Fishing at Tsylos is exceptional throughout the entire season, with each month offering a unique and rewarding experience. From June to early July, the cooler water temperatures and active fish make it a prime time for fishing with streamers. As the season progresses into July and August, the warm weather and prolific hatches bring incredible dry fly action, with trout rising eagerly to the surface. In September, anglers continue to enjoy dry fly fishing while also transitioning to egg patterns as the salmon begin to spawn, drawing in large, aggressive trout. No matter when you visit, the Chilko River delivers world-class fishing in a breathtaking wilderness setting.
The fishing on the Chilko River was amazing, not to mention the scenery. We fished mostly dry flies and each caught an average of 10+ rainbow trout per day, several approaching 24 inches.
At Tsylos Park Lodge, fly fishing still feels the way it should—remote, uncrowded, and fun.
Fishing here is simple and traditional: single barbless flies, catch-and-release, and just two anglers per boat. It’s the approach the McLean family introduced on the Chilko more than 30 years ago to protect this remarkable wild trout fishery, and it worked.
Chilko rainbows are strong, brilliantly colored wild trout that commonly measure 16–18 inches, with larger fish caught every season. Raised in cold, clear water and feeding heavily on salmon eggs, insects, and fry, they hit hard and fight even harder. Summer stonefly hatches bring explosive dry-fly fishing, with big trout rising confidently to large dries. Big water, big flies, and powerful wild rainbows.
Chilko rainbows are the kind of trout that make fly anglers fall in love with a river. These are strong, wild fish that have grown up in cold, clear water and feed heavily on salmon eggs, insects, and fry. The result is thick, powerful rainbows with bright colors and serious attitude. When one eats your fly, you know it immediately—hard runs, head shakes, and the occasional leap that reminds you this fish has lived its whole life fighting current. Whether you’re drifting a dry fly along a seam or swinging a fly through a deep run, every cast feels like it could connect you with the best trout of the week… or the season.
The Lake Day That Feels Like an Expedition
For many anglers, a wild Bull Trout on the fly is a true bucket-list fish — powerful, predatory, and built for cold, untouched water. Chilko Lake is one of the last great places where you can chase them the way it was meant to be done.
During your week with us, one day is dedicated to going big. We head up Chilko Lake — often covering 60–80 miles of remote shoreline — hunting for the right water and the right moment. It’s a mobile search, testing the waters, reading the wind, watching for signs. When we find them, it happens fast.
You’ll fish from shore in waders, stripping big flies through turquoise water backed by glacier-carved peaks. Lunch is taken lakeside in a place so wild and scenic it feels untouched by time. This isn’t a casual outing — it’s a pursuit.
And when a Chilko Bull commits, you’ll understand why anglers travel across the world for this one fish.
Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) are cold-water char native to the Pacific Northwest and western Canada, living primarily in clear, cold rivers, deep mountain lakes, and connected stream systems with excellent water quality. They require very specific habitat—low temperatures, clean gravel, and unobstructed migration routes—which makes their populations naturally scattered and sensitive to disturbance. Bull trout have a reputation for being aggressive because they are apex predators that feed heavily on other fish; anglers often report explosive strikes and territorial behavior, especially from larger individuals.
An Orvis endorsement is not simply about great fishing — it is about trust. For more than 165 years, Orvis has built its name on conservation, ethical practices, and identifying truly exceptional destinations. They do not hand out endorsements lightly. When Orvis stands behind Tsylos Park Lodge, it signals that our operation meets the highest standards for professionalism, stewardship of the land, and authenticity of experience.
For anglers, it confirms that the Chilko is a legitimate, world-class wild trout fishery managed with strict catch-and-release ethics and experienced guides. For riders and wildlife photographers, it reinforces something equally important: this is a place that protects what makes it special. Healthy ecosystems, respectful wildlife viewing, and thoughtful leadership matter whether you carry a fly rod, a camera, or ride out on horseback. The endorsement tells every guest — regardless of why they come — that Tsylos is the real thing: proven, trusted, and committed to preserving the wilderness that draws people from around the world.
River Jet Boats
Our jet boat fly fishing platforms are purpose-built to minimize anything that can snag a line, hook a fly, or clutter your casting space. Every detail is intentional—so you spend less time untangling and more time fishing.
To add to the stealth and quietness our guides use oars when possible maneuvering you into the best spots.
More space. Fewer snags. Better days on the water.
Chilko Lake Boat
Our lake boat, a 26’ Hewescraft is the largest boat on Chilko Lake. It seats six inside with more seating outside. It’s a safe, comfortable and reliable boat we use for fly fishing trips and horseback rider tours.
Uncrowded. Stunning views. Healthy, wild trout. Personable, knowledgeable and friendly guides. . . and the food . . . wow!
Seven Night Fly Fishing Package — Sunday to Sunday — USD$7195.00* per person plus taxes
*Prices based on double occupancy. Prices do not include taxes, fishing licenses and beverages from the bar or gratuities. For full package details and terms, please contact us via our inquiry form, or reach out by phone or email.
