All of the flies sold through SRFS are designed and tested by renowned guides and anglers that are regarded as some of the best in the industry. Having pushed the trip back a few days due to high water I was happy to see the river in some decent shape. Rivers Nicholas Dean Outdoors is strategically located in the Lower Skeena watershed to take advantage of the numerous productive Steelhead and Salmon rivers that have made the Skeena justifiably famous. Lakelse River. The Copper River flows from its headwaters in the Telkwa Range (same area as the Telkwa River) but flows north and drains into the Skeena River just upstream from Terrace. If you are fishing in March or early April, late October or November, you may want to bring a pair of full polar fleece mittens with you so you can warm your hands on the side of the river. Skeena River - Steelhead Dreams Gill Mckean Fly Fisher, Guide, Fly Tier. Lake fishing can be enjoyed year round while most rivers in our vicinity are open from June 16 until December 31 (always check fishing regulations before venturing out: BC Freshwat… Trout fishing? Many of the outdoor companies provide this performance material as it is truly the best way to optimize comfort throughout the day. If you are using Gortex waders then polar fleece pants worn under them in the spring and fall will be required. The Largest Wild Steelhead on Earth. All the fish bound for renowned rivers such as the Bulkley, Babine, Kispiox, Sustut, Kalum, Morice and Copper (Zymoetz) run up the Skeena. Gill Mckean has been guiding on the world-famous Skeena River for more than 25 years. The Skeena Valley is resplendent in the summer and the fishing is as brilliant as the green landscape. It’s as much about the journey as the destination. The Skeena River and its tributaries are world famous for their fantastic returns of wild steelhead and salmon. The climate varies between being wet, overcast, sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowfall, hail and wind. Sink tips I find are the difference in steelhead fishing more than anything else. I rolled into Smithers on October 4th, the leaves were a bright yellow and Fall was in full swing in northern BC, it was just about perfect. Again, it’s all how you fish it. If you’re looking for the ultimate predator — the meanest, hottest, sea-lice covered Steelhead — you’ll want to be on the lower Skeena and its tributaries during your trip. Skeena Coho are also in the system at this time. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. The Skeena River, and many remote coastal Rivers near Terrace, British Columbia offers the Best Wild Steelhead Fishing anywhere on Earth. When tied in black and blue, I’ve also had great success with this fly on the Skeena system. It was a fun day driving out to get them, all in all we drove 600 kilometres round-trip from Smithers. When you decide to book a trip with Fly Gal you’re choosing to do business with a trusted name in the fly fishing travel industry. Layer 1: Next to the skin use a wicking material that allows your skin to breathe while removing moisture at the same time. It is a treat to be able to spend some time here each Fall, swinging flies for these magnificent fish. That said, the conditions were considerably better than they were in late September, when the Bulkley River had a blown out and was relatively unfishable. We’ve been lucky enough to do this trip for 15+ years now, so catching fish has become a smaller component of the enjoyment of things over the years. British Columbia’s Skeena river happens to get the largest returns of wild steelhead in the world, and much of the water is picture perfect for spey fishing. To ensure your spot, please contact us as soon as possible. the Skeena region has it all During the summer and into the fall, the lower Skeena River hosts vast numbers of migrating Steelhead and salmon all heading towards up-river tributaries. Skeena Coho are also in the system at this time. The Skeena River is the second-longest river entirely within British Columbia, Canada (after the Fraser River).Since ancient times, the Skeena has been an important transportation artery, particularly for the Tsimshian and the Gitxsan—whose names mean "inside the Skeena River" and "people of the Skeena River," respectively. It can really mess things up for the sections of the Bulkley from Smithers down to the confluence of the Skeena. Very lucky to hold on to such a beautiful wild steelhead for a few moments. with hoods. Expect the worst and hope for the best as they say. This lake’s origin gives the Bulkley River very rich aquatic insect life. */. Simply put, fall scenery in the Skeena Region is spectacular. Skeena River Salmon and Steelhead. The Skeena River is the main drainage for northern British Columbia and one of the last strongholds for wild fish anywhere in the world. For sunglasses use high quality polarized lenses so your eyes do not get fatigued while glaring into the river all day. For more information, or to reserve your space click here or call 1.888.359.4259. You never know…you may just have the secret weapon in your fly box! No matter… These awesome fish average 8 to 15 pounds, while 20 pounders are not uncommon. The float was to be 5 days but with rising river levels they had sent a satellite message out saying they couldn’t row any further and were looking for a pickup. Please feel free to contact us for updates on river fishing opportunities. The Skeena flows right through the community of Terrace and then carves her way through the mountains and forests