The McLean family has been fly fish guiding at Chilko since 1957! We offer excellent river guides who will do their very best to ensure that your fly fishing vacation is the best that it can be. Our guides are passionate about river fly fishing and are avid fly fishers in their own right.  They are not only avid fly fishers, but great people to spend the day out on the water with. 

What makes a great guide?

We believe there are three main ingredients that make a great guide, 1) knowledge 2) passion 3) personality. When we add a new guide to our crew, there is one main ingredient that has to be on their resume…they eat, sleep, and dream of fly fishing!

Our guides tie their own flies, can offer great casting instructions, help you with your knots, flies, know the fish behaviors, and take care of and operate the boats while keeping good company.  All you have to do is go after those fish. 

Fly Rods & Reels

We keep quality Sage fly rods and reels at the lodge for complimentary use by our guests who need one. We also keep float tubes and flippers ready to use, so you will not have to bring your own. Our flat-bottom jet sleds and McKenzie drift boat are in excellent order and very safe.

For the Chilko River, we recommend a 5-6 weight rod with a good reel, floating line with 100 yards of backing. We will send you a detailed list of recommended flies once you’ve booked.

For Chilko Lake, we recommend a 6-8 weight rod with a 25 foot, type 6-8 sink tip or a full fast sink line.

Remember to bring a selection of leaders from 2X - 4X with plenty of tippet material, waders, sunglasses, camera, gloves, rain jacket, a hat and warm clothes.

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Fly Shop

We keep a well stocked fly shop at the lodge with wet and dry flies, leaders, tippet, floatant, polarized sunglasses, hats, fleece jackets and vests, fly fish shirts, t-shirts, and stuff. With our online fly shop, you'll be able to pre-order your personal preferences and have everything ready here at the lodge.

Check out all the Fly Fishing Packages and Rates.