essential to successful flyfishing, and knowing their habitat will increase your chances of finding fish. One of the interesting things about flyfishing is; you become aware of the fascinating world that exists under the surface of the lake. It is a complex ecosystem of aquatic life that to most would go unnoticed. To become a successful angler it is therefore necessary to understand the feeding behavior of trout and the nature of their food. Many invertebrates that trout feed on dwell only in specific parts of a lake; it's our job to minimize the guesswork.
The lakes of the Cariboo receive relatively light angling pressure and the fish often grow to incredible sizes, for the dedicated flyfisher it means, quality angling for large fish in uncrowded settings.
Why Flyfishing?
The calm and serenity of flyfishing still waters is unlike any other to be experienced. Picture the morning mist rising off the water as the haunting call of a common loon cuts through the silence. The high pitch scream of a Bald Eagle as it warns a circling Fishhawk high above, just whose territory this belongs. A cow moose and calf leisurely wading through the shallows for a drink before the onset of the midday heat. All this to be experienced before the line even breaks the still of the 'glass' calm surface. This is flyfishing. When the only foreign sound in nature is the creaking of oars gracefully cutting through the water on route to a favorite anchoring spot, or the clearing of your throat can be heard seconds later as it echoes back to you from the end of the lake.I can think of no place I'd rather be.
Books could be written on the moment when the line tightens, the rod bends and your reel screams into parts of the backing rarely visited. No doubt entrenched in memories of trips past are the recollections of a huge trout erupting out of the water to engulf a perfectly placed caddis pattern, or the freight train that nearly ripped the rod from your hands as it savagely hit your favorite hand tied leech. These are moments that will be cherished years after they happen, and so they should.
Flyfishing however is about so much more than catching fish. It's about being one with nature, blending with your environment, and taking in the absolute splendor and beauty of your surroundings. Experienced anglers may be addicted to flyfishing for its solitude. I would go as far as to say, it is a state of mind.
Quite often I am asked, "Why the obsession with flyfishing?" to which my only response has been.because Rainbow trout live in the most beautiful places in the world!
There's Nothing 'Rough' About It!
Get up when you want to. Have breakfast at your leisure. Fish when you're ready. At Stillwater Adventures there is no structured timetable. We specialize in all-inclusive one and two party excursions, it is because of this our attention to our guests is second to none. Full size Sealy posturepedic mattresses and box springs are supplied for the most comfortable rest possible. Hot showers, flush toilets and a continuous power source, (not generators) are available at your convenience.
Once on the water however, you will fish. Call it "rainbow tunnel syndrome".or perhaps "trout elbow", but at Stillwater Adventures we believe that flyfishing is the art of CASTING the fly! There may be certain times that trolling a fly can be productive, but we try not to exercise that option. If you Cast.they will come!
After a full day's fishing, it's your taste bud's turn to be guided! Stillwater Adventures has been very fortunate to include Bruno Dehier as our Master Chef. Bruno has a reputation in the Cariboo, and with anyone who has sampled his creations, that simply cannot be matched! Trained at a culinary school in France, his three and four course meals are sure to be a highlight of everyone's stay. A cuisinier in a league all his own, we're proud to offer his genius!
After a great day on the water and an incredible meal, now it's time to relax. Choose from 150 channels on a satellite dish, or select a movie from the 750 titles available on DVD. All to be enjoyed on a 52-inch rear projection TV equipped with a Dolby 5.1 surround sound stereo (popcorn included!).
If it's a slower pace you crave, choose a book from the very well stocked fly fishing library or spend the evening tying flies in the tying room. (the selection of materials rivals most stores!) Tying instruction available on request.
Perhaps you haven't had your fill of fishing yet? Located on the 130 acre parcel where you are being lodged is a private lake teeming with wild Rainbow trout eager to take your dry fly until dusk sets in.the choice is ultimately yours! |
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Reservations
1-250-609-1168 |
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Address: |
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Stillwater Adventures
Box 4
Eagle Creek, BC
Canada V0K 1L0 |
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