Westcoast Fishing Adventures

Steelhead & Salmon Fishing at Westcoast

Northwest British Columbia's Skeena watershed is legendary steelhead and salmon territory. These wild fish enter the rivers strong and aggressive, providing powerful takes on swung flies and explosive fights in swift water.

The Water

With access to the Skeena, Nass, and Kitimat Rivers plus remote tributaries, your guide selects the best water based on conditions, run timing, and angler preference. You'll fish by drift boat, jet boat, or wade pristine pools and runs.

The Fishing

You'll spey cast and swing flies or use conventional techniques depending on conditions and preference. Gill McKean specializes in spey casting instruction and can coach anglers at all levels. The fishing is done by drifting or jet boating 10-15 km stretches with professional licensed guides.

Target Species

Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Wild, sea-run rainbow trout that have spent 2-3 years in the Pacific Ocean before returning to freshwater. Summer-run steelhead arrive in the Skeena and Nass rivers in late July and early August, with numbers strengthening into October.

• Appearance: Chrome-bright silver with pink lateral stripe
• Behavior: Aggressive takes on swung flies; powerful runs and aerial displays
• Techniques: Spey casting and swinging flies, conventional fishing

Salmon

Multiple salmon species run the Skeena watershed throughout the season:

• Chinook (King) Salmon: Powerful fish present in system
• Coho (Silver) Salmon: Aggressive fall runs
• Sockeye Salmon: Present during seasonal runs

Pink Salmon: Available during pink years

Westcoast Fishing Adventures Lodge

Located on 30 acres of private property on the outskirts of Terrace, the lodge sits minutes from the Skeena River with walking trails throughout the property.

Guest Rooms

The lodge features large, clean, and cozy guest rooms designed for comfort after a day on the water. All rooms provide a relaxing retreat in the BC wilderness.

Common Areas

• Great room with open fire for evening gatherings
• Fully stocked bar for beverages of choice
• Fly tying bench fully equipped for preparing tomorrow's flies
• Multiple living rooms with entertainment and historic fishing photos

Amenities

• Commercial cedar sauna for warming up after cool spring or fall fishing days
• Laundry facilities for extended stays
• WiFi available throughout the lodge
• Outdoor firepit for evening stories and trip planning

Daily Schedule

• 6:30am: Hot breakfast served
• 7:00am: Depart for river with guide and hearty packed lunch
• 4:30pm: Return to lodge from fishing
• 7:00pm: Dinner and drinks

Evening: Relax by fire, tie flies, or enjoy the sauna

Travel to Westcoast Fishing Adventures

Airport

Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat (YXT), Terrace, British Columbia

Airlines

Air Canada operates daily flights to Terrace from Vancouver. Multiple daily connections available from major US cities through Vancouver.

Typical Routing from US:

• Fly to Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Connect to Terrace on Air Canada (approximately 1.5 hour flight)
• Total travel time varies by origin city

Arrival Day

You'll be met at Northwest Regional Airport by your guide or hostess Mandi McKean. Transfer to the lodge is a scenic 15-minute drive. You'll have the opportunity to visit local tackle shops and liquor stores in Terrace for any last-minute fishing gear or beverages for the week. Upon arrival at the lodge, you'll take a tour, settle into your room, and enjoy appetizers, drinks, and dinner at 7:00pm.

Departure Day

Saturday morning you'll pack your gear and transfer back to Northwest Regional Airport for your departure flights.

Weekly Itinerary

Sunday – Arrival Day

• Arrival at Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat
• Meet your guide or hostess and transfer to lodge (15 minutes)
• Stop in Terrace for tackle shops and liquor stores if needed
• Tour of lodge and settle into your room
• 7:00pm appetizers, drinks, and welcome dinner

Monday–Friday – Fishing Days

• 6:30am breakfast
• 7:00am depart for river with guide and packed lunch
• Full day of guided fishing (drift boat, jet boat, or wading)
• 4:30pm return to lodge
• 7:00pm dinner featuring home-cooked meals
• Evening fly tying, sauna, stories by the fire

Saturday – Departure Day

• Pack gear and prepare for travel
• Transfer to Northwest Regional Airport
• Depart on morning or afternoon flights

Package Rates

7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing: $6,000 per angler (based on double occupancy)

Contact Front Range Anglers for current availability and booking

What's Included:

