The Skeena watershed is home to the worldâs most spectacular race of wild summer Steelhead. These fish enter the freshwater system from July to October and spend all winter, before spawning in spring in their natal streams. Summer Steelhead are strong, athletic fish that move aggressively to both wet flies and skated dry flies. Highly prized by anglers the world over, many see the steelhead as the greatest game fish, also perfectly suited to Spey anglers. The Skeena watershed is home to the largest Steelhead Summer Run in the world. The Skeena River Lodge is uniquely situated to target them on the main Skeena as well as in key tributaries. These fish can commonly reach 20 pounds and in rare instances up to 30 pounds. They must be treated with the utmost care and respect when landed as they are 100% protected species.
Many known tributaries of the Skeena River like the Kalum and Copper Rivers will complete our Steelhead program. The Kalum River, also known as Kitsumkalum,meanders through an old growth forest with magical bends and runs. The Kalum River is famous for its Giant Chinook Salmon, big Northern Coho, and Steelhead. The Kalum is one of only few rivers in the world in which you can find a Chinook up to 100 pounds and a Steelhead up to 30 pounds. The Copper is the best dry fly river during the Steelhead season. The fish are highly aggressive and behave almost like a trout towards a dry fly. The Copper River, also known as the Zymoetz, has spectacular scenery, magical runs, pools and tail outs. Ask any steelhead angler on this planet and they will unanimously agree: The Copper River is the pinnacle of Steelhead rivers.
What you can expect when booking this package
We like the 13-14- foot 7-8-9 weight rods. You will be fishing the Skeena, Kalum and Copper River. The Skeena River is big, and distance will be a plus. The Copper and Kalum River are medium size rivers, easier to cast and fish.
Skagit, rage, scandi or shooting heads would be the best lines to use for this time of the year. But any line you are comfortable with casting is ok.
In the early summer season, we like to use light tips or even go full floating on the Copper River. Later in the year, the heavier tips like t6 would be used most of the time. But make sure you bring the following tips, because the Kalum River is very different than the Skeena or Copper River. Bring Intermediate, t3, t6, t8 and t11.
We strongly advise Maxima ultragreen in the 15-20lb range. We have seen many large fish breaking off by other brands of leader material.
Early season the fish are very aggressive and not picky. Black with blue flash flies like the HOBO Spey are one of the best flies. Bunny leeches with some blue flash also work very well. Pink flies will do fineas the river gets clearer. Bring some dry flies for the Copper River if you like to fish a dry fly.
It can be very wet, cold and warm in the same day. Wearing different layers is a must. Most times the jet boat ride will be cold and during the day it can get quite warm in the sun. Make sure you bring a solid rain jacket and a chest wader.
Ask us anything. We’re happy to be there for you. You can also browse our Q&A section and find answers for frequently asked questions.
