As anglers we all dream of the undiscovered: a Shangri-la with lush valleys and pristine rivers where fish far outnumber footprints. In the realm of North American steelhead fishing, these places are few and far between. But in the fall of 2005, with the help of a local BC outfitter, a crew from Fly Water Travel found and fished precisely such a place — with great results. The camp is the most rustic we represent (not unlike camping in a wooded tent). The physical demands of the trip are many, as the amount of water you can fish during a week depends solely on how far you can walk and how many river crossings you can make. Nothing good is easy and believe us, this place is good! Located on the shores of a quiet lake surrounded by peaks, the camp offers groups of two or three anglers exclusive walk-and-wade access to five miles of picture-perfect river, where the wild and willing steelhead average eleven-plus pounds and occasionally exceed twenty pounds. For those who relish true wilderness, love fishing the dry line, and feel that a shot of booze tastes better after bush-whacking, this trip is nothing short of a treasure.
"Steelhead fishing can be unpredictable and I went to the Secret System in early September with tightly managed expectations and a deep hope for a great experience. Well, the steelhead gods were smiling and I received the greatest gift I could hope for...lots of big aggressive fish that slashed at my dry fly like tuna busting bait, freight train takes on wets fished shallow, and beautiful intimate water where I could hit every lie. My best day ended with fingers cut by burning backing. Dale soaked from tailing thrashing fish, a dozen boils and 14 fish hooked. Not that numbers really matter with an experience like this, but what the heck...23 for 29. What a gift!" E. R., CA
The Secret System Travel:
To get to Mike Young's modest camp you will need to make travel arrangements to and from Smithers, BC, via Vancouver, BC. Packages are 5.5 fishing days so there are no set arrival or departure dates. You should plan to arrive in Smithers two evenings before the date that you will head into the river. Please plan your departing flight for the morning after you return to Smithers. At the airport you will be met by one of Mike Young’s expediters and transferred to the Stork’s Nest Inn, if this is where you choose to stay. Note: You will be responsible for making the reservations at the Stork’s Nest Inn as they are not included in your package price. Please call them at 250.847.3831 to make this reservation.
For drinks and dinner we recommend walking two blocks to the Alpenhorn Bistro. It is a fun place and a popular steelheader’s hangout. The morning of your scheduled flight into the lodge you will be transferred by Mike Young’s expediter to Tyee Lake for the 1.5 hour Alpine Air flight into the lodge.
The Secret System Documentation:
A valid US passport is required for entry into Canada!
The Secret System Fishing Program:
The Secret System is the uppermost of the Skeena River’s significant tributaries and has remained largely unknown due to its exceedingly remote location. The BC government has issued a meager 50 rod days to the river, meaning that no more than eight anglers will able to fish the system for a week each season. The Secret System is a small high elevation stream that is crossable in a number of locations under normal flows. The valley is a combination of willow and spruce and ringed by impressive snow clad peaks. Located at 3,300 ft. elevation it is 1,000 – 1,500 ft. higher than most of the popular Skeena tributaries, and fall comes early. The river has a strong glacial tint but fishes well with limited visibility. Water temps will typically range from 46 to 37 degrees. We have done well with dries in water temps as low as 40 degrees. The river is ideally suited to fly fishing and has numerous classic pools and runs with open backcasts. The top three miles of the river seems to have the highest concentration of productive water but there is an endless supply of fresh water downstream awaiting serious hikers. Fish enter the system the first week of September and over-winter until their spawn in May. Secret System fish respond well to dry flies and streamers alike and the entire river can be fished effectively with floating lines if one so desires. Our initial trip to the river yielded excellent catch rates of fish that averaged just over 11 pounds, with several fish in the high teens and low 20’s. Through past reports and some personal encounters we feel that fish in the high twenty to low thirty pound class are present. All Secret System fish are wild and must be released unharmed as quickly as possible. Regulations mandate use of single barbless hooks. Fishing this river is best suited to physically fit anglers who are capable of hiking at least three hours a day over semi-rugged terrain. Groups of two or three anglers will be accompanied by one or two armed guides. While signs of bear are evident they tend to be shy as they are hunted actively by other lodge clients.
The Secret System Accommodation and Meals:
The camp is the most rustic operation we represent and resembles camping in wooden tents. Anglers will sleep two or three to a cabin, and with groups of three, one member will be in a top bunk. Bunks have foam pads and pillows but anglers need to bring their own sleeping bags and towels. Bunk cabins have a simple table, benches, a lantern and a wood burning stove that client will maintain. