Wild Rivers Lodge

The Wild Rivers Lodge is located near to the central hub of Terrace, the gateway to the Skeena, tributaries and surrounding rivers.  The lodge, on the banks of the Skeena, is central to the best fishing on the Skeena River as well as the Kitimat and Nass river systems.  Strategically positioned it allows anglers to take full advantage of these rivers that boast some of the world’s strongest runs of large wild Steelhead and Salmon.  Each year, Steelhead, Chinook (kings), Coho (silvers), Sockeye, Pink, and Chum salmon ascend the Lower Skeena from the Pacific Ocean and join the trophy Trout and Char that reside in these rivers all year round.

Until you have fished in British Columbia it is hard to explain the magnitude of the surroundings and the fishing potential of all its many rivers.  The Skeena is undeservedly world-famous for both its Steelhead and for the runs of Pacific Salmon.   Regardless of when you go, you are in for an incredible experience.  Target a specific species or simply let the guides show you the full scope of what is on offer over the season that you choose to fish.

The fishing options at Wild Rivers Lodge 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.

The rivers below are just a taste of the variety of waters that can be fished whilst staying at Wild Rivers Lodge.  In conjunction with your preferences for the type of water you would like to fish and your preferred target species, your guides will be able to advise you what the best options are over your stay.

Skeena River

The Skeena is a huge broad flowing river which 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, where the lodge is located.

Kitimat River

The Kitimat is located very close to the ocean and is known for its productivity.  A medium-sized river it is both very scenic and productive, 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 as well as having bright and fresh from the fjord King Salmon.

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.

Kalum (Kitsumkalum) River

The Kalum River is world-renowned for its huge chinook salmon which can tip the scales at over 100 pounds, not to mention the chance of catching equally large steelhead up to 40 pounds. It is a mid-sized river with a gravel cobble bottom and some boulder fields.  It has many long-sweeping runs ideally suited for swinging a fly on a long line.

All the different species of Pacific Salmon and Steelhead run at quite well defined periods over the season.  A loose month by mont6h guide as to what to expect:

Spring Season:  First trips for Steelhead start from mid-March and continue until early May. Primarily Steelhead are targeted over this period.

Summer Season: Chinook fishing starts mid-June and goes until mid-August. This is the main run for King salmon and has produced world record fish over the years, the largest being over 99lb. Chum salmon will be joining the Kings and provide consistent and exciting action. By mid-July Steelhead, Sockeye, Pink are starting up the rivers in ever-increasing volume. This gives anglers the opportunity to experience a variety of fisheries and species all in one trip.

Fall Season: From September through to the end of October you will experience the main runs of Coho (silver salmon) and Steelhead. A prime time to be on the rivers!

The Wild Rivers Lodge takes its heritage and experience from Andrew Rushton who successfully ran the Kalum River Lodge for a great many years before choosing to upgrade the accommodation and experience with a brand-new lodge which opened for business in June 2017.  With views onto the river and mountains, it offers a fabulously rounded and comfortable environment from which to enjoy the fishing and surroundings.  All anglers benefit from an individual room with ensuite bathroom and either a double or luxurious queen bed.   Delicious home-cooked gourmet meals, personalised service and a comfortable area to sit back and relax are just some of the charms. The lodge sleeps up to 12 people with good wifi access throughout. 

Lodge general manager and head guide Andrew Rushton has lived and fished in Terrace for over 45 years. He launched Kalum River Lodge in 1988 and has been guiding anglers from all over the world ever since. Together with Deanna, who manages the running of the lodge and staff, it has afforded them the best hands-on approach that allows him and his team to afford clients a very high level of service.  Attention to all the little details makes both for a fabulous fishing adventure and a very comfortable stay. They are passionate about what we do and this shows in every aspect of the operation.

The guides have extensive knowledge of the local rivers and ways and styles to fish them best.  They use a range of boats and rafts to access the fishing and will not hesitate to go the extra mile to ensure the best possible experience.  A guide typically looks after 2 anglers although in some situations 3 anglers may fish with a single guide and boat.   If you are short of tackle there is a wide range of single-handed, switch and spey rods, as well as spinning gear that is available to borrow free of charge should you need to do so.

To get to Wild Rivers Lodge guests typically fly to Vancouver and take a connecting flight to Terrace.  On arrival, you will be collected and driven approximately 25mins to the lodge.   Guests can of course drive and options to get to Terrace by rail also exist.