Epic Waters Angling
Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Lodge just 10 minutes from Smithers Airport
100% Customer Satisfaction
has been our commitment since 1856. It’s who we are. If you aren’t happy with a product or service, we want to know about it. And we’ll make it right. That’s the Orvis Way.
Epic Waters Angling
Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Outfitter
Highlights:
- Steelhead, salmon, rainbow trout
- Fish the legendary BC rivers of The Skeena Region and Haida Gwaii
- Famed streams like the Babine, Copper, Bulkley, Morice, and Skeena
- Rates start from $1,200 for a day trip
- Fishing season runs from January through early November
Orvis is pleased to offer our travel customers access to two valuable services: Global Rescue travel membership and IMG Signature Travel Insurance℠.
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Frontier Steelhead Experience: capacity 12; single-occupancy cabins
Babine Steelhead Lodge: capacity 8; double-occupancy cabins
Bulkley Basecamp: capacity 6; double-occupancy wall tents
Copper Bay Lodge: capacity 4; single-occupancy lodge rooms
Togiak Spey Camp: capacity 6; single-occupancy wall tents
Silver Seekers Heli Program; steelhead specialty home
Example itinerary for fall steelhead:
6:00am - coffee, snacks available
6:30am - wakeup call
7:30am - breakfast
8:30am - departure fishing
12:30pm - lunch on the river
5:30pm - return to lodge
6:30pm - cocktails and appetizers
7:30pm - dinner
We recommend bringing your own fishing gear and waders/boots. Should you require, we have loaner gear available. We are always available to help you with any pre-trip tackle questions. Meals are prepared in modern kitchens with gourmet ingredients from local artisans whenever possible. Trained chefs and experienced hospitality staff hone the off-water experience to suit your needs.
We frequent the wild places. Our philosophy is: No matter the effort, we try to get where the others aren't. From helicopter access to streams to tricky boat rides into remote reaches, Epic has you covered.
Skeena Region: This is your stereotypical British Columbia wilderness. Snowcapped vistas with rugged ranges running in every direction. It's the land of grizzlies and moose and of valleys choked with timber. It's the proud territory of the Tsimshian, Gitxsan, and Wet'suwet'en peoples and has a rich tapestry of northern tradition. Lastly, it's home to the biggest salmon and steelhead in the world. They return annually to the world’s most famed glides of perfect swing water. It's affectionately referred to as Steelhead Paradise and, at first glance, you'll agree.
Haida Gwaii: An angler’s paradise unrivaled. In our estimation, the traditional homelands of the Haida people are best place in the world to winter steelhead. Days are long and hiking is the most vital transportation, but the rewards are great. Home to some of the largest Sitka Spruce and Cedar groves, walking through these cathedrals is a perk of island steelheading. The streams are a fortress of alder and woody debris and light fights to cut through. It's a fishery where precision and short casts are rewarded and where local knowledge is paramount. Come and discover your new favorite streams.
Togiak: One of the great Bristol Bay king salmon rivers, born in a mountainous wildlife refuge and spilling across a sprawling estuary into the Bering Sea. With all 5 species of pacific salmon, Arctic char, giant rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and an immense smelt return, the Togiak is teeming with life. Perfect pea gravel runs that are a dream to swing and tidal pushes of fish that fill them up throughout the day. This is the real Alaska you expect.
USD Rates 2022 - all rates weekly; Togiak 5 days; Silver Seekers 3 days
Frontier Steelhead Experience $7,934 USD
Babine Steelhead $7,814 USD
Bulkley Basecamp $6,390 USD
Copper Bay Lodge $6,477 USD
Togiak Spey Camp $6,350 USD
Silver Seekers $3,918 USD
Included: Wine, beer, local transport, guiding, meals
Not included: Trip insurance, hard alcohol, licensing, transport from home, gratuities, conservation surcharge, taxes, helicopter fishing
Why Epic Waters?
We have a core management group of guides and hospitality all with over 20 years each providing high-quality fly-fishing experiences. We know what it takes to make your trip safe and comfortable and have the tools to make your fishing a success.
Where is Smithers?
600 miles north of Vancouver, BC.
How do I get to Smithers?
Air Canada has a daily flight from YVR.
Where do I fly?
Anchorage.
I have dietary restrictions. Can you help?
Absolutely. We will provide all clients with a request form that will allow our staff to accommodate you.
What weight rod should I bring?
For steelhead, rods from 7 to 8 weight and from lengths of 11 to 14 feet are ideal. We prefer rods around 13 feet in the Skeena region, 12 feet in Haida Gwaii. For Kings bring 9 to 10 weights from 13 to 15 feet. Ideally a 14-foot 9 weight.
What type of Spey line?
We recommend skagits for nearly every situation and the shorter ones are easier to cast. Scandi heads are excellent for skating dries.
Felt or Vibram?
We recommend felt or Vibram with studs. If walking around the snow, Vibram is the only way to go.
Can I bring my other lines?
Of course. Just please bring an appropriate skagit for your trip, as there are situations where they are a superior choice.