Spatsizi Wilderness Lodge Trip Details

Included / Not Included:
Included: Meals, guiding, accommodations, fly outs, and 400 mile air charter trip from Smithers to the lodge and back.
Not Included: Transportation to Smithers, accommodations and meals in Smithers, fishing licenses (these will be purchased from the expediter on the evening you arrive Smithers at a cost of roughly $50 US), HST, liquor and gratuities.

Travel Logistics:
Arrival Information: To get to Spatsizi Wilderness Lodge you will need to make travel arrangements to and from Smithers BC via Vancouver. Most packages at the lodge run from Saturday to Saturday. You should plan on arriving in Smithers on Friday night and spending the night at the Hudson Bay Lodge 800-663-5040 (or 250-847-4581). The staff at Spatsizi will make this reservation for you but you will need to pay for it on site. Please forward us a copy of your flight schedule when it is complete so that so that we can coordinate your pick you up at the airport.
Getting to the Lodge: The following morning you will be picked up at the Inn at roughly 8:00AM and taken to Tyee Lake where you will board a turbine Otter for the 2 hour flight into the main lodge.
Departure Information: The following Saturday you will be back in Smithers by roughly 1:00PM. While you will be able to catch the evening the flight to Vancouver that typically departs around 7:00 PM., doing so will almost always mandate an overnight stay in Vancouver. As a result, most anglers will elect to stay in Smithers and make the entire return trip the following day.

Documentation Requirements:
You need a valid passport to enter Canada and it must be valid for six months after the last day of your trip.

To participate in the activities at Spatsizi Wilderness Lodge, guests will be required to sign a waiver form.

Currency:
While you are welcome to exchange money, US dollars are widely accepted throughout BC.

Travel Cash:
As a guideline we recommend that each guest travels with approximately $500 - $600 for staff & guide gratuities, expenses in Smithers, etc.

Gratuities:
A general guideline for a week at Spatsizi would be $350-$450 per person. However, the amount of gratuity is at your discretion based on the service and the overall quality of your experience. Gratuities should be given in cash (US or Canadian) and can be given to the on-site managers at the end the week for distribution to the crew. Personal checks are also accepted.

Fishing Licenses:
We can arrange for angling licenses to be purchased from the expeditor upon arrival in Smithers. An eight day license for a non-resident is $52.50 and an annual license is $84.00. Visit www.fishing.gov.bc.ca for further information or to purchase a license online.

Climate:
Please be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Your week could range from the mid 40s up to the high 80s. Yes, it does rain; and that trend seems more prevalent in the last few years. Be prepared for rain and inclement weather with a good quality rain jacket and a positive attitude. You may encounter mosquitoes and black flies throughout July and August. Please bring insect repellent with deet. Sunscreen is also recommended.

Medical Facilities:
The closest medical facility is in Smithers, approximately 2 hours by float plane from the lodge. Guests have the responsibility to disclose any special medical, physical, or dietary needs to the lodge ahead of time.

In emergency situations, a charter flight may be required to reach a medical facility. Guests may want to consider medical evacuation coverage. We recommend Global Rescue.

Power and Communications:
The lodge is solar powered with a backup generator. Rooms have standard plug ins for recharging cameras etc. The lodge has a satellite phone for emergencies. Incoming emergency calls should be routed through the Smithers office. The lodge also has a wireless internet connection and can provide clients with limited internet access.

Water:
All tap and shower water is pure and potable. Interestingly, this is one of the few destinations where anglers are actually encouraged to drink from the streams!

Clothing:
We highly recommend breathable waders as they are more comfortable and all anglers should expected to spend 6-8 hours in your waders daily. One set of waders is fine, neoprene or breathable, it is up to you. It is best to wear a layering system of long underwear underneath your waders. On cooler days, be prepared to wear several layers of wool or fleece in addition to gloves and a warm hat. A good quality rain jacket is a must for wading, wind and rain. Please bring a daypack or a small duffel bag that can be taken out each day.

Dress around the lodge is casual. Some basics to consider follow: Long underwear, 4 pair wool socks, 2-3 pair light socks, a warm sweater, 4 cotton or light wool shirts, 2-3 pair of trousers, and camp shoes.

Laundry:
Laundry service is not available. Please pack accordingly.

Beverages/Alcohol:
The lodge serves complimentary wine with dinner. You are welcome to bring in any other alcoholic beverages and soft drinks you would like. Only one chartered plane arrives at the lodge per week so please give us advance notice if you have cases of wine or other beverages to be sent in and we will arrange to have your goodies there when you arrive.

Tackle/Equipment List:
Fly Rods: 3-4 wt. rods with a floating line is great for the streams and the Firesteel River. 5-6 wt. rods are recommended for our trophy and float tube lakes. Hard Rod/Reel cases for safe travel in planes.
Lines: Floating-WF, Sink Tip- 10’ Slow/Intermediate, Sinking-Intermediate/Fast Sink
Reels: Single action trout fly reel.

*The following supplies are available at the lodge or in Smithers:
Leaders: 9ft. tapered 4-6x (assortment); extra tippet material essential.
Accessories:
Clamp or needle nose pliers to release fish and to mash down barbs – Ketchum Release.
Nippers, fly floatant, and tippet material (3-6x).
Flies:
Dries:
Parachute Adams 12-14, Irresistible Adams 12-14, Adams 12-14, Tom Thumb 10-12, Royal Wulff 12-14, Black Gnat 14-16, Green Drake 10-12, Humpy: green,yellow 12-14, Elk Hair Caddis 12-14, Goddard Caddis 10-12, Sofa Pillow 8-10, Stimulator 8-10
Nymphs:
Hares Ear (regular & bead head)10-12, Prince Nymph (reg. & bead head) 10-14, Pheasant Tail 12-14 (beadhead), Caddis Larva: green 12-14
Streamers: (# 4-8)
Wooly Buggers: black, olive, brown, Matukas: olive, black, Marabou Muddlers: black, yellow, Wooly Worms: olive, black, E/S Leeches: purple, black, Zonkers: White, black, brown
**The law requires use of single barbless hooks
Waders: neoprene chest waders are recommended for float tubes and colder days. However, lightweight breathable waders are comfortable for stream fishing and warmer days. Wading boots with felt soles.
Weather Gear: rain gear (good quality), warm fleece type jacket or sweater, wide brimmed hat, finger-less gloves and poly glove for warmth, polarized sunglasses, sun screen, and insect repellent.
Other Items: flashlight, camera and film(100-400ASA), toiletries(medication), reading material, liquor: wine is served with dinner.