BULKLEY BASECAMP
STEELHEAD FISHING AT BULKLEY BASECAMP
Access the most remote sections of the Bulkley River with these epic Bulkley Basecamp packages. The camp is located in the heart of the lower Bulkley Valley on the Suskwa River. All-inclusive six day packages will put you in water that few steelhead anglers ever have the chance to experience. The Bulkley River is home to some of the biggest wild steelhead runs on the entire Skeena River system and Basecamp clients have first shot at them as they enter the Bulkley from the Skeena. This is one of our most popular BC steelhead fishing trips and space is extremely limited. The season is only 6 weeks long with 6 clients per week. Below you’ll find more information on Bulkley Basecamp packages, pricing and tips on Bulkley River fishing.
LOCATION
Bulkley Basecamp is located about 45 minutes from Smithers on the lower Bulkley River.
PACKAGE DATES
Packages are offered from early September to mid October each year. There are only 6 weeks of operation at the camp with a maximum of 6 guests per week.
CAMP ACCOMMODATIONS
The camp is very comfortable, with beautiful wall tents, heated dry rooms, lounge and dining hall. It is a first class camp, comfortable for all.
INCLUSIONS
Packages included 6 days of guided fishing, 6 nights accommodation, meals, alcohol and ground transportation.
GETTING THERE
There are daily flights from Vancouver to Smithers on various airlines. Flying time is only about 90 minutes and upon arrival in Smithers transfer to the camp is included.
RATES
For a detailed list of available dates and the best possible pricing please contact us.
ONLY 36 SPOTS EVERY YEAR!
One of BC’s most exclusive steelhead packages. The Bulkley Basecamp is located deep in the Bulkley River Canyon, giving you access to untouched miles of world-class steelhead water. Packages are all-inclusive. Solo anglers are welcome. Guiding, meals, camp accommodation, alcohol and ground transportation from Smithers are included.
BULKLEY BASECAMP PACKAGE
$6500 USD
THE BULKLEY BASECAMP PROGRAM
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR TRIP
This is one of the most unique steelhead packages in British Columbia. A six night package that includes six days of guided fishing on the famed Bulkley River and its lower canyon stretches. You’ll stay at the well appointed Bulkley Basecamp on the banks of the Suskwa River, a small tributary of the Bulkley. The Basecamp guide staff is world-class, made up of season BC steelhead guides who will put you in all the right places. This is a fantastic steelhead trip for anglers of medium or better abilities, there is some technical wading and fishing involved. The Base Camp is located about an hour from Smithers, making for easy travel arrangements. There are openings for only 36 anglers per season and they return rate is about 90%. There are small windows of opportunity at prime dates, so if you’re interested in this BC steelhead trip best to plan early!
FISHING THE BULKLEY CANYON
WILD STEELHEAD ON THE FLY
The Bulkley River is home to some of the strongest steelhead runs on the entire Skeena system. These are all wild fish, just beginning their journey into the Bulkley. The Basecamp’s prime location allows for access to a huge portion of the lower Bulkley Canyon, with endless miles or prime swung fly water. Access to this section of the Bulkley isn’t for the faint of heart, leaving it largely untouched.
Almost all fishing done here is with two handed rods, swing wet flies and skating dry flies. In September Bulkley steelhead are keen to chase skated dry flies. This is an incredibly exciting time of year, watching big wild steelhead slurp big dry flies from the surface! In October the program moves mainly to swung wet flies. This is when your line tightens up and drags burn.
This steelhead trip is well suited to anglers with some steelhead experience. It does require some technical wading, casting and fishing. For those new to steelheading the Bulkley Lodge program is an easier introduction and would be our suggestion. The fishing at Bulkley Basecamp is 100% guided, done now exclusively by jet boat. It should also be mentioned that the Basecamp program offers a huge amount of flexibility, with options to fish the Skeena, Babine and upper Bulkley rivers. A really diverse BC steelhead trip and a must for any serious steelhead angler.
BASECAMP FACILITIES
CAMP COMFORTS IN THE WILDERNESS
The camp facilities of the Bulkley Basecamp program are built in perfectly with the surroundings and offer the outmost comfort in a wilderness setting. It is located on an unguided classified river which guests can fish on their own, a special bonus that few have access to. The camp takes only six guests a week, availability is obviously extremely limited and guests can count on personalized service and attention. Tents are shared, two guests per tent but private tents can be arranged if asked for in advance. The tents are floored, heated and offer a unique experience, unlike any lodge package, this is roughing it in the most comfortable of ways.