• Seven (7) nights lodging at Westcoast Fishing Adventures
• Six (6) full days of guided fishing with professional licensed guides
• All meals including breakfast, streamside lunches, and dinners
• Airport transfers to/from Northwest Regional Airport
• Use of drift boats, jet boats, and all fishing locations
• Access to lodge amenities (cedar sauna, bar, fly tying bench, WiFi)

Not Included:

• Roundtrip flights to Terrace, BC (YXT)
• British Columbia fishing license (approximately $120 CAD for non-residents)
• Alcoholic beverages (purchase in Terrace for the week)
• Gratuities for guides and staff ($50-$100 per day recommended)
• Travel and medical evacuation insurance (highly recommended)

Cancellation Policy

At the time of booking, 50% of the trip is due and payable. At 90 days, the remainder is due.

• Cancellation greater than 90 days: All monies refunded less $100 fee if a replacement angler is found
• Cancellation within 90 days: No refunds provided unless a qualified replacement angler is provided
• No refunds for trip cancellation due to weather, acts of God, or airline/travel issues

Travel Insurance

Front Range Anglers strongly recommends Medical Evacuation Insurance (we recommend Global Rescue) and HIGHLY recommends Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.

For insurance questions, contact: Kim D'Amico – kdamico@globalrescue.com – 617.459.4200

Connect with Our BC Steelhead Experts

Ready to learn more about fishing the legendary Skeena watershed? Our Adventure Travel team can answer all your questions about spey casting techniques, the fishing, travel logistics, and what to expect at Westcoast Fishing Adventures.

Rob Kolanda – Adventure Travel Manager

Rob is a Front Range Anglers guide, Sage Elite Pro, and our lead steelhead expert. He can provide detailed insights on spey casting techniques, BC steelhead fishing, and trip preparation.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Coordinator

John handles trip logistics and coordination, ensuring every detail of your BC adventure is handled seamlessly from booking to departure.

What We Can Help With:

• Spey casting instruction and two-handed rod techniques
• Fly selection for Skeena watershed steelhead and salmon
• Gear recommendations and rigging advice
• Travel coordination and flight booking assistance
• Current fishing reports and seasonal timing
• Pairing you with compatible trip partners
• Pre-trip preparation and packing consultation
• License purchase information for BC non-residents

Contact Us:

Email: rob@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Stop by our Boulder fly shop to see spey rods and BC steelhead gear, test cast two-handed rods in our outdoor area, and talk with our team about your Westcoast adventure.

What to Bring to Westcoast Fishing Adventures

Fishing Gear

Rods & Reels:

• 7-8 weight single-hand rod OR 6-7 weight two-handed spey rod
• Floating line and various sink-tip options
• Large arbor reel with smooth drag
• Backing and leaders (0X-3X tippet)

Flies & Tackle:

• Steelhead patterns for swinging (intruders, streamers)
• Salmon flies appropriate for season
• Nymphs and egg patterns
• Terminal tackle (weights, indicators if needed)

Wading Gear:

• Chest waders (breathable recommended)
• Wading boots with studs or aggressive traction
• Wading belt and staff

Clothing for BC Weather

Rain Gear (Essential):

• Waterproof rain jacket (breathable, hood)
• Waterproof rain pants
• Waterproof gloves

Layering:

• Fleece or insulated jacket
• Long underwear/base layers (synthetic or merino wool)
• Mid-weight fleece or puffy jacket
• Warm socks (multiple pairs)

Head & Hands:

• Warm hat (fleece or wool)
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Sun hat with brim
• Gloves (fingerless fishing gloves + warm backup pair)

Essential Accessories:

• Polarized sunglasses
• Sunglasses retainer/strap
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Insect repellent
• Insulated water bottle

Personal Items

Documents:

• Valid passport (US citizens traveling to Canada)
• BC fishing license (can purchase online before trip or in Terrace)
• Credit card for license, beverages, gratuities

Other Essentials:

• Personal medications
• Basic first aid items
• Toiletries and personal care items

Optional Items:

• Your favorite spey rod if you prefer your own setup
• Personal fly selection
• Fly tying kit for evening sessions
• Reading material or tablet
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Camera

Gear Consultation

Front Range Anglers can outfit you with everything you need for BC steelhead fishing, including spey rods and two-handed casting setups. Visit our Boulder shop or contact our Adventure Travel team for personalized gear recommendations.