The Slocan River
The Slocan may just be the most scenic river you’ll ever fish with ready access and a rustic timberframe pub waiting at day’s end.  As is the case on the nearby Columbia River, Dave Brown Outfitters is the only full-time fly-fishing guiding service in the region.  On any given day you’ll see more wildlife than anglers.

What is plentiful are the bugs and hatches.  The season starts with stoneflies in June and ends with October caddis.  In between you’ll be fishing hatches of Green Drakes, numerous caddis, PMDs, BWOs, sallies, red quills, and midges.  Terrestrials like hoppers, beetles and flying ants also have their time and place.  Truth is, you can match the hatch if you want, but the native rainbow trout are usually just as willing to eat a high-floating attractor pattern.  Think Chernobyls, Stimulators and other foam-bodied goodies.

The valley is rife with wildlife and a birder’s paradise.  Deer, elk and black bears are common, and the abundance of vegetation and nesting habitat attracts a huge array of waterfowl and shorebirds.  The Walter Clough Wildlife Area on the upper river is worth a separate visit if clients or family want a break from fishing.  The Slocan Valley itself is equally appealing, with a 30-mile 2-lane blacktop winding through quaint hamlets with names like Lemon Creek, Appledale and Shoreacres.  Whether you’re after roadside espresso or a potter’s barn, this is the place to be.  Just be ready to lay back and put your feet up, because that’s the ‘Slocan Pace.’

Fishing the Slocan River
The Slocan begins at Slocan Lake, a large body of water that buffers and filters the worst of the high-mountain runoff.  As a result, the river clears sooner than many other Rockies’ streams.  When it opens June 15 things are in full swing with stoneflies and Green Drakes the primary offering.  Mayflies and caddis predominate into the early summer.  The entire length of the Slocan is catch-and-release only, but the river also closes from July 15 to August 31 to protect the trout during the warmest summer period.  As a result, come September 1 the rainbows are feisty and forgetful, and eagerly take dries well into October.  Many anglers consider September the Slocan’s finest month, with heavy hatches of caddis, BWOs and red quills, which most locals refer to as blue duns.

We fish two primary stretches of the Slocan, putting you into the best trout populations.  Some sections of the river are spotty, but our guides know where the fish are.  There are good numbers of rainbows from 12” to 15”, with the occasional fish up to 18”.  Seeing a trout like that rise to your dry fly from the bottom of a Slocan pool is heart stopping.  We primarily fish dries on the Slocan, but when the trout are picky any medium-sized nymph pattern will work.  We like to tie beadhead #14 Pheasant Tails or Copper Johns a couple of feet beneath a yarn indicator and fish it the same way you’d fish a dry. 

The Slocan Valley is well sheltered and wind isn’t usually an issue, so light rod-line combinations are ideal.  Three- and 4-weights are recommended with double-tapered or weight-forward fly lines – maybe a 5 if the wind is up a bit or you prefer it for tossing bulkier dries.  Short- to medium-length casts are the norm so distance isn’t a big concern.

Options
Depending on the month, the Slocan is an ideal add-on to your Columbia River trip.  After spending a day or two fishing to mighty rainbows on the Columbia tailwater, the Slocan will make you feel like you’re holding a wand instead of a fly rod.  The Salmo River, south of Nelson and 30 minutes from the Slocan, is a great walk ‘n wade option, as are several tributaries emptying into both streams.  We know these waters intimately and can tailor your trip accordingly.

Non-fishing companions can choose from a multitude of activities in the area, including hiking, mountain biking, lake boating and kayaking, whitewater rafting, birding, horseback riding and golf.  The unique shops and eateries in Nelson and along the Slocan Valley can keep anyone occupied for hours.

Trip Duration
We recommend spending at least 2 days in the Slocan area – 3 or more to fully appreciate the full extent of the region’s excellent fly-fishing.  Dave Brown Outfitters offers a number of floating and walk ‘n wade options.  Let us know what mix you’re looking for and we’ll piece together a great package.

Accommodations
We’re pleased to offer lodging at Valhalla Riversuites – 10 steps from a take-out on the Slocan River (www.hellovalhalla.com).  Put your rods up on the patio, relax tight muscles in the riverside hot tub, and enjoy great dining in the immediate vicinity or your own full kitchen.  Each exquisitely appointed suite has river views with decks or patios.  Out the back door is the Rails-to-Trails Path, which follows the river and valley floor for miles of scenic walking, running and bicycling.

For those seeking urban accommodations we recommend the vibrant mountain community of Nelson – 40 minutes from the Slocan’s best fishing.  Long considered the “funkiest” town in the B.C. Interior, Nelson is beautifully perched on the hillside above Kootenay Lake and famous for its heritage buildings and eclectic flair.  The dining is world-class and so are the lodgings.  Dave Brown Outfitters features 3 options, all centrally located and perfect for your stay: the Hume Hotel (www.humehotel.com), Nelson’s heritage hotel since 1898; the Prestige Lakeside Resort and Convention Centre (www.prestigehotelsandresorts.com), with a marina out your door; and the Baker Street Inn & Convention Centre (www.bwbakerstreetinn.com), where pets are welcome and kids stay free.