The McLean family’s Tsylos Park Lodge (pronounced Silos) is a trout fishermen’s paradise, located about 200 air miles over the coastal mountains from Vancouver, British Columbia.
Your Adventure Begins when you board ta twin engine aircraft in Vancouver, BC for a one and half hour flight to Chilko Lake, a 50 mile long turquoise blue lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, canopies of untouched forests, and fed by the numerous ancient glaciers streams of the Coast Mountains. At the north end of Chilko Lake, nestled at the headwaters of the Chilko River is Tsylos Park Lodge.
Started in 1957, this multigenerational lodge is celebrating over five decades of sharing the history, stories, and knowledge of the Chilko waters and area. Now in their second generation, they keep true to their vision of conservation and care of the wildlife which is reflected in lodges policies and actions.
Chilko Lake and River are one of the most unique fisheries habitats in North America. It is not only a major spawning and rearing habitat for the resident freshwater species like Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout, Rocky Mountain Whitefish, and resident Steelhead, but also for Chinook, Sockeye, Coho salmon as well as Steelhead.
Chilko River is an unprecedented Rainbow trout fishery bringing you a dry fly season that runs from the start of July and extending into September. The waters are so clear you are able to watch a 20″+ wild rainbow trout track your fly, then explode in a ferocity bringing a triumphant howl from you and a scream to your reel.
Pick the way you want to fish. With a guide for each two anglers, try drifting a dry fly from a drift boat, jet sled or float-tube. Wade the riverbank for total serenity. You can spend the day on awe-inspiring Chilko Lake fishing the mouth of glacial streams for Bull Trout surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, pristine beaches, and no one for miles.
The Tsylos Park Lodge guides are passionate anglers and love to share their knowledge on fly patterns, fishing techniques and history of the area. Your fishing experience at Tsylos will be one you tell your friends about for years.
The beautiful lodge is the main gathering area at Tsylos. Rebuilt in the winter of 2008, it portrays the perfect wilderness log lodge with a big stone fireplace, large log beams, and large decks overlooking the Chilko River and valley. The lodge’s ambiance has a relaxed and welcoming feel and shows the McClean Family’s history and passion. It brings an unpretentious flavor which welcomes people to relax, de-stress, and to truly laugh. After an exuberant day on the water you will be enticed by the mouth-watering aromas as the chef prepares the evening meal. There is no better way to spend an evening other than sitting next to the crackling fire and sharing stories of the day.
For non-fishing companions or those adventurous anglers who want to try other activities we offer excellent horseback riding packages for intermediate to advanced riders, as well as hiking, canoeing, and kayaking.
Tsylos offers you something truly unique in today’s word: a real chance to disconnect. You’re not available by cell phone or email. How freeing is this! That means that you have the perfect excuse to take a true vacation that allows you to take a mental, physical, and emotional break. Enjoy the freedom of saying “I am on vacation, and I am not available for the next week” and mean it!
Whether you’re a group of friends, an adult family, or spending some romantic time with your significant other, it truly offers you a wilderness hideaway far from the crowds. If you’re ready to disconnect to reconnect at Tsylos Park Lodge, check dates and availability for your trip!
Reservations & Rates
The cost of the week-long Tsylos Park Lodge package is $6,295.00 USD per person plus a 2.5% GST tax, based on double occupancy.
Inclusions
Included in your angling package at the Tsylos Park Lodge the round trip air fare from Vancouver to Tsylos Park Lodge, accommodations (based on double occupancy), all meals, wine with dinner, daily room service, a guide for each two anglers, all boats, gas, and other activities.
Non-Inclusions
Not included in your angling package at Tsylos Park Lodge are transportation costs to Vancouver British Columbia, accommodations in Vancouver, GST tax of 2.5% for non-Canadians ( 5% for Canadians), fishing licenses, $77 hotel and tourist tax, gratuities, alcoholic beverages from the bar, rods, waders, and flies.
Travel Insurance
The Fly Shop® is not in the insurance business, but we recommend Travel Guard coverage as a service with a desire to see your best interests protected. It is impossible to know when an unfortunate situation (loss of luggage, fly rods, illness in the family, or an accident) may occur. However, such things can and do happen, and this insurance can provide a means of recourse against non-refundable financial losses.
• Travel Insurance Information
Seasons at Tsylos Park Lodge
Tsylos Park Lodge's season starts in mid-June and runs through mid-October. Wet fly fishing is excellent throughout the season, while July, August and the first two weeks in September is dry fly season, offering, epic hatches and outstanding fishing for trophy rainbow trout. Mid-September to the end of the season the river closes for fly fishing from a motor boat as the river is full of spawning salmon.
