Suskeena Lodge: Fishing

After a 7:00 breakfast, clients depart for their day on the river.

Lunch is prepared by the guide and served stream side. Steelhead fishing is, we think, for the most part made to sound like a sport for tough fanatical fishermen. Granted aficionados seem to fit this mold. However, that is largely due to the fact that many steel headers are so taken by the fish and country that they pursue the fish like their lives depend on it…in some cases for months at a time eating canned meats and old bread by a fire.

Contrary to public opinion, steelhead are aggressive and catchable for an angler of any skill level. You do not need to be able to throw a hundred feet of line or fish a 500 grain sinking line until your shoulder gives out. Without exception, if you listen to your guide, he will steer you into fish within your ability or interest. Fishing a dry fly is something that everyone should try for a few days. It is effective on the Sustut and is the most exciting way to catch a steelhead. You may lose a higher percentage of your fish, but the take is well worth it. In the end you won’t remember whether you landed 10 or 12 fish for the week, but you will remember a fish boiling on your skated dry in a glossy tail out.

Don’t let the rest of the camp scare you out of it ... because they will.

The fish on the Sustut are among B.C.’s largest. The steelhead average 14 pounds and often reach well into the high twenties. There are 30-35 pound fish landed yearly. Consequently, we recommend you come prepared.