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We’ve created a quick checklist of essential tasks to make sure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. If questions come up or you need anything at all, just give us a call, we’re here to help every step of the way.
To-Do List:
✓ Confirm passport is valid for the dates of the trip
✓ Arrange flights to/from Terrace, BC
✓ Purchase fishing licenses
✓ Complete personal online guest registration form
✓ Get travel cash
In the Spring and Fall steelhead seasons we recommend 7 to 8 weight Spey rods in the 12.5-to-14-foot range.
Spring:
Spring steelheading is dominated by Skagit style fishing. Dry-line and dry fly enthusiasts may be presented with opportunities, especially after April 10th, but having a dry-line setup is strictly optional.
Fall:
We travel to Skeena River Lodge in the Fall with two Spey rods. The first is a 13 ft. 8-weight paired with a matching Skagit head and the second is a 13 ft. 7-weight setup with a floating Scandi head. Before October 15th, the Scandi set up is strongly recommended, but after that time, your second rod could be rigged as a backup Skagit system, with different/lighter sink tip, reducing time spent changing sink tips. Both set-ups should be matched with good quality reels, appropriate mono or floating running lines, and at least 150 yards of 30-pound backing. Spey anglers have a great many options when it comes to rod lengths, and virtually all of the options are viable. Likewise, guests could travel with two 8-weights or two 7-weights, as both are well suited to the program.
Skeena River Lodge Provided Equipment:
A Skagit setup is the staple for most BC anglers. They are easy to cast and are used most often for sink tip fishing. Less experienced casters can also use them with a 15-foot floating tip as an alternative to a Scandi head. RIO Skagit Max Launch heads are typically recommended for Spey rods over 13 feet while the RIO Skagit Max Power is recommended for Spey rods 13-feet and under.
Scandi setups are useful for fishing dry flies and unweighted traditional flies. They can also come in handy when the water is very low. While they are most often used from August through mid-October, when water temps are warmer and the fish are active, they can occasionally be useful during low clear water later in the season. For less experienced anglers, these set ups tend to be used less than the Skagit set ups, but most intermediate and experienced anglers like to travel with them and use them often in the early season. When using a full floating Scandi head, anglers will attach a 12 ft tapered mono leader, but anglers can also purchase Scandi-body style lines to which various tapered tips are attached. This is a versatile option and allows anglers to adjust to a wide range of conditions.
Summer chinook fishing is time to break out the big sticks. 9 and 10 weight Spey rods are the norm in 13- to 15-foot lengths. While some anglers like shorter rods for fishing/fighting kings, we like longer rods as they make picking up and delivering heavy sink tips much easier.
For kings we like 3-4 inch patterns with 1/0-3/0 trailing hooks. We like these patterns in chartreuse, hot pink, and black and blue. Both intruder type flies and large tubes are popular. We like anglers to have them in weighted and un-weighted versions. Big tubes are excellent as you can use a variety of strong trailing hooks. The best trailing hooks are Owner SSW’s and Mustad Octopus Beak hooks in 1/0-3/0. Note that it is hard to find commercially tied king flies. Please feel free to call us for assistance in custom tied flies.
Skeena River Lodge relies heavily on tube flies for most of their fishing. The size, color and weight of those tubes will vary with season and species. Pink is popular in the spring and black and blue is popular in the fall. Typically, these flies are unweighted or lightly weighted and 2-3 inches long. Size 2 barbless trailing hooks are popular for steelhead. Hobo Speys are popular as well.
Top 5 Skeena River Lodge Steelhead Flies:
We understand packing for an adventure is not easy. On a trip like this it is very important to have everything you need and nothing you do not. As the climate is extremely changeable and a wide range of temperatures and conditions can be expected, we recommend layering clothes. Anglers should be prepared with thermal underwear, fleece/soft shell jacket, and a rain jacket. Synthetic fabrics are preferred to cotton. Dress at the lodges/camps is neat but casual.
Contact our travel advisor, Blake Katchur, below for more information about this unique destination and to inquire about setting up the perfect trip to match your goals.
303-794-1104
Blake@anglersall.com
