Kispiox River

You’ve heard the stories, now experience the steelhead run in person with exclusive heli access to the world’s most prolific waters. Drop directly into the remote rivers of Northwest British Columbia to find the biggest, most beautiful ocean going trout. Balance between days of floating or jet-boating the home waters surrounding the lodge and heli drops into the sweetest holes in both the Skeena and Nass Systems.

The lodge’s location, in direct proximity to the Kispiox River, hosts guests in a prime location to reach the region’s best fishing. The Kispiox is about an eight-day swim up the Skeena River from the Pacific Ocean for an eager steelhead. From here EpicQuest brings in helicopters, boats, rafts and four-wheel drive to reach the regions best fishing in no time. From the experience of the guides, heli access, shear numbers and size of fish, water quality, comfort of the lodge and personalities of the staff, life-long Kispiox Valley residents; this is an all time EpicQuest for any steelhead enthusiast.

Explore the world-renowned Skeena and Nass River systems in search of trophy sized wild steelhead. The Kispiox River is famous for having the world’s largest strain of steelhead with scores of fish over 20 pounds. Fishing is prime from September through late-October. From the lodge, access to the best fishing hole is less than an hour away by boat, float, hike, drive or fly. Rotate between swinging flies with 14-foot spey rods or fish with more traditional single-handed rods.

In addition to fishing for steelhead by boat and heli, custom trips may be arranged in mid-July to early-August, when Chinook (King) Salmon are in season. These fish are bright silver in color and reach up to 30 pounds. In a week in this watershed, anglers cast over a lifetime of fishable water.

On arrival to Smithers, B.C., EpicQuest greets you for the morning drive to the Bear Claw Lodge. During the hour and a half journey to the remote lodge, take in the Bulkley, Skeena and Kispiox rivers, which you will fish throughout the next week.

Early fall in Northern British Columbia can bring warm days of sunshine, but guests should prepare for moments when chilly and wet weather can hint at the winter to come. Pack merino wool, polypropylene and Gore-Tex® waders & jacket along with a big fishing hat that will help one fish in comfort all day long.