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Fly Fishing Waters & Wild Fisheries:
Chilko Lake is considered to be, by many, the most pristine and beautiful lake on the planet. The lake is the largest, high elevation lake in North America and in places reaches depths of over 1600 feet and is roughly 50 miles long. The lake is surrounded by snowcapped peaks and is fed by numerous glacial streams. At the north end of Chilko Lake the Chilko River winds' its way north easterly through the Chilcotin Plateau merging with the Taseko River to become the Chilcotin River, and eventually the Fraser River. Chilko Lake offers a natural filtration system for Chilko River offering crystal clear waters and consistent seasonal water flows.
Chilko Lake and Chilko River supports the 3rd largest run of Sockeye in British Columbia and both the river and lake are the natural spawning grounds and rearing habitat for rainbow trout, steelhead, bull trout, rocky mountain whitefish, sockeye, Chinook, and Coho salmon. It is home to a healthy population of indigenous Rainbows and Bull Trout. Consequently there are always migrations within the system from April to November.
In April the Chilko steelhead migrate to the river to spawn. In May millions of sockeye salmon smolt begin their journey from Chilko Lake to the ocean. As the smolt travel through the river, the bull-trout have a feast. In late May and early June the sockeye fry emerge from the gravel and travel up Chilko Lake. As the summer progresses the rainbows are the primary species in the river, but you can always catch a bull-trout on a wet fly. Starting in August the Chinook salmon arrive. The sockeye start to arrive the beginning of September. The Coho arrive late October and November.
The Chilko waters are a very unique and natural habitat in North America.
Species of Fish:
The Chilko River rainbows are 100% wild and native to the Chilko waters. They are renowned for their coloration, size, and fighting prowess and their willingness to rise for large, visible dry flies. It's not uncommon to be taken into your backing and to see your fish torpedo across the surface of the water, cartwheel, jump repeatedly and to snap you off in an explosion of color and heart stopping action.
These stunning Rainbows grow to healthy sizes due to the large late summer runs of Sockeye, Chinook, and Coho salmon, the spring smolt escapement from the lake and the never ending summertime insect hatches make for healthy rainbow trout.
The river is crystal clear and it's common to see large trout slowly rising from the river bed to take your fly. The constant flow and temperature of the river maximize insect hatches and the growth of the resident fish. The character of the river is punctuated with long, deep pools, riffles, boulder gardens, shelves, structure, white water and braided channels all of which offer a wide variety of fishing opportunities. If you can stand to take your eyes off your fly for a moment you may spot bear, moose, mule deer, eagles, osprey or even the elusive wolverine.
Bull Trout are built for predation and we target these apex predators both on the Lake and in the Chilko River. They grow to trophy sizes and are often seen hammering shoals of salmon smolt on the lake and will even chase down hooked rainbows to the boat. They offer exciting sub-surface action. The average size of these predators is between 5-8 lbs with much larger fish caught on a regular basis. You will fish off the banks of Chilko Lake using large streamers on sink-tip and full sinking lines on 6 - 7 weight rods. A day on the lake comes highly recommended and depending on weather conditions the lodge will get you up there to experience a little bit of paradise.
Fly Fishing Methods:
With a guide for each two anglers, you can choose a variety of fly fishing experiences during your week at Tsylos Park Lodge, each day the choice is yours.
You can drift fish from our flat-bottom jet sleds. Float the river targeting the shelves that hold our big Rainbows. Once at the end of your drift, the jet motor is used to move upstream for another drift. With guide and jet support you can wade all the different pools and ledges with your guide moving you from shelf to shelf.
Experience the drift boat trip wading the River about 22 km's. This is a beautiful trip to experience the lower end of the river in faster waters. We float the river, stop, wade, and float to the next spot.
On very hot days a float tube and flippers is a fun way to experience the river up close and personal. With full guide support you stop at all the shelves and really work those drop-offs.
Head up Chilko Lake, park the boat on a pristine beach, fly fish knee deep in clean blue waters, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and no one for miles.
General Weather Conditions:
Chilko Lake is on the east side of the Coast Mountains and is a semi-arid climate. As the storms blow off the coast and travel across the Pacific Coast Mountains the majority of precipitation is left on the south and west side of the ranges offering us a fairly dry climate.
Summer temperatures average 60° F but can drop or climb 50° F degrees between morning and afternoon. This is mountain weather and it changes quickly. Mornings and evenings are cool as soon as the sun goes down. The best defense is to be prepared with the proper clothing that you can adjust during the day for changing weather conditions. Anglers should dress in layers and always bring raingear. In general the lodge experiences beautiful mountain summers with cool crisp mornings, warm to hot afternoons, and cool in the evenings. Occasionally we get a summer storm that can blow in and temperatures can be cold.
