FERNIE
Legend
Rivers / Lakes Bridge Highway Road Backroad Train Tracks Trail
Attractions
Park
Boat Access put in - take out
Island Lake Lodge
MT . FERNIE PROVINCIAL PARK ROAD
Golf
Walking only put in - MORRISSEY
take out Disc Golf
Swimming Hole
Picnic Area
Fishing Regulation
Canoing
Kayaking
Mount Fernie Provincial Park
Fernie Alpine Resort
West Fernie
3
LIZARD CREEK
Public Toilet
Parking
Hospital / Medical Centre
Visitor Info Centre
Leisure / Aquatic Centre
Interpretive Signs
Camping
Wildlife / Viewing
Log Jam Hazard
River Difficulty Classification
Waterfall
FAIRY CREEK
WEST FERNIE BRIDGE
Dogwood Park Boat Launch
P
North Fernie Bridge Put-in
James White Park
Stanford Inn Boat Launch
LOGS
ON BRIDGE
P
P
NORTH FERNIE BRIDGE
P
P
Annex Park
11th St .
4th St .
COKATO
ROAD
0 1km 5km 10km
1 centimetre = approximately 1 kilometre
III
P
Maiden Lake
Historic Downtown
TO CRANBROOK
GHOSTRIDER RAPID
ROCK SHELF
P
LOGS
ON BRIDGE
2nd Ave .
RIVER ROAD
3
Fernie Aquatic Centre
SUP THE ELK , TOURISM FERNIE PHOTO
CANOING THE ELK
Old Stumpy Trail
COAL CREEK
MORRISSEY ROAD
ELK RIVER , DAVE THOMAS PHOTO
ELKO
COAL CREEK ROAD
FERNIE
P
DANGEROUS LOG JAM
Mount Fernie Provincial Park
Fernie Alpine Resort
West Fernie
3
LIZARD CREEK
FAIRY CREEK
WEST FERNIE BRIDGE
Dogwood Park Boat Launch
P
North Fernie Bridge Put-in
LOGS
ON BRIDGE
3
COKATO ROAD
Historic
Downtown
RIVER ROAD
MORRISSEY
3
BIG LOG
JAMS
II
James White Park
Stanford Inn Boat Launch
P
P
P
Coal Creek Heritage Trail
NORTH FERNIE BRIDGE
P
Annex Park
11th St .
4th St .
P
LOGS
ON BRIDGE
Maiden Lake
II
Ancient Cottonwood Trail
Silver Springs
GHOSTRIDER RAPID
ROCK SHELF
P
2nd Ave .
3
Fernie Aquatic Centre
Morrissey Boat Launch
Old Stumpy Trail
COAL CREEK
MORRISSEY ROAD
RIVER ROAD
COAL CREEK ROAD
P
DANGEROUS
LOG JAM
3
BIG LOG
JAMS
RIVER ROAD
Olsen ’ s Gravel Pit
to Hosmer
Class II • 9 km • Approx . 2hrs
This section provides a scenic paddle by Ladner Creek waterfall , some great fishing and fun Class II rapids suitable for a drift boat , kayak , canoes or SUPs . Be aware of the logs on the outside of the some of the bends and avoid river left as you approach the Hosmer bridge due to a power hydraulic .
In this section you may keep 1 trout / char per day ( none under 30 cm ).
II
II
Coal Creek Heritage Trail
Ancient Cottonwood Trail
Morrissey Boat Launch
Hosmer Boat Launch
I
RIVER ROAD
3
P
BLUE HERON
KAYAKING PHILLIPS CANYON
Ladner Creek Waterfall
Old Townsite
MORRISSEY
CREEK
CLASS II RAPID
II
Old Townsite
MORRISSEY
CREEK
II
HERON RAPID
CLASS II
HOSMER
HOSMER CREEK
LODGEPOLE FOREST ROAD
P
Ingham Highway # 3 Rest Area
CAUTION STRONG CURRENT ON RIVER
LEFT UPSTREAM OF HOSMER
BRIDGE
Dogwood Park to Morrissey
Class II • 15.5 km • Approx . 3hrs
This section is fairly gentle with a few riffles and makes for a lovely float winding past ancient cottonwood trees . Watch out for the sharp bends pulling you to the outside where logs and overhanging roots can snag you . There is parking available at the Morrissey boat launch . Take a stroll on the Ancient Morrissey Cottonwood Trail on river left upstream of the Morrissey Bridge .
In this section you may keep 1 trout / char per day ( none under 30 cm ).
II
TO HARVEY PASS
Olsen ’ s Gravel Pit Boat Launch
Hosmer to Dogwood Park Fernie
Class II • 14.5 km • Approx . 3hrs
There are some braided areas and large log jams in this section along with the Ghostrider Wave Class II rapid . Beware of logs as you pass under the two Fernie bridges . After you pass under the second bridge the take out is at the Dogwood Park Boat Launch on river left . There is lots of parking available and a public washroom . Access the Dogwood Park boat launch by turning east on 4th St . from highway 3 and then south onto 4th Ave . down the hill and follow the gravel road south to the end .
This section is trout / char catch and release only until North Fernie bridge .
