Silver Hilton has guiding access to over 20 miles of the pristine Babine River. As a result of the remote wilderness location, anglers seldom see any people other than the lodge guests on the river. Fully equipped 22-foot jet sleds transport anglers up- and downriver. Limited instruction is available, making this program best suited to knowledgeable, independent anglers. In addition to the six guided days of fishing, guests may fish on their own the afternoon of arrival.

There are three main beats of the lower Babine River fished by Silver Hilton Steelhead Lodge. The Upper Beat goes from Triple Header pool upriver to the Gate Pool and beyond if conditions permit. This is the regular beat fished by the four anglers staying at Triple Header. The Middle Beat goes from just below the Triple Header pool downriver to Double Stripe. The Lower Beat goes from Red Bandana downstream to Skating Rink and beyond if conditions permit. These last two beats are the regular beats fished by the eight anglers staying at the Main Camp.

All anglers rotate among these three beats in the following manner: Twice each week, the four anglers staying at Triple Header come downstream and fish the middle beat; on the same days four anglers from the Main Camp come upstream and fish the beat normally covered by the four anglers at Triple Header. In addition, each group of four anglers fishing at the Main Camp rotate between the middle and lower beats on the days they are not fishing the upper beat of Triple Header.

Also, the four anglers staying at Triple Header and fishing that beat for the day may come down in the afternoon and fish portions of the middle beat after it has been vacated by the Main Camp anglers. Anglers can bring two set up rods with them each day. Many anglers will elect to have one dry line rod and one sink-tip rod.

The Silver Hilton Lodge is a fishing specific destination.

2026 Rates: 7 night/6 day package, per person based on single occupancy (Triple Header) and double occupancy (Main Camp)

• September 3-10 and October 29 - November 5: $7,100 plus tax and $250 Babine River Foundation donation
• September 10 - October 22: $10,300 plus tax and $250 Babine River Foundation donation

Included: Accommodations, meals, spirits, and wine at the lodge, round-trip transportation between Smithers and the lodge via private helicopter charter, guiding, BC taxes, donation.

Not Included: Airfare to/from Smithers, accommodations and meals in Smithers, beer, fishing licenses, staff and guide gratuities, satellite phone calls, flies.

Species: Steelhead

Season: September - early November

Capacity: 12 anglers

Who is best suited to this destination? 
This trip is best suited to semi-independent anglers that like to swing fish for steelhead and enjoy the highest level of meals and accommodations. Folks that wade well in tough terrain, like skating dries, want the chance at really big fish, and appreciate the chance to be left alone for limited periods of time on prime water, thrive at the Hilton.

Where is the lodge? 
The lodge is in the remote middle reach of the Babine River, roughly 35 miles downstream of Babine Lake. The Main Camp lodge takes eight guests, and the upper Triple Header lodge takes four guests.

How do I get there? 
To get to the Silver Hilton, guests will need to arrange flights to Smithers, BC which will require initially flying to Vancouver, BC. Guests overnight in Smithers at the Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge or the hotel of their choice. The following morning a lodge representative picks guests up early and transfers them to the helicopter hanger for a flight into the lodge. Guests may fish unguided upon arrival.

When should I go?
The lodge operates from early September into early November. Because steelhead fishing at BC’s premier lodges is in high demand, when you go often boils down to when you can find an open week. All the weeks have the potential to be the best or worst of the season, and over the past 25 years, we have witnessed each week take its turn in the spotlight. With that said, we can make some generalizations about what to expect throughout the season.

The early season is from early to mid-September. This time window tends to have warmer weather, and somewhat “streaky” fishing, meaning that there will be days when you will find the fish and likely days when you may not find them, as they are actively moving into the systems and their movements are not predictable. On the bright side, the early fish tend to be very grabby, bright, and full of energy. Additionally, this is a great time to fish dry flies and dry lines.

Mid-season is the latter half of September and the first half of October. This is a very popular time as it has a nice combination of moderate temperatures, fall colors, solid fish numbers and the ability to use both dry line/dry fly methods as well sink tips. Many of these weeks are tightly held by the owner and long-time repeating guests. It is not uncommon to have one or more weather events during this time when the river can blow out, but these fluctuations in flow and clarity also lead to great fishing “on the drop” and shuffle the fish around in a way that typically benefits anglers.

How will I fish? 
All fishing revolves around swinging flies while wading. Spey rods are by far the most popular and both floating and sink tip lines are employed. The Babine fishes very well with skated dries, standard wet flies and larger patterns fished on sink tips. Guides shuttle four anglers around each day and anglers often get the opportunity to fish in solitude. Many guests will carry two rods with them each day. One might be a dry fly set up and the other a tip set up and they might fish the run through with both before getting moved.