for about 120km before entering the Pacific Ocean. Gortex jackets all have pockets and storage for fly boxes, tippets, leaders, etc. The Copper is a well known steelhead river that gets a fair amount of pressure on the lower sections but much less in the upper. These ultra-chrome rockets have left many an angler with shaking hands and a desire for more. In addition to the Skeena River you can also fish the Kitimat, Nass and many other smaller rivers. By early October the Bulkley River is generally fairly clear, with overall good clarity and dropping. There was lots of sitting in the jetboat, chatting, having a few beers and then some fishing. The Telkwa flows into the Bulkley upstream from Smithers. The Skeena River: This river and its tributaries are famous for winter steelhead. That was the plan of the guys we had headed out to rescue, to float the upper section of the Copper River, where few dare to go. Additionally, a polar fleece hat that covers your ears may not be such a bad idea as well. After the spring run steelhead, the mighty Kings (Spring/Tyhee) start to migrate up river on their way to there natal streams. The Skeena’s fall Steelhead are large, wild fish. Driving from Vancouver up to Smithers has become a ritual of sorts, I love the drive and enjoy taking in all the sites along the way. There was pretty minimal angling pressure throughout the Skeena system with Covid-19 and the US border closure. Soap and shampoo is provided, however, you’ll have to bring the rest of your toiletries. In late March the spring run of steelhead start migrating up river entering the Kalum, Kitimat, lower Skeena and countless remote coastal rivers. The Skeena River and its' many tributaries remain one of the best places in the world to pursue wild steelhead with a 2 handed rod and swung fly. It is always a good idea to have protection from mosquitoes and black flies in the event that they’re out and biting. Layer 3: A Polar Fleece sweater or something of the sort. After a long wet Summer in northern BC the water tables were saturated and the river levels throughout the entire Skeena system were all higher than usual. Fall in the Skeena region offers some of the finest fishing opportunities in the world for Steelhead and trophy Coho Salmon. They really cover everything I like to do. The Skeena River has a reputation for being the best Steelhead and salmon sports fishing river in the world. We were in for a good few days, conditions were clearing, there was no rain in the forecast and the cooler evenings would bring the river into better shape over the next 48 hours. In December, January and February, the focus narrows to steelhead only. My favourite tips are MOW tips, they come in a variety of length combinations and with a variety of sinking rates. The Lower Skeena River (a Class II Classified Water) is a large, broad flowing river that is fed by many famous tributaries including the Copper, Kalum, Babine, Bulkley, Kispiox, Morice, and Sustut and many others on its route to the Northern British Columbia coast. Fly-fishing, spinning and float fishing are the most popular methods. A trip to the coastal rain forest of Northwestern British Columbia is always exciting and can be extremely enjoyable, providing you are prepared. The Kispiox had been high and coloured most of the Fall as well, it wasn’t in perfect shape but we didn’t care, it feels as good as home there and it was great to spend a few days hiking through the bush and fishing some nice water. Steelhead average 8 to 15 pounds, though 15 to 20-pound fish are not uncommon and each year fish over 20 pounds are caught. These articles are worn in the form of long sleeved shirts and long underwear. We recommend that you bring a lighter weight and a medium weight fleece at the very least. My Islander LX 4.0 fly reel with a Pieroway Renegade #9 spey rod. It’s a pretty simply set up with slick shooter for running line and an Islander LX 4.0 fly reel. Gear isn’t important, how you fish it is. It’s spring Steelhead season in beautiful Northwestern British Columbia, a wonderful time of renewal — and a … If you are using neoprene waders then a lighter fleece may work better. – Your favorite flies that you would like to try out on these BC fish. The summer-run Steelhead of the Skeena watershed have entered their winter-holding streams and the fall fish are pouring in, strong and fresh from the ocean. A big thank you to everyone for their hospitality up north, the Clay Family (Riverwatch Rods), Petey K at Telly’s Grill and with special thanks to the Henry family. So whether you prefer fishing for […] The Telkwa is flowing in from the left in this photo, bringing a big muddy mess along with it. Experience BC Most of our customers bring their own fly rods and fly lines, however we do have complete equipment for both the fly fisher and the conventional fisher if you do not have your own preferred equipment. Anglers travel from all over the world to fish in one of the many amazing rivers that make up this vast system. Skeena is justifiably world-renowned for its summer and fall steelhead fishing. It was doing just that. The lodge provides fresh towels everyday and fresh sheets on the day of your arrival. Host Tom Rosenbauer travels to beautiful British Columbia near Terrace to try his hand on the Skeena River for steelhead. This program was developed to provide daily estimates of sockeye escapements through the commercial fishery. The direct way to your perfect fishing adventure. Salmon fishing? 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