North Fernie Bridge to Dogwood Park
Class I • 3 km • Approx . 30min
This peaceful section is the only section recommended for floating in tubes on a hot summer ’ s day . Beware the water stays cold throughout the summer . Parking is very limited at the highway pull off by the north Fernie bridge . Try accessing the river from Annex park instead where parking is available along 12th Ave . There are also some great walk-andwade fishing opportunities along Fernie ’ s extensive dike trail system in this section .
In this section you may keep 1 trout / char per day ( none under 30 cm ).
II
ELK RIVER FISHING , TOURISM FERNIE PHOTO
MOOSE , MOUNTAIN HIGH RAFTING PHOTO
Morrissey to Elko
Class II • 17km • Approx . 5hrs
This section makes for a great full day paddle . Be aware of several large log jams and have adequate paddling skills to navigate the debris . Be sure not to miss the take out on river right at the Elko bridge as after this is the Elko Dam and a dangerous whitewater section through the upper canyon .
This section is trout / char catch and release only .
ELKO TUNNEL , ERIC VIKLUND PHOTO
AND FLATHEAD RIVER
LODGEPOLE CREEK
5 Tips to play safe on the Elk River
1• Know where you are going and be aware of hazards i . e . rapids , sweepers and logjams . Stay to the inside
on sharp corners to avoid colliding with woody debris . If you do collide with debris , climb on top to avoid getting trapped under water .
2• Always wear a PFD / lifejacket and shoes for walking on rocks and pushing off obstacles .
3• If you end up in the water , swim defensively on your back with feet downstream avoiding obstacles like rocks , trees and logjams where you can easily get pinned .
4• Be prepared for cold water and changes in weather conditions . There is a high risk of hypothermia if part
or all of your body is in the Elk River for a length of time .
5• Lose the booze and keep a clear head . You might need it to help a friend or avoid a bad situation . Celebrate your float or paddle on a warm sunny beach or deck afterward .
General Elk River Fishing Regulations :
See the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations for specific Elk River tributaries . www . fishing . gov . bc . ca
• The Elk River watershed is known for its world-class fishing . In response to high fishing pressure and in order to maintain the high quality of angling experience , the Elk and its tributaries have been designated ‘ classified waters ’ by the BC Government .
• The Elk River is a Class II Water and requires supplementary license to fish .
• No powered boats on the entire length of the Elk River
• NO FISHING from April 1 to June 14 .
• Single barbless hooks must be used all year .
• Elk River has a bait ban June 15-October 31 .
• Trout / char release June 15-October 31 from : Lower Elk Lake to Forsyth Cr , from Line Creek bridge to CPR bridge at Sparwood , from Hwy # 3 bridge at Hosmer to the northern Hwy # 3 bridge at Fernie , AND from the bridge at Morrissey to Elko Dam .
• Daily quota in open sections June 15-October 31 : 1 ) Above the Elko Dam : trout / char = 1 ( none under 30 cm ). 2 ) Elk River downstream of Elko Dam - trout / char = 1 ( no cutthroat under 30 cm , no bull trout under 75 cm )
• Trout / char release from November . 1 to March 31 .
Resources
RAFTING , GUIDING , GEAR , RIVER EXPERTISE , BOAT RENTALS
Board Stiff : 542 2nd Ave , Fernie , 250-423-3473 Canyon Raft : Canyonraft . com Fernie , 250-423-7226 Edge of the World : 421B 2 Ave Fernie , 250-423-9292 Elevation : 596 2nd Ave , Fernie , 250-423-3328 Elk River Guiding Company : 791 7th Ave , Fernie , 250-423-7239 Fernie Wilderness Adventures : 742 Highway 3 ( Park Place Lodge ), Fernie , 250-423-6704 Gear Hub : 401 1st Ave , Fernie , 250-423-5555 Kootenay Fly Shop : 821 7th Ave , Fernie , 1-877-423-4483 Mountain High Adventures : Raftfernie . com , Fernie 250-423-5008
FISHING LICENSES :
Elkford Mini Mart & Fas Gas : 60 Alpine Way , Elkford , 250-865-2415 Elk Valley Precision and Cab Inc .: 719 Douglas Fir Road , Sparwood , 250-425-0083 Service BC : Greenwood Shopping Mall Suite 96 , 101 Red Cedar Dr ., Sparwood , 250-425-6890 Sparwood Esso : 111 Aspen Driver , Sparwood , 250-425-2118 Sparwood Heights Food Store : 105- 1290 Ponderosa Dr , Sparwood , 250-425-2535 Elk River Guiding Company : 791 7th Ave , Fernie , 250-423-7239 Fernie Wilderness Adventures : 742 Highway 3 ( Park Place Lodge ), Fernie , 250-423-6704 Kootenay Fly Shop : 821 7th Ave , Fernie , 1-877-423-4483 Service BC : 401 4 Ave ( Courthouse ), Fernie , 250-423-6845
VISITOR INFORMATION :
Elkford Visitor Information Centre : 750 Fording Dr , Elkford , 250-865-4015 Sparwood Visitor Information Centre : 141 Aspen Dr , Sparwood , 250-425-2423 Fernie Visitor Information Centre : Two locations : 102 Commerce Rd , Fernie and the Fernie Museum in Historic Downtown 778-519-0748 www . elkford . ca www . sparwood . ca www . tourismfernie . com
Cutt ’ s Boat Launch
O
Kikomun Boat Launch
P
4WD Elko Take out
Kokanee Spawning Late Summer
Kikomun Creek Provincial Park
Elko Boat Launch
KIKOMUN NEWGAT E RD .
