June, 2009

FISH SMITHERS

World Class waters in Smithers, British Columba

The picturesque town of Smithers is set in the Bulkley Valley of Northern BC, and is world famous for the unparalleled freshwater fishing found in all directions. Anglers from around the world seek out these productive waters for salmon, trout, and in the fall - the renown steelhead.

Dunalter (Irrigation) LakeThe area is also teeming with freshwater lakes of all sizes. There are several well stocked and easily accessible lakes perfect for family getaways and fly fishing adventures. Dunalter Lake (also known as Irrigation Lake) is stocked with cutthroat trout, an aggressive fish known as a hard fighter and popular among fly fishers. The lake has a small campsite and picnic area.

Tyhee LakeTyhee Lake is about ten minutes from town and has a provincial park bordering the south side of the lake. It is stocked with 20,000 Blackwater rainbow trout each year and is another easily accessible lake, great for families.

For big water adventures, anglers can try Babine or Francois Lakes. Babine Lake is known for its rainbow trout fishery, with the renown Sutherland strain growing to more than twenty pounds. The lake also is home to the famous "Rainbow Alley" where the lake drains into Nilkitkwa Lake and then into Babine River.

The Bulkley River is only one of the world class rivers that surrounds Smithers. Others include the Morice, Kispiox, and Babine. Each one has unique characteristics that make the fishing opportunities around Smithers seem limitless. There are world class guides to make your trip memorable, and the knowledgeable staff at local fishing shops will help answer your questions and ensure you have the proper gear.

Plan your trip to this rural gem and enjoy the warmth and hospitality this community offers as a base for your outdoor activities. Visit Tourism Smithers for further information.

SKEENA KEY MAP

Skeena MapThe Skeena Region covers a vast area of BC, taking up the north-west quarter of the province. This region has world class rivers and thousands of lakes for anglers to explore. The area around Prince Rupert is dominated by rugged mountains and wild rivers while inland there are lakes of all sizes, many of them stocked with trout of different strains and species. Three types of trout released in this region are rainbows, cutthroat and Eastern brook trout.

The keymap the region shows 28 popular lakes, most of them centred along the highway corridors, with a few off the beaten track. All these maps are available on our website. Use the search tool to find the map you want.

The eastern edge of this region begins at the outlet of Francois Lake, a long slender body of water known for trophy char and great rainbow trout fishing. The keymap highlights several other mid-size lakes in this area including Takysie, Uncha, Tchesinkut and Burns Lakes. To the west of this cluster lies another popular lake - Nadina Lake home to Nadina Lake Lodge.

Along the north-eastern edge of this region are Babine and Nilkitkwa Lakes. Babine is a very large lake measuring over 100 kilometres from end to end and forms the headwaters of the Babine River. At the outlet of this lake is a world famous stretch of water known as "Rainbow Alley." Some of the best fly fishing BC has to offer can be found here. Rainbow Alley empties into Nilkitkwa Lake - another great fishing lake, relatively shallow and very productive.

Along Highway 16 between Houston and Smithers are a cluster of small, stocked lakes. These lakes are near the highway and have plenty of trout. They include Dunalter (Irrigation), Helen, Round and Tyhee Lakes (mentioned above).

Two small lakes near New Hazelton are shown on the keymap - Ross and Seeley Lakes - and both have provincial campgrounds. Ross Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and Eastern brook trout.

The next grouping of lakes are near Terrace along a north-south axis. Starting in the south is Onion Lake, which is stocked with rainbow trout and connects to a network of hiking trails which leads to two other small lakes great for fly fishing. Lakelse and Kitsumkalum Lakes are two larger lakes in the area and both are popular for recreation. For salmon fishers, these lakes drain into popular salmon rivers of the same name.

Other lakes near Terrace include Pine, Redsand, Treston, Lava, Kleanza and Dragon Lakes.

This keymap of the region is meant as an appetizer to some of the great fishing lakes in this region. Around each lake featured in this guide are often dozens of other lakes that are just as productive.

FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS

Aspen Inn and Suites
In Smithers, British Columbia

Come home to comfort at the Aspen Inn & Suites after you cast away a beautiful day in the Bulkley Valley. Enjoy our indoor pool, sauna and hot tub. Enjoy comfort food and drink at the unique Riverhouse Restaurant and Lounge. For some comfort angling in Smithers, book your stay today: 1-800-663-7676 or visit www.aspeninnsmithers.com
 

Moricetown Camground and RV Park
Moricetown on the Bulkley River, Skeena Region, British Columbia

The Moricetown Campground & RV Park is situated on the Bulkley River overlooking Moricetown Canyon. The park boasts 39 full service pull-thru RV and provides an excellent base for Salmon fishing in July and August, and Steelhead angling in the Fall. For more information visit www.moricetown.ca or call (250) 847-2133 ext. 232
 

Capri Motor Inn
Moricetown on the Bulkley River, Skeena Region, British Columbia

Make the Capri Motor Inn your home away from home when visiting the Bulkley Valley. The Capri is centrally located to restaurants, stores and amenities. Here you will find reasonable rates, weekly rates, high-speed internet and ample parking. For more information or to make a reservation please call 1-800-663-3120 or visit www.hiway16.com/capri/
 

Northern BC Tourism Association

FEATURED DEALER

Dockside Marine
On Okanagan Lake, Kelowna, BC

Dockside MarineNever has a boat been so easy to own. That is why Dockside has been independently voted Best Dealer of the Okanagan for nine years running. The only thing you'll need to worry about is deciding whether to fill your day with watersports, fishing or the sport of relaxation. Call us from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Saturday at 250 765 3995 and to view all the fun go to www.DocksideMarine.com.

THOMPSON OKANAGAN SPORTFISHING

Okanagan MapLearn about the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia through our regional landing page for this area. The region is famous for rainbow trout, but did you also know that it is home to trophy bass fishing, lake trout and salmon?

Thompson MapWe’ve divided this region into north and south, and provided keymaps for each (see below). The northern half, usually referred to as the Thompson Nicola, is named after the river that flows through it and is famous for its rainbow trout which are found throughout the region’s lakes. There are thousands of small and medium size trout lakes to explore, as well as a few big ones like Shuswap Lake. The Okanagan covers the southern section of BC’s interior and is flanked by the Monashee Mountains on the east and the Cascade Mountains on the west. This area has numerous trout lakes, and is growing in popularity among bass fans for the trophy bass produced in Osoyoos, Vaseux and Skaha Lakes.

TOTAHello BC