The Blackwater River

Blackwater River float trips are the top destination, for wilderness fly fishing in central British Columbia, and many believe in North America. The Blackwater River deserves its reputations one of BC's very special waters not only for the quality of the angling, but also for the richness of the outdoor experience.

Doug Mooring and his guides keep setting new standards of comfort and success for these wilderness 4 or 6 day float fishing adventures. Your dreams will become a reality as you float and wade the upper section of the Blackwater River. Early season is the best angling as the water levels allow trout to roam freely from countless lakes and streams. The trout move into the river to feed on the Stonefly and caddis hatches. Wading opportunities are found on every stretch of the river, as the river drops very slowly through the pine tree bench land.

The landscape changes in lower Blackwater, as the river picks up speed descending into the canyon section. This section is as it has been for all time, with deep pools, back eddy's, fast runs and big rocks holding larger rainbows. The steep slopes that protect the lower Blackwater are lined with Douglas Fir and pine trees.

The canyon section lasts for half of this float, widening out, giving long runs that may not have had a fisher since last season. We fish this section in August and September.

The Season

Opening June 15th through to the end of September

The Fishing

Every pool or riffle holds wild, hard-fighting Rainbow trout. These are the notable Blackwater strain, which attack anything that looks like dinner. Dry fly action is the promise that the trout deliver on. You will see many trout miss first take, with the second attack getting your fly. All this action in less than a second. These are aggressive feeding trout.

The large hatches of stoneflies, Salmon flies, Caddis, Dragonflies, and Mayflies, makes the dry fly the only logical choice. The opportunities abound for the sight fly caster. This is the pinnacle of our sport. Fly hatches go on into September, in the cool mornings you might be thinking about using nymphs, if you do you must try out our new fly called Viagra. It keeps on producing.

We have catch rates from 20 to 100 fish a day, being a catch and release water has allowed large numbers of fish to be sustained for your enjoyment. British Columbia Fishing licenses can be purchased from us upon your arrival in Quesnel. 16 yrs and older must have a BC Freshwater Angling License, and a Classified Waters License.

Our Guides:

This is my home river that I grew up fishing on and have fished this river since the early sixties when I was a just a youngster with my family. I still get excited every time I get to cast a dry fly over its waters and hook a nice rainbow trout. Having seen no one for the last three seasons on the water allows us to provide our guests with an unmatched degree of privacy and solitude. Our deluxe float trips are run with two guests per guide. Our guides' knowledge of the Blackwater is second to none, they are local and experienced, and their skills of putting guests on to fish will leave you smiling at day's end. The days on the water are long and the pace is relaxed. Our floats are generally short leaving you lots of time to test the water thoroughly.

Getting Started

We will leave our lodge in Quesnel after breakfast heading out to meet up with the horses and wagons which will take us and our gear the final 12 miles into Kluskoil Lake Park, Where we will begin the 25 mile float trip along the Blackwater River. 
You can be flown in at an additional cost of $ 650.00 per person Upper River.
 

Price Includes:
Guided float fishing 2 to 1 ratio. All camping equipment for your 
wilderness stay Tents air cell sleeping pads, sleeping bags, pillows. All meals and drinks, wine usually with supper.  
Complimentary flies. Hot showers on the river. Transportation to and  
from the river.

You Supply Getting yourself to Quesnel, a 4 to 6 weight fly rod, reel, floating line Personal Gear 30 lbs. Hard Liquor can be purchased in Quesnel, breathable waders.
 

The Rates
The 6 night 5 day wilderness float trip cost is $2,350.00 per person.
The 5 night 4 day wilderness float trip is $1,900.00 per person.
Based on two fishers per guide
Optional flight into the upper river. $650.00 per person. A travel list and hatch list will be sent to you at time of booking.

All packages require a minimum of 4 guests with a maximum 
of 10 guests. Singles call we will make it work
All Rates are quoted in Canadian Dollars

Daily Float Trips
When staying at the Lodge in Nazko, BC, you will be driven to the 
river each day. You will float and fish 5 to 7 miles a day, returning 
to the lodge at night. Comfortable beds and hot showers await your 
return. All meals are included in this package as well as guides, 
lodging and flies.
$450.00 per person per day in Canadian Funds


Stay a few additional days at the lodge, $450/person per day, and 
visit two of the most productive area lakes a short hour drive away for 2 to 4 lbs. Rainbow Trout