Fishing Information
General Fishing Information
Steelhead fishing? Salmon fishing? Trout fishing? River fishing? Lake fishing? Ocean fishing?
We have it all here in our backyard. With world renowned rivers such as the Bulkley, Babine, Kispiox, Morice, Skeena only a cast away, it is no wonder our region is considered by many a fishing paradise.
Lake fishing can be enjoyed year round while most rivers in our vicinity are open from June 16 until December 31 (always check fishing regulations before venturing out: BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis ).
Steelhead fishing
•When: From mid August until the end of December. Peak period mid September until mid October.
•Where: All rivers
•Gear: Fly fishing: 7-9 weight single or spey rod. Sink tips or floating lines. Multi tip lines recommended. Spin fishing/casting: Medium weight rod. Koho, Blue Fox Vibrax lures Salmon fishing
Spring Salmon (Chinook, King, Alaskan, Tyee)
•When: June 16-August 15 water conditions permitting
•Where: Morice, Bulkley, Kispiox, Skeena
•Gear: Fly fishing: 9-11 weight single or spey rod. Heavy sink tips. Spin fishing/casting: Medium-heavy weight rod. Spin n glow, yarn, Kitimat, Koho, Blue Fox Vibrax lures
Pink Salmon (Humpie)
•When: Mid August-mid September •Where: Morice, Bulkley, Kispiox, Skeena
•Gear: Fly fishing: 6-8 weight single hand rod. Sink tips. Pink and green flies. Spin fishing/casting: Medium light-medium rod. Pink lures (Pink Crocs).
Sockeye Salmon (Red)
•When: August 1-August 31
•Where: Babine, Skeena
•Gear: Fly fishing: 7-9 weight single or spey rod. Appropriate sink tip lines for water conditions.
Coho Salmon (Silver)
•When: August 15-October 1
•Where: Bulkley
•Gear: Fly fishing: 7-9 weight single or spey rod. Sink tips. Boss and Comet flies in silver and blue. Spin fishing/casting: Medium weight rod. Kitimat, Koho, Blue Fox Vibrax lures, yarn.
Trout fishing
•When: First part of May (ice off) until October
•Where: Local lakes and Rainbow Ally
•Gear: Fly fishing: 4-6 weight rods. Floating and sinking lines. Spin fishing/casting: Ultra light-medium rod. Spoons, spinners, gang troll, bait
Salt water fishing
•When: Weather permitting (all year long)
•Where: Prince Rupert, Port Edwards, Kitimat, Stewart, Kincolith, Work Channel
•Gear: Bottom fish: 5.5 to 7ft rod with level wind reel with 60-100 braided line. Spring Salmon: 8-10.5ft rod with level wind or mooching reel with 20-30lb mono line. Coho Salmon: 8-10.5ft rod with level wind or mooching reel with 15-25lb mono line.
Above info is general. Please check regulations for any specific openings or restrictions. All rivers and streams in Region 6 are single barbless hook.
Bear Information for Anglers - Babine River
A sustainable fishery at the Babine River is dependent upon a safe environment for both people and bears. To achieve this, BC Parks sets out some guidelines for fishing at the Babine River:
- Give bears plenty of room. Leave your fishing spot if a bear is in the river and give them plenty of space. If approached by a bear, reel in, and leave the area. Cut your line if playing a fish. You may return to your fishing spot when it is sage to do so.
- Food and other attractants are not allowed on shore. All garbage must be stored within your vehicle, not left on site.
- Fish must be returned to a secure location within your vehicle immediately after capture.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- During the peak salmon fishing season in August, please refrain from fishing from 1 hour before sunset until 1 hour after sunrise to provide an undisturbed period for the bears to utilize the corridor.
Fishing Links
The following links might be of interest to you whether you call the Bulkley Valley home or are planning a trip to this area:
Fishing Related Links:
Weather & Water Levels & Test Fishery
Smithers Weather Forcast
Real Time Hydrometric Data
Skeena River Tyee Test Fishery
Provincial and Federal Fishing Rules and Regulations:
BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis
Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
BC Fresh Water Fishing Licences on Line
Purchase your 2009-2010 BC Fresh Water Licence
Local Fishing Guides
Bulkley River
Keith Douglas – Driftwood Guiding Ltd
Bob Hull – Steelhead Excursions
Dave Evans – Bulkley River Lodge
Derek Botchford – Frontier Farwest
Denise Maxwell – Gold ‘N’ West Flyfishers
Babine River
Pierce Clegg – Babine Norlakes
Brian Schneider – Silver Hilton Lodge
Barry & Wendy Chanasyk – Babine Steelhead Lodge
Morice River
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Derek Botchford – Frontier Farwest
Kispiox and Skeena Rivers
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The Cliffs at Kispiox River
Todd Stockner – Mykiss Guiding
Skeena River
Noel Gyger Guided Fishing Adventures & Weekly Fishing Report
Suskeena River
Jeff Vermillion – Suskeena/Steelhead Valhalla
Damdochax River
Alice and Hannah Belford – Damdochax River Lodge
Spatsizi Wilderness Park
The Collingwood Family – Spatsizi Wilderness Lodge
Turnagain Lake
BC Safaris – Turnagain Lake
Trip Planning Links
Noel Gyger Guided Fishing Adventures & Weekly Fishing Report
Town of Smithers
Tourism Smithers
Smithers Mountain Bike Association
Hawk Air
Central Mountain Air
Air Canada
Western Canada Outdoor Experience
Thrifty Car and Truck Rentals
National Car Rentals
Fort Telkwa R.V. Campground
Round Lake Resort and Boat Rentals
Non For Profit Associations
Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition
North Coast Steelhead Alliance
Skeena Fisheries Blog