Getting to Tsylos Park Lodge
Travel from home to Vancouver, BC, International Airport (YVR) arriving on Saturday night where you will clear immigrations and customs. On Sunday morning departure from Vancouver to Tsylos Park Lodge is at 9:30 am, weather dependent. You will travel 180 air miles north of Vancouver on a twin engine chartered aircraft.
Depending on number of passengers the charter flight will either be a
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twin engine Navaho Chieftain which takes six passengers and can land at the lodge airstrip, or a Beach 1900 which will land at an old air force base where you will be transferred by auto to the lodge. The flight and auto transfer are all included as part of your package. Or if you have your own aircraft you can land at the lodge's gravel airstrip.
You must claim your luggage on your first point of entry into Canada and clear immigrations and customs. Failure to claim your luggage will result in your luggage not showing up at your end destination.
Reservations at a Vancouver, British Columbia hotel are not included in your package and should be made by you or your travel agent when you book your airline reservations.
Lodging at Tsylos Park Lodge
The beautiful log lodge is the main gathering area here at Tsylos. Rebuilt in the winter of 2008-2009, it offers a warm, cozy, and relaxing atmosphere to enjoy good times and create lasting memories! It is an authentic wilderness log lodge made by hand from local timber and stone, with a big stone fireplace, large log beams, big decks overlooking the Chilko River and valley. The lodge hosts the dining area, the open kitchen, the great room with the fireplace, a fully stocked bar, Jacuzzi, barbecue
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area, and big decks. It's the adult gathering place for good times. There is no better way to spend an evening other than sitting next to the crackling fire and sharing stories of the day.
After dinner guests can tie flies, play horse shoes or volleyball, take a walk, soak in the Jacuzzi, play cards or board games, or just relax on the deck and view a million stars.
Fourteen guests are accommodated in log cabins or rooms. The lodge offers four cabins; two larger cabins that accommodate groups of 4-5 persons. The other two cabins have been remodeled into suites to accommodate two persons in each unit offering private entrances, bathrooms, comfy beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, down duvets, and seating area. There is also a room for two in the lodge loft bedroom.
The lodge usually accommodates a mix of fly fishers and riders with a maximum of eight anglers and six horseback riders unless it is a custom trip.
Single Option Upgrades:
If a person prefers to have single occupancy there is the option for a 25% single supplement on the package price.
Electricity:
The lodge and accommodations offer 24 hour day electricity supplied by a solar/inverter power system. Our water system is gravity fed offering excellent water pressure for a great hot shower at the end of the day.
Meals & Liquor:
Meals are prepared fresh by our chef and served family style at the lodge. Each day everyone sits down for a tasty breakfast and dinner. It is always full of great conversations, and lots of laughter. Since the remodel, the McCleans continued with the tradition of having an open kitchen so everyone can enjoy watching their delicious meals being freshly prepared, with the mouth-watering aromas to entice your appetite.
Breakfast is a blend of a Canadian hot breakfast, bacon & eggs, fresh potatoes, pancakes, as well as an assortment of fresh fruits, cereals, and yogurts. Lunch is spent streamside, on top of a mountain, or wherever your wanderings have taken you. Dinner is a special time of day. Everyone gathers for a relaxing dinner and mouth-watering meals; fresh salads, meats, breads, pastas, as well as tasty deserts. Complimentary Wine is served with dinner.
Tsylos Park Lodge offers a fully stocked bar located within the lodge. It is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail pre-dinner while you sample our tasty appetizers made by our in house chef. The bar is fully stocked with an assortment of spirits, beer, and wines. If you have a special order, just let us know, and if available in Canada, we will order it in. At the end of the evening you can head back to your private accommodations or nightly activities include unguided fishing (excellent right in front of the lodge), campfire, horseshoes, cards, walks, or fly tying.
Fishing at Tsylos Park Lodge
You will arrive at Tsylos Park Lodge on Sunday just in time for a tasty lunch and a brief over view of the coming week. After lunch you will have time to settle into your cabin and gear up for an afternoon of fly fishing on the river. Tsylos Park Lodge is located adjacent to the river so it is a one minute walk to the docks where your fly fishing adventure begins.
Mornings are a blend of fresh clean mountain air, tasty aromas wafting on
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the breeze, and the sounds of laughter as everyone gathers at the lodge for a hearty breakfast. Coffee is on by 7:30 a.m. and breakfast is served in the lodge at 8:30 a.m.
