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Dave Brown Outfitters

Eastern British Columbia / Western Alberta
Headquarters in Fernie, B.C and Calgary, AB


Dave Brown Outfitter’s operation is one of the most versatile and dynamic programs in North America. With headquarters’ in the beautiful ski town of Fernie, B.C. and the charming cattle / oil town on Calgary, AB, D.B.O. has the ability to organize unique, tailor-made, and individual itineraries covering a multitude of rivers, differing countryside, species, as well as fishing style and accommodation.

The Canadian Rockies are a refreshing alternative for those anglers exhausted with heavy crowds on many of today’s famous fisheries in the U.S. West. Southwestern Alberta and Southeastern British Columbia are truly a remarkable area, appreciated by all visitors as some of the most scenic country in North America. Located directly above the State of Montana, amidst the marvel of the Canadian Rockies, the region offers countless rivers (both float and walk and wade) and four species of trout (brown, cutthroat, bull, rainbows). This is classic Rocky Mountain fly fishing at its best, less the crowded conditions of other destinations, here dry fly fishing is the norm and the diversity of the angling options seems limitless.

In a world where intrepid anglers seem to have less time on their hands, D.B.O. offers one of the most convenient venues for a week’s adventure, or a long weekend trout fix. Direct flights to Calgary, Alberta from most U.S. cities (including Dallas / Ft. Worth) make travel to the region infinitely easier than the majority of the U.S.’s comparable trout fisheries.

D.B.O. was also the first outfitter in Western Canada to offer upland bird hunts
over pointing dogs for Hungarian Partridge and Sharp-tail Grouse from their lodge in Cabri, Saskatchewan. If you are a bird hunter, we encourage you to consider a trip with Dave Brown in the Fall. The bird hunting trips can easily be combined with some trout fishing as well.


Since 1990, Dave Brown Outfitters (formerly The Elk River Angler) has catered to anglers from around the world on the trout-rich waters of the Canadian Rockies and Purcells. D.B.O. was the first fly-fishing guide service on the Elk River and the first multi–river guide service in the Canadian Rocky Mountain region.

For the purposes of organizing D.B.O. trips, we break down the D.B.O. operation into three separate areas in the southeastern British Columbia and southwestern Alberta region… 1) Fernie, B.C. and the Elk River drainage 2) Calgary, AB and the Bow River drainage 3) Anchor B Lodge and the Oldman River drainage (everything in between Fernie and Calgary). Depending on the length of the trip and client preferences, we can organize trips with D.B.O. that expose anglers to any one, two, or all three venues. From the big water and huge browns of the Bow, to the high volume dry fly fishing for cutts on the Elk, giant bull trout in remote alpine streams high in B.C., or more traditional rainbow and brown trout fishing on many famous and not so famous rivers in between; the diversity in angling options with D.B.O. is truly unrivaled.

From West to East…

The Elk River ---- Fernie, British Columbia
The Fernie region is ideal for hard-core anglers as beginners… It also offers a delightful town with other activities and restaurants for families or non-angling companions. The Elk River is the most easterly river in British Columbia, and perhaps the most scenic and stunning river valley in all of North America. As it cuts through the spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains, this mid sized freestone river picks up nutrients and more volume from countless fishable, walk & wade tributaries. What draws anglers to the Elk River is non-stop dry fly fishing for wild & native westslope cutthroat trout, large bull trout, and no crowds! This user friendly fishery is an excellent option for beginners and experienced angler alike. The water is very easy to read, and highly visible dry flies are the typical patterns of choice for eager cutthroats.
Due to the river's size, the Elk River is best suited to floating and has a classic make up of boulder strewn runs, deep pools, riffles and numerous side channels. An angler can expect to fish attractor dry flies while floating and while wading fishing more “hatch specific” patterns thru and against a myriad of structures. Other “must do” rivers in the area include the St.Mary, Bull and when fishable the Kootenay. Anglers can also make day trips to Alberta to fish the Crowsnest and Oldman Rivers from Fernie.

