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Blackwater
River
 Blackwater
River float trips are the premier destination for experiencing fly fishing in the solitude of
British Columbia. Ron Thompson and
his staff of guides set the standard for multiple day, remote river float
fishing. This is a dream come true,
if you have ever wanted to disappear into the wilderness to catch wild rainbows
with a dry fly. The Upper
Blackwater; accessed by floatplane, drains a vast area in the northern
Caribou/Chilcotin region of British Columbia.
Flowing east from the Fraser Plateau, it collects runoff from expansive
grasslands, muskeg swamps, scattered pine and aspen forests and countless trout
filled lakes. When floating the
upper section, one experiences the “Big Sky” character of the plateau with
broad vistas and low river gradients that offer countless wading opportunities.
The costs are an additional US $300 per person to fly with all gear and crew to
the upper river near Kluskoil or Euchiniko Lakes.
This is universally considered worthwhile.
The
Fishing
The Blackwater River sustains a prolific population
of wild resident rainbow trout averaging 14” with some reaching 20”.
Virtually every nook and cranny of this river is packed with fish.
For what the Blackwater rainbows lack in size they make up for in
numbers. It is common to catch
several dozen fish on any given day with some reaching the two-pound mark. Fishing with dry flies is so effective that anglers are
rarely tempted to resort to nymphs or streamers.
Although, this is an option if you feel you must.
The prolific numbers of fish are reflective of the  abundant hatches of
stoneflies, caddis and mayflies. The
stoneflies and caddis are plentiful at season opening on June 15th
and can provide opportunities beyond fantastic.
Caddis and mayfly hatches are consistent through season’s end in
September. This is a float trip on a river with few if any other fisherman. It
is likely that the fish you will cast to have not seen another angler since the
previous week. Because of the remoteness of this area, the site of other
fisherman can be curiously welcome at times.
There are also opportunities for the guide staff to put you and your
party over wild rainbow trout on many miles of wadeable streams and lakes in the
Nazko area near base camp. Experienced
and novice anglers alike will have opportunities to release more native rainbow
trout than ever imagined.
Accommodations
There are several lodging options in the
Quesnel area for your nights prior to, or after the float trip.
We will gladly provide suggestions and make these reservations for you.
The Quesnel airport is within a 5 minute cab ride from the downtown
accommodations. The Blackwater staff will pick you up the next morning to depart
for the river trip. Once your party
is on the river, a separate camp boat travels ahead to have lunches and camps
prepared before the group arrives. Unlimited
hot showers are available at all camps and new sleeping bags are provided to all
guests, which are later donated to Big Brothers and Sisters.
Air mattresses are also provided. Superb
dinner meals are served complete with wine.
The
Guides
 The 2000 season marks Ron Thompson’s 30th
year as the only outfitter on the Blackwater River. Being the only float trip outfitter allows Ron to provide
guests with an unmatched degree of privacy and solitude. These deluxe float trips are run with two anglers per fly
fishing guide and a boat and camp crew proceeds ahead to prepare all lunch and
campsites. The guide staffs’
knowledge of the river is second to none. Their
experience and instructional skills of putting clients on to fish leaves no one
disappointed. Days on the river are
long and the pace is relaxed. Daily
float distances are typically short, leaving ample time to wade and work the
holding water thoroughly.
The
Season
Season opening begins June 15th and
continues through to the end of September.
Rates
6-Day wilderness float trip $2695 per rod, or 4-Day
wilderness float trip $2150 per rod based on two fishermen per guide.
The Float Plane option is an additional US $300 per
person to access the upper river.
*
All packages require a minimum of 6 guests with a maximum of 12.
There are three flights a day from Vancouver which is a 1 hour flight on
Air B.C. Ground transportation is
provided from Quesnel to base camp and back only.
All rates are quoted in U.S. dollars.
On day one of the trip (usually a Sunday) we meet
and pack up at the hotel at whatever time your party prefers.
We then depart from Quesnel on a one and a half hour drive to the lower
river put in, or to Pelican Lake to meet the floatplane to fly to the upper
river. You can begin fishing
immediately.
Included in the rates:
Daily guided float fishing, complete outfit of boating and camping equipment for
nightly stays on the river, local transportation to and from fishing locations,
all meals and drinks including wines with dinner.
Not Included in the rates:
International
airfare to and from Quesnel to your home, any departure taxes, laundry, personal
gear, rods, reels, flies, hard liquors and gratuities.
Fishing licenses are required for anglers over 16 years of age and cost
around $70 U.S. These can be picked
up upon arrival in Quesnel.
Reservations and Cancellation Policies
A 50% deposit within 72 hours of booking confirms a
reservation. The remaining
balance is due 60 days prior to your arrival.
Advance payments are nonrefundable unless client finds a replacement.
We strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance, which we can
provide.
Availability
for Hosted Trip
Hints
and Recommendations
Guests are expected to provide their own gear,
flies, tackle, clothing or any other personal items you may want to have on
hand. Back up tackle is available
in the event that yours is damaged or lost in transit etc.
Recommendations of what you will want to bring will gladly be provided at
your request.
We actively encourage the
proper management of fisheries worldwide in order to do our part to preserve
their future. Our guides are very
passionate about their work and the environment that supports it.
All of our trips are catch and release only, but by all means, do
not forget your camera.
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