The annual migration of Steelhead to the Skeena is world-renowned and regarded by many as the ultimate bucket-list destination. Our deluxe Steelhead/Coho program runs from mid-August through October during the peak weeks of the Steelhead season.
Our program offers anglers the chance to target Steelhead, Coho, or both, and fish the very best of everything the Skeena has to offer, from Kitwanga to tidewater. Anglers also have access to all of the very best lower Skeena tributaries and other local-area rivers, such as the Kalum, Kasiks, Kitimat and a few other unmentionables that we keep under our hat.
Skeena Steelhead average 10-12 lbs, with fish in the 15-20 lb range being very common. Every year, several lucky anglers hook into a fish of a lifetime that meets or exceeds the 20-lb benchmark, with the occasional trophy reaching upwards of 25-30 lbs! If catching the Steelhead of your dreams is high on your bucket list, look no further than Skeena River Lodge and our highly skilled guide team to make that dream a reality!
Coho salmon begin swarming the rivers during the same time frame and offer anglers some excellent opportunities in addition to the Steelhead. Our Coho runs are prolific, which can mean plenty of catching for those who wish to pursue them. The Skeena region is well known for the giant northern Coho that can easily reach the high teens and sometimes up to 20 lbs!
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, Kitimat River and some secret rivers if they are fishable. The Skeena River is a big river and distance will be a plus. The Kitimat River is a medium size river, 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 for the aggressive fish just coming out of the salt. 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 Kitimat River is very different from the Skeena River or our secret rivers. 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 other brands of leader material.
In the early season the fish are very aggressive and not picky. Black with blue flash flies like the HOBO spey are some of the best flies. Bunny leeches with some blue flash work also very well. Pink flies will do fine as the river gets clearer. Bring some flashy flies for Cohos.
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.
