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Babine Steelhead Lodge
The Biggest Steelhead You Will Ever Fish For.
In the mountainous north of British Columbia, a fortress of glacial streams, dense pine forests, grizzlies and sockeye salmon exists in the Babine River drainage.
Trophy Steelhead on the Swing
In the mountainous north of British Columbia, a fortress of glacial streams, dense pine forests, grizzlies and sockeye salmon exists in the Babine River drainage. One of the most important steelhead systems in the world, this crown jewel of the Skeena region has long been cloaked in lore. The opportunity for a thirty-pound steelhead is a reality.
The river drains the 90-mile-long Babine Lake, British Columbia’s largest, providing clean, rich nutrient-rich water. Long sweeping steelhead runs practically crafted for swinging flies are accessed by jet boats from our riverside lodge. The only thing better than travelling to an incredible beat is walking out from your cabin to the nicest piece of home water in the steelhead world.
Show more +Why Fish at Babine Steelhead Lodge?
Babine Steelhead Lodge sets itself apart from the other lodges on the river by our service. We are the only lodge on the river that takes 2 guests per guide. This allows you to properly hunt steelhead in the manner you desire each day. With this flexibility, we can spend time on the long sweeping runs when we want, and we can also do the ‘bucket brigade’ where you jump out and hit some of the juicy 15 cast buckets that we all love so much. You are never left unattended and when the time comes to net that fish of a lifetime our guides will already be right beside you.
Steelhead lodges dot the Pacific coast of North America and the famed rivers of the Skeena region are in a class of their own. With good returns of big, wild, summer-run fish it’s understandable why. The Babine River is simply the most famous steelhead river on the planet and Babine Steelhead Lodge your obvious choice to access it. Why fish the Babine and why fish with us?
The Babine River is located in a remote wilderness valley 100 km north of Smithers, BC. This region is a twisted maze of strong peaks and deep valleys cutting in every imaginable direction. With little access along its route it’s stronghold for wildlife including bears, eagles, wolves, moose and deer. It’s inaccessibility also makes it prime grounds for targeting steelhead.
Rounding every corner on the Babine can be a daunting experience. Another huge boulder strewn flat followed by a heavy rapid leading into the next boulder strewn flat. With so much incredible water it can feel impossible to know where to even begin. Luckily, if it looks good, it likely holds fish. The area around Babine Steelhead Lodge was originally chosen by the longtime Babine legend Bob Wickwire for its proximity to the best steelhead water on the system. That means that every spot seems like a lie because this is where all the fish are heading.
The Babine gets a 1/6 of all the Skeena Rivers famed fall run. It also gets the lions share of the big ones! While other tributaries get large steelhead no where do more 20 lbs fish migrate year after year. This means your chance at the fish of a lifetime are greater here than anywhere on the planet. The fish here eat everything from flashy intruders to the classics and love both dry and wets.
Fishing the Babine simply put is magic. On a warm fall afternoon with the amber and crimson valley lit up bright, gentle roar of the river and a picturesque piece of water sprawled out in front of you only the word “paradise” can do it justice.
Show more +Steelhead lodges dot the Pacific coast of North America and the famed rivers of the Skeena region are in a class of their own. With good returns of big, wild, summer-run fish it’s understandable why. The Babine River is simply the most famous steelhead river on the planet and Babine Steelhead Lodge your obvious choice to access it. Why fish the Babine and why fish with us?
The Babine River is located in a remote wilderness valley 100 km north of Smithers, BC. This region is a twisted maze of strong peaks and deep valleys cutting in every imaginable direction. With little access along its route it’s stronghold for wildlife including bears, eagles, wolves, moose and deer. It’s inaccessibility also makes it prime grounds for targeting steelhead.
Rounding every corner on the Babine can be a daunting experience. Another huge boulder strewn flat followed by a heavy rapid leading into the next boulder strewn flat. With so much incredible water it can feel impossible to know where to even begin. Luckily, if it looks good, it likely holds fish. The area around Babine Steelhead Lodge was originally chosen by the longtime Babine legend Bob Wickwire for its proximity to the best steelhead water on the system. That means that every spot seems like a lie because this is where all the fish are heading.
The Babine gets a 1/6 of all the Skeena Rivers famed fall run. It also gets the lions share of the big ones! While other tributaries get large steelhead no where do more 20 lbs fish migrate year after year. This means your chance at the fish of a lifetime are greater here than anywhere on the planet. The fish here eat everything from flashy intruders to the classics and love both dry and wets.
Fishing the Babine simply put is magic. On a warm fall afternoon with the amber and crimson valley lit up bright, gentle roar of the river and a picturesque piece of water sprawled out in front of you only the word “paradise” can do it justice.
The Accommodations
Babine Steelhead Lodge is perched only feet away from the famous “home pool” with sweeping views of the river from the dining room. With a brand new state-of-the-art kitchen and staffed with a chef and well-trained house, gourmet meals await you in the dining room after a day’s fishing.
