Backcountry Fly Fishing Adventures

Our passion is exploring places that exist beyond the trail, where wild trout still live undisturbed and few anglers ever go. Our specialty is hiking into remote trout water where few anglers ever reach.

To reach these waters requires effort, curiosity, and a willingness to leave easy access behind. River Rat Fly Co specializes in hiking into remote landscapes where the fishing feels truly wild and the experience becomes about far more than just catching fish.

Our Specialty: Fishing Where Few People Go

River Rat Fly Co is built around a simple idea: the most memorable fishing often happens away from roads, crowds, and pressure. Our specialty is hiking into remote water where few anglers are willing to go. By traveling deeper into the landscape, we often reach fisheries where trout have had very little contact with people. These environments create a completely different fishing experience, one defined by exploration, solitude, and truly wild fish. These are not roadside fishing trips. They are adventures into wild country.

What Makes a Backcountry Trip Different

Backcountry fly fishing allows us to reach rivers and mountain streams that most anglers never see. By hiking beyond easy access points and traveling deeper into the landscape, we often find water that receives very little fishing pressure. These trips are about more than simply catching fish. They are about exploration, discovery, and experiencing wild landscapes where trout live much as they always have.

  • Hiking into remote water beyond common access points
  • Wild mountain streams and untouched fisheries
  • Trout that rarely see anglers
  • Opportunities for sight fishing in clear water
  • Quiet landscapes far removed from crowds

What to Expect on a Backcountry Trip

Backcountry trips are full-day adventures designed for anglers who enjoy both fishing and hiking.

  • Hiking to remote fishing locations
  • Fishing multiple sections of river or stream
  • Learning how to approach wild trout
  • Instruction and guidance throughout the day
  • Time to slow down and fully experience the landscape

Is This Adventure For You?

Backcountry fly fishing trips are ideal for anglers who enjoy exploring wild places and are willing to hike to reach remote trout water.

  • Want to experience water that few anglers ever reach
  • Enjoy hiking through mountain landscapes
  • Value solitude and time in wild environments
  • Want to learn how to approach trout in natural, lightly pressured water

These trips are designed for anglers who believe the journey to the river is just as rewarding as the fishing itself. If the idea of hiking into remote trout water excites you, a backcountry trip with River Rat Fly Co might be exactly what you're looking for.

Fitness & Preparation

Backcountry trips require a moderate level of fitness and the ability to move comfortably through natural terrain. These trips involve hiking and navigating river environments throughout the day.

  • Hiking distances of 10 to 13 km throughout the day
  • Walking on uneven terrain and mountain trails
  • Crossing rivers and streams safely while wearing waders or hiking footwear
  • Occasional light scrambling over rocks, riverbanks, or natural obstacles
  • Carrying a small daypack with water and personal gear

These trips are not races. The pace is relaxed, with frequent stops to fish, explore, and take in the surrounding landscape. River crossings and hiking conditions vary depending on water levels, weather, and seasonal conditions. Your guide will always prioritize safety and adjust the route as needed. The goal is to move comfortably through wild country while enjoying the full experience of a backcountry fly fishing adventure.

1080 Strathcona Dr, Sherwood Park,