Best BC Wildlife Photography & Fishing Tours

2-Day Wildlife & Fishing Adventure in BC

Get ready for an epic two-day getaway in the heart of British Columbia's wilderness this July. Darrel DeNune, your seasoned local guide, is offering a unique blend of wildlife photography and fishing that'll have you hooked from start to finish. Whether you're itching to snap that perfect shot of a grizzly or land a trophy salmon, this trip's got you covered. At $350 per person per day, you're in for a real treat without breaking the bank. Darrel's expertise means you'll be in prime spots for both camera and rod action. With options to extend up to 5 days, you can really sink your teeth into what BC's outdoors has to offer. But heads up – spots are filling fast, so don't sit on this one!

Trip Rundown

Picture this: you're waking up in the pristine BC wilderness, mist rising off the water as you grab your gear for the day. Darrel's got the inside scoop on where the wildlife's hanging out and where the fish are biting. You'll spend your mornings stalking through the brush, camera at the ready, waiting for that perfect moment when a black bear emerges from the treeline. Come afternoon, you're out on the water, feeling the tug on your line as you battle with a feisty steelhead. It's the best of both worlds – one minute you're framing the perfect shot of a soaring eagle, the next you're reeling in your dinner. And speaking of dinner, while meals aren't included, Darrel's got the lowdown on the best local spots to grab a bite or he can point you towards some great spots to cook up your catch of the day.

Gear Up and Get Out There

For the shutterbugs, we're talking prime wildlife viewing opportunities. You'll want to pack your longest lens for those far-off shots of elk grazing in meadows, and don't forget a wide angle for capturing the stunning BC landscapes. Darrel's got a keen eye and knows just where to position you for the money shot. On the fishing front, we'll be doing a mix of fly fishing in crystal-clear streams and some good old-fashioned spin casting in larger bodies of water. Darrel's got all the top-notch gear you'll need, from rods to tackle, but feel free to bring your lucky lure. And don't worry if you're new to either photography or fishing – Darrel's patient teaching style means you'll be snapping like a pro and casting like a champ in no time.

Nature's A-List

British Columbia is a wildlife photographer's dream, and you're in for some serious bucket list sightings. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic coastal gray wolves – they're elusive, but Darrel knows their haunts. These intelligent predators are a sight to behold, often spotted in small packs along the shoreline at dawn or dusk. If you're lucky, you might catch them fishing for salmon – a behavior unique to coastal wolves.

Speaking of salmon, the rivers are teeming with them come July. Pacific salmon, including species like Chinook and Coho, are starting their epic upstream journey. It's not just about fishing them – watching these determined fish leap up waterfalls is a spectacle in itself. And where there's salmon, there's bears. Black bears are common, but the real prize is spotting a grizzly. These massive omnivores can weigh up to 800 pounds and are incredibly photogenic – just remember to keep a safe distance!

Bald eagles are another BC staple you'll want to keep your camera trained on. These raptors are often seen perched in tall trees near water bodies, ready to swoop down on unsuspecting fish. Their impressive wingspan, which can reach up to 7.5 feet, makes for some truly breathtaking in-flight shots.

For something a bit different, keep an eye out for sea otters. These playful marine mammals were once nearly extinct in BC waters but have made a remarkable comeback. You might spot them floating on their backs, using their bellies as a table for cracking open shellfish – it's as adorable as it sounds and makes for some great photo ops.

Reel 'Em In

Now, let's talk fish. July in BC is prime time for some world-class angling. If you're after a real fight, Chinook salmon (also known as King salmon) are your target. These bruisers can tip the scales at over 30 pounds and are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps. They're just starting their spawning run in July, so you're in for some of the freshest, most aggressive fish of the season.

For fly fishing enthusiasts, the rivers are full of feisty rainbow trout. These beautiful fish are known for their colorful markings and their tendency to put on an aerial show when hooked. They're not just pretty to look at – they're delicious too, if you're into catch and cook.

Don't overlook the chance to tangle with a steelhead. Often called the "fish of a thousand casts," landing one of these sea-run rainbow trout is a true badge of honor for any angler. They're renowned for their fighting spirit and can reach sizes of up to 20 pounds. Hooking into one of these chrome-bright beauties in a rushing BC river is an experience you won't soon forget.

For something a bit different, Darrel might take you out for some Pacific halibut fishing if conditions are right. These flatfish are the heavyweights of the ocean, with some specimens tipping the scales at over 100 pounds. Reeling one up from the depths is like trying to haul up a barn door – it's a full-body workout that'll leave you grinning (and maybe a bit sore).

Time to Lock It In

Look, here's the deal – this isn't your average cookie-cutter tour. You're getting two full days of personalized adventure with Darrel, a guy who knows these waters and woods like the back of his hand. At $350 a day, you're getting a steal for the level of expertise and the chance to experience BC's wilderness in all its glory. Whether you're a serious photographer looking to build your portfolio, an angler chasing that personal best, or just someone who wants to disconnect and reconnect with nature, this trip's got you covered. And remember, you can always extend to 3, 4, or even 5 days if you're really looking to dive deep into what BC has to offer. But spots are filling up fast – July's a popular time, and Darrel only takes small groups to keep the experience top-notch. So don't wait around – grab your spot now and get ready for a wilderness adventure that'll have you talking for years to come. Give Darrel a shout, pack your sense of adventure, and let's make some memories in beautiful British Columbia!