The renovated cabins, all interconnected by elevated wooden walkways feature comfortable beds, tables and chairs for relaxing, good lighting and elegant ensuite bathrooms. Enjoy a scotch in your room or out on the private deck. At Babine Steelhead lodge our cabins are all double occupancy with private bathroom and shower
Show more +
Food & Drink
The morning starts with a wake-up call and hot coffee at your cabin door. When you stagger your way over to the lodge you are greeted daily by a hearty breakfast meant for a king or at least a hard day fishing. A little time to get dressed, get your gear together and get out on the water. You and an angling partner will meet at the boats parked feet away from your porch and depart to one of the many famous sections on the Babine. Fishing all day with the odd snack break and freshly prepared lunch you will eventually make your way to the lodge in the evening. Hang your wet gear, have a hot shower and head for the nearest bottle of scotch. Gourmet appies are in your near future followed by a beautiful meal prepared by a professional chef. All that’s left now is to tell a few fish tales, hit the hay and do it all again tomorrow.
During cocktail hour at the lodge, our guests can enjoy a glass of wine, beer or cocktail that is now complimentary for your pleasure. We do however encourage guests to bring any specialty beverages that they may want.
After cocktails, our skilled chef will prepare an extraordinary meal at the main lodge that can be enjoyed over fish stories or the expectations for the following day. Our chef will also prepare delicious lunches with soup, a sandwich and some sort of small dessert. Any dietary concerns or eating habits such as Paleo, or vegetarian are easily accommodated.
During cocktail hour at the lodge, our guests can enjoy a glass of wine, beer or cocktail that is now complimentary for your pleasure. We do however encourage guests to bring any specialty beverages that they may want.
After cocktails, our skilled chef will prepare an extraordinary meal at the main lodge that can be enjoyed over fish stories or the expectations for the following day. Our chef will also prepare delicious lunches with soup, a sandwich and some sort of small dessert. Any dietary concerns or eating habits such as Paleo, or vegetarian are easily accommodated.
Amenities
Guides
Dave Page
Guide
The one common theme we hear from clients that fish with Dave, is that he is more pumped to see them catch a fish than they are catching it, and as we know folks get real excited when they land a Babine Steelhead. That is how determined Dave is on the water. His enthusiasm for fishing is truly contagious and his connection with guests is real. After a couple of days in Dave’s boat he will feel like a long-lost fishing buddy. Dave guides fall and winter-run steelhead and has an uncanny knack for finding big fish for his guests. Beloved by his co-workers and guests alike, you will be in very good hands each day you step into Dave’s boat.
Logan Wilkins
Guide
Logan was born and raised on the West Coast of British Columbia and fell in love with fishing at an early age. Logan has 20 years of guiding experience, 10 of which have been with Epic Waters lodges. A passionate Steelheader and saltwater enthusiast Logan has fished for Steelhead in a variety of locations including the Skeena and its tributaries in the north, to the Klamath and Trinity River systems in California.
Logan has extensive experience in exploring remote wilderness rivers and a desire to provide exceptional customer service. His teaching style suits anglers of all abilities by utilizing a patient, simple approach that is focused on helping people make the most of their time with him. Logan can’t wait to get out on the water and share his passion and knowledge with you.
Tegan Baxter
Guide
Tegan has been working at Epic Waters lodges for 5 years and has truly become one of the fishiest guides on the force. Whether it is his guide boat in the salt fishing for kings, or his sled on the Babine, his guests always return saying they got real lucky today. At this point it is clear to see it is certainly not luck. Don’t let his ‘chill’ demeanour fool you, he is an astute angler with a very creative mind for reading water. Tegan has always been a ‘pick your pocket’ type of angler and now his guests get to learn his secrets. Tegan learned his steel heading the hard way, countless hours of fishing on an extremely varied body of rivers. A true junky with a passion to explore has put him in every possible steelhead fishing scenario and water condition. These lessons on the water have given him a massive advantage to other anglers when the typical lies are not producing. All that time on the water shines through each and every day you step into Tegan’s boat.
Michael Brackenhofer
Guide
Affectionately known as the MacGyver of fishing guides, Michael has everyone beat on experience. His 20 years guiding for steelhead on the Nass, Bulkley, Morice, Skeena, and Babine are just the tip of the iceberg for Michael’s experience. He has been a professional chef, photographer, Alps mountaineer guide, and 20 years of managing and guiding heli skiing. One example is last season his sport jet sucked up a dead pink blocking the impeller. Michael ran his teflon boat up onto a massive rock on the river, pulled it all apart and had his guests wading deep and casting far within minutes. Michael has fixed nearly everything that has every broken down, he has stepped into the kitchen to cook when we had to let a chef go, and he has probably tailed more 25lb fish than most other guides ever dream about. If each day is an adventure, Michael is the guy you want to have on your team!
