canada steelhead

Canadian Steelhead

The sea-run rainbows of the Pacific Northwest are one of the most treasured prizes in our sport. The Fly Shop® has access to limited space at the most popular spots in British Columbia and Alaska.

STEELHEAD FISHING IN the Pacific Northwest was once the passionate pursuit of tens of thousands of western anglers. Just as California was once the home of the Winston, Scott, and Fenwick rod companies, and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Casting Pond was the haunt of practically every great fly casting champion of the day. In fact, our Golden State was once home to the most amazing runs of steelhead ever to enter rivers from the Pacific. The rod companies have moved to Montana, and the huge runs of steelhead in the Eel, Mad, Russian, Garcia, Gualala, Navarro, Sacramento, Smith, and Klamath have all but disappeared, particularly when compared to their historic populations. While there are remnant runs still found on the Yankee side of the 49th parallel, the very best of the wild steelhead fishing and the largest population of these majestic fish left in North America is, for the most part, found in British Columbia. frontier steelhead experience This is an over-the-top experience run by a talented crowd of hard-core steelheaders with permitted access to a super slice of the finest steelhead fishing in Canada. Their skill and work ethic is accented by deluxe lodging, and two rivers with runs of wild steelhead. Steelhead fishing is all about weather and water, and at this place anglers improve their odds by being able to split the week between the Bulkley and the spectacular Morice Rivers, fisheries ranking at the top of British Columbia’s blueribbon steelhead options. Frontier Steelhead Experience guests choose daily between jet boat trips, raft trips, drift boat trips, heli-fishing or overnight float and camp trips in the wilderness portion of the world famous Bulkley. This is an unforgettable steelhead experience that The Fly Shop® staff rates at the top of the pile. s 7 night/61⁄2 day package $8,380

babine steelhead lodge is situated on one of the best trophy steelhead stretches of water in the world. Helicopter access from Smithers adds an extra half day of fishing to the week and guests can plan on shaking hands with some of the biggest steelhead on the angling map. Renovated, double occupancy cabins and a 2:1 ratio of clients to extremely talented, hardworking guides helps put this terrific steelhead lodge at the top of the list on the mighty Babine. s 7 night/61⁄2 day fishing package $8,254

suskeena lodge Rated by veterans and steelhead experts as among Canada’s best, the lodge is located perfectly, half way up from the confluence of the Sustut and Skeena. It is more than a hundred miles from any road and separated from civilization by an impenetrable wilderness. The lodge and fishery is accessible only by plane, gets zero outside pressure, and guests share the river with only one other lodge. The Sustut is a classic Canadian wilderness steelhead river, unique in that it runs clear and fishable in all but the worst of weather, and boasts some of the largest steelhead on Earth. Add that to the fact that these monsters are willing to rise to a skated dry fly. It’s no wonder why experts call it “the crown jewel of the Skeena”. Anglers with access to this portion of the fabulous Sustut may have the most legitimate shot at trophy-sized steelhead in Canada. s 7 night/6 day fishing package $7,200-$7,400

skeena spey lodge This steelhead destination is conveniently located just ten minutes from the Terrace airport, near the mouth of the famous Copper River, and there is no better place to intercept the giants that are headed to the upriver tributaries (Kispiox, Babine, Sustut) while they are still silver-bright and power-packed. This section of the lower Skeena is prime steelhead real estate, and lies in the heart of the summer run from late July through the end of October. s Custom packages are available. Call The Fly Shop® for prices and dates bulkley basecamp Frontier Steelhead Experience has created the perfect mix of comfort, camp atmosphere, and expert staff at their permanent camp on a private tributary of one of the most exclusive rivers in the Skeena system. Guests fish the Bulkley, mainstem of the Skeena, and the Morice during this action-packed week, and may add an optional helicopter flight to some of the most isolated stretches of steelhead water in all of British Columbia. The camp is ultra-comfortable, with large, heated canvas wall tents, hot showers, flush toilets, and hearty home-cooked meals. The fishing day is limited only by an angler’s enthusiasm, with access to spectacular home water within a stone’s throw of the tent flap. Every inch of the fishery has the potential to deliver bright fish and super-sized models of magnificent steelhead during all of September and October. This is one of the premier steelhead destinations in the world of sportfishing. The camp is ideal for fly rodders who place more value on the quality of the fishing experience than the quality of the linen. s 6 night/6 day fishing package $6,710

copper bay lodge Winter steelhead fishing at its best, and a trip tailored for fishermen who thrill to target silver-bright, salt-fresh, wild steelhead on rivers that seldom see a fisherman. These small Canadian coastal fisheries pull in dime-bright fish on every tide, and giants over 20 pounds are caught each season on these gorgeous little rainforest streams. Limited to only 4 anglers each week, Copper Bay guests feel as though they have the entire archipelago to themselves. And they often do. s 7 night/61⁄2 day fishing package $6,850

Nick Fasiano photo