The Kispiox is a river of subtle

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Cory York
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Perfect in size and structure, the Kispiox is also home to the world s largest steelhead.

The family of head guide Jim Allen first homesteaded in the valley four generations ago in 1906. Since that time they have become as much a part of the river as the river has become a part of them.

Clients enjoy the lavish comforts of spacious, double occupancy rooms in the newly constructed Bear Claw Lodge.

1 Perfect in size and structure, the Kispiox is also home to the world s largest steelhead. Photo: Ken Morrish KISPIOX RIVER FISHING COMPANY The Kispiox is a river of subtle moods, endless secrets, and staggering rewards. The family of head guide Jim Allen first homesteaded in the valley four generations ago in Since that time they have become as much a part of the river as the river has become a part of them. When you are with Jim Allen and his crew of talented guides, all of whom call the Kispiox home, you are in very good hands. Clients enjoy the lavish comforts of spacious, double occupancy rooms in the newly constructed Bear Claw Lodge. A massive, timber frame structure with Hunt for the world s largest steelhead from a base of unequalled elegance and service panoramic views of the upper river, Bear Claw has set a new standard for elegance in the Skeena watershed. Each day anglers float different sections of the river in rafts and swing flies through a remarkable variety of water that is home to some of the largest steelhead in the world. In addition to the Kispiox, anglers have the option of fishing the Skeena and lower Bulkley, depending on conditions. For all who appreciate skilled guides, fine accommodations and a shot at some of the world s largest wild steelhead, this is the place. Please ask about special 2-4 day packages. Season: September early November Fish Species: Steelhead Lodge Capacity: 8 anglers Rate: CAD $6,000 per person (plus GST) for a 7 night/6 day package Full Details: See PAGE 49

2 When it comes to BC steelhead fishing, no company offers more destinations or knows more about these unique fisheries than Fly Water Travel. Photo: Ken Morrish

THE BULKLEY RIVER As the Skeena s largest tributary, the Bulkley may be blessed with more good swing runs than any other river.

Columbia steelhead venue. The season extends from September through early November.

Headed by Bulkley River veteran Dave Evans, the guide staff at Bulkley River Lodge is made up of experienced professionals who maintain a fun, playful, and educational attitude on the river.

Anglers sleep two per cabin, each complete with comfortable beds, private baths, and heat. Excellent meals with tastefully selected wines are served in the main lodge each evening.

anglers from around the world. Built in 1935 and known then as The Telkwa Creamery, Frontier Farwest Lodge is owned by veteran guide Derek Botchford and his Chilean wife Andrea Soto.

All guests get to experience two rustic overnight trips that include two full days of fishing the Bulkley s remote canyon waters.

3 THE BULKLEY RIVER As the Skeena s largest tributary, the Bulkley may be blessed with more good swing runs than any other river. With over 80 miles of productive water, most of which is broad and shallow, the Bulkley is a mecca for dry line and dry fly enthusiasts as well as any angler keen on a stable, productive British Columbia steelhead venue. The season extends from September through early November. BULKLEY RIVER LODGE A Fly Water favorite, Bulkley River Lodge is perfect, with quaint cabins on the banks of a lovely riffle. Headed by Bulkley River veteran Dave Evans, the guide staff at Bulkley River Lodge is made up of experienced professionals who maintain a fun, playful, and educational attitude on the river. Accessing more than 80 miles of gorgeous fly water via jet boats, drift boats and rafts, Bulkley River Lodge provides an exceptional experience for both seasoned steelheaders and first timers. Anglers sleep two per cabin, each complete with comfortable beds, private baths, and heat. Excellent meals with tastefully selected wines are served in the main lodge each evening. Rate: $4,995 per person (plus GST) for a 7 night/ 7 day package FRONTIER FARWEST LODGE For more than twenty years, Frontier Farwest Lodge has been sharing the secrets of the Bulkley River with anglers from around the world. Built in 1935 and known then as The Telkwa Creamery, Frontier Farwest Lodge is owned by veteran guide Derek Botchford and his Chilean wife Andrea Soto. Rooms in the main lodge have private baths and sleep two anglers per room. Hearty meals are served with complimentary drinks each evening. River travel is done via drift boat. All guests get to experience two rustic overnight trips that include two full days of fishing the Bulkley s remote canyon waters. Camps are located on exceptional steelhead water and offer a spacious cook tent and a large guest tent with four comfortable cots and a portable heater. Frontier Farwest also offers a limited number of four day float trips through their canyon waters. Please call for details. Rate: CAD $4,850 per person (plus GST) for a 7 night/6 day package STEELHEAD EXCURSIONS NEW Steelhead Excursions is a highly personalized, family operated steelhead lodge that is based out of the home of Bob and Jill Hull on the Bulkley River. Bob is one of the most experienced and respected guides on the Bulkley and enjoys a very loyal client base, most of whom fish with him every season. Bob and Jill have modified their home so that six anglers can all enjoy their own private rooms and three shared baths. Bob works with two other expert guides and each day anglers depart the lodge with jet boats in tow. While spaces are extremely limited, this is an exceptional venue that is enjoyable, enriching and productive for all who get the opportunity to visit. Rate: $4,700 per person (plus GST) for a 7 night/6 day package PAGE 51

