Download Our Brochure - Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co.

Worldwide TRAVEL SERVICES 

DAVE BROWN OUTFITTERS 

Canadian Rockies 

Travel - Fishing - Accomodations - How to Get There - When to Go - Rates - Much More 

TAILWATERS TRAVEL PUBLICATION 

© 2011 Tailwaters Travel

table of contents 


accomodations 18-21 

general description 

fishing information 

4-7 

How to Get There 

sample itinerary 

seasonALITY 

When to go 

rates 

22-23 

24-27 

28 

tailwaters travel services 

Personalized Service 

Perhaps our greatest asset is our hands on 

dedication to insuring your trip is perfectly & 

conveniently planned. We are not your standard 

9:00-5:00 travel agency. Our staff is on call to 

answer the most trivial of questions, lend a hand in 

an emergency, or help gather any last minute gear, 

flies, or tackle. Every trip we plan is personalized to 

each individuals special needs or requests, specific 

itinerary and seasonality. We are a small operation 

that succeeds because we offer the best customer 

service in the industry. 

Outfitting Guides & Pre-trip Organization 

When you book a trip with us you will receive one of our destination specific outfitting guides. 

These comprehensive packets contain everything from maps to gear & tackle recommendations, 

information about commercial travel arrangements, lodge policy, country information, itinerary, 

travel insurance and much more. Our outfitting guides have been meticulously prepared to 

provide you with the most informative and up to date pre-trip planning reference in the industry. 

Although we are always on call at the office, our outfitting guides are the ultimate go-to resource 

for questions or concerns about planning your trip. 

8-17 

terms and conditions 

pre-trip planning 

29 

back 

Save Time and Money 

You the client dont pay a penny for our services! Our destination recommendations, 

organization and pre-trip planning services are completely free of charge. We can assist with 

every question, concern, or special request related to your adventure at zero cost! 

We Have Been There 

We do not send our clients to any destination we have not visited ourselves. From the remote 

rivers of the Kamchatka Peninsula, the marshes of Southern Louisiana, to the sandy flats of the 

Seychelles, we have experienced the travel involved, eaten the food, fished with the guides and 

know exactly what gear and tackle is most productive. 

ABOUT THE COVER 

A FLOAT ON THE ELK RIVER IN FERNIE. PHOTO BY: ANDRES GONZALEZ

CANADIAN ROCKIES 

DESTINATION DESCRIPTION 

dave brown OUTFITTERS 

location 

The Canadian Rockies are a refreshing alternative 

for those anglers exhausted with 

heavy crowds on many of today’s famous 

(and busy) fisheries in the U.S. West. Southwestern 

Alberta and Southeastern British 

Columbia are 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. 

Fall Bird Hunting with D.B.O. 

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. 

Location: 

Eastern British Columbia / Western Alberta 

Headquarters in Fernie, B.C and Calgary, AB 

Destination Description: 

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, tailormade, 

Photo and individual Caption itineraries covering a multitude 

of rivers, differing countryside, species, as 

well as fishing style and accommodation. 

4 

5



Fly Fishing Films & Photos by Andres Gonzalez: www.ideashd.com


THE FISHING 

From West to East...… 


The Fishing: 

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 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 

(basically everything 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 cutthroat 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. 

The Elk River ---- Fernie, British Columbia 

The Fernie region is ideal for hard-core 

anglers as well as total novices… It also 

offers a delightful town with other activities 

and restaurants for families or nonangling 

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 midsized 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! 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” against a myriad of structures. 

Other “must do” rivers in the area include 

the St.Mary, Bull, Wigwam and when fishable 

the Kootenay. Anglers can also make day 

trips to Alberta to fish the Crowsnest and 

Oldman Rivers from Fernie. 

8 

9


THE FISHING 

booking a Trip with Tailwaters 

PRE TRIP PLANNING 

Seriously - the best in the business! 








Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co. 

2416 McKinney Ave. 

Dallas, Tx. 75201 

214.219.2500 

888.824-5420 




214.219.2500 

888.824-5420 

the elk river: not a prettier float trip in the rocky mountains 

Fly Fishing Films & Photos by Andres Gonzalez: www.


