The Kispiox River has a 50 year history & reputation
for being “home” to the largest steelhead in the world.
In the past, only the local people and the First Nations knew about these exceptional fish. When Field and Stream ran a contest and the Kispiox steelhead took all the top places, the world became aware of the Skeena watershed's spectacular rivers, scenery and fish. Many other rivers in northern British Columbia such as the Babine, Sustut, Suskwa and the Thompson Rivers boast steelhead weighing in up to 30 pounds - But not in the high numbers produced in the Kispiox River.
In June, the Kispiox River is sometimes running a bit murky with the snowmelt from the mountains. July is the best month for the summer Chinook run. These bright silver fish average 25 to 30 pounds and will take a fly - but lures are much more successful. The river runs clear through August and September. Although a few steelhead start appearing in the Kispiox in September (years ago they arrived in late August!), October is by far the most important month for fishing. Barring an early freeze up or rain storm, November can have great fishing too, but November is notoriously unreliable.
Every fish species and river has ‘best' methods and tackle attached to its reputation. The Kispiox is no exception. Our Gitksan guides know all the best fishing holes. The Gitksan First Nation have lived in this village for centuries and are enthusiastic, expert fishermen. Since you cannot fish out of a boat on the Kispiox River we will transport you to the famous Agwedin or ‘potato patch' in our air-conditioned tour bus where you will board a Skeena Eco Expedition river raft for a day of drifting and fishing on the Kispiox River.
Unlike the Bulkley River, the Kispiox River steelhead do not respond well to surface flies or lures. If you really prefer dry flies, we do not want to discourage you from enjoying your favourite fishing method. Certainly, steelhead have been caught with dry flies here, but experience shows that deep sunken flies work much better. If you want to use dry flies, try Muddler Minnow, Steelhead Bee and the Steelhead Bomber for best results in the Kispiox. Some favourite wet flies for Kispiox steelhead are: Black or Wooly Buggers, the traditional orange patterns, General Practitioner, Fuchsia Bunny, Doc Sprately, and Leech flies. Common methods for steelhead are lures, bottom bouncing spinning glows with hoochies, small jogs, and float fishing pink worms. And above all be sure to bring your own bright coloured homemade flies!
For clothing bring items that will keep you warm and dry. Remember it is easier to take layers off in very warm weather than to be underdressed in cool weather. Most fishing is done in early morning and late evening and these times tend to be fairly cool in the north, even if the daytime temperature is hot. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Neoprene waders are a must in the Kispiox River. We provide life jackets for the river rafts.
Temperatures throughout the prime fishing season vary from hot and sunny to overcast and raining. Evenings and early mornings are chilly and sometimes damp and foggy so dress warm to start and take off heavier layers as the day gets warm. Despite unpredictable weather, your fishing experience with our Gitksan guides will be something you will not quickly forget. Ken, Sheldon and Monty are experienced, professional and fun! They will show you the BEST spots to fish, give you tips, and take part in your thrills when you catch the BIG one!!!
In the past, only the local people and the First Nations knew about these exceptional fish. When Field and Stream ran a contest and the Kispiox steelhead took all the top places, the world became aware of the Skeena watershed's spectacular rivers, scenery and fish. Many other rivers in northern British Columbia such as the Babine, Sustut, Suskwa and the Thompson Rivers boast steelhead weighing in up to 30 pounds - But not in the high numbers produced in the Kispiox River.
In June, the Kispiox River is sometimes running a bit murky with the snowmelt from the mountains. July is the best month for the summer Chinook run. These bright silver fish average 25 to 30 pounds and will take a fly - but lures are much more successful. The river runs clear through August and September. Although a few steelhead start appearing in the Kispiox in September (years ago they arrived in late August!), October is by far the most important month for fishing. Barring an early freeze up or rain storm, November can have great fishing too, but November is notoriously unreliable.
Every fish species and river has ‘best' methods and tackle attached to its reputation. The Kispiox is no exception. Our Gitksan guides know all the best fishing holes. The Gitksan First Nation have lived in this village for centuries and are enthusiastic, expert fishermen. Since you cannot fish out of a boat on the Kispiox River we will transport you to the famous Agwedin or ‘potato patch' in our air-conditioned tour bus where you will board a Skeena Eco Expedition river raft for a day of drifting and fishing on the Kispiox River.
Unlike the Bulkley River, the Kispiox River steelhead do not respond well to surface flies or lures. If you really prefer dry flies, we do not want to discourage you from enjoying your favourite fishing method. Certainly, steelhead have been caught with dry flies here, but experience shows that deep sunken flies work much better. If you want to use dry flies, try Muddler Minnow, Steelhead Bee and the Steelhead Bomber for best results in the Kispiox. Some favourite wet flies for Kispiox steelhead are: Black or Wooly Buggers, the traditional orange patterns, General Practitioner, Fuchsia Bunny, Doc Sprately, and Leech flies. Common methods for steelhead are lures, bottom bouncing spinning glows with hoochies, small jogs, and float fishing pink worms. And above all be sure to bring your own bright coloured homemade flies!
For clothing bring items that will keep you warm and dry. Remember it is easier to take layers off in very warm weather than to be underdressed in cool weather. Most fishing is done in early morning and late evening and these times tend to be fairly cool in the north, even if the daytime temperature is hot. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Neoprene waders are a must in the Kispiox River. We provide life jackets for the river rafts.
Temperatures throughout the prime fishing season vary from hot and sunny to overcast and raining. Evenings and early mornings are chilly and sometimes damp and foggy so dress warm to start and take off heavier layers as the day gets warm. Despite unpredictable weather, your fishing experience with our Gitksan guides will be something you will not quickly forget. Ken, Sheldon and Monty are experienced, professional and fun! They will show you the BEST spots to fish, give you tips, and take part in your thrills when you catch the BIG one!!!
