Steelhead BC - Bulkley River Lodge - Fly-Fishing Adventure

The Fishing

Caught a Big Fish The majority of anglers who fish with us on the Bulkley are now using double handed (spey) rods exclusively. Limited back casting room, increased distance and efficiency are the main advantages here. These rods need little, if any, back casting space and are designed to cast 80' with little effort. If you have not used one we highly recommend LEARNING BEFORE YOU COME, so you are not learning on the river instead of fishing. This being said our guides are some of the best instructors around. We teach rank amateurs on a regular basis and tune up the best casters, minimizing effort and maximizing distance.

In the early season, when water temperatures are warm, there is little need for heavy sinking tips. On the contrary, a dry line and dry fly regularly out fish sunken flies at this time of year. There is nothing like swinging skating flies on the surface for large fresh fish. Boiling a fish half a dozen times before you see it jump on your dry fly is a common occurrence when water temps are still high from summer sun.

As the season progresses water temperatures cool, and fish become less interested with the surface. At this time of year sink tips, type 3, 6 and 8, become more effective. Sunken flies, mostly large streamer patterns, are the most effective tool to get the job done. Leaves are turning, the scenery is stunning, and fresh fish are arriving daily.

Nearing the end of October the leaves are mostly fallen. Snow is on the horizon, or we have already seen a dusting, but the biggest fish are just showing up. The average size of fish gets larger the later you go into the season, with some of the biggest showing up at the end. Here heavy sink tips are a must, with a variety of patterns working. Large string leaches to small classic patterns work, it's just a matter of finding out what the fish want to eat.

Our daily itinerary:

Friendly wake-up call with tea or coffee first thing in the morning.
Guests congregate in the main lodge to a great hot breakfast before the day’s fishing.
Then to the dry room, where all the wet gear from the day before has been drying overnight. Get into waders and boots and collect the rods.
From here it's either to one of two jet boats parked in front of the lodge, or to a vehicle to shuttle to a different part of the river where there are either jet boats or rafts waiting.
We limit two anglers to one guide to maximize the fishing experience. All the fishing is done by either floating certain sections in rafts or using jet boats. We mostly walk and wade but there are times when fishing out of the boat is an advantage.
A great hot lunch, including soup every day, is sent with each guide in the morning.
After the day it's back to the lodge to dry out. Cold beer or cocktails as you step out of the boat or vehicle, then to the dry room to put everything away.
Dinner is usually late, between 7 and 8 daily. You will soon realize that you are eating at the best restaurant within 500 miles of Smithers. The food at Bulkley River Lodge is regularly excellent and sometimes unbelievable.
The day usually ends in front of the fire on the leather couches or bugging the guides in the back room. In both places you will hear great stories from the day’s events. The main difference would be the lies and exaggeration in the front room versus the hard truth and laughter in the back - you can make the choice.

Whitey with Catch The Bulkley River Lodge guides are among the most knowledgeable, friendliest and experienced in the province of British Columbia. A combined 80 years of guiding knowledge is shared between the 5 guides on staff. It is the goal of the guides and lodge staff for our clients to have the best experience possible, both fishing and with the lodge atmosphere. Constantly putting clients over fish is one part of a bigger picture. Other intangibles like scenery, wildlife, remote locations and the atmosphere at the lodge are also very important. You will fish for a large portion of your day, but the hours spent before and after fishing are arguably as important as the fishing itself.

Casting instruction, presentation and general steelheading techniques are discussed daily, with returning clients building on their knowledge through us on a yearly basis. Casting instruction, especially with two handed or 'spey' rods is invaluable on this large river in particular. Our guides are some of the best in the industry to show you how to get it done right.