Skeena river & Tributaries

[Buckzilla]

Hey all,

interested in in planning a multiple family jet boat camping / fishing /exploring trip on the Skeena and its tributaries this coming summer.
thinking of approx a week based around Canada day week (July 1)
will this timeframe be too early for the spring salmon fishing in the rivers?
does anyone have insight for best time to fish springs in the river?
Any tributaries that are MUST explore in the area?
thanks for any input.

Woody

[albravo2]

I'm sure someone will have more Skeena-specific info but we fish the Nass watershed every summer. Usually starts to get good after July 10.

Nice country!

[Buckzilla]

Thanks for the reply.

[Ride Red]

We were up for 2 weeks this past summer. Fishing was pretty good for the tail end of springs in the lower river, early bullet coho, sockeye, pinks, a few steelies and some huge chum in the higher 20's. Boating around Terrace is great on the Kalum (to the falls), Exchamsichs (to the glacier), Extew, Kasiks, Gitnadoix (to the lake) Rivers ect. Spend a day to Rupert for some fresh Hali and Red Snapper for supper at camp. Canada Day should be fine, but most likely busy.

Braun's Island RV is a great place to stay, especially if you have kids (small playground) Full showers, power if needed and you can leave your camp open without an issue.

[Buckzilla]

We were up for 2 weeks this past summer. Fishing was pretty good for the tail end of springs in the lower river, early bullet coho, sockeye, pinks, a few steelies and some huge chum in the higher 20's. Boating around Terrace is great on the Kalum (to the falls), Exchamsichs (to the glacier), Extew, Kasiks, Gitnadoix (to the lake) Rivers ect. Spend a day to Rupert for some fresh Hali and Red Snapper for supper at camp. Canada Day should be fine, but most likely busy.

Braun's Island RV is a great place to stay, especially if you have kids (small playground) Full showers, power if needed and you can leave your camp open without an issue.

thanks for info on the rivers to explore. Love that stuff!
especially when they end at lakes or glaciers!
hoping to camp along river with no destinations in mind. Just winging it from nice beach to nice beach that looks fishable. Tenting on sandbars etc.

[Riverratz]

End of June - early July is usually best fishing for Springs in the Skeena and Kalum in the Terrace area, tapers down toward end of July.
Springs in the 40-50# range are not uncommon.
Bottom bounce with lures from boat or shore, or bar-fish with 'spin & glo's" from boat or shore, or back-troll with 'Hotshots" from boat.

Water is normally higher at that time, dropping as it gets further into summer.
Weather usually variable with hot sunny days and some rain, can change by the day.

Early July is a little scant for Coho, gets better later in summer and into fall.
Sockeye usually start to arrive in Skeena around 2nd week to mid July and peek at end of July/early Aug.
Pinks are always available.

Lots of camp spots on sand bars or mainland shores along the Skeena, many of the regulars set up large long term camps.

Good fishing in and near mouth of Kitimat River, only accessible from the salt side; no power boats allowed on Kitimat river.
There are markers at bottom end of Kitimat showing how far up boats are allowed.

As previously mentioned, trib's further west toward Rupert are good as well.

Fishing reg's and limits can change daily, suggest a live RSS feed from DFO for latest updates and changes when you're there.

Long weekends are busy, boat launches can be congested and very entertaining :lol:
Parks and campgrounds fill up on weekends, suggest early reservations if that's what you want.
You'll have fun, good luck.

[Buckzilla]

End of June - early July is usually best fishing for Springs in the Skeena and Kalum in the Terrace area, tapers down toward end of July.
Springs in the 40-50# range are not uncommon.
Bottom bounce with lures from boat or shore, or bar-fish with 'spin & glo's" from boat or shore, or back-troll with 'Hotshots" from boat.

Water is normally higher at that time, dropping as it gets further into summer.
Weather usually variable with hot sunny days and some rain, can change by the day.

Early July is a little scant for Coho, gets better later in summer and into fall.
Sockeye usually start to arrive in Skeena around 2nd week to mid July and peek at end of July/early Aug.
Pinks are always available.

Lots of camp spots on sand bars or mainland shores along the Skeena, many of the regulars set up large long term camps.

Good fishing in and near mouth of Kitimat River, only accessible from the salt side; no power boats allowed on Kitimat river.
There are markers at bottom end of Kitimat showing how far up boats are allowed.

As previously mentioned, trib's further west toward Rupert are good as well.

Fishing reg's and limits can change daily, suggest a live RSS feed from DFO for latest updates and changes when you're there.

Long weekends are busy, boat launches can be congested and very entertaining :lol:
Parks and campgrounds fill up on weekends, suggest early reservations if that's what you want.
You'll have fun, good luck.

awesome info!
thx

[skidderman]

A lot of the fishing quality depends on the weather. If the Skeena is dirty the fishing is much tougher. Another factor is netting at the mouth of the river. Can cut supply down considerably. My best luck has been mid to late July with later being the best. A lot of factors with many out of your control. It can be the most frustrating yet most exhilarating fishing. Patience is key. Make sure your boat and equipment is in perfect condition. The Skeena was a big learning curve for me and I have a lot of respect for it's power. Good luck!!!!