Wigwam River BC

[FishClimbHunt]

Long time reader, first time poster on this site.

I'm looking to do a few days on the Wigwam this summer. I'm looking for more information on the following:

• Access: Is there vehicle access? I have a capable 4x4 with plenty of ground clearance. Information online is few and far between
• Locations: Which sections of the river are most productive for catch and release?
• Flies: What flies work here?
• Camping Regulations: What are the laws and regulations surrounding freedom camping here? Looking to tent camp. Information is few and far between online and no-one is answering my calls/emails.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. If you don't wish to share this publicly feel free to shoot me a message.

I understand this is class 2 and the regulations surrounding it.

[Bigwoodsman]

Originally Posted by FishClimbHunt

Long time reader, first time poster on this site.

I'm looking to do a few days on the Wigwam this summer. I'm looking for more information on the following:

• Access: Is there vehicle access? I have a capable 4x4 with plenty of ground clearance. Information online is few and far between
• Locations: Which sections of the river are most productive for catch and release?
• Flies: What flies work here?
• Camping Regulations: What are the laws and regulations surrounding freedom camping here? Looking to tent camp. Information is few and far between online and no-one is answering my calls/emails.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. If you don't wish to share this publicly feel free to shoot me a message.

I understand this is class 2 and the regulations surrounding it.

BC just shut down back country access. You might want to check out the thread on it.

BW

[FishClimbHunt]

Originally Posted by Bigwoodsman

BC just shut down back country access. You might want to check out the thread on it.

BW

Thank's for the head up!

I'm not planning on going until mid-August given the situation and so far the ban only extends until May 31. Nonetheless the situation can change.

I would still like information if anyone has any.

[Parker Hale]

You will also want to read up on the BC regs, the Wigwam is a classified water with special restrictions. I believe it one of the rivers that now has a limit on how many out of province fishermen can buy classified licenses for it. After the limit is reached only guided fishermen will get licenses (I believe this is how they are doing this now). Best thing would be to decide as soon as possible when you are going and then get your classified licenses for those days (20 bucks a day).
Sorry, I just went back and read the thread again, looks like you already know about the regs.

[Colin_r6]

It's all gravel roads back in there.
Watch out for logging trucks. They don't travel slowly back in there. I think the Radio Channel is RR2 (its on signs on the way in).

All of the sections work produce fine for catch and release.

Mostly Cut-Throat in there, hoppers or caddis will work fine. Check a fly shop in Fernie - they're pretty friendly with helping you choose flies.

Its also Crown land back in there, plenty of camping opportunities. Find an established site and set up shop!

[FishClimbHunt]

Originally Posted by Colin_r6

It's all gravel roads back in there.
Watch out for logging trucks. They don't travel slowly back in there. I think the Radio Channel is RR2 (its on signs on the way in).

All of the sections work produce fine for catch and release.

Mostly Cut-Throat in there, hoppers or caddis will work fine. Check a fly shop in Fernie - they're pretty friendly with helping you choose flies.

Its also Crown land back in there, plenty of camping opportunities. Find an established site and set up shop!

Thanks for the info, that everything I wanted to know!

[bessiedog]

The later in Aug you go, the greater chance you’ll catch a few bulls staging for spawning in the big holes ( and there are some huge holes there). It’s almost better to use a bushy buck tail jig and spin caster to get your presentation down to where they’ll hang.

Stimmies work great, size 10 royal wulffs and yellow hi pies are great.

Pretty fast water in a lot of areas.... very nice cooperative fish when Ive been there.

Not hard to get into fish there at all.

If you don’t see a grizz there you musta has your eyes closed the hole time pretty much.

[Colin_r6]

Staggering number of cougars in that whole Flathead area as well.

Bring your bear spray!

[flyrodfisher]

Originally Posted by bessiedog

If you don’t see a grizz there you musta has your eyes closed the hole time pretty much.

Yup....

[Wes_G]

Originally Posted by bessiedog

The later in Aug you go, the greater chance you’ll catch a few bulls staging for spawning in the big holes ( and there are some huge holes there). It’s almost better to use a bushy buck tail jig and spin caster to get your presentation down to where they’ll hang.

Stimmies work great, size 10 royal wulffs and yellow hi pies are great.

Pretty fast water in a lot of areas.... very nice cooperative fish when Ive been there.

Not hard to get into fish there at all.

If you don’t see a grizz there you musta has your eyes closed the hole time pretty much.

Its been a few years since I have fished it since I no longer spend my money in the east kootenays since the whole classified waters B.S. But I am pretty sure the entire river is designated as fly fish only.

[FishClimbHunt]

Originally Posted by Parker Hale

You will also want to read up on the BC regs, the Wigwam is a classified water with special restrictions. I believe it one of the rivers that now has a limit on how many out of province fishermen can buy classified licenses for it. After the limit is reached only guided fishermen will get licenses (I believe this is how they are doing this now). Best thing would be to decide as soon as possible when you are going and then get your classified licenses for those days (20 bucks a day).
Sorry, I just went back and read the thread again, looks like you already know about the regs.

No worries, good to let people know just in case!