When we arrived, I thought I recognized a certain Landcruiser parked there. I then saw the predators gearing up for a days fishing, and after exchanging pleasantries; we decided to all fish together. After a brief hike we arrived at our fishing spot for the day. It was a deep run about 45 metres long. I couldn't believe it. How could this stretch of water provide enough fishing for a group of 5 serious fly fisherman. Well it did. We fished the run all day within metres of each other, only leaving the water when the cold started to make our toes hurt; or in Gary's case when he felt a nap coming on.
The fishing in a word, was fantastic. It did however, start out a little slow. We couldn't get the Grayling to rise to a dry fly (small wonder due to the cold water temperature), but Gary was using a bead head hare's ear nymph and doing quite well. Not to long after that, the Grayling started to rise to our Adams Irresistible's and we caught one after another. The only pause in the action was when we took the time to tie on a fresh fly, although we caught quite a few Grayling on "drowned" imitation.
From start to finish I caught and released 72 Grayling ranging in size from 33 to 48 cm long. Many of the fish would come clear out of the water to take the fly, as well jump several times after being hooked. All in all it was a magical day, and one that I will never forget. Gary and I fished the same stretch of the river the next day, and only caught a little over 20 Grayling apiece. Little wonder since some of the fish were no doubt suffering from a sore mouth since the day before.
To prove that my first day on the river wasn't a fluke, I have fished it many times since and had the same results in many different sections. After having a day or two like this on the Little Smoky River in the second week in October, I don't have a problem hanging up my rod for the season - regret free.
History
The story of the Little Smoky Fishery is one of success. The river has produced incredible fishing for Grayling and Bull Trout for many years, but unlike the rivers of the Athabasca system to the south; the fishery is still intact. One of the reasons is accessibility. Only recently has the oil and timber industries opened up the area through development, allowing the average person to access the river with a regular passenger vehicle. I also believe that the traveling required to get there ( 330 km from Edmonton), has been enough to discourage a casual trip to the river.
The other main reason is that the river has had many friends and guardians who have recognized its unique fishery and the potential for over-exploitation. Darryl Smith and members of the Valleyview Fish and Game Association, as well as many other organizations successfully lobbied the provincial government for special regulations to protect the fishery. In 1989 the government responded by designating the upper 96 km of the river as catch and release. 1996 saw the catch and release area extended another 20 km downstream.
The Grayling are thriving under these regulations with catch rates as high as 7 to 11 fish per hour. The opportunity to catch 10 to 15 fish per day that exceed 30 cm in length is very real on this river. As an added bonus, there are some truly huge Bull Trout lurking in the shadows ready to make a run at a well placed streamer, or the occasional hooked Grayling.
River Characteristics
The Little Smoky River originates in the Boreal foothills east of Grande Cache. There are extensive muskeg areas with springs in the upper stretches of the river; feeding into it and giving the water a tint similar to the color of weak tea. The river flows for 155 km before it enters the Smoky River, a tributary to the Peace River. The river opens to angling in the middle of June, and the best fishing, at least for big Grayling is from the end of August until the second or third week in October.
There are many trails winding through the Lodgepole Pine and White Aspen that dominate the area, paralleling the river and provide innumerable fishing opportunities. The whole area is rich in wildlife other than fish, with the opportunity to view Moose, Wolf, Elk, Black and Grizzly Bears, White-tailed and Mule Deer, and Ruffed Grouse. Of course, expect to see Gray Jays and Squirrels around the campsites.
Access and Accommodation
The Little Smoky River can be accessed by taking the Amoco-Bigstone Road 30 km SW of Fox Creek. There is a forestry campground at Smoke Lake, and primitive campsites at Grizzly Junction and Tony Creek. Motel accommodation is available in Fox Creek, Whitecourt and Valleyview. There are also many gas stations and food stores located in these towns.
Part 3 Little Smoky Hatch Chart
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