Frontier Farwest Fishing Lodge 

British Columbia

When lodges change ownership as this one did several years ago, we cautiously hope for the best. Sometimes we are disappointed but in this case Derek Botchford, his wife Andrea and their crew have far exceeded our highest expectations and gone above and beyond to create a steelhead program that will be among the finest and most diverse anywhere.

Their week-long programs will have three distinct components. First, a brand new custom built riverfront lodge with private cabins will serve as the main base. Second, all guests will have the opportunity to spend a minimum of one night at one of their two remote wall tent canyon camps on the lower Bulkley. And last but certainly not least, Derek has purchased Jim Briton’s Morice River Lodge, a much prized, under the radar operation, where anglers will spend three days fishing the crystal clear waters of one of the highest catch rate systems in all BC.

Spanning well over 100 miles of immaculate fly water, this “three in one” program offers anglers an opportunity to fish in single week what many veterans have dedicated years to experience. For dry line and dry fly enthusiasts, as well as those wanting the highest assurance of finding fishable conditions irrespective of unsettled water and weather conditions, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Frontier Farwest also offers four day Bulkley canyon floats. Call us about availability.

Location:
Frontier Farwest Lodge is located in the historic Telkwa Creamery. The small, sleepy town of Telkwa sits on the banks of the Bulkley River.

Fishing Program:
Frontier Farwest has a diverse and interesting fishing program with three distinct components. The first is fishing the main-stem Bulkley from the lodge by drift boat. This typically comprises one day of your stay. The next component is a two drift boat float through one of two “Canyons” on the Bulkley. After the first day of floating and fishing, anglers overnight at a rustic wall tent camp. The following morning angler will float and fish a full day to the take- out and return to the lodge for dinner and overnight accommodations. The third component is three day stay at the Morice River Lodge locate 1.5 hours upstream of the main lodge. While on the Morice anglers use jet boats for transportation.

The Bulkley and Morice are both Skeena River tributaries and are considered among the best steelhead fly fishing rivers in the world. From late August through mid-October, they are exceptional dry fly and greased line steelhead fisheries. The Morice, which is in all practical respects the Upper Bulkey, is easy wading, extremely stable in terms of water conditions and a high catch rate system by BC standards. As the season progresses and water temperatures drop, steelhead anglers spend more time fly fishing sink tips. The steelhead fly fishing can remain excellent through the second week in November and later if water conditions permit. Bulkley River steelhead are known for their willingness to move to a fly and range from 4 to 24 pounds, with the average steelhead typically weighing in around 10 pounds. Morice fish, while more numerous tend to average 6-7 pounds and top out at roughly 14 pounds. In both systems all fly fishing is done while wading.

Accommodations and Meals:
For the 2011 season Frontier Farwest will have a complete new custom lodge with private cabins for all guests. River camps consist of one large wall tent with heat that sleeps four anglers. Cots and sleeping bags are provided. The Morice River Lodge takes six anglers at a time and anglers sleep two per cabin. All cabins at the main lodge and at the Morice have private baths.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1 (Friday): Arrive in Smithers and overnight (hotel not included).
Day 2 (Saturday): Travel via shuttle to the lodge and start fishing around noon.
Days 3-8: Full days of guided fishing.
Day 9 (Saturday): Depart lodge for home.

Complete Trip Details