CUTTHROATS ON DRIES 














214.219.2500 

888.824-5420 




214.219.2500 

888.824-5420 

THE ELK OFFERS USER FRIENDLY DRY FLY FISHING FOR CUTTHROATS


THE FISHING 


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. 

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 DBO’s 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. 

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 ... 

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! 

14 

15


THE FISHING 

booking a Trip with Tailwaters


ACCOMMODATIONS 


location 

Accommodations: 

Guests with D.B.O. have a choice of a dozen different 

accommodation types 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 

There are numerous options in Fernie ranging 

in price point and style from inexpensive 

motels in town to upscale resort-style lodging 

– or even private house rentals. 

Island Lake Lodge 

Photo Caption 

The majority of our clients stay at the Island 

Lake 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 seeking a little 

more luxury. Anglers have a twenty minute 

drive up a beautiful mountain valley to meet 

their guides each day, but the gorgeous view 

is well worth the effort. 

Red Tree Lodge 

Anglers looking for a simpler place to 

stay in town should consider the Red Tree 

Lodge. Nothing too fancy, but very comfortable 

and centrally located near the fly 

shop in Fernie with a lively bar and very 

good restaurant. 

Birch Meadows Lodge Bed & Breakfast 

Great place to consider for those looking 

for a little more seclusion and wilderness 

escape. Although only seven miles from 

Fernie, Birch Meadows Lodge offers unique 

accommodations in private cabins and a 

quiet setting with bed and breakfast charm 

and warm hospitality. 

Fernie Lodging Company 

Dave Brown Outfitters works with Fernie 

Lodging Company for our clients that are 

looking for something along the lines of 

a private residence. The properties range 

from Luxury Condos to Large Private Chalets 

with housekeeping and in-house chefs. 

Fernie Lodging Company has also assisted 

us in putting together corporate retreats. 

Anchor B Ranch & 

The Oldman River Region 

For anglers looking for the typical all inclusive 

“Fishing Lodge” experience in the Canadian 

Rockies, 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 dining 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 Glenmore Inn. It 

is well located for venturing into town as 

well as being twenty - thirty minutes from 

the usual boat launches. Of course Calgary 

is loaded with tons of excellent restaurants 

and a myriad of accommodation options. 

18 

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ISLAND LAKE LODGE 

Fly Fishing Films & Photos by Andres Gonzalez: www.ideashd.com


HOW TO GET THERE 

Travel to visit Dave Brown Outfitters is very 

easy relative to most comparable destinations 

in the Rockies. 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 rent a car for the gorgeous three 

hour drives to Fernie. Alternatively, Kalispell 

and Whitefish, Montana is a beautiful three 

hour drive alongside Glacier National Park – 

however you must cross the border and clear 

customs en route. 

Sample Itinerary 


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 for overnight. 

Day 6 

Full day of guided fishing on the Bow River in Alberta. 

Continued overnight in Calgary. 

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. 

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, most clients rent a car and drive three hours to Fernie, British Columbia. 

Overnight in Fernie (accommodations TBD). 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. 

Photo Caption 

Day 2-4 

Three full days of guided fishing in the Fernie area. Anglers will typically float fish the Elk River 

for a minimum of one day and possibly have the option to fish nearby rivers and streams in 

search of giant bull trout. Continued overnight in Fernie, British Columbia. 

22 

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WHEN TO GO 


C a s t & B l a s t O p t i o n s 

Dave Brown Outfitters is 

also the first outfitter to 

employ a proper string of 

seasoned pointing dogs 

for Hungarian Partridge & 

Sharptail Grouse on the 

vast Canadian Prairies of 

Alberta & Saskatchewan. 

Consider a fall trip combining 

a few days for monster 

browns on the Bow 

River with some worldclass 

upland bird hunting. 