The Fishing
The first full day of fishing will start with a 6:30 am wake-up and fresh coffee delivered to your cabin followed by a delicious breakfast. The Babine Steelhead Lodge has moved to a two-on-one angler-to-guide ratio starting in the fall of 2017. After breakfast, the guides will have lunches and beverages of your choice prepared for the day. After wadering up, and preparing rods and gear, you will meet your guide at the boats that are situated only steps away from the lodge. Each group will fish a different section of water for the day. These sections of water are called ‘beats’ and include numerous runs that are well-known by each guide. The guides are available for help with selecting flies, sink tips, and anything that you might need. The river is conducive to any form of a swung fly that you might prefer. Whether that be a dry fly or maybe a large intruder on 12ft of T-14. Our guide staff will rarely be more than earshot away for anything that you might need, including netting your beautiful Babine steelhead if you so please.
Show more +Getting There
Babine Steelhead Lodge is accessed through the town of Smithers, British Columbia. Arriving in Smithers is easily accomplished by flight from Vancouver YVR.
Air Canada currently offers departures from Vancouver YVR to Smithers YYD at 1:15 pm and 5:30 pm during the fall. Please note this schedule changes regularly.
Transportation from Smithers to Babine Steelhead Lodge will be arranged by your hosts.
Please note we do not have in-town shuttles available but public shuttles to and from hotels can be arranged.
Return flights from Smithers YYD to Vancouver YVR are available from Air Canada at 6:20 am and 3:20 pm. Please note this schedule changes regularly. We will try and help you coordinate this with your lodge departure.
Air Canada currently offers departures from Vancouver YVR to Smithers YYD at 1:15 pm and 5:30 pm during the fall. Please note this schedule changes regularly.
Transportation from Smithers to Babine Steelhead Lodge will be arranged by your hosts.
Please note we do not have in-town shuttles available but public shuttles to and from hotels can be arranged.
Return flights from Smithers YYD to Vancouver YVR are available from Air Canada at 6:20 am and 3:20 pm. Please note this schedule changes regularly. We will try and help you coordinate this with your lodge departure.
Information
Details
- Please purchase your license. You must have:
- An angling license for your duration
- We have a decent supply of beer and wine at the lodge but no hard alcohol. Duty-free is a great place to purchase alcohol prior to entering Canada. Our health care is expensive and you will feel it when you buy booze here. Please note there is no liquor store at the lodge and people regularly regret not bringing scotch to toast that 30 lbs Musky they caught!
Before travel
Traveling with Special Items: Fishing Equipment
- Travelling with outdoor gear and most fishing-related items is permitted. Outdoor enthusiasts should carefully prepare and pack to avoid the removal of prohibited items from checked baggage or surrendering prohibited items at the security checkpoint. Here is a specific list of all permitted and prohibited items.
- Fishing Rods – Rods are permitted as carry-on and checked baggage. However, please check with your air carrier to confirm that it fits within their size limitations for carry-on items. Ultimately, it is the carrier’s decision as to whether or not it can be transported as carry-on baggage.
- Tackle and Other Equipment – Most fishing equipment should be placed in your checked baggage, especially tools and other tackle equipment that can be considered sharp and dangerous. Expensive reels or fragile tackle such as flies should be packed in your carry-on baggage. (*T.S.A. Recommendation from T.S.A. website, March 1, 2009)
- Please keep in mind that these are T.S.A. policies for flights originating within the United States. Canada may apply different standards and different policies with regard to rods, reels, flies, etc.
ID Requirements for Airport Checkpoints
Adult passengers are required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID that contains the following: Name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature in order to be allowed to go through the checkpoint and onto their flight. Passengers who do not or cannot present an acceptable ID will have to provide information to the Transportation Security Officer performing Travel Document Checking duties in order to verify their identity. Passengers who are cleared through this process may be subject to additional screening. Passengers whose identity cannot be verified by TSA may not be allowed to go through the checkpoint or onto an airplane.
Acceptable IDs include:
- U.S. passport card
- DHS “Trusted Traveler” cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents)
- Permanent Resident Card
- Border Crossing Card
- DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
- Drivers Licenses or other state photo I.D. cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
- A foreign government-issued passport
Information for Traveling with Liquids: T.S.A.’s “3-1-1 Plan for Carry-Ons”
3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce bottle or less (by volume) for each item; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveller can bring. 3.4 oz. container size is a security measure. Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening. Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.
Show more +Packages & Rates
$8,000
USD + Tax + $100 conservation surcharge
8
Days
7
Nights
Aug-Oct
Dates
Helicopter transportation to and from the lodge. Accommodations and meals, guiding, use of all gear – flies, rods, reels, waders, wine, beer.
Airfare, accommodations and meals in Smithers, fishing licenses, gratuities, arrival and departure taxes, helicopter. Airport shuttle (offered by hotel).