Quest Outdoors

SIMMO010 · Eyed Egg Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 8

My partner and I are beginning to plan a fishing trip to British Columbia to chase steelhead. The Skeena,Babine,and Thompson have surfaced as options. We would appreciate any thoughts, suggestions,or recommendations on any aspects of this project. Thanks!

PEte · Lunker Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 396 Location: Ontario

What kind of ideas are you looking for?

If its your first time out west the Skeena would be the place to start. Lots of fish and they come readily to just about anything you throw at them.

PEte

SIMMO010 · Eyed Egg Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 8

Thanks Pete !
We are just beginning to think thru / plan. We’ll have two weeks to fish in B.C. We haven’t fished for steelhead in BC. We have Midwest Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan experience- with yarn flies and driftfishing with mono and, center pin float. Equipment, we should be able to cover.However, we be on a LIMITED BUDGET. Driving from Minnesota is a option. Guide cost, lodging, river access,wadeability, best time of the year to fish are the essential starting points.

Thanks for your response.

PEte · Lunker Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 396 Location: Ontario

With no prior experience I would say that the Skeena during October is probably your best bet. With only 2 weeks flying out might be a better option. Its a 2 day drive to the Skeena, and that's driving non-stop with 2 drivers.

You may want to hook-up with a guide for a few days to get things figured out. After that you should be able to get into fish on your own. Even years generally see a lot more fish entering the Skeena, so your timing would be good.

As far as lodging there are lots of motel and/or lodges up that way. Most guys will base their trips out of Smithers, Hazelton or Terrace. You can also camp all over the place if you are going for a budget trip.

As for wading.... most of them you can't cross under normal to high flow, but will want to do some wading to get yourself into position.

Since you are looking to do this cheaply I should mention that all the water you will be fishing is classified. Expect to spend 400-600 dollars in licence fees for 2 weeks of classified waters fishing.

PEte

SIMMO010 · Eyed Egg Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 8

Wow! Those license fees are high! Are there any recommendations for the Vancouver Island/ South B.C.?
Time frame for the trip may expand to do both areas. Wishful thinking perhaps? What’s the deal on the even numbered year’s run?

PEte · Lunker Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 396 Location: Ontario

SIMMO010 · Eyed Egg Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 8

Thanks ! Your advice makes sense to me. Skeena hear we come! As we get along in our planning there will other questions/requests. Thanks again.

SIMMO010 · Eyed Egg Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 8

Hi Pete, I am back 7 months to go before my trip to the Skeena(Oct-1-14). Currently, the plan is to split the two weeks between Smithers, New Hazelton, and Terrace. We are Minnesota mono-drift fishers-yarn, nymph, and spawn. We are aware of the various restrictions i.e. bait, barb less hooks ,and no kill.
We are in need of specific assistance in finding house keeping accommodations for two couples. As well as one day guide service for each of the three locations. Also your suggestions for equipment to cover the bases-rods, reels line, flies, lures etc, and fishing strategy, techniques will be greatly appreciated.

superior steel · Fry Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 29 Location: Thunder Bay ON

so practically a guide to fishing Skeena Tributary Summer Run Steelhead............................. tough question to answer......I have also been working on that vary same question for the past year or so, good luck.......the research is half the fun Shocked

bt · Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 12:04 pm Post subject:

My best advice [if you're not planning to camp] is to book your accomodations ASAP. Most decent places up there are booked a year[s] in advance during prime time [Sept/Oct]. If you're looking for some local help [with all your requests], I've had excellent experiences with Justin or Noel Gyger of NorthWest Guides [in Terrace]. They mostly focus on the bottom end Skeens tribs [Kalum, Copper] and the Naas, but can help you out with contacts upstream in Hazelton/Smithers, too. I've also found the local Chamber of Commerce [for each town] up there very helpful - you can often find private weekly rentals of cabins, as most other places are either motels or full-service lodges.

steeliefreak · Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 12:57 pm Post subject:

BT or anyone else, I was wondering if you could help me out with some gear recommendations? I am currently planning a trip to fish the Skeena system as well, I am also trying to gather my gear at this time. I am looking at different bait casters and rods at the moment for pitching spinners and spoons. How much line capacity and how beefy of a rod would you recommend for the main stem Skeena? Looking at maybe a late August trip for lower Skeena fishing, and probably a trip in October for the upper tribs.

I was looking at the Abu Record rcn 61, but not sure if I would need the high capacity model. As for a rod, I have been looking at the new rainshadow xst 1264 (10-17lb) or the Sage CT2106 or 3106. Am I close?

Thanks for any help!

bt · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 11:14 am Post subject:

On the big river itself [and it is "big"], a lot of the local "gear fishing" equipment resembles stand-up tuna outfits ....... broomsticks and winches with a ton of line capacity. Of course, a lot of these folks want to put salmon in the freezer, so like folks looking for dinner anywhere, they often go to extremes...

That being said, you're right on the money with your selections for hardware fishing. I run a GL3 1362 with a Calcutta 400 [w/17 lb.] and have never felt under-gunned with Springs to 35 lb., but again, I haven't been fortunate enough to hook a 50 lb. + one either. You should see lots of Cohos in late August, but the famous Skeena "Big Northern" strain don't warrant much down-sizing in the equipment. Although, Chinooks start very early there, as early as March on some tribs like the Kalum. In August, check out a trip to Kitimat too.

Also, have a look at the Frontier 1343, my budddy fishes one, very nice for the money. As for reels, it seems every second one up there is an Abu 6500 - if that tells you something.

SIMMO010 · Eyed Egg Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 8

Bt, thanks for your responses ! I found your advice very helpful! Your guide suggestions of the Gygers of NorthWest Guides,
particularly helpful as well as the equipment recommendations to steeliefreak. Superior steel, I am enjoying the pursuit! Thanks all for your responses. Keep it coming.

PEte · Lunker Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 396 Location: Ontario