Anchor B Ranch & The Oldman River Drainage
Located in South Western Alberta, on the Banks of the Oldman River, the Anchor "B" Ranch - Fly fishing Lodge is the first lodge of its kind in the Canadian Rockies offering unforgettable angling adventures on a multitude of famous and not so famous rivers including the Oldman, Livingstone, Croswsnest, Highwood, Waterton, and Castle Rivers. The Elk River is a scenic one hour drive away as well.

These rivers vary from alpine cutthroat streams, medium sized foothill rainbow and brown trout waters, and prairie tailwater rivers along with the variety of creeks and streams. Again, anglers are able to target four species of trout Including, brown, cutthroat, bull and rainbow, not to mention cuttbows. All the Rivers are perfectly suited to dry fly fishing which is our preferred method under most conditions.


The Bow River --- Calgary, Alberta
Southern Alberta's Bow River is a fly fisher's paradise, especially if you are after BIG brown trout. Located inside and downstream of the City of Calgary this big tailwater river boasts a self sustaining combined population of 3000 rainbow and brown trout per mile that average a solid eighteen inches. It is easy to see why the Bow River is rated as one of the best big fish rivers in Western North America.

The fifty mile trophy stretch is best suited to floating, even by western standards it is consider a big river with a flow that averages around 3500 c.f.s, and the average width of the river is 80 yards. Except for very low winter flows the river is impossible to cross. Downstream of the city, the river has carved a spectacular valley. The banks are lined with Cottonwood and Aspen stands that give way to grass covered breaks and sandstone cliffs, complete with buffalo jumps.
The fishing on the Bow really starts to get going in late April, corresponding with hatches of Baetis and Midges, as well as a few Skwala Stoneflies. Towards mid May the trout really start to look up as March Browns and Caddis make their appearance. Although the rainbows are moving up tributaries to spawn, the fishing remains excellent as there are still plenty of rainbows in the river to keep things interesting.

Depending on the conditions, during the course of a day you could find yourself fishing streamers, nymphs and large attractor dry flies from a moving drift boat, and then stalking large, surface feeding brown or rainbow trout feeding on small caddis or mayflies. From ripping large streamers, chunking large terrestrials, or situations that demand light tippets, small dry flies and a delicate presentation; the Bow offers something for all angling styles and preferences. There are also many opportunities to find yourself out of the boat and wading up or along a myriad of side channels, back channels, riffles and high banks casting "hopper –dropper” or light nymph rigs to large trout spotted feeding below ... A great blend of New Zealand and Rocky Mountain Trout fishing in a single river!

Consider the Bow as a 2-3 day addition to a complete D.B.O. itinerary, or simply take a direct and inexpensive commercial flight into Calgary for a long weekend trout fix!


Guests with D.B.O. have a choice of dozens of different accommodation in all the regions they fish in accordance with preference, budget, and expectation. The majority of our clients stay at the following facilities:

Fernie, B.C. Region
The majority of our clients stay at the Lizard Creek Lodge, a five star ski resort with beautiful views and excellent service. This is the best choice for anglers with families and non-angling companions. It is also totally affordable and a good option for the less discerning anglers.

We recommend checkout out the Lizard Creek Lodge website for more information as follows: www.lizardcreek.com

Anchor B Ranch & The Oldman River Region
For anglers looking for the typical all inclusive “Fishing Lodge” experience, you should look no further than the Anchor B, located in southwestern Alberta on the banks of the Oldman River. The best way to describe the accommodations is "stylishly rustic". Each cabin features private bathrooms and can accommodate two anglers. The total capacity of the lodge is eight guests which makes it perfect for a corporate retreat and most importantly personalized service.

The dinning experience at the Anchor "B" is outstanding; guests will enjoy family style dinning featuring the ranch's own Black Angus Beef, continuous cocktails and an extensive selection of wines round out the experience.

Calgary, AB -- The Bow River Region
Most of our guests opt to stay at the stylish and surprisingly upscale Best Western Motel out the outskirts of town. It is well located for venturing into town as well as being fifteen minutes from the usual boat launches. Of course Calgary is loaded with tons of excellent restaurants and a myriad of accommodation options.


Travel to visit Dave Brown Outfitters is very easy relative to most comparable destinations. There are numerous daily direct flights from most U.S. cities including Dallas / Ft. Worth into Calgary, Alberta.

