Skeena River Steelhead

Wild Rivers Lodge sits on the banks of the world-renowned Skeena River in beautiful British Columbia. Surrounded by mountains and river, the setting is stunning. The Skeena River system has over 15 tributaries, such as the Kalum and the Kasiks. You can also fish the Nass and Kitimat River systems and smaller coastal streams. This area of British Columbia is one of our favorites. The Skeena has the world’s largest wild steelhead and holds two world records for king salmon.
Built in 2017, Wild Rivers Lodge has become a hit due to its prime Skeena River frontage. All fish migrating to the Bulkley, Babine, Kispiox, Sustut, and Morice swim right past the Lodge.
Two Seasons: The Lodge is open from April 15 to May 15 and then again from June 15 to October 15 and hosts up to 12 guests.
Travel Time: Fishing areas are accessible with a combination of 4WD vehicles, drift boats, rafts, or jet boats. Due to the Lodge's prime location, you can be fishing within 5 to 45 minutes.
Boats: The Lodge has 18 to 20 ft. jet boats with canopies, drift boats, and rafts. They shoot for two anglers per boat, with a max of three. All are allowed to fish at the same time.
Guides: Expert guides have extensive knowledge of the local rivers and are well-versed in all fishing methods.
Equipment: The Lodge encourages you to bring your own equipment. If you do not have suitable gear, they can provide either fly or spin outfits; a fee for breakage or loss will apply.
Flies: Some flies are provided. Hand-tied flies (by the guides) are available for purchase at the Lodge for $5 to $10 each.
Methods: Depending on the season and what species you're targeting, you'll bank, wade, or drift fish.
Barbless Hooks: Single barbless hooks are mandatory in British Columbia. For most conditions, a size 2 hook works well.
Popular Flies: Intruders, Pic ‘Yer Pockets, Popsicles, plus Leech and shrimp patterns. A variety of fly patterns entice steelhead and salmon to bite. Some of the Lodge's favorite colors include: black, purple, blue, pink, and chartreuse.
Steelhead: The spring run is from mid-March to mid-May, followed by the summer run from late July to November.
The Kalum and the Skeena are known for big steelhead this time of year. The Lodge has numerous coastal rivers with fresh runs of spring steelhead.
Chinook Salmon: From late April to early May, Chinook salmon are in the river. Early May to the first week of June provides anglers with some excellent king salmon fishing. The Skeena River has produced two world-record Chinooks weighing 92 and 99 pounds.
Pink Salmon: Pinks are the most numerous salmon species here and are a blast to catch on a fly. Lots of action from late July to early September.
Chum Salmon: Want to catch a lot of salmon? These hard-fighting acrobats are underrated. Peak fishing is from mid-July to mid-August, with chums averaging 8 to 20 pounds, even some 30-pounders.
Sockeye Salmon: About mid-July, sockeye migrate upriver to spawn and populate the river from mid-July to early September. These acrobats are a lot of fun on a fly.
Silver Salmon: Fly fishing for the large Northern Coho peaks in the fall from mid-August through October. Silvers average 8 to 15 pounds, with some 20 pounders.
Dolly Varden and Cutthroat Trout: Fishing is available on the Skeena region year-round.
A Typical Fishing Day:
From 5:00 to 7:00 a.m. - A buffet-style breakfast is served. (In July and August, breakfast is usually served earlier, and in September and October, breakfast is served a little later. After breakfast, you’ll leave with your guide for a full nine-hour day of fishing. You’ll take a packed lunch and explore different river systems, depending on the time of year.
After a full day of fishing, you'll return to the Lodge in time to freshen up.
6:30 p.m. - Enjoy a chef-prepared dinner.
Summer Fishing: Their main run of king salmon begins in mid-June and runs until mid-August. Over the years, their summer king sun has produced world-record fish, the largest being over 99 pounds.
By mid-July, steelhead, sockeye, pink, and chum salmon start up the rivers. These months are a great time for anglers to experience a variety of fisheries and species all in one trip.
Early August to mid-September is a great time for Skeena River fly fishing. The main run of summer steelhead are migrating, plus coho, sockeye, and pink salmon. The Skeena is an easy river to wade and fish at this time. Late summer is also a favorable time for water conditions and weather.
Fall Fishing: The fall coho and steelhead fisheries offer a quality fishing and wilderness experience with breathtaking scenery. There are numerous rivers to explore and large numbers of coho salmon.
Beautiful river views from the lounge and back deck.
Each angler has their own room with a luxurious double or queen-size bed and a private ensuite bathroom.
Communications: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the Lodge.
Laundry: A washer and dryer are onsite for you to do your own laundry.
Meals: Enjoy a buffet-style breakfast at the Lodge, packed lunches for the boat, and gourmet dinners. The Lodge caters to special dietary needs.
Alcohol: The Lodge does not sell alcoholic beverages. On the way from Terrace Airport to the Lodge, the driver may stop at a local liquor store for guests to make desired purchases.
1.) From Vancouver, B.C., you’ll take a one-hour and 45-minute flight to Terrace Airport (YXT), also known as Northwest Regional Airport, in Terrace, B.C. Air Canada and WestJet provide daily non-stop flights from Vancouver, B.C. Guests traveling by air should arrive at Terrace Airport on a late afternoon flight.
2.) A lodge representative will greet you at Terrace Airport and transfer you to the Lodge, a 25-minute drive.
3.) After settling in at the Lodge, fishing plans are discussed, and a light dinner is served. If you plan to drive to the Lodge, check-in begins at 4:00 p.m.
Our advice is free.
We never charge more than the Lodges we represent.
• Ground transfers between Terrace Airport and the Lodge
• Single-occupancy lodging
• Wi-Fi at the Lodge
• All meals at the Lodge
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Boat/ground transfers for fishing days
• Guided fishing
• Use of select fishing tackle and equipment, if needed
• Some flies
• 5% GST on total package
• Airfare to Terrace, B.C., and return
• Alcoholic beverages or mixers
• Canadian fishing license
Hand-tied flies, $5 to $10 each
• Fish care, if required
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Optional tours
• Global Rescue
• Travel insurance
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.