There is a dining room, large deck area and kitchen to socialize in. Cabins and grounds are well lit and a campfire roars each evening. The food is home style cooking prepared by a professional chef. You won’t go hungry on this trip, meals are plentiful and warm breakfasts, river lunches and dinners are served daily.
Along with the main Bulkley Basecamp, there are several smaller satellite camps, two are located on remote stretches in the Bulkley River canyon. The two camps are still in operation and are used in conjunction with the basecamp. They offered the ultimate access to fresh water on the Bulkley River and are well equipped with heated wall tents, drying room and cooking facilities. These have long been a favourite destination of our guests as they offer front door access to some of the best runs on the Bulkley River canyon!
GETTING TO SMITHERS BC
FISHING THE BULKEY RIVER
No big travel plans needed to enjoy this trip. You’ll fly from Vancouver directly to Smithers BC. Arriving the day before your package begins is recommended. There are daily flights from Vancouver to Smithers on WestJet and Air Canada. You’ll stay in Smithers and your guide will pick you up on the first day of the package, you’ll be fishing that morning. At the end of the trip is it possible to catch the last flight from Smithers back to Vancouver.
BEST BULKLEY DATES
FISHING THE MORICE RIVER
When is the best time for fishing on the Bulkley River? That really depends what you’re looking for! The first steelhead move into the system by mid August, with targetable numbers by late August. September and October are the two best months for Bulkley River steelhead fishing. September offers nice temperatures and more dry fly fishing. In October the temperatures start to cool, with colder nights. The most steelhead are in the system in October, as they move upriver towards their headwater spawning grounds.
GEARING UP FOR A TRIP
WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR TRIP
Most of the steelhead fishing done in BC is with 2 handed spey rods. A 7-8 weight is a great rod, up to 13 feet. No need for anything bigger than that. A variety of sink tips is critical, Type III & VI are our go to tips and MOW tips fish nice as well. Fly choice for steelhead fishing is endless, our Fly Fishing for Steelhead Gear List has a list of favourite British Columbia steelhead patterns. Upon booking you’ll be sent a detailed list of what to bring, licensing instructions and more. Classified waters licenses and steelhead conservation licenses are required on this trip.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH THE PROS
THE TRUSTED SOURCE FOR BC’S BEST FISHING
There are lots of reasons why people have trusted us with the BC steelhead fishing plans for over 15 years. Honest local advice, hard work, dedication to customer service and loving what we do are just a few of the reason. We’re here to make planning a great trip stress free. You can plan your trip with us and know you’ll get prime dates and fish with BC’s top guides. Our 5 Years of Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor will give you added confidence you’re planning your trip the right guys! You can use the contact form below to get a hold of us and we’ll hook you with the best steelhead fishing BC has to offer!
PACKAGE INQUIRY
BULKLEY DATES YOU WON’T FIND ANYWHERE ELSE!
PRIME DATES AT BC’S BEST STEELHEAD LODGES
THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT WE DO!
For almost 20 years Chromer Sport Fishing has been the trusted source for BC’s finest steelhead fishing trips. With an all-star lineup of British Columbia’s top steelhead lodges you’ll always get honest local advice, prime dates and dedicated service at zero extra cost than booking direct. Nothing beats local experience, when planning your BC steelhead trip make sure you go with the good advice and honest service you can always count on from Chromer Sport Fishing.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO FISH THE BULKLEY?
The season spans from late August to early November. Prime numbers of fish push into the Bulkley from early September to late October. That's when you'll find the best fishing.
HOW MANY FISH CAN I EXPECT IN A DAY?
Generally on the Bulkley you'll have 1-4 chances at a fish on a decent day of swung fly fishing. Some days are harder than others and conditions obviously play a part in this scenario.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD WE BOOK?
The season books fully every year. There is rarely open space, so if you're reading this send us an inquiry. We can let you know what is available or at the least get you on our preferred waitlist for the season.
HOW DO WE GET TO SMITHERS BC?
There are daily flights from Vancouver. Flight time is about 90 minutes. We'll let you know what flight to book when planning your trip.
IS BASECAMP A NICE PLACE TO STAY?
The camp is fantastic, offering all the comforts of a fancier lodge in a remote wilderness setting. You'll enjoy great food, wine and fully heated deluxe wall tent accommodation. A really fun way to experience steelhead fishing in northern BC!