KIKOMUN CREEK
Kikomun Creek Rd
Lake Koocanusa
Sharpe Rd .
Baynes Lake
Loop Rd .
WARNING DAM BELOW
NO
FURTHER ACCESS
V
V VI
Elko to Lower Elk Canyon
Class V and VI • 4.5 km
Beware , this section has many waterfalls and class V / VI rapids that are not recommended . No public access as it crosses BC Hydro private property .
JAFFRAY BAYNES LAKE RD .
P
Waldo Boat Launch
P
3
TO USA BORDER
VAN ’ S HOLE
CLASS III
Highway 93 Take Silver Out Springs
93
P
Elko Boat Launch 4WD Elko Take out
ROLLER COASTER
IV
RAPID CLASS III / IV
RAPID
CLASS
III RAPID
LANDSLIDE RAPID CLASS
IV
IV
III
III +
III
RIVER ROAD
Be in the know on everything Fernie .
Lodging - Activities - Events Dining - Nightlife
TOURISMFERNIE . COM Join the feed - # ferniestoke - ferniestoke . com
/ FERNIE . CANADA @ TOURISMFERNIE / TOURISMFERNIE
III
WARNING DAM BELOW
IV
IV
NO
FURTHER ACCESS
V
DISNEYLAND RAPID
CLASS III
WIDE LOAD RAPID
CLASS III +
Images © Joseph R . Tomelleri .
VI
PHILLIP ’ S CANYON
HORIZON LINE
IV CLASS IV
WESTSLOPE CUTTHROAT TROUT Oncorhynchus clarkii
Dark irregular spots , red slash on side of head , spawn in spring
Blue-listed species of special concern
III
IV
WIGWAM RIVER
LODGEPOLE FOREST ROAD
WIGWAM ROAD
RAM CREEK / BIGHORN RD
TO CABIN PASS
Lower Elk Canyon to Hwy 93 Take Out
Class III / IV • 13.5 km • Approx . 3.5hrs
This section winds through a scenic canyon with exciting whitewater suitable for experienced paddlers in rafts or kayaks . Rafting companies provide tours of this section . You can bike or hike to the confluence of the Wigwam and Elk rivers for walk-and-wade fishing . The take out is just past the highway 93 bridge on river left .
In this section you may keep 1 trout / char per day ( no cutthroat under 30 cm , no bull trout under 75 cm ).
FISH OF THE ELK RIVER
BULL TROUT Salvelinus confluentus
Large head and jaws , green to greyish-blue , flanks with yellowish orange spots , no black spots on dorsal fin , spawn in fall
Blue-listed species of special concern
MOUNTAIN HIGH RAFTING PHOTO
ROCKY MOUNTAIN WHITEFISH Prosopium williamsoni
Silver with large scales , olive green shade on dorsal fin , spawn in fall
IGWAM ROAD
UNDERWATER BULL , TOURISM FERNIE PHOTO
TO HARVEY PASS
AND FLATHEAD RIVER
LODGEPOLE CREEK
KOKANEE | Oncorhynchus nerka Non-breeding bright silver , dark grey to blue back , dark marks on dorsal fin , during fall spawning crimson red with green head , found in lower Elk below Elko dam
Your Community Outdoor Store
1791 9th Ave . Fernie BC • 250-423-4222 canadiantire . ca
5 Fishing Friendly Tips
Fish experience stress when they are caught that can cause short and long term effects on their health , especially later in the summer when water temperatures rise . Help keep the fish of the Elk River healthy by eliminating contact with dry surfaces , minimizing air exposure and reducing handling .
1• Reduce fight duration . Land your fish quickly without playing it to exhaustion .
2• Fish barbless hooks . It is the rule to only use barbless hooks in the entire Elk River Watershed . If you see a barb
on a hook , crimp it . Barbless hooks cause less damage to a fish ’ s mouths and to your fingers !
3• Use a rubber net . Rubber nets are less abrasive to fish , reduce handling time and allow the fish to recover in the water while unhooking or photographing .
4• Keep the fish wet . Touching fish with dry surfaces can damage their protective mucus and make fish more
susceptible to diseases . Always try to land fish in the water , wet your hands prior to handling fish , hold fish in or slightly above the water , not over the boat or land .
5• Photograph fish wet . Minimize air exposure by keeping the fish ’ s gills and mouth underwater as much as possible .
Underwater photos look amazing ! If a fish is momentarily taken out of the water , keep it as close to the water as possible and let the photographer call the shots – 1 , 2 , 3 … raise the fish …. and click .
The Elk River Alliance aims to promote safe and sustainable recreational use of the Elk River .
ELKRIVERALLIANCE . CA