If you’re looking to explore one of British Columbia’s most famous freshwater fisheries for some prized species, you’d be hard-pressed to find an adventure more rewarding than fishing in Terrace, BC. This city is located almost directly along the banks of the incredible Skeena River, known for being home to all five indigenous varieties of Salmon, as well as Steelhead. It’s also home to some seriously stunning scenery, and offers up a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With a variety of charters on offer, all you need to do is decide how long you want to stay, and get ready to experience nature at its finest!
What to expect
When it comes to the species on offer, it’s all about Steelhead, Salmon, and Trout here. These fish taste great, reach impressive sizes, and put up a fight at the end of a line. During the summer and fall, the lower Skeena River sees huge numbers of migrating Steelhead and Salmon traveling up-river. Fresh from the ocean, they’re aggressive and feisty, and will offer up plenty of reel-screaming action for newbies and hardened fishermen alike.
Although the Skeena River is Terrace’s biggest draw, it’s connected to a network of smaller waterways and river systems that offer up some prime angling action. What does this mean? Well, firstly, no matter where in Terrace you choose to depart from, chances are you’ll be mere minutes away from a first-class fishery. Secondly, it makes Terrace an excellent starting point for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
What type of trip is right for me?
The best way to explore this stunning part of British Columbia is alongside a local, experienced fishing guide. You’re in luck, as charter captains here are usually Terrace-born and raised, and know exactly where the secret honey holes are.
A half day trip allows enough time for newer anglers to learn the ropes and test their new-found skills against these fish, whereas hardcore fishermen can opt for longer trips to really get the best out of these waters. If you’re worried about seasickness, plenty of local charter captains also offer up wading trips that mean no boat is necessary! For visitors looking to turn their expedition into a longer vacation, Terrace is also home to plenty of all-inclusive fishing lodges, which are dotted around the banks of the Skeena River. These offer escapism at its finest!
How to prepare
Charter captains in this area know what makes an angling adventure excellent, and will have you hooked up with all the equipment you need for a productive day. If you’re a keen fly fisherman, you’ll generally need to bring your own fly rod with you. Make sure you purchase a valid Canadian freshwater licence so you can fish the river. You may also need to purchase “stamps” for certain species. After that, all that’s left is to make the journey to Terrace and experience the first-class angling action that this tranquil corner of British Columbia has to offer!