Best Times for Fishing in Smithers, BC
Every season has something in store for you here in Northern British Columbia!
Spring Fishing Summary
Rivers
The rivers come alive in the spring! Mid-March to the end of April we get our big spring run of steelhead that run up the rivers in the Kitimat and Terrace area. These fish are bright, ocean-fresh, full of energy, and can reach over 20 pounds in size! Making them one of the most prized fish to catch in all of Canada. They are eager to take a swinging fly and when hooked get ready for screaming reels, bent rods, and acrobatic jumps! In addition, there is plenty of Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout in the rivers that will keep you busy while chasing after your trophy Steelhead.
Lakes
The lakes will start to ice off mid-April and the Trout and Char will be cruising the shallows, heavily feeding once the ice comes off (mid-May). This makes for fantastic fly fishing opportunities targeting big Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Lake Trout gorging in the shallows. Whether you cast at busting Rainbow Trout chasing salmon fry, stripping leech patterns in the shallow muddy bays for Brook Trout, or fishing big meaty flies for aggressive Lake Trout, this is a fishing experience that every fly fisherman needs to enjoy! If you're not into fly fishing, there are plenty of different conventional techniques to target all these fish. From casting and retrieving spoons and spinners to trolling around the lake on the boat. Either option is fun and effective!
Summer Fishing Summary
Rivers
Summertime is Salmon season in the rivers around the Terrace and Kitimat area! The Kings of the river, the Chinook Salmon, are the first to return. Chinook Salmon weigh on average 15-30 pounds and it is not uncommon to catch one in the 40+ pound range. They use their brute size and strength to their advantage when hooked, pulling hard and frequently going on 100+ yard reel screaming runs. These fish will not only test the gear and tackle we use, but they will also test the skills of the most experienced anglers around the world. Chinook starts to enter the rivers in mid-June and will run until mid-August. We also get amazing returns of Chum Salmon and Pink Salmon which make the rivers overflow with an abundance of fish to catch, making it a great fishery for all skill levels!
Lakes
June, July, and August are the nice sunny warm weather months for fishing. There is fantastic Rainbow Trout fishing in many of the smaller creeks/rivers surrounding the lakes we fish. If you are into Dry Fly Fishing, these are some of the hottest months to entice these feisty Trout to come to the surface and slurp your fly! In the lakes the Trout and Char move to deeper water, which means we do a lot more trolling with Downriggers from the boat, getting our lures into the strike zone. With that being said, in the early morning we can still grab our fly rods or spinning rods and target Trout and Char cruising the shallows looking to feed before the temperature rises for the day. This fishery is perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Fall Fishing Summary
Rivers
Coho Salmon have entered the rivers! Acrobatic, Feisty, Unpredictable, and Aggressive are only a few of the adjectives to describe a Coho Salmon. Known for chasing down Flies, Spinners, and Jigs, they are the complete package when it comes to sport fishing in British Columbia! The prime time to catch Coho is in September. Also, Chum Salmon and Pink Salmon are finishing up their journey, as well as hungry Bull Trout and Cutthroat Trout, to catch! Lakes: Lake fishing in the fall is one of the most underrated fisheries in our area. Rainbow Trout and Lake Trout are starting to move back into the shallows to feed before the winter, which means fishing can be exceptional! Casting and retrieving Flies as well as throwing Spinners and Spoons are both highly effective. We will also cover the deeper water trolling from the boat with Downriggers targeting big fish that haven’t moved into the shallow water.
Lakes
Lake fishing in the fall is one of the most underrated fisheries in our area. Rainbow Trout and Lake Trout are starting to move back into the shallows to feed before the winter, which means fishing can be exceptional! Casting and retrieving Flies as well as throwing Spinners and Spoons are both highly effective. We will also cover the deeper water trolling from the boat with Downriggers targeting big fish that haven’t moved into the shallow water.