British Columbia – Westcoast Adventures

A personal family run guiding operation with extensive access to the numerous waters in and around the Terrace Region

When you are based in an area blessed with so many extraordinarily diverse, interesting and famous rivers to fish it is important to know you are in good hands. Gill Mckean and his brother were born and bred with fishing in their blood and they know the areas to fish as well as anyone. West Coast Adventures specializes in looking after small groups and delivering a very personal fishing experience amidst stunning surroundings.

Watch a video of our various fishing trips. View>>>

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Location & Environment

British Columbia is nothing short of a spectacular part of the world with a landscape and topography that is as visually stimulating and awe-inspiring as the magnificent rivers that run its length. Home to not only the legendary Steelhead but also to all five species of Pacific Salmon, the opportunities for fishermen abound. West Coast Fishing Adventures is situated a short distance from Terrace and is surrounded by some of BC’s famous rivers such as the Skeena, Nass and Kitimat as well as a host of smaller rivers, streams and tributaries.

The Fishing

The fishing options at West Coast Adventures are as wide and varied as the rivers that can be fished. The specific runs of fish are seasonal, but the variety is such that regardless of when you come there will always be the possibility of some exciting fishing. Many of the rivers are ideally suited for fly fishermen who want to wade: however should you prefer to fish from a boat or use spinning gear there are places and stretches to suit all requirements.

If your primary focus is on ‘chasing silver’ then October is the month to go for some of the best Steelhead fishing

The Skeen and tributaries have abundant runs of all 5 species of Pacific Salmon including some monstrous chinook salmon.

The Rivers

The rivers below are just a taste of the variety of waters that can be fished whilst staying at West Coast Adventures.

• Skeena River
  The Skeena is a huge broad flowing river that is fed by many famous tributaries which include the Babine, Bulkley, Copper, Kalum, Kispiox, Morice and Sustut amongst others. All the steelhead and salmon, headed for the tributaries, must pass through the lower part of the Skeena.
• Kitimat River
  The Kitimat is located very close to the ocean and is known for its productivity, in part due to the hatchery located on the lower end of the river. It is the perfect river for novice fly anglers to hone their skills on the unbelievably abundant chum and pink salmon runs.
• Nass Tributaries (Meziadin & Bell-Irving Rivers)
  Both are rivers that have a wide variety of ‘fishy’ characteristics but the Bell-Irving has the most fishable water with almost endless miles of gravel and classic swinging steelhead runs. The Nass tributaries are fished primarily in the autumn for steelhead.

The variety of Rivers mean that you can switch from large and imposing systems such as the lower Skeena to much more intimate tributaries of all sizes.

Fishing Guides

Native to the area, both Gill and his brother, who will look after and guide most groups, have a intimate knowledge of the rivers you will fish and their flexibility and knowledge will ensure that you head to the best locations available. With so much water within easy access of the lodge the rivers you fish and the areas you go to should be dictated by your preferences in conjunction with the advice and expertise of your guide. Each morning you will load up the 4x4 pick up truck and the boat and travel to the location you have chosen to fish, which is typically between 20-45 minutes from the lodge.

West Coast Adventures Lodge

Located amidst 30 acres of private property, the lodge is a typical West Coast-style guesthouse. The lodge is set up to cater for small groups of up to five guests who are accommodated in either two twin or one single room with a double bed. Each bedroom has an ensuite bathroom. There is a sauna to revitalise cold bones after a long day on the water and a dedicated chef ensures that you are well sustained. The lodge has wireless Internet connection and most mobile phones should have coverage. The emphasis at the lodge is very much one of home-from-home. A place where you can relax, revitalise, harness some creative inspiration behind the vice on the fly-tying bench or simply enjoy a glass of wine and discuss plans for the following day.

Steelhead Packages

Steelhead fishing is, we think, for the most part made to sound like a sport for tough fanatical fishermen. Granted, aficionados seem to fit this mould. However, that is largely due to the fact that many steelheaders are so taken by the fish and country that they pursue the fish like their lives depend on it, in some cases for months at a time eating canned meats and aged bread by a fire. For those who would like a slightly gentler introduction then October is the month to visit as this is when you will have the best chance of coming into contact with good runs of these legendary hard-fighting fish.

Steelhead require patience and perseverance but the rewards are immensely satisfying.

Best Time To Go

The table below is indicative of what species you might expect to catch during the various seasons of the year

Getting There

To get to West Coast Adventures guests typically fly to Vancouver and take a connecting flight to Terrace. You will be collected at Terrace and driven to the lodge in anticipation of your first days fishing the following morning.

If you would prefer to speak to us directly regarding a trip to British Columbia, please contact us at the following:

United Kingdom Office:
Justin Maxwell-Stuart
Mobile: +44 (0)7711 519 857
Fax: +44 (0)20 7352 0942
justin@wherewisemenfish.com

United States Office:

US Country Code: +1
Telephone: 646 797 2945
info@wherewisemenfish.com

Or alternatively email us via our Booking Enquiries Form to request more information.