4 Fly Water Travel and Lani Waller are the only companies with established booking privileges for all three of the Babine s renowned lodges. Photos: Ken Morrish and Kent Davenport

THE BABINE RIVER Flowing deep within the wilds of northern British Columbia, the Babine experiences returns of some of the world s largest wild steelhead.

SILVER HILTON LODGE Widely considered to be the finest and most exclusive steelhead fishing lodge in the world, the Silver Hilton has jet boat access to more than twenty miles of pristine trophy

Silver Hilton features two fully staffed, five-star facilities located approximately seven miles apart. The Main Camp fishes eight rods per week on the two lower beats.

Due to a high rate of repeat clients, availability is typically limited to early and late in the season.

Rate: $5,000-$7,100 per person for a 7 night/7 day package (includes $250 to the Save the Babine Foundation) BABINE NORLAKES LODGE Located on the clear flowing upper reaches of the famed Babine

5 THE BABINE RIVER Flowing deep within the wilds of northern British Columbia, the Babine experiences returns of some of the world s largest wild steelhead. Rugged, remote and lightly guided, this river is best suited to experienced anglers who appreciate solitude streamside. Most lodges open in early September and close in early November. SILVER HILTON LODGE Widely considered to be the finest and most exclusive steelhead fishing lodge in the world, the Silver Hilton has jet boat access to more than twenty miles of pristine trophy steelhead water. Babine fish range from 8 pounds to over 30 pounds and are among the purest strain of wild steelhead remaining in North America. Silver Hilton features two fully staffed, five-star facilities located approximately seven miles apart. The Main Camp fishes eight rods per week on the two lower beats. The upper Triple Header camp takes four rods per week on the upper reach. Anglers fish four per guide and rotate through all the beats, ensuring ample solitude streamside. Due to a high rate of repeat clients, availability is typically limited to early and late in the season. All packages include round-trip, private helicopter transportation from Smithers, BC to the lodge. Rate: $5,000-$7,100 per person for a 7 night/7 day package (includes $250 to the Save the Babine Foundation) BABINE NORLAKES LODGE Located on the clear flowing upper reaches of the famed Babine River, Pierce Clegg s Babine Norlakes Lodge is a classic camp for the serious steelheader. With the longest season of any BC steelhead camp, Babine Norlakes takes pride in creating an operation that involves fishing hard and playing hard each and every day of the season. With a range of 13 miles, anglers relentlessly cover the river s prime holding water before returning to camp for drinks, a hearty meal, and the coveted roaring bonfire. And while all anglers will have the opportunity to fish the lodge s lower satellite waters, three anglers, through the process of a random drawing, will get to spend two full days on these waters with an overnight at the cozy, four person satellite camp. Anglers sleep in comfortable, heated bunk cabins with detached communal shower and outhouses. For serious anglers keen on putting the big ones on the beach and having a good time in the process, this is the place. Rate: CAD $5,750 per person (plus GST and $250 to Save the Babine Foundation) for a 6 night/6 1 / 2 day package BABINE STEELHEAD LODGE Babine Steelhead Lodge is the middle lodge of the Babine s three operations and is attractively situated overlooking a long, home pool. The facility boasts three well built bunk cabins that sleep up to four anglers. Cabins have heat, linens, and attached sinks and toilets. A communal shower house and a drying room are nearby, linked to the cabins by attractive boardwalks. The main lodge features a comfortable living room with a sweeping view of the river and a large adjoining dining room where meals are served. In standard Babine fashion, anglers fish four per jet boat and work some of the longest and most seductive runs on the river. For those who want to experience some of British Columbia s finest trophy steelhead fishing, this operation deserves your serious consideration Rate: CAD $5,500 per person (plus GST and CAD $200 to Save the Babine Foundation) for a 6 night/6 day package A Steelheader s Way, by Lani Waller is now available. This 216 page hard-cover book features ten color illustrations by Dave Hall, more than 150 color photos by Ken Morrish and an impressive array of insightful chapters by one of the world s most highly regarded steelheaders. It is published by Headwater Books ( com) and distributed by Stackpole Books. For autographed copies, order directly from the author at lani.waller@verizon.net or PAGE 53

6 Paul Peterson going long on the Sustut s middle beat. Photo: Ken Morrish

THE SUSTUT RIVER As the uppermost of the Skeena s significant tributaries, the Sustut is the region s most scenic and remote system and one of three rivers

With little if any competition on more than 30 miles of water, this wilderness gem is serviced by two lodges that we hold in the highest regard.

steelhead fishing and fine accommodations.

water conditions. Anglers enjoy well-appointed, double occupancy cabins with private bathroom and shower, a wood stove, and a sitting area.