Is there wade fishing? 
Yes. All fishing is done while wading.

Where will I fish?
All fishing will be done on three beats of the Babine. Guests at the Main Camp lodge will have access to all three beats, while guests at the smaller, upstream Triple Header Camp lodge will fish the upper two beats only.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? 
The longest run is from the main lodge to the uppermost Triple Header beat. Under normal conditions that takes about 35 minutes.

What type(s) of fish will I catch?
Wild summer steelhead and the occasional bull trout or salmon.

How many fish will I catch?
The nature of swinging flies for any anadromous fish is that there is a lot of variation in catch rates, and few anglers return home complaining about having caught too many. That said, we feel that this operation offers a great chance for both large fish and good numbers of fish. On good years/good weeks the lodge can average more than two fish landed per person per day.

Will I see other anglers?
For the most part, no. On rare occasions in the middle of the season you may see independent fishing parties rafting down the river.

What are the guides like?
The guides are full-time professional fish hunters and some of the finest guides in BC. They know their section of the river intimately and tend to map out runs for guests and then let their guests’ fish them in peace. Sometime guests will get dropped at a run to fish it by themselves or with another angler. Guests will always have a radio and can call their guide for assistance at any time.

What are the physical demands?
Guests should be able to climb in and out of jet boats, wade well, and be able to deal with a wide range of uneven terrain. The Babine is a relatively challenging river to wade, and we rate it as 7-8.5 on a scale of 10. Its rocks are large and irregular, and the bottom is dark so wading staffs are encouraged.

Are there any special skills required? 
The ability to cast a Spey rod with sink-tips is helpful as are respectable wading and knot tying skills. Guests are best served by a willingness to fish confidently for long periods in between fish as well a willingness to land fish on their own when needed.

Does the lodge provide equipment?
Guests are encouraged to provide all their own equipment. With that said, there is a limited amount of loaner gear on hand and flies can be purchased at the lodge. The lodge also has a small tackle shop with lines, sink tips, selected rods as well as logoed hats and outwear.

What is your favorite setup for the trip?
The staples are 7 and 8-weight Spey rods ranging from 12 to 14-feet in length. We encourage guests to string up two rods so that they can always have a floating line set-up and a Skagit set-up ready. In the late season, as water temps cool, many anglers will be fine with just a single Skagit set-up.

What are the top flies? 
Mid-sized black and blue tube flies and intruders are popular as are a host of other steelhead patterns. One favorite is the Larimer reverse marabou in black and blue. Many guides and guests prefer unweighted flies or lightly weighted flies as they are much easier to recover from the Babine’s grabby bottom structure.

What are the options if water conditions become challenging?
You will have to stick with it and hope the conditions improve

What is a typical day like?
After a hearty hot breakfast, guests will head out at 8:30 AM for a full day on the water. Lunches will be served streamside and guests will typically be back at the lodge around 6:30 PM for appetizers and drinks. Dinner tends to be served around 7:30 PM.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? 
While the Hilton is a very nice facility, it maintains a relaxed atmosphere. There is no dress code of any sort and folks are just happy to enjoy the river and he lodge together. We strongly encourage guests to not talk politics during their stay.

Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge?
The lodge manager, Brian Schneider, is always on-site to make sure that guests needs are taken care of.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like?
Meals are served in the main dining areas of both lodges. They will be of the highest quality and paired with nice wines. Hot lunches will be served streamside.

What is the alcohol policy?
Wine and hard alcohol are provided and included. There is an open bar for all to enjoy. Folks who want beer need to bring their own and all are welcome to bring along anything that that like.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like?
The Main Camp lodge takes eight guests per week in Weeks 2-8 and nine guests per week in Weeks 1 and 9. Accommodations are in four double occupancy cabins. Each cabin has its own bathroom as well as a woodstove. The cabins are spacious and nice. There is one extra room upstairs in the main lodge with a bathroom across the hall. This room will be used in week 1 and week 9 and can be requested in the other weeks.

Triple Header takes four guests per week. All guests have single rooms. There are two shared bathrooms. It is also a very nice set up with a great fire circle overlooking an outstanding home pool.

Is there internet and/or cell service?
Yes, both camps have StarLink Wi-Fi, but there is no cell service.

Are there other activities?
No

Are there any other expenses?
Guests will need to pay for their accommodations in Smithers, as well as all fishing licenses and gratuities.

Do I need a visa?
No

Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances?
Jet boating and wading all come with real risks. There are black bears and a few grizzly bears in the area, as well as moose. Biting insects are rarely an issue and are primarily limited to the summer months.