Widely considered to be the finest and most exclusive steelhead fly fishing lodge in the world, the Silver Hilton has jet boat access to more than twenty miles of pristine trophy steelhead water. Babine River steelhead range from 8 pounds to over 30 pounds and are among the purest strain of wild steelhead remaining in North America. Often the Babine River produces the largest steelhead of all Skeena River tributaries.
Silver Hilton Lodge features two fully staffed, five-star steelhead lodges located approximately seven miles apart. The Main Camp fly fishes for steelhead eight rods per week on the two lower beats. The upper Triple Header camp takes four rods per week on the upper reach. Anglers fly fish four per guide and rotate through all the beats, ensuring ample solitude streamside. Due to a high rate of repeat clients, availability is typically limited to early and late in the season. This is the most sought-after steelhead fly fishing lodge in all of British Columbia. All packages include round-trip, private helicopter transportation from Smithers, BC to the lodge.
Silver Hilton Steelhead Lodge Quick Facts:
Species: Steelhead
Season: September – early November
Capacity: 12 anglers
2010 Rates: $5,000-$7,100 per person for a 7 night/7 day package (includes $250 to the Save the Babine Foundation)
Included: Accommodations and meals at lodge, cocktails and wine at lodge, guiding, round-trip transportation (private helicopter charter) between Smithers and the lodge and HST.
Not Included: Airfare to/from Smithers, BC, accommodations and meals in Smithers, fishing licenses, gratuities, satellite phone calls, flies.
Location:
Silver Hilton is located on the Babine River in northern British Columbia roughly 45 minutes from Smithers by aircraft.
Smithers, BC Map
British Columbia time is the same as U.S. Pacific Time Zone.
Fishing Program:
Silver Hilton Lodge has guiding access to over twenty miles of pristine Babine River steelhead water. Therefore you will seldom see any anglers other than the lodge guests on the river. Fully equipped 22’ jet sleds are used to move you up and down river and you will fly fish approximately eight hours each day. There are six full days of fully guided steelhead fly fishing at each location. In addition you may fish upon your own on the afternoon you arrive at camp.
Angler Rotation and Fishing “Beats”
There are three mains “beats” or sections of the lower Babine River fished by Silver Hilton Steelhead Lodge.
The Upper beat goes from Triple Header pool, upriver to the “Gateway Pool.” This is the “regular” beat fished by the four anglers staying at Triple Header. The Middle beat goes from Triple Header pool down river to “Jeanie’s” pool. The Lower beat begins at “Double Stripe” pool and goes down river to “The Skating Rink” pool. These last two beats are the “regular” beats fished by the eight anglers staying at The Main Camp.
All anglers will rotate among these three main beats in the following manner: Twice each week the four anglers staying at Triple Header will come down and fish the middle beat; on the same days four anglers from the Main Camp will come up and fish the beat normally covered by the four anglers at Triple Header. In addition, each group of four anglers fishing at the Main Camp will rotate between the middle and lower beats on the days they are not fishing the upper beat of Triple Header.
Also, the four anglers staying at Triple Header and fishing that beat for the day, may come down in the afternoon and fish much of the Middle beat after it has been vacated by the anglers fishing that beat for that day.
This rotation policy is an attempt to allow all the anglers fishing at Silver Hilton Steelhead Lodge to see all of the Babine River that is fished, and to even out the fishing possibilities as much as possible. There will be days when one beat fishes better than the other. However this is usually a temporary occurrence and normally all beats even out after a week of angling.
Accommodations and Meals:
Silver Hilton Steelhead Lodge consists of two locations strategically situated about seven miles
apart. Both sit right on the banks of the Babine. Both facilities are full service, complete with guides, cook, and other staff as needed.
“The Main Lodge” takes eight guests per week. There will be two guides and two jet boats for the eight anglers staying here. You will rotate between both boats during your week. Since each boat fishes a different section of the river you will be able to see both beats normally fished by The Main Camp. Anglers usually fish in pairs and the guide rotates between pairs of anglers all day long. Anglers will also go upriver once a week and fish the Upper beat. (See “Angler Rotation and Fishing Beats” above)
“Triple Header” takes four guests per week. There is one guide and jet boat for the four anglers who usually fish in pairs. Triple Header fishes both its’ own beat and in the afternoon, it also fishes some of the pools in the middle beat after they have been vacated by the Main Camp guests, and after the pools have been thoroughly rested. In addition Triple Header guests will go downriver twice a week to fish the Middle beat. Note: For Week #9, Oct 29 - Nov 5 - Triple Header Camp is typically closed.
Breakfast and dinner are served in the main dining room at both the Main Camp and Triple Header. Hot lunches are eaten streamside.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: (Thursday) Arrive Smithers and overnight.
Day 2: (Friday) Fly from Smithers to lodge via helicopter charter flight. You may fish ½ day unguided.
Days 3-8: Full days fishing
Day 9: (Friday) Take helicopter flight back to Smithers and overnight or continue home.
Complete Trip Details
British Columbia