Anglers fish three per jet boat with experienced guides who truly enjoy the entire spectrum of the steelhead fishing experience, especially the chance at

This pristine river system boasts dramatic views, long classic runs, a race of extremely husky fish that average 14 pounds, and few, if any, freelance anglers.

Season: September October Fish Species: Steelhead Lodge Capacity: 9 anglers Rate: $5,400 per person (plus GST) for a 7 night/ 6 day package Full Details: See

Now, with both lodges on the river under the same ownership, Steelhead Valhalla and Suskeena embrace identical fishing programs with a cordial rotation of

This adds immeasurably to the overall wilderness angling experience, making the Sustut the most relaxed, trophy steelhead river in the Skeena system.

7 THE SUSTUT RIVER As the uppermost of the Skeena s significant tributaries, the Sustut is the region s most scenic and remote system and one of three rivers most likely to produce steelhead in excess of 25 pounds. With little if any competition on more than 30 miles of water, this wilderness gem is serviced by two lodges that we hold in the highest regard. SUSKEENA LODGE Located on the upper reaches of the pristine and seldom seen Sustut River, Suskeena Lodge offers anglers a rare combination of wilderness trophy steelhead fishing and fine accommodations. Of the three Skeena tributaries most likely to produce fish over 25 pounds, the Sustut is the one least traveled and arguably the one with the most stable water conditions. Anglers enjoy well-appointed, double occupancy cabins with private bathroom and shower, a wood stove, and a sitting area. Thoughtfully prepared meals are served in the comfort of the main lodge. Anglers fish three per jet boat with experienced guides who truly enjoy the entire spectrum of the steelhead fishing experience, especially the chance at guiding their clients into a trophy steelhead on a skated dry fly. This pristine river system boasts dramatic views, long classic runs, a race of extremely husky fish that average 14 pounds, and few, if any, freelance anglers. Due to limited openings, early reservations are required. Season: September October Fish Species: Steelhead Lodge Capacity: 9 anglers Rate: $5,400 per person (plus GST) for a 7 night/ 6 day package Full Details: See STEELHEAD VALHALLA LODGE Located five miles downstream from its sister lodge Suskeena, Steelhead Valhalla is another classic camp. Now, with both lodges on the river under the same ownership, Steelhead Valhalla and Suskeena embrace identical fishing programs with a cordial rotation of beats that has removed any sense of competition from the daily program. This adds immeasurably to the overall wilderness angling experience, making the Sustut the most relaxed, trophy steelhead river in the Skeena system. Steelhead Valhalla Lodge consists of a cozy main log building where hearty family style meals are served. There are also five double occupancy cabins. All structures were built from logs milled on site and overlook the river. Cabins are carpeted, have electric lights, wood burning stoves and share a common washhouse with sinks, toilets and showers. Anglers fish three per guide boat and in addition to the four primary beats of the Sustut, they also fish a gorgeous section of the upper Skeena. For the trophy steelhead angler in search of true solitude, few places in the world can compare to Steelhead Valhalla. Season: September October Fish Species: Steelhead Lodge Capacity: 9 anglers Rate: $5,400 per person (plus GST) for a 7 night/ 6 day package Full Details: See PAGE 55

8 Brad Freeburg swings a fly through Toney s, one of the lower river s most productive runs. Photo: Ken Morrish

THE DEAN RIVER W orthy of its legendary status, the Dean is home to the world s hottest steelhead and some of the most dramatic scenery in North America.

BC WEST For those who have not had the good fortune to fish the Dean River, others tales of personal exploits can become overbearing.

before heading out in the late afternoon to fish until dark. A fishery best suited to experienced anglers, BC West s guests fish half of their days guided beneath the falls via jet boat.

For the ultimate anadromous challenge, consider the June king salmon fishery. The Dean s kings are widely considered some of the hardest fighting and hardest to land, sea-run fish in the world.

com HODSON S NEW For generations the Hodson family and the Dean River have been inseparable.

In addition to the main camp, Hodson s has a rustic upper camp located 25 miles upstream of the main lodge.

