The Babine wilderness river corridor
is not only home to steelhead, but also eagles, water fowl, song birds, ravens, moose, wolves, fox, coyote, grizzly and black bears. The river is alive with activity. Salmon of all species are living and dying in the prime spawning areas. Rainbow, bull trout and white fish struggle to survive each day. The river is rich with biomass and life due to the lake flow that feeds the river. The upper river remains warmer than most steelhead rivers in the Skeena system due to the lake flow from Babine Lake. This allows for excellent angling late into the season. Aquatic insects, lamprey, leeches, fry, flesh and eggs make up the rich food source for each creature that swims in the inky black depths.

the guides
Pierce leads the way and has two other guides who transport and guide the anglers each day on the river. They coach on techniques and always have a pulse on the fish and their movements. These guys are hard working and enjoy the river and the fish.

getting there, transportation and the adventure
Guests fly into Vancouver, then take an hour and half flight up to Smithers. In Smithers you will settle in at a local hotel and enjoy a night on the town at one of the restaurants and pubs. Pierce recommends the Stork's Nest Inn. Pierce will pick guests up at the Stork's Nest Inn at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning and transfer by van out to camp in time for breakfast. After a quick breakfast you'll pack a lunch, slip into your waders, rig a couple rods and head for the boats. The guides will have you on the water in no time.

In the fall, during steelhead season, Smithers is buzzing with anglers and guides. Some anglers will extend their stay and fish a couple days on the Bulkley before or after their trip into camp with Pierce and company.