Steelhead anglers are a unique breed—fanatics, some might say. There’s a camaraderie among those who share this obsession, a shared understanding of what it takes to pursue a fish that can be so elusive. More than just catching fish, pursuing steelhead is about the entire experience: the long days spent on the river, the cast-mend-step rhythm of swinging flies, the quiet moments between casts, and the pure joy of being in a place that still feels wild and free. There is a deep connection to both the fish and the place, the feeling of standing in the cold, rushing water, knowing that at any moment you could see a flash of silver as a steelhead takes your fly. Resilient if nothing else, steelhead anglers, even when facing long odds, just keep fishing.

Many steelhead anglers today consider British Columbia the best region for chasing wild chrome. British Columbia offers an adventure unlike any other. British Columbia is home to some of the wildest, most breathtaking steelhead fisheries on the planet. Rivers like the Skeena, carve through remote, untamed landscapes that can only be described as awe-inspiring. Towering mountains, rushing waters, and the kind of raw beauty that stops you in your tracks are what greet those who venture into this region.

While it’s true that steelhead numbers have declined in many places, British Columbia offers many of the strongest remaining runs of wild fish. Of course, these fish can be unpredictable, the conditions demanding, and there are certainly no guarantees. That said, there are a few well-run, strategically positioned lodges that deserve the consideration of the traveling steelhead angler.

Steelhead Valhalla Lodge

Steelhead Valhalla is a remotely located bankside on the Sustut River upstream from the Skeena River confluence in British Columbia. The Skeena system is the largest producer of trophy-sized steelhead worldwide. Far from civilization and accessible by plane, the Sustut is the least fished of all the famous Skeena tributaries and is revered trophy fish water with the particularly large Bear River fish at the forefront. Angler’s fish the lower 20 miles of the Sustut, after which the waters become protected salmon and steelhead spawning grounds. Wildlife is prolific with eagles, moose, bears, wolves and grouse roaming the shores. Bottom line: this program is widely considered the best place to go for trophy steelhead.

Trout Creek Lodge

Perched on a high bluff, Trout Creek lodge overlooks an inside bend of some of the Bulkley River’s finest and least-accessible steelhead water. The views from the lodge porches speak volumes. Gaze straight downstream with not a neighbor in sight with the ultra-prominent Hudson Bay Mountain commanding the horizon – all taken in to the serenade of the mighty Bulkley just steps away. Steelhead fish in this system are bright, aggressive and attainable. Whether skating dry flies or swinging streamers, anglers of all skill levels can produce steelhead. The fishing program at Trout Creek typically entails fishing one day on the Skeena and five days on the Bulkley via jet boat.

Part of the charm to the Trout Creek program is the total privacy of the property and small number of guests.  The lodge’s capacity is five guests, but most weeks they run only four anglers.  As a result, no other operation can offer the flexibility and capacity to cater to its guests’ needs on and off the water like Trout Creek.

Lower Dean Lodge

Spots on the Lower Dean (Upper Camp) are extremely limited and for good reason. The camp hosts just two anglers in a riverside guest accommodation accessed via helicopter from Bella Coola, B.C. This program features some of the most coveted and remote steelhead waters in all of British Columbia with what is generally regarded as the finest summer run of fish anywhere. Dean River steelhead return in incredible numbers beginning June 20 and enter the river without stopping until the close of the season October 1. The lodge operates a mere 20 miles from saltwater, so fish are often covered in sea lice and as silver and hard-fighting as ocean fish.

Skeena Spey Riverside Wilderness and Lodge

The appeal to Skeena Spey is both its location and its staff, all of whom are mad-keen fishers anxious to ensure your success. Brian and Lizzie Niska and their superb team run Skeena Spey Riverside. They have undertaken a lengthy upgrade to the lodge to offer fine accommodations with a warm and friendly atmosphere. The lodge sits right on the Skeena River with its own dock just a two-minute walk from guests’ cabins.

This program prides itself on great chances at mint fresh fish. A hardcore steelheader could fish from Skeena Spey Lodge almost year-round if ready to brave the cold for the freshest of fish. The lodge can target spring steelhead, the huge mint Kings, the fresh autumn steelhead, and the silver salmon all departing from their dock right by the lodge.

Summary

In many ways, steelhead fishing is venturing into the uncertain: wild remote places, fickle fish, and variable weather. It can be harsh and risky, but the rewards make it all worthwhile for anglers wishing to connect with these ocean-run trout. Not only is British Columbia great for Steelhead, but there’s some fantastic space in Alaska as well. Frontiers has been fishing for steelhead for over 40 years, If you’re interested to traveling to Canada to target Steelhead, please contact Hank Ingram.

RELATED POSTS