[flyguy]

Well I finally convinced the wife to take the family to the Thompson river for a week of fishing in the first week of August. Only problem is we have never been there before so we have no idea where the best places to camp are. I know it is early to be thinking about this but I thought I better get some ideas to her before she changes her mind. Any help from those that have been there would be much appreciated. All fishing will be walk in so camping near or on the river would be best. Also any suggestions on which flies would be great as that would give me lots of time to tie them.

 

[Pat AV]

I always like to camp a few miles from the river, it is a very loud place with constant rail traffic.

I set up a tent along the Nicola off the road between Spences and Merritt there are a few nice quiet spots. If you want to be farther up on the river Barnes lake has a small camp ground that is a quick trip from the river.

Keep in mind all of these spots are free and very rustic, just the way I like it. No services at either.

 

[professori]

Last summer Ortho organised a pontoon drift down the Thompson. We camped at the Hat Creek Ranch (about 10 km north of Cache Creek) and drove about 15 minutes to the river. There is a provincial campground at Jericho Beach, but there is a train running past it about every 20 - 30 minutes 24 hours a day!! It is hard to find any place along the river that doesn't have the damn trains in your tent all night long. As for flies- at that time of the year big (#6+) hopper patterns, California Blondes, Mikaluk sedges. Lots of top water activity, with big rainbows.

 

[Cajun6]

Big stuff tom thumbs and purple perils to start off with, after you catch 2 or 3 of the larger fish in a hole move to smaller sizes of the same patterns. Like the other guys said, there are lots of areas to camp off the river which would mitigate the train noise but if you don't mind the sound of the trains there are a few places right on the river.

 

[redwood]

anybody ever have any meetings with snakes,and i mean the ones that rattle,my buddy used to work on the cp tracks and used to see lots issed:

 

[flyguy]

Well so far it looks like we will not be camping on the river unless my parents have their motorhome by then so that we can take that. Thanks for all the advice so far.

 

[Cajun6]

While fishing the chinook openning at the mouth of the Nicola I have seen a few rattle snakes. Some were large but for the most part all we saw were the little guys.

 

[newsman]

Good time to go. The Thom has an great Stonefly hatch in the begining of August; brings me back for two weeks every year. You get use to the trains. Goldpan is a nice spot right on the river with good runs within a short walk. Juniper Beach is nice too. Spences Bridge has a free comunity sight just up river from the old bridge. Hill Top Gardens, Shaw Springs, and Thompson RV offer sites with hookup. Big Stones, Big Bows; I tie my Stimulators on #4 2x long mustad atlantic drys.

 

[newsman]

Oh yes about the snakes. They come out at night to hunt. Carry a light so you can spot them, then give them their space and you will have no problems.

 

[steve]

not to hijack the thread but with the fishing spots is it better via boat or foot? How does everyone feel about jets on the river? I wanted to go find some rainbows this summer and I would like to run the river but I wouldn't want to step on any toes! I know a lot of people float the river but I have never seen a jet on there. any thoughts?

 

[HOOK]

I believe your not allowed boats in this river at all.

 

[Rib]

Thought I'd move this thread to it's respective region...Freshwater Discussion is an open, public access section, the T deserves better than that...

I've seen jets up there CascadeMarine, didn't bother me any...those that do take their boats up, to the best of my knowledge, have displayed good etiquette and safe boat handling. It definitely opens the door to some fine angling when you aren't hoofing it...

Hook, that's "no fishing from boats", not "no boats"...taking a boat around in there is fine, just can't use it to fish out of...

Flyguy, "california blondes" were a no brainer last year...anything close to that pattern worked wonders...

 

[steve]

Thanks guys. I have fished the river before but would like to explore some more of the water to see what is there. I think that there would be some great water there that doesn't see too much pressure. I would like broaden my river horizons if the fraser sees a lock down this year.

 

[flyguy]

Thought I'd move this thread to it's respective region...Freshwater Discussion is an open, public access section, the T deserves better than that...

I've seen jets up there CascadeMarine, didn't bother me any...those that do take their boats up, to the best of my knowledge, have displayed good etiquette and safe boat handling. It definitely opens the door to some fine angling when you aren't hoofing it...

Hook, that's "no fishing from boats", not "no boats"...taking a boat around in there is fine, just can't use it to fish out of...

Flyguy, "california blondes" were a no brainer last year...anything close to that pattern worked wonders...

Is this fly also called california nugget or is it something totally different.

 

[Pat AV]

Talk to the guys at Reaction they will put you on to blondes of the correct size. They are lights out, deadly. So are big stone nymphs if the rise is not on.

I always walk the tracks to access "remote" sections of the T but I am sure a jet would be a huge advantage, just one that I can't afford.

 

[Rib]

Is this fly also called california nugget or is it something totally different.

Not sure flyguy, but I should still have one kicking around here somewhere...I'll try and post a pic for you...in the middle of setting up the new place as I have just moved, but it shouldn't be too hard to find the flyboxes in the chaos...gimme a day or two...

 

[flyguy]

Is this fly also called california nugget or is it something totally different.

Not sure flyguy, but I should still have one kicking around here somewhere...I'll try and post a pic for you...in the middle of setting up the new place as I have just moved, but it shouldn't be too hard to find the flyboxes in the chaos...gimme a day or two...

Thanks ribwart that would be great. Take your time I am in no hurry. I have just started tying up all my hoppers and stimulators.

 

[professori]

Relax Ribby, I have a few around here and I'll post a pic or 2.

 

[professori]

California Blonde size 4:

This is the fly box I had with me last time I was on the Thompson:

 

[flyguy]

Thank you for the picture of that fly professori. I think I will go and buy that one instead attempting to tie it myself. A little beyond my skill level right now. Already talked to my fly shop and he has some coming in.