The Sustut River is one of a handful of Class One rivers in BC with exceptional runs of fish located in pristine wilderness. For anglers interested in clear water, large steelhead and remote locations, there are few rivers that match the Sustut’s beauty or angling experience.
This outfit has access to 20 miles of river beginning in the upper river at the confluence of the Bear River all the way down through canyons and rapids into meandering freestone sections of long runs in the lower river to where it enters the mighty Skeena.
The uppermost 70 miles of the Sustut is closed permanently as a steelhead sanctuary ensuring strong recruitment every spring and reliable annual returns. Many of the largest fish spawn in the spring in the Bear River tributary, which is also closed permanently, and has formerly boasted the highest numbers of concentrated spawning fish in the entire Skeena drainage. These upper stretches near the Bear river are hallowed waters as the fish destined for the Bear River hold in the larger Sustut where anglers can pursue this oddly large race of fish with dry-flies on stunning glassy pools.
The lower sections of the Sustut has endless long pools that, at times, can kick out crazy numbers of fish as they reach the first holding water after a long upstream battle through the Skeena. This is where anglers visiting the Lodge can enjoy long cobble runs suitable for anglers of all abilities and skill levels while targeting steelhead that have never seen a fly.
The Lodge has worked hard to ensure that every guest will have an exceptional Fly-Fishing experience. These are all wild steelhead in pristine waters that very few anglers will ever present a fly to.
This is an ideal environment for a two-handed rod in the 7wt, 8wt, 9wt arena or single-handed rod if preferred. The two-handed rods have an advantage in their ability to cover more water with less effort.
This lodge is one of only two lodges on the entire river, guaranteeing solitude while fishing and seeing very few other anglers. One result of this low pressure is that these steelhead resort back to many of their natural instincts and begin to focus on the surface and Dry Flies. Having a single-handed rod with a floating line specifically for presenting Dry Flies is a good idea.
This lodge has been in commercial operation for over 50 years and cannot be reached by road. The lodge will be reached by fixed wing plane or Helicopter only resulting in a remote and exclusive experience.
This Lodge is a catch and release fly fishing lodge only. Single barbless hooks are mandatory and fish handling will be as minimal as possible.
All 9 guests will be staying in two-person log cabins that are heated by a quality wood burning stove and outfitted with cozy flannel sheets.
The meals are prepared by our on-property chef and will surprise and delight you for breakfast and dinner daily. Your lunch will be packed by staff in the morning making sure you have all that you want and need for shore side lunch.
This part of British Columbia, specifically this far upstream, has a very short prime season for steelhead. The season runs from the first week of September to the end of October. For this reason, if you want to take advantage of this opportunity, you need to get in the books early.
The Sustut River is a steelhead fly-fishers dream.
2024 Trip Dates & Rates
Pricing is in US dollars and per each angler. Availability is subject to change at short notice. A deposit of 50% of trip price is required upon booking to secure your spot and non-refundable or transferable. Final payments are due in August after fishery assessment.
Sept 3 – 10 (6 rod capacity) $7800
Sept 10 – 17 (6 rod capacity) $8000
Sept 17 – 24 (9 rod capacity) $8200
Sept 24 – Oct 1 (9 rod capacity) $8200
Oct 1 – 8 (9 rod capacity) $8200
Oct 8 – 15 (9 rod capacity) $8000
Oct 15 – 22 (6 rod capacity) $7800
Please contact us for up to date availability.
Package price includes:
Round trip private air charter from Smithers, 6 days guided fishing, en suite accommodation, all meals, quality wine, hard alcohol and casual beer. Package price is based on double occupancy in weeks of 9 rods and single occupancy in weeks of 6.
Not included in package price:
Travel, hotel & shuttle expenses to & from Smithers, fishing licenses (approximately $400 – $450 CAD), staff gratuities* (cash or check only) & lodge merchandise.
All anglers must adhere to all travel requirements into and out of Canada.
An experienced guide is included in your package; 3 anglers per boat in weeks of 9 rods and 2 anglers per boat in weeks of 6 rods, and daily jet-boat transportation on the river.
All anglers, whether beginner or expert, can count on knowledgeable, experienced guides that have spent seasons on the Sustut to help you, or not help you, as much or as little as necessary. Catch rates are highly variable depending on endless environmental factors. But generally, as a rule of thumb, one fish landed per angler per day is a wonderful goal that is very achievable. There are many occasions throughout each season when catch rates exceed this number.