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👉Check all fishing regulations on DFO when fishing for salmon and fresh water fishing regulations
RIVER FISHING: SALMON
In addition to steelhead, all five species of Pacific salmon inhabit our waters. The Bulkley River flows by Smithers and is home to spring salmon (also known as king or chinook) along with coho (silver), sockeye and pink salmon. Check the Freshwater Fishing Regulations for information on when you can fish for salmon.
RIVER FISHING AT RAINBOW ALLEY
Rainbow Alley is pretty much what it sounds like. This section of river between Babine and Nilkitkwa Lakes, north of Smithers, is only about 1.5 km (1 mile) long—but is a significant thoroughfare for fish, including rainbow trout, burbot, char, steelhead, sockeye, coho and pink. It is famous, though, for its large rainbows—trout, that is. BC Parks manages the area and fishing restrictions apply.
RIVER FISHING: STEELHEAD
When it comes to angling, the Bulkley Valley is famous for the thrill of catch-and-release wild steelhead fishing. Our steelhead rivers—the Bulkley, Morice, Kispiox, Babine, Suskwa, Sustut, Skeena— have given this place the nickname of Steelhead Paradise. Anglers come from all over the world to fish here. The steelhead of the Skeena River system are some of the largest in the world. The steelhead is an anadromous fish—born in the wild river, it makes its way to the ocean and returns years later to its home waters to spawn. What sets the steelhead apart from other anadromous fish is its ability to repeat the process. While salmon make this remarkable journey just once, spawning and then dying in the river they came home to, steelhead can make the journey several times. They are truly one of nature’s miracles
LAKE FISHING
Chapman Lake is a medium-sized lake, 37.5 km from Smithers, with boat launch and camping. Rainbow, cutthroat and char (lake trout) are readily available. In the same direction and further east is Babine Lake—the largest lake in this area. It is the longest natural lake in BC, nearly 180 km (110 miles) from end to end. You’ll need a boat to explore Babine Lake and to fish for its rainbows, cutthroat and char. Aldrich, Dennis, & McDonell Lakes are at the back side of Hudson Bay Mountain, southwest of Smithers. These three beautiful lakes form a chain of water in which you can catch dolly varden and cutthroat trout. Dennis Lake offers 4 tenting sites with a boat launch & dock and great views of Hudson Bay Mountain.
Happy Fishing!
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