9 THE DEAN RIVER W orthy of its legendary status, the Dean is home to the world s hottest steelhead and some of the most dramatic scenery in North America. We are proud to work with lodges on both the upper and lower river and look forward to helping you select the venue that best suits your needs. BC WEST For those who have not had the good fortune to fish the Dean River, others tales of personal exploits can become overbearing. Stories of hard takes, hissing bellies of line, wild leaps, and the relentless runs of these super steelhead are admittedly hard to compete with, especially when compounded with a setting that is one of North America s most impressive. Equally impressive is BC West s willingness to go the extra mile and create a split-day fishing program where anglers fish from dawn to lunch, then return to camp for a gourmet meal and a siesta before heading out in the late afternoon to fish until dark. A fishery best suited to experienced anglers, BC West s guests fish half of their days guided beneath the falls via jet boat. The other half of the time they are self-guided above the falls using personal four wheelers for access to prime runs. By all standards, this is a rigorous and rewarding routine. For the ultimate anadromous challenge, consider the June king salmon fishery. The Dean s kings are widely considered some of the hardest fighting and hardest to land, sea-run fish in the world. Season: June August Fish Species: Summer steelhead, king salmon Lodge Capacity: 8 anglers Rate: $4,600-$6,500 per person for a 7 night/6 day package Full Details: See HODSON S NEW For generations the Hodson family and the Dean River have been inseparable. Dean River pioneer and founder of the family operation, Bud Hodson, passed the torch to his son Danny and now Danny s sons are also working the river as guides for this legendary upper river lodge. In addition to the main camp, Hodson s has a rustic upper camp located 25 miles upstream of the main lodge. Most anglers who visit during the heart of the season will get between one to three days at the upper camp and will be flown in by veteran helicopter pilot Danny Hodson. In all fairness, the water surrounding the upper camp may be some of the finest trophy steelhead dry fly water in the world. Their cabins sleep two guests and are equipped with propane lights, a wood stove and cold running water. Electricity is available in the cabins while the camp generator is running. The lodge contains shower facilities, dining room and lounge. Guests will enjoy hearty home-style meals in a family atmosphere. For the best of what the magical upper Dean has to offer, the Hodson s hold the key. Season: June September Fish Species: Steelhead Lodge Capacity: 6-8 anglers Rate: $5,580-$6,310 per person for a 7 night/7 day package Full Details: See PAGE 57

Season: March November Fish Species: All Pacific salmon species; summer, winter and spring steelhead Lodge Capacity: 6-8 anglers Rate: CAD

com Bruce Nakao with an August hen from the Copper.

equal to Terrace, British Columbia. Here the fishing season never ends, only changes.

Located overlooking a sweeping bend in the mighty Skeena, Z-Boat Lodge serves as a cozy base for small groups of anglers interested in

friendly, simple base from which to fish the productive year-round systems of the Lower Skeena of the Naas, Douglas Channel and Skeena.

two on the mainstem Skeena and two on Douglas Channel tributaries.

10 Season: March November Fish Species: All Pacific salmon species; summer, winter and spring steelhead Lodge Capacity: 6-8 anglers Rate: CAD $3,800 per person (plus GST) for a 6 night/5 day package Full Details: See www. flywatertravel.com Bruce Nakao with an August hen from the Copper. Photo: Ken Morrish For the true anadromous junkie needing access to fresh searun fish every month of the year, there may be no location equal to Terrace, British Columbia. Here the fishing season never ends, only changes. And for this reason and this reason alone, Brad and Kim Zeerip have chosen to make the region their home and business headquarters. Located overlooking a sweeping bend in the mighty Skeena, Z-Boat Lodge serves as a cozy base for small groups of anglers interested in fishing the bountiful rivers of the region, including the Copper, Kitimat, mainstem Skeena and numerous smaller tributaries Z-BOAT LODGE A friendly, simple base from which to fish the productive year-round systems of the Lower Skeena of the Naas, Douglas Channel and Skeena. During the classified months of September and October, anglers booking a six day fishing trip will typically fish two days on the Copper, two on the mainstem Skeena and two on Douglas Channel tributaries. For anglers serious about floating the lower and middle reaches of the Copper or targeting bright kings and large cohos, Z-Boat Lodge is an ideal base. It is perfect for groups of six to eight anglers, providing single accommodations and excellent meals. A wide range of interesting angling options await those who visit this remarkable region. Stays of varying lengths welcomed. PAGE 58

As anglers we all dream of the

Fly Water client Dan Iwata and guide Smiddy with a late season beauty. Photo: Dan Iwata As anglers we all dream of the undiscovered: a Shangri-la with lush valleys and pristine rivers where fish far outnumber