Our incredibly talented guides and friendly (and helpful) shop staff offer a great experience for the first time angler as well as the experienced angler! Creating amazing memories, while providing the best equipment, latest river updates, and beautiful accommodations in Fernie at Fernie Tightlines Lodge.
Our History
The famous Elk River in Fernie, British Columbia, is situated in the East Kootenays of the Canadian Rockies, which is where Kootenay Fly Shop & Guiding Co. was established in 1995. Built to offer anglers a full service fly fishing shop and various Guided Fly Fishing Trips for some of the best fly fishing waters in North America where the last strong remaining populations of pure strain Wild West Slope Cutthroat Trout can be found.
Pursue Cutthroat Trout on the dry as well as fishing for huge Bull Trout on the Elk River. We offer Catch and Release fly fishing excursions from 1 to 5 days on the rivers, lakes, streams and creeks in British Columbia and Alberta. Float and Wade the Elk River, or fish one of the many lakes, our fishing tours are designed to accommodate the diverse angler.
Gord Silverthorne is the owner and head guide at Kootenay Fly Shop and Guiding Co. At a young age, Gord’s father asked him what we wanted to do when he grew up. It was quite simple to Gord and he responded with “I just want to own and operate a fishing lodge”. Gord’s addiction to the sport of fishing started while growing up in Northern Alberta as he was surrounded by excellent lakes and rivers that provided Northern Pike, Walleye, Perch, Whitefish and native Athabasca strain Rainbow Trout.
Never forgetting his dream, Gord seized the opportunity and in 1996 opened Kootenay Fly Shop & Guiding Company in Fernie, British Columbia. And after 25 years, the adventure and excitement of owning and operating a successful thriving fly fishing business continues each day.
