Andres Fly Fishing

Trip Overview
The world-renowned Elk River and tributaries are classic freestone streams, holding native Westslope cutthroat trout, as well as average-size resident bull trout. This phenomenal dry fly fishery is well known for its fish-holding structure and its crystal clear waters. You can drift or walk-and-wade with spectacular vistas of the Canadian Rockies. Andres and his team have a decade of experience in the area and over 25 years in the guiding industry,  ensuring a memorable fishing experience.  Offering a variety of different lodging options in Fernie and at all price points, Andres FlyFishing is an excellent option for focused anglers, couples, larger groups, and families – all combined with breathtaking scenery while fishing carefully managed fisheries. We can’t imagine a better setting to pursue your Western trout fishing vacation.

Lodging Details
Andres FlyFishing works with two great options for accommodations in Fernie, BC, which are very conveniently located within walking distance of many restaurants, shops and attractions. Anglers can also choose to set up their own accommodations at one of the many AirBnB’s in Fernie.

Fernie Best Western 
The Fernie Best Western is the most convenient and economical option in Fernie. The hotel is very nice and has a great location. Breakfast is included with a room night at the Best Western and there is a Boston Pizza located right next door as a quick dinner option.

The Historic 901 Condos
Located in the heart of downtown Fernie, sits one of the most unmatched accommodation experiences in western Canada. Created from the restoration and rebuilding of the town’s original public school (from 1908), The Historic 901 Condos are extremely well appointed, many feature your own kitchen, private bedrooms/bathrooms etc. Breakfast and dinner are not included with this option, but within walking distance of many great options and include your own kitchen.  

Food and Beverages
Dining options vary depending on which lodging option you choose. Lunch and non-alcoholic beverages are included during each of your guided days while fishing with Andres FlyFishing. Breakfast is included during a stay at Fernie Best Western. For a small ski town in the Canadian Rockies, a pleasant variety exists. Fernie’s multiculturalism, history, mountain culture, and hip vibe all blend to give its dining a thumbs up from global visitors and locals alike.

Typical Length of Stay
Trips of any length of stay can be arranged. Please call Yellow Dog for details.

Non-Angling Activities and Options
Located in the spectacular Canadian Rockies, Fernie is quickly gaining a reputation as a year-round adventure destination. Recently voted the “Best Small Town in BC” for the second year in a row, Fernie makes an ideal vacation destination. Mountain biking, white water rafting, golfing, shopping, and hiking are convenient and available.

Internet / Communications
Wi-Fi is available at most of the Andres FlyFishing lodging options, and cell phones work while in Fernie.

How To Get There
We suggest flying into Glacier International (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana, and renting a car for the drive to Fernie. Fernie is approximately 118 miles from Kalispell and the drive typically takes about two hours. There is a small airport in Cranbrook, BC (YXC) that has customs and accepts small private planes.

Documents Required
A passport is required for U.S. citizens to enter Canada. A British Columbia fishing license is required and may be purchased upon arrival.

Drunk Driving or other Criminal Record
Anyone with a criminal record (including a drunk driving conviction) may be excluded from Canada. A waiver of exclusion may be issued but several weeks are required and a processing fee must be paid. 

Travel Arrangements
Yellow Dog provides airline reservations ad ticketing assistance through etcTravel Group, and a full-service airline logistics agent that can help book airline tickets, hotels, rental cars, and more. You can click here to request a quote or contact Yellow Dog for more information at 406-585-8667. etcTravel Group offers dedicated support services for all Yellow Dog clients. Service fees may apply when booking or researching tickets, and etcTravel will discuss this with you before sending quotes. 

Travel Tools
– Airline Ticketing
– Moon Phases
– Rent This Rod
– Trip Insurance and Emergency Evacuation
– Global Rescue Membership

General Information
The guides at Andres FlyFishing have a vast amount of water to choose from throughout the area. Specific fishing areas will be decided based upon current conditions at the time of your trip. The following are just a few of the main rivers that are within reach. There are also several smaller tributaries

The Elk River, BC
The Elk River is home to a native population of both Westslope cutthroat and bull trout and is renowned for its dry fly fishing. The Elk River is the most easterly river in British Columbia, beginning at Elk Lakes and flowing for 110 miles before entering the Kootenay River. The Elk River provides consistent dry fly fishing for wild cutthroat trout, along with the chance of catching a very large bull trout.

The St. Mary River, BC
Like the Elk River, the St. Mary has a lake at the top that buffers flow and minimizes scouring during runoff. It’s also one of the most scenic floats that Andres FlyFishing offers. The St. Mary is home to very good populations of Westslope cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, cut-bows, bull trout, and the occasional Eastern brook trout. Like the Elk, the St. Mary is a dry-fly fisher’s paradise.

The Kootenay River, BC 
A large freestone river with a good population of bull, cutthroat, and rainbow trout. The Kootenay River below Libby Dam in Montana is a renowned tailwater fishery, but above the dam and Lake Koocanusa (on the Canadian side of the border), the river is virtually untamed and unknown. It can be a great late season bull trout option.

The Crowsnest River, Alberta
Primarily a rainbow trout fishery, located in southern Alberta 45 minutes from Fernie, B.C. The best time to fly fish the “Crow” is from late June through October.

The Oldman River, Alberta 
This scenic river starts in the mountains, spills out of the foothills, then flows over the prairies before eventually joining the Bow River. The tailwater stretch of the Oldman is home to brown, rainbow, cutthroat, and bull trout, and has superb hatches resulting in outstanding dry fly fishing.

Boats and Equipment 
Float fishing on area rivers is done via McKenzie-style drift boats. Jet boats are used to fish the Kootenay River.

Package Rates
Remember that Yellow Dog’s services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge or outfitter. Accommodation and fishing packages with Andres FlyFishing can be completely customized based on the number of nights lodging, and the number of guided fishing days. Below are some examples of pricing/lengths of stay at both options for accommodations.

Option #1 - Standard – Fernie Best Western Package –  Double Queen Beds
- 5 Nights / 4 Days of Fishing = $5,745.00 USD / 2 Anglers (taxes included)
- 4 Nights / 3 Days of Fishing = $4,400.00 USD / 2 Anglers (taxes included)

Option #2 - The Historic 901 – 2 Single Bedrooms with 1 king bed in each room (Breakfast or Dinner not included, but walking distance for good options)
- 5 Nights / 4 Days of Fishing = $7,020.00 USD / 2 Anglers (taxes included)
- 4 Nights / 3 Days of Fishing = $5,520.00 USD / 2 Anglers (taxes included)

What’s Included:

• Lodging in your choice of accommodations
• All guided fishing (2 anglers per boat/guide)
• Packed cooler lunch on the water each day
• Use of all equipment (rods, reels, and all flies)
• Ground transportation to and from the river
• Breakfast is only included at Fernie Best Western
• Canadian Taxes

What’s Not Included:

• Transportation to Calgary, AB or Fernie, BC
• Fishing licenses and classified water permits
• Alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities guides and staff
• Breakfast at Historic 901
• Dinner each evening

Andres Flyfishing (British Columbia)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS – CANCELLATIONS
A deposit of 50% per person is due at the time of booking to hold both space and guides on all packages. No space or guides will be held without receipt of deposit. The balance is due 30 days prior to arrival. Advance payments are non-refundable. All cancellations must be received in writing, sent to Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, LLC. 

Yellow Dog strongly recommends that anglers and guests purchase travel insurance for your trip. Andres Flyfishing will not refund payments in the event of poor weather or for unused portions of any package. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the deposit, cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses for these packages.

Payment Terms for All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings  
Unless otherwise noted on your invoice, for all trips less than 90 days out, full payment is required after receipt of the confirmation email to secure guides and reservations. For trips outside of 90 days, a 50% deposit is required upon receipt of confirmation email to confirm your reservations.   

Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a secure payment portal – a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com to gain access. 

Yellow Dog Flyfishing Standard Forms of Payment 

• Debit card (fee-free) and credit card (3% convenience fee) - to pay via card please utilize the customer payment portal. If you need assistance, reach out to 406-585-8667 ext. #3 
• Wires - please include name and/or invoice number for reference on your wire. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com for wiring instructions. (client is responsible for wiring fees) 
• Physical check - please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to 213 S. Willson Ave. Bozeman, MT, 59715

If you have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (406) 585-8667 ext. #3. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT. 

"The guides were outstanding. They helped me improve my game and put me on plenty of fish. Fernie was a great town and the fishing was exceptional. I enjoyed that we had to work for fish and still managed to land a lot. The bull trout fishing was exciting even though I didn’t land one." - Curt R.