This is a wilderness dry fly experience beyond your wildest expectations. It is one of the most prolific trout fisheries on the North American continent, and the food is good, to boot. You'll see plenty of wildlife, enjoy top quality guides and staff, and end every day tired of catching fish. The log cabins are very comfortable and perfectly suited to anglers who are looking for a secluded wilderness experience.
The Summer Angling Calendar on the Blackwater River
The answer to the question about the best time to visit the Blackwater is - anytime from the middle of June through the end of September! The fly fishing is consistent throughout the season and each day outfitter, Dave Harrington, chooses several different float trip options depending on the water conditions.
At the season opening, in mid-June, the days are at their longest with daylight from four in the morning to nearly eleven at night, allowing lots of time to enjoy the outdoors and long hours for fish to feed. Although the early season offers somewhat higher water levels, making wading possibilities a bit more limited, it is a prime time to fish the Blackwater. This is probably the heaviest feeding period of the year with prolific stonefly, caddis and occasional mayfly hatches, as well. Keep in mind, the weather can still be variable with occasional cool days and afternoon thundershowers. There will likely be a few mosquitoes around camps and lunch stops, but they are generally not a great problem, unless the previous few weeks have been abnormally wet.
In July, the days shorten slightly and the weather tends to become warmer and drier with occasional thundershowers, and water temperatures in the 60 to 65 degree range. Caddis and stonefly hatches are still heavy, and most fishing is with large yellow and orange dry patterns.
Near the middle of July, in most summers, the river levels continue to drop and water temperatures increase to around 65 degrees, becoming very nice for wet wading and the odd dip. Caddis and mayflies are active on the water. The day length is now about 5AM to 10PM (a little more darkness for sleeping).
By the first of August, the water will be near its warmest and can even be over 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is generally the time period when, on warm years, the fish can become a bit temperamental. The next week or so can often be the most difficult fishing, but we have found ways to improve success over the years. This is also the most comfortable time of the year on the Blackwater, with warm, clear days.
Mid August, typically, marks the point when the water and the weather begin to cool down. The days are a little shorter, getting light at about six in the morning and turning dark at about nine at night. The good news is the mosquitoes are virtually non-existent, and the trout are just as hungry as ever! The fish are feeding more actively again with the drop in water temperature, and readily attack large attractor patterns. They also seem to show a lot more size. Typically, this part of the season is "lower Blackwater time", which translates into the fish being even more heavily concentrated in amazing pieces of water that were otherwise inaccessible, or not conducive to dryfly fishing under higher water conditions.
In September, the days become even shorter with daylight hours from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dry flies still do well and this is also a great time for nymphs and streamers. The Blackwater usually experiences stable weather in the fall, and as the nights grow longer, frost becomes more frequent. By mid-month fall colors are abundant. Wet wading is over!
So there you have it - anytime is a great time to fish the Blackwater. You'll experience gradual changes from the long, warm early summer days, to fall colors and starry nights. The Blackwater weather is moderate due to its location in the central Fraser Plateau, in the lee of the coastal mountains, which take the steam out of any Pacific weather system.
Whatever your seasonal preferences are, or your schedule allows, the Blackwater provides a great combination of excellent flyfishing.
Species of Fish: Wild Rainbow Trout.
Lodging: Double Occupancy Cabins with private bathrooms
Length of Stay: Sunday morning; through to the following Sunday afternoon.
Travel Arrangements:
Arrival Day - First Day of the Trip:
You should plan to depart Vancouver via Pacific Coastal airlines (1-800-663-2872). 8:30 am which will have you arriving in Anahim Lake at 10:20 am. After a quick shuttle to the float plane base and short 50- minute floatplane flight, anglers will find themselves at the Ranch which is located right in the heart of the Blackwater River. Following lunch and a brief orientation, you will have time to settle into your cabin and prepare for an afternoon of unparalleled dry-fly fishing. The Harrington's have great water adjacent to camp and are very flexible with the fishing schedule.
The Daily Routine: Coffee is on by 7:00 a.m. and breakfast is served in the lodge at around 8:00 a.m. Each day will involve a short shuttle to the river followed by floating and fishing your way down several miles of a different stretch of the Blackwater. The emphasis is on the fishing, and does not involve long drifts between prime stretches of water - this affords a lot of time to wade and explore the incredibly productive runs, riffles and pools of the Blackwater. Lunch is served on the river and anglers return to camp at approximately 6:00 p.m., following a great day of fishing.
Anglers can fish from dawn until dark, or as long as their energy level and enthusiasm will last. Lunch sites are situated on the best runs of the river, and while breakfast or dinner is being prepared, fishermen are encouraged to enjoy as much angling as possible.
(Departure Day - The Final day of the Trip:
Fishing will end early enough in the day to allow guests to connect with flights scheduled to depart Anahim Lake at 2:10 pm that afternoon. Some fishermen may want to overnight in Vancouver in order to take advantage of fine dining, or some of the other great tourist destinations the city has to offer.
Length of Stay: It varies depending on the trip duration
Season: June through September.
Occupancy: 8 anglers maximum.
