Salmon Trip

[bhobson]

Looking for suggestions.


One of my fishing buddies suggested we try a 2019 road trip to BC and do some walk and wade salmon fishing. I did some google searches and tons of info on river/stream salmon fishing. My grey matter can only hold so much info, I was getting confused.

Criteria for the trip, can be changed if necessary:
1. Out of Edmonton area thus a maximum 2 day drive
2. Must be affordable. I would like to do a lodge trip but wallet cannot afford that.
3. Accommodation would probably be in a motel. I do not think my fishing buddy would enjoy tenting.
4. At least 2 days of fishing. At least the 1st day would be with a guide.
5. Might have to rent rods. I think my biggest rod is a 6 wt 9'
6. We practice catch and release; however, if possible to bring home one salmon would be icing on the cake.
7. Time of year fairly flexible.

I'm going to continue my research. Any help appreciated.

[professori]

Originally Posted by bhobson

Looking for suggestions.


One of my fishing buddies suggested we try a 2019 road trip to BC and do some walk and wade salmon fishing. I did some google searches and tons of info on river/stream salmon fishing. My grey matter can only hold so much info, I was getting confused.

Criteria for the trip, can be changed if necessary:
1. Out of Edmonton area thus a maximum 2 day drive

That is pretty much anywhere in BC.

7. Time of year fairly flexible.

From mid august in the lower mainland. Fraser, Stave, Harrison, Vedder are all due for pinks this year, followed by coho and chum. Fishing for at least one species or another is good until November.

[SNAPFisher]

Those are all good suggestions but if you want more space, then I would suggest the Terrace area. Lots of rivers to fish including the mighty Skeena. Also on the way up there you have the Bulkley.

[Scott h]

Originally Posted by SNAPFisher

Those are all good suggestions but if you want more space, then I would suggest the Terrace area. Lots of rivers to fish including the mighty Skeena. Also on the way up there you have the Bulkley.

One long 15 hour long drive from Edmonton and you'd be in Terrace BC. If you planned on an end of July trip you would have access to chinook, coho, sockeye on the Skeena. Just drive along the highway and you will easily find many easy to reach access spots.

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by Scott h

One long 15 hour long drive from Edmonton and you'd be in Terrace BC. If you planned on an end of July trip you would have access to chinook, coho, sockeye on the Skeena. Just drive along the highway and you will easily find many easy to reach access spots.

This ^^^

Unfortunately the odds of there being a partial or complete closure is possible no matter where you go salmon fishing these days in BC

I recommend avoiding southern BC it’s crowded and fishing is so so compared to the north

[biggyJ]

I would second the Terrace area. However with closures the past few years, keeping anything other than a pink “may” be tough.

If you are walking and wading, Skeena is okay there are a few spots you could hit. Meat hole, Ferry island, But to really access a lot of the best spots you need a jet.

I would recommend you instead hit Kitimat. If you go end of July you will have a chance at a bunch of different species. Access for walk and wade is more manageable.

Stay in terrace. Copper river motel. 30 mins to kitimat river.

Rod rentals. Not too sure. See if you can borrow one, but with the understanding if you blow it up you pay for repairs.

But and half decent 8 or 9wt with reel wouldn’t break the bank.
Send me a PM if you want more info, heck I might even give you few gps spots to check out. But only if you want to catch big salmon 😉

[fishpro]

Head to northern BC, if you go in late July you can hit the chums in the Kitimat. They're big, plentiful, and have no shortage of fight!