British Columbia
Solitude and opportunity in steelhead paradise. Photo: Ken Morrish
Smithers & Upper Skeena Region Frontier Steelhead Experience Located between Smithers and Telkwa, Derek Botchford’s Frontier Steelhead Experience (formerly Frontier Farwest Lodge) is one of the most diverse and well-run operations in the region. Anglers typically 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. The lodge features private duplex cabins and a beautiful main hall with high ceilings and a roaring fireplace. The second lodge is more rustic yet very comfortable, with double-occupancy cabins. With top-notch food, accommodations, and guides this is a unique and thoughtfully designed steelhead experience not to be missed. Rate: $7,750 per person for a 7 night/6 ½ day package Bulkley Basecamp The Bulkley Basecamp is an under-the-radar program created by Derek Botchford, owner of Frontier Steelhead Experience. This operation is the most versatile in the Skeena watershed: guests have access to the lower Bulkley and Skeena near Hazelton as well as access to the harder-to-reach Morice, where they will fish two-per-guide in jet boats. For anglers keen to charter a helicopter into the Babine or upper Skeena, this program is in a class by itself, offering guests the ability to go where the fishing is best during their stay. Bulkley Basecamp consists of a complex of four extremely comfortable wall tents, cedar shower houses, and a large safari style tent where meals are served. There is also a great “bar cabin” PAGE 44
near the campfire circle making this a perfect “glamping” base for serious steelheaders. Rate: $6,500 per person for a 6 night/6 day package Bear Claw Lodge Located on the upper Kispiox, the Allen family runs an operation that combines the finest accommodations in the region with down-home, 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. When and if water conditions really get tough, they have additional options that keep their anglers on the water and in the game. The lodge is a massive timber frame structure with panoramic views of the upper Kispiox River, an open bar, and a hot tub. This is a great program and a great opportunity to swing your fly in front of some of BC’s largest wild steelhead. Rate: $8,008 per person for a 7 night/6 day package Babine Norlakes Steelhead Camp Not far beneath Babine Lake and the weir, Billy Labonte’s operation is a hardcore steelheader’s dream. This is a special section of river where virtually all of the key pools hold fish throughout the season. With a range of 17 fishable miles, anglers fish the river’s prime holding water before returning to camp for drinks, a hearty meal, and bonfire. Each cabin sleeps two, has 24-hour light, heat, bedding, ample storage space, and filtered drinking
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