http://www.nicholasdean.com

Angling Publications - Index

Angling Publications - Magazine - Index

A tributary of the Skeena River, the Kitsumkalum is one of those rare northern jewels holding solid numbers of wild
steelhead 10 months a year, five species of Pacific salmon, bull trout, Dolly Varden, and native rainbows and cutthroat that run
from a pound to 20 inches.
The Kitsumkalum flows into the Skeena near Terrace, just a few minutes from the boat shed at Nicholas Dean Lodge (250-635-5295;
www.nicholasdean.com), and is a mid-sized river with gravel and cobble bottom, and long sweeping runs ideally suited to swinging
a fly on a long line. Terrace guide, Sky Richard, rates the Kitsumkalum “one of the most under fished rivers around,” but notes
that “because of the depth—15 feet in some slots—it’s also one of the toughest.” On a September wade, Sky hooked me up with
a three-inch, brilliant red leech that proved just right for the 12-pound steelhead that ate it on the swing.
This is “Classified” water, a designation bestowed on 42 “highly productive” rivers in the province, which charges a day fee of
$20 in addition to the non-resident 8-day fishing license ($50) and annual steelhead stamp ($60 more). Spendy, but there are 10
months of steelhead, salmon that start in late summer, and routine trout catches of 50 fish a day! If you can only go one time, make
it early fall. Nicholas Dean offers 5-day packages with guided fishing, rooms, meals, and flies for about $3,000. by Terry Sheely
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SPIRIT OF THE NORTH LODGE
NICHOLAS DEAN LODGE
PLUMMER’S ARCTIC LODGE
BRITISH COLUMBIA
HIGH ARCTIC LODGE
LIVINGSTONE RIVER
SCOTT LAKE LODGE
NORTH KNIFE LAKE LODGE
• Kitsumkalum River
• Nicholas Dean Lodge
MIMINISKA LODGE
UNGAVA ADVENTURES
FLOWERS RIVER LODGE
MALBAIE RIVER LODGE
TUCKAMORE LODGE
MARGAREE LODGE