Flowing between Fraser Lake and Francois Lake, the Stellako River is a beautiful example of a pristine wilderness river. It isn’t long at only 11 kilometres, but you can pack a lot of fishing into this short stretch. Dan Moffat, from Northern Hardware in Prince George, loves fishing the Stellako River. “The Stellako is a place that I personally feel a strong connection to. It is an absolute treasure,” he says. Local author and angler Brian Smith agrees. “The Stellako is not only a majestic, pristine and magnificent river—it is a great river, and we’re lucky to have it on our northern doorstep. Revered by local fly fishers and fly-fishing enthusiasts all over the world as a must-do river on their bucket lists, the Stellako offers trophy-class wild native rainbow trout to anglers that will take the time and make the effort to learn the intricacies of her challenging water.” Smith further talks about the opporunities -- and challenges -- that Stellako River anglers face. “When a hatch is on during daylight hours,” he writes, “even small nursery stock can be difficult to catch unless your drift is perfect and your imitation is the precise size and colour of the emergence.” Later in the same day, however, “if you wait until the last hour of daylight ... an Adams size 18 will take all ranges of fish that were zipper-mouthed on the surface all day.” Smith says that between hatches, anglers can be hard-pressed to believe that fish even inhabit this river, particularly at the bridge section, which sees a lot of angling pressure. At these times, he prefers stonefly nymph patterns. These issues can apply to the more secluded lower sections as well, although downstream it is because of the exceptional water clarity and the solitude, which can make fish, “wary of all intruders.” While anglers may be tempted to throw caution to the wind and experiment, the fish in the Stellako River generally don’t take well to flashy colours or patterns. Typically, grey and tan colours are more likely to interest the trout in the summer months. Stonefly patterns are an excellent choice. In the fall, when the trout feed heavily on salmon, Smith suggests egg patterns as an angler’s best bet. In his book, Fly Fishing BC’s Interior, Smith writes, “Insect hatches are prolific on the Stellako, where you can expect to encounter varieties of the following: mayflies, including Tricos, green and brown drakes; caddis flies, comprising spotted, cinnamon and Grannom assortments; and stoneflies, comprising salmon flies, golden, little olive and yellow sallies groups.” His recommendations for fly patterns follow; pick up his book for more information. Both Smith and Moffat urge anglers to take the time to learn about the Stellako River, its runs, its fish and its challenges. Moffat urges anglers to be aware that, “this is not a place for anyone unfamiliar with river fishing. You’ve got to know what you’re doing.” Smith agrees wholeheartedly. “Besides the falls, the Stellako has some Class 4 rapids (depending on spring run-off) so it is not for the inexperienced boater. Always go with a buddy. The step falls are just below where the powerline crosses the river past km 7 of the river. Keep river left as you go under the powerline, and then the river goes through a fast-water chute for about 100 meters and then drops over the falls. The take-out and portage is marked with orange and is on the left just above the falls. “The Stellako is accessed from Highway 16, four kilometres west of Fraser Lake. Turn southwest onto Francois Lake Road, travel 11 km on pavement, and you’ll meet the Stellako at the Glenannan Bridge where it exits Francois Lake. The river is short, only 11 km in length, and empties into Fraser Lake east of Highway 16. The Stellako Lodge, situated on the river at the bridge, offers excellent lodge or campsite accommodations if you wish to stay a few days or weeks. Day-use access to the river is available from the parking lot at the bridge, where there is a rough foot trail that traverses the south side of the river for a few kilometres downstream. Brian Smith says, “The Glenannan Bridge at the outlet of Francois Lake is popular; it runs both sides above and below the bridge. There is a rough foot-path along the south bank that runs about 2-km down the river. Fish anywhere at spots along this trail.” After that, the trail is very primitive, and the river is best accessed by pontoon boat, kayak or rubber dinghy put in at the Glenannan Bridge. The float is 11 km, with take-outs at the Highway 16 bridge and also upriver via an old gravel pit road that is accessed by taking the first right off Francois Lake Road about 500 metres from the highway, entering through an unlocked gate. Smith notes that there are a few other places to fish the Stellako River. “Farther down-river along the Francois Lake Road, there are access trails to Millionaire’s Pool and Big Eddy at about km-4 (where the road takes a sharp bend and s-curve).” If you decide to float the river, you should have experience navigating Class 4 water, go with a buddy, and be prepared to make a short portage at the take-out on river left above the falls, just past the seven-kilometre marker and hydro transmission lines.” RIVER ACCESS There are several sections where it is possible to access the Stellako River. Some areas are suitable for shore fishing, and others will require a boat (no power boats are allowed from Francois Lake to the falls). There are also some sections that are dangerous for those who are inexperienced. Brian Smith’s book, Fly Fishing BC’s Interior, provides more detailed descriptions of river access. As well, it is highly advisable to fish in a group. Stop by Northern Hardware in Prince George and talk with Dan Moffat and the crew at the fishing counter.

Fly fishing with Dad. First...

Fly fishing with Dad. First fish of the year.

Fly Fishers Wanted for a UNBC Research Study

A UNBC Master's student is looking for fly fishers to take part in a research study along the Stellako River. "We are looking for men and women who are willing to share their experiences in fly fishing as it relates to their skill development, ecological knowledge, and connectedness to place." Interested? https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155825875970253&set=gm.854587777963058&type=1