Fly fishing Birkenhead River in Pemberton British Columbia
Fly fishing Birkenhead River in Pemberton British Columbia. The Birkenhead River holds some of the best fly fishing in British Columbia, Canada and the World. During the month of May the River has a heavy influence of spring run off. The spring run off is caused by the melting snow in the mountains. This keeps the water very cold, well oxygenated and it also washes a ton of feed into the water. Feed in the form of black ants, stonefly nymphs and case caddis. During the month of May expect to catch Rainbow Trout, Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Whitefish and Bull Trout. Although the main stem of the Birkenhead River is very high and swift, it will hold fish. What we have found to be a much safer alternative to fishing the main stem is fishing the side channels. The side channels branch off into much smaller, less swift, wadeable sections that carry a ton of structure. Structure that hosts great hiding for Salmon fry and a wide variety of aquatic Nymphs. The Month of May also triggers great dry fly fishing. The days become much longer and warmer. We have found that as soon as the sun sets behind the mountains in the evenings, the Birkenhead River comes to life with many hatches. Hatches that include sedges, black gnats, caddis and of course the Mayfly.
The Birkenhead River is located 15 minutes North of Pemberton on Portage road. Follow the signs North toward the village of D'arcy once you leave Pemberton. The River is well marked on the Bridge that crosses it. Once you cross the bridge the Birkenhead River is on your left, pretty well anywhere you see a pull out there is a trail that will take you down to the River. We always recommend that you carry bear spray while fishing the Birkenhead River because it is common to run into bears throughout the day. Although there has never been a recorded Bear attack on the River, bear spray is an inexpensive piece of mind. Bear spray and all of your fly fishing needs are available at Spud Valley Sporting Goods Ltd. in Pemberton, BC at 1380 Birch Street. Spud is well stocked with all of your fishing needs, they have a great map on the counter and their staff can help you pick out some flies for fly fishing that are working.
If you would like to get on the fast track to catching fish on the Birkenhead River the Pemberton Fish Finder offers 3 fishing tours varying length. A 3 hour introductory fly fishing tour, a 5 hour half day and an 8 hour full day fishing tour. Our full day tour includes a tasty shore lunch. Visit our website for more information about our fly fishing tours, rates and information about our professional fishing guides.
We look forward to fishing with you,
Pemberton Fish Finder
Below we have included a short fly fishing video and some pictures of Trout from the Birkenhead River. The fly fishing video was filmed May 5th, 2016. Enjoy, share and visit us on Facebook!