COVID-19 Strategy
Operational guidelines at Algonquin Fly Fishing
We take the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously, and take the utmost care for your and our own safety. After a mandatory shut down in the spring of 2021, we ran a very full and very successful summer season. Thank you to all who joined us last year and stayed safe by playing by the rules! Please read the following important information regarding 2022 fly fishing with us, and our joint responsibilities to ensure our health and limit the spread of the virus.
We have proven that we can effectively accommodate CV-19 precautions into our operation - physical distancing and fly fishing happily go together! We have earned the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario Safe travels stamp for our COVID safety practices.
Our guides are fully vaccinated.
Stay home!
This is not our typical message, but if you have potentially been exposed to CV-19 at work or in your community, please stay home! You can cancel up until the morning of your trip with no penalty. As a COVID precaution, 100% of your trip fee is fully transferable to any future date. The Ottawa Valley has reported very few CV-19 cases - don't bring it to our community!
Likewise, we may be forced to postpone your fishing day if your guide is required to self-isolate last minute (and we can't find a replacement). Potentially we could receive word that one of our past guests has tested positive. The last thing we want to do is send an ill guide to spend the day with you. This would be disappointing for all, no doubt, but we are taking CV-19 seriously.
Stay within your bubble
We assure that each fly fishing day is only you and your family or friends that you bring with you. As guides, we ensure that all equipment is sanitized and dedicated to you for that day. We will eliminate shared surfaces and equipment - you get your own rod and space for the day, either in the boat or on the river bank.
Physical distance at all times
Outdoor transmission rates of CV-19 is very, very low, according to research. Learn-to fly fish sessions easily accommodate 2m distancing. Drift boat fishing allows for the same, although in tighter quarters. Our 15ft boats will accommodate an angler in the bow and stern, and the guide in the middle on the oars. PPE of mask and gloves will be available should we need to break the 2m rule, such as assisting with minor first aid.
Bring your mask
Masks are the proven means of limiting the spread of CV-19. Bring yours in your pocket. We will only use it in shuttle vehicles or other mandatory close quarters.
Keeping it clean
Our equipment, boat and vehicle are cleaned after each day. Our food is prepared by a commercial kitchen, and hand wash facilities will be brought down river. We will start the day with hand sanitizer and finish it that way!
Niceties and fine print
Perhaps the age of the hand shake is over... we will forego such formalities when we greet at the beginning of our day. Pre trip paperwork will be handled via email, including a digital waiver form rather than a pen and signature. We encourage all payments via credit card or e-transfer to avoid handling cash.
We can do this! If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact us.
Check out our availability on the Booking and Rates page.