After breakfast guides and guests gear up on the deck for their fly fishing day, choosing their selection of flies, making sure their fly rods are ready, and if needed gearing up with waders and boots. Your guide has prepared your lunch and drinks preferences for the day. When you are ready so is your guide. A simple one minute walk to the dock to load everything in the boat and your fly fishing day begins.
With a guide for each two anglers, you can choose a variety of fly fishing experiences during your week at Tsylos Park Lodge, each day the choice is yours.
You can drift fish from our flat-bottom jet sleds. Float the river targeting the shelves that hold our big Rainbows. Once at the end of your drift, the jet motor is used to move upstream for another drift.
With guide and jet support you can wade all the different pools and ledges with your guide moving you from shelf to shelf.
Experience the drift boat trip wading the River about 22 km's. This is a beautiful trip to experience the lower end of the river in faster waters. We float the river, stop, wade, and float to the next spot.
On very hot days a float tube and flippers is a fun way to experience the river up close and personal. With full guide support you stop at all the shelves and really work those drop-offs.
Head up Chilko Lake, park the boat on a pristine beach, fly fish knee deep in clean blue waters, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and no one for miles.
Every day, each fisherman will have the opportunity to experience all that the Chilko fisheries has to offer but we highly encourage fly fishermen to experience at least one day on the drift boat trip and spend a day up Chilko Lake.
If you want a day off from the fly fishing, we have a herd of happy, healthy, and well trained horses and miles of trails, as well as kayaks and canoes.
Lunch is served on the river and anglers return to camp at approximately 5:30 p.m., in time for a hot shower or for cocktails and pre dinner snacks. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. At the end of the day, guests usually meet at the lodge for a cold drink, a tasty snack, and have some time for a hot shower or a soak in the Jacuzzi prior to sitting down for a delicious dinner. After dinner guests play horse shoes, volleyball, card games, take a walk, or sometimes just sit on the deck enjoying a couple of drinks, funny stories, and watch a million stars.
Day of Departure from the Lodge:
The last morning guests enjoy a hearty breakfast while the crew loads the luggage in the vehicles. Depending on which airport we are using (Chilko or Puntzi) the plane departs from the airport at 11:00 am and arrives in Vancouver by 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. If guests are connecting to another flight, you must allow a minimum of two hours for check in and customs at the International airport. We recommend not making connecting flights prior to 3:30 pm.
Non-Angling Activities:
One of the unique characteristics of Tsylos Park Lodge besides it world class fisheries, is the non-angling activities it provides. Tsylos Park Lodge offers a seven night horseback riding package that caters to intermediate to advanced riders who love horses and horseback riding in beautiful country side..
In mid-September as the fly fishing season ends and the sockeye salmon take over the river, the area attracts an abundance of wildlife including the grizzly bears. Tsylos offers a seven night grizzly bear and wildlife photography trip for people who love nature, photography, or just the spectacular beauty and peace that watching a sow grizzly teach her cubs to fish on the banks of the river.
Of course our fly fishing package includes all of the activities at Ts'yl-os including hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and if you want to join the ride for the day, we have both walking and cross country rides for you to join.
What Makes This Destination Special and Unique?
• A multi-generational family-owned and operated lodge. Every guest is made to feel like family here. The level of service goes beyond merely good – from the time you land on a plane near the lodge, you are catered to. Every cabin is rustic elegance, every meal superb, every fishing choice discussed at length. There is a reason so many people return here every season, year after year!
• Anglers spend most of their days fishing various stretches of the Chilko River (by boat or by wading), which flows right next to the lodge. There is virtually no travel time involved, so guests are throwing large dry flies for rainbows averaging close to twenty inches immediately after breakfast each morning. No wasted motion means more time fly fishing and landing trout.
• The Chilko River is a fantastic fishery, loaded with quality rainbow trout. The fish here see many hatches annually, and seem particularly fond of the large salmonfly dries that hatch in June and July. Even after the hatch has ended these big, hot rainbows continue to eat the same large dry flies, as well as a variety of smaller dries in the #12 - #16 size range. Anglers will have the opportunity to hook plenty of big rainbows here on floating flies! And these fish are hot and explode with deep runs into your backing!
• There are also large bull trout here. For those wanting to hook into a monster fish, guides will take anglers to where smaller streams drain into Chilko Lake. Here oversized bull trout lurk, preying on the smaller trout near the creek mouths. You can cast large streamers for bull trout that sometimes measure over ten pounds! What a great option for a trophy fish picture – and memories that will last forever…
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