Black Bear Lodge located right on the banks of the Upper Columbia River in Northeast Washington. Staying at the Lodge offers guests an opportunity to fish this unique and seclude fishery and a chance to get into some really big rainbows. These bows average 18-20” and are typically 2-3 pounds, and there is always a chance at fish up in the 27-30” range. The lodge sits just south of the Canadian border, a little way downstream from the little town of Northport and Jack Mitchell at Black Bear Lodge is the only outfitter in the region guiding this section of the river.
The river sports incredible insect hatches seasonally. While hatches are not guaranteed day in and day out, the trout are at times tuned into the surface which makes for some unbelievable days fishing dry flies. When the fish are looking up, there is no better place to be. Tactics vary from the late winter/early spring fishing using single and double hand swing tactics and indicator fishing, to the June/July hatch season featuring blizzard Caddis, Drakes and various Mayflies to the late Summer Fall hatches of Baetis, October Caddis and terrestrials. Along with the Upper Columbia there are other options to fish depending on the time of year like the Kettle river and some walk and wade programs a short drive from the lodge.
Headed out on your next adventure with us? The Fly ShopⓇ has you covered. As a thank you to our travel guests, enjoy 15% off all retail purchases for a year! — the perfect chance to gear up before your trip.
Whether it’s flies, leaders, apparel or a new rod and reel outfit, we’ve got everything you need to make your journey more comfortable, more successful, and more fun. (some exclusions apply)
