SUMMER ON THE THOMPSON

Photos & Text By Aaron Goodis

Thompson River at Martel Islands.

So what can I say the Thompson is truly spectacular. It’s a very special river that has a significant meaning to me.

Driving past Frog Rock, Thompson River.

I have spent many years fishing for steelhead on the Thompson River. But unfortunately in the past years it has closed early, ending the season at the end of September.

A beautiful wild Rainbow Trout that took a large stonefly on the surface.

Luckily, the beautiful rainbow trout has survived and flourished. The Thompson has always been known for a great summer trout fishery. Large rainbow trout eager to chomp a dry fly.

A large stonefly casing.

Stoneflies and caddis are the main menu items and we fish in July and August. This summer was different. The river dropped down to fishable levels early. The river was fishable in late June. By July and August the water levels were very low.

The van at Cal Woods Rec Site.

Iron Diesel in Aschcroft.

I made the trip for three days in late July and was rewarded with great trout fishing but also unfortunately a broken down van. After a quick but expensive repair in Ashcroft, I was back on my way.

The Thompson River looking up river from the Ashcroft bridge.

Tools of the trade.

I Camped in Ashcroft and fished the section above town. I was rewarded with beautiful rainbows, willing and ready to eat a dry fly. At the end of the day I watched a beautiful sunset from camp, had a beer and went to bed.

The pub.

Beautiful sunset over the Thompson River.

All in all it was a very rewarding trip. I caught lots of fish, drank some good coffee, had a couple of beers, Van was fixed and made it home safe!

Photography in Ashcroft was super fun!

Beautiful pastel colours in the small town of Ashcroft.

I am looking forward to next year already!