Ask for Details… 

Fly Fishing Films & Photos by Andres Gonzalez: www.ideashd.com 

sEASONALITY / wHEN TO gO: 

With happy cutthroats eager to eat dries almost 

anytime, the Fernie area fishes wonderfully 

all season long as well (May – September). 

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. Spring caddies and 

streamer fishing on the Bow can absolutely 

be dynamite and is perhaps our favorite early 

season river in the Rockies. 

The early summer fishing in late May and early 

June is a blast for anglers looking to experience 

the giant salmon fly hatches, while midsummer 

sees prolific PMD, golden stone, green 

drake, and a myriad of other mayfly and caddis 

hatches offering great dry-fly fishing in most 

years. Late July, August and early September 

are traditionally months to experience great 

terrestrial fishing with grasshoppers, ants, and 

other highly visible dries. Dave Brown Outfitters 

has enough diverse fishing opportunity to 

accommodate anglers all season long. 

N o n - A n g l i n g A c t i v i t y 

Although fishing is the predominant 

activity on trips with Dave Brown 

Outfitters, Fernie, British Columbia 

is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Nonangling 

companions are encouraged to 

join anglers to the Fernie area. Hiking, 

river rafting, mountain biking, golf at 

the Fernie Golf Club, and a handful of 

restaurants and shops are available to 

entertain non-angling companions. 

24 

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WIGWAM BULL TROUT! 














214.219.2500 

888.824-5420 




214.219.2500 

888.824-5420 

CORT DEHART WITH A DINK BULL TROUT FROM THE WIGWAM


2012 RATES 


guided Fishing rates 

**Rates are in Canadian Dollars. Inquire for Current US Exchange Rate 

(1-2 Anglers Per Boat/Guide) 

Elk River & Tributaries (Fernie)...........................CND$595 Per Boat/Guide 

Extra Distance Rivers (Fernie) ...........................CND$625-650 Per Boat/Guide 

Wigwam River (Fernie) .......................................CND$850 Per Boat/Guide 

Bow River (Calgary) ............................................CND$595 Per Boat/Guide 

Terms and Conditions: 

Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation 

policies of the guides and lodges which 

it represents. Dave Brown Outfitters’ policy 

follows: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required 

at the time of booking to confirm all 

reservations. Final payment is due 60 days 

from departure. Deposits are non-refundable, 

but may be moved to another date during 

the same season if cancellation is received 60 

days or more prior to departure. At 60 days 

prior to departure, no refund or credit will be 

granted 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, and 

responsibility clauses. 

Accommodation Rates 

(1-2 Guests Per Room / Night) 

Typical Accommodation ranges $150 - $400 CND Per Room / Night 

** Accommodation ranges from standard hotel rooms, multi bedroom condos, to private house rentals. 

Inquire for Details. 

What’s Included: 

Specified nights single or double occupancy accommodations; Specified days of private or 

shared guided fishing; Lunch on fishing days 

What’s Not Included: 

Airfare to Calgary, Alberta or Kalispell, Montana; Ground Transportation or Rental Car 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 

Photo Credits: Andres Gonzales, Tailwaters Travel, Dave Brown 

Fly Fishing Films & Photos by Andres Gonzalez: www.ideashd.com 

T r a v e l i n s u r a n c e ! 

Given the inherent strict refund policies 

associated with nearly all fishing packages, we 

cannot stress the importance of obtaining 

travel insurance to protect your investment. 

Travelers can obtain coverage for pre-existing 

health problems (related to yourself, your family, 

business partners, or your traveling partners), 

emergency evacuation, lost baggage, delay, 

life insurance packages; even “no questions 

asked” or “for work reasons” coverage. 

We will provide you with more detailed 

information about travel insurance from our 

sponsored provider, Travel Guard, when you 

book a trip with Tailwaters Travel. 

We can conveniently process a very 

comprehensive insurance policy for you inhouse 

after asking a few simple questions. 

CALL TODAY TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT: 

(214) 219-2500 or (888) 824-5420 

28 

29

ooking a Trip with Tailwaters 













214.219.2500 

888.824-5420 

©2011 TAILWATERS TRAVEL

Download Our Brochure - Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co.

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