Summer on the main Skeena is the best time to encounter a wide variety of hard fighting anadromous fish. The Skeena Summer Grand Slam is considered a true achievement in the flyfishing world. Here at Skeena River Lodge guests will have the opportunity to catch Steelhead, Coho, Sockeye, Chinook, Chum and Pink Salmon all in the same week and if extremely lucky in a single day. This time of the year action is guaranteed. If you would like to introduce your partner, child or grandchild to the wonderful world of fly fishing, then July and August are the best months. From June until July 23rd, guests will have the opportunity to fish the worldfamous Copper River for Chinook Salmon. Depending on season and prevailing regulations, fishing the Kalum River may be possible at an extra charge. Besides the excellent fishing at this time of the year, the weather is also perfect most days and fishing in the Skeena River is truly a-life-changing experience.
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 and Kitimat Rivers. The Skeena River is a large river, so that distance will be a plus. The Kitimat River is a medium size river, easy to wade 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.
We like to use light and medium heavy tips in the Skeena River this time of the year. In the Kitimat River you will need to move down closer to where the fish are. We like t6 –t8 most of the time. You will also need t10 or t14 in the Kitimat River for Chums and Chinook. Please bring the following tips, because the Skeena River is very different from the Kitimat River: Intermediate, t3, t6, t8, t11 and t14.
We strongly advice Maxima ultragreen in the 15-20lb range. We have seen many large fish breaking off other brands of leader material.
Early season the fish are highly aggressive and not picky. The pink or black with blue flash flies like the HOBO spey are some of the best flies. Bunny leeches with some blue flash also work very well. Pink flies like the Jumbo critter or leeches will do fine as the river clarifies. Also bring a view blue prom dress, or chartreuse colored flies for Chinook and Chum.
It can be very wet, cold and warm all 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.