Guests visiting Fernie, B.C. usually arrive into Calgary and are met by a representative of D.B.O. and driven 2.5 hours to Fernie. Alternatively, Kalispell and Whitefish, Montana are a shockingly beautiful three hour drive as well.


The following sample itinerary is indicative of a fairly intrepid trip covering a lot of group and fishing numerous rivers in a 6 night / 5 day package. Itineraries exclusive to any individual region are welcomed and also encouraged. Ask us for recommendations for the ideal itinerary based upon your expectations and style.

Day 1
Travel commercially to Calgary, Alberta (Flight itinerary TBD)
Upon arrival into Calgary you will be met by a representative from Dave Brown Outfitters and transferred approximately 2 ½ hours to Fernie, British Columbia. The group will spend four nights at the Lizard Creek Lodge in 5 double occupancy bedrooms. There is no scheduled activity on the day of arrival. Relax at the lodge, have dinner, and prepare for the next three days of fishing in the Fernie area.

Day 2-4
Three full days of guided fishing in the Fernie area. Anglers in the group will float fish the Elk River for a minimum of one day and have the option to fish nearby rivers and streams in search of giant bull trout. Continued overnight the Lizard Creek Lodge.

Day 5
Early morning departure west to the Old Man River for one day of fishing en route to Calgary. The Old Man is approximately half way between Fernie and Calgary and breaks up the drive nicely. Following the fishing day, continue onward to Calgary and overnight at the Best Western Hotel.

Day 6
Full day of guided fishing on the Bow River in Alberta. Continued overnight at the Best Western Hotel.

Day 7
Departure Day. Spend a leisurely morning in Calgary prior to returning to the airport for the international flight home. There are no scheduled activities on the day of departure.


D.B.O. operates on the Bow River as early as late April and concludes in late October…when upland bird hunts can be combined with a few days of fishing. The Fernie area fishes wonderfully all season long (May – September).


Although fishing is the predominant activity, Fernie British Columbia is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Non-angling companions are encouraged to join anglers to the Fernie area. Hiking, river rafting, mountain biking, golf at the Fernie Golf Club, and a myriad of restaurants and shops are available to entertain non-angling companions.


Dave Brown also operates upland bird hunts for Hungarian Partridge and Sharp-tail Grouse in both Alberta and Cabri, Saskatchewan. Dave takes great pride is his beautiful string of Brittany Spaniels and English Pointers. Please inquire for details and check out Dave’s websites for his bird hunting operations at www.albertabirdhunts.com & www.saskatchewanbirdhunts.com.


2009 Guided Fishing Rates
(1-2 Anglers Per Boat/Guide)
**Rates are in Canadian Dollars. Inquire for Current US Exchange Rate

Elk River & Tributaries (Fernie)...........................CND$560 Per Boat/Guide
Extra Distance Rivers (Fernie) ...........................CND$595 Per Boat/Guide
Wigwam River (Fernie) .......................................CND$850 Per Boat/Guide
Bow River (Calgary) ............................................CND$540 Per Boat/Guide

Accommodation Rates
(1-2 Guests Per Room / Night)
Typical Accommodation ranges $200 - $250 CND Per Room / Night
** Accommodation ranges from standard hotel rooms to private house rentals. Inquire for Details.


Specified nights single or double occupancy accommodations; Specified days of private or shared guided fishing; Lunch on fishing days


Airfare to Calgary, Alberta or Kalispell, Montana; Ground Transportation to Fernie, BC or Calgary, AB; Breakfast and Dinner Meals; Beverages, Alcoholic beverages; Individual travel expenses; Fishing licenses; Gratuities; Laundry service; Equipment rentals, Flies & Terminal Tackle; Canadian Goods & Services Tax (GST); Items of a personal nature


Please note that Tailwaters Travel is subject to the cancellation policies of the guides and lodges which it represents. A $100 processing fee is charged to all cancellations. Deposit minus the $100 fee is refundable if written cancellation is received 60 days or more prior to departure. At 60 days prior to departure, no refund will be made unless replacement clients are found. Refunds or credits cannot be issued for fishing time lost due to inclement weather. Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation/refund/responsibility clauses.

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