British Columbia
Jim Allen, Brian Gies and the late, great bear-dog Bowser on the Kispiox. Photo: Ken Morrish
Smithers & Upper Skeena Region any towns claim to be the “Steelhead Capital of the World,” but despite not making the claim, Smithers BC deserves the moniker. With the Bulkley flowing right through it, Smithers is the hub from which many great adventures into some of the Skeena’s most sought-after tributaries begin, including the Kispiox, the Babine, the Morice and the Sustut.
M
Bulkley Canyon Trips
Frontier Farwest
Bear Claw Lodge
Located between Smithers and Telkwa, Derek Botchford’s Frontier Farwest Lodge is one of the most diverse and well-run operations in the region. Anglers will spend three days fishing the Bulkley out of the main lodge and three days fishing the upper reaches of the Morice out of their second lodge. An option to overnight in one of the remote Bulkley canyon tent camps is also available. With top-notch food, accommodations and guides this is an experience not to be missed. Rate: $6,700 per person for a 7 night/7 day package
Located on the upper Kispiox, the Allens run an operation that combines the finest accommodations in the region with downhome family-style hospitality and a crew of savvy, hard-working guides. Typically anglers will spend four days floating the Kispiox in rafts, one day jet boating the Skeena and one day jet boating on the lower Bulkley. This is a great program and a great opportunity to swing your fly in front of some of BC’s largest wild steelhead. Rate: $6,745 per person plus taxes for a 7 night/6 day package
PAGE 42
For hearty anglers that like long hours on the water and roughing it a bit, Frontier Farwest offers six-day jet boat trips for parties of three. Anglers spend two nights and three days fishing out of two separate wall-tent camps located in the heart of some of the Bulkley’s best water. Rate: $5,600 per person for a 6 day jet boat camp
WWW.FLYWATERTRAVEL.COM