Skeena River Essential Items
A trip to the coastal rain forest of Northwestern British Columbia is always exciting and can be extremely enjoyable, providing you are prepared.
Being a coastal climate, the locals always say “If you don’t like the weather, just wait ten minutes”.
The climate varies between being wet, overcast, sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowfall, hail and wind.
Clothing for the River
The layered approach is the best way to ensure comfort on the river.
Layer 1: Next to the skin use a wicking material that allows your skin to breathe while removing moisture at the same time. Many of the outdoor companies provide this performance material as it is truly the best way to optimize comfort throughout the day. These articles are worn in the form of long sleeved shirts and long underwear.
Layer 2: A cotton sweater or a cotton long sleeve shirt.
Layer 3: A Polar Fleece sweater or something of the sort. We recommend that you bring a lighter weight and a medium weight fleece at the very least. If you are fishing early spring or late fall you may prefer a heavier polar fleece sweater.
For your legs you can also use a polar fleece pant of varying weights depending on the river's water temperature. Obviously if you are using a Gortex Wader in the late fall you will want a heavy fleece pant. If you are using neoprene waders then a lighter fleece may work better.
Layer 4: Gortex Fishing Jacket (Patagonia, Simms, etc.) with hoods.
We do not recommend fishing vests since they tend to get really wet in continuous rain. Gortex jackets all have pockets and storage for fly boxes, tippets, leaders, etc.
Waders: We recommend a Gortex Wader with a built in Neoprene Sock and separate wading boots without cleats (or with screw in cleats for hiking).
If you are using Gortex waders then polar fleece pants worn under them in the spring and fall will be required. Gortex is very light weight and does not limit flexibility. It also breathes to keep you cool during those warm summer days.
Hat and Polarized Sun Glasses
Make sure you have both a hat and sunglasses, not only for protection from the sun, but also for safety from barbless flies that may accidentally find themselves headed towards your face.
Either a baseball style hat or full rim hat works best.
For sunglasses use high quality polarized lenses so your eyes do not get fatigued while glaring into the river all day.
Bedding
At the camp, clients sleep on cots (with springs) and foam pads; both of which are supplied.
Clients, however, are responsible for bringing their own sleeping bag and a personal tent if desired. Shared tents are available upon request.
Fishing Gear
Most of our customers bring their own fly rods and fly lines, however we do have complete equipment for both the fly fisher and the conventional fisher if you do not have your own preferred equipment.
We suggest the following:
- 7-9 Weight Single Hand Rods with a weight forward steelhead taper
- 7-9 Weight Spey Rods (two handed rods) with line of choice, though we suggest Rio Skagit lines to help turn over heavy sink tips and weighted flies. Dry lines are also nice to have in the event that the fish are taking dry flies.
Camera
Each of our guides bring a digital camera to the river to photograph that trophy fish of yours, however we advise customers to also bring their own.
Skin Protection
It is always a good idea to have protection from mosquitoes and black flies in the event that they're out and biting.
A good sun block, SPF30 or better should be brought along.
Miscellaneous
Items that are useful to bring along on your trip are as follows:
- A knapsack to carry your personal stuff (camera, sunscreen etc.)
- Hook Sharpener, you don’t want to lose the big one because of a dull hook.
- Various lengths of sink tips, from 5’ to 20’.
- Spools of tippet in various sizes.
- Your favorite flies that you would like to try out on these BC fish. You never know...you may just have the secret weapon in your fly box!
photo: Jeff Bright
photo: Jeff Bright
Guided fishing is from 8am–5pm; hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner are
served in the dining tent — but you can eat at the table or take your meal
with you to your favorite fishing spot! The gear tent is also equipped with a
propane heater to dry off wet clothing or chase the chill.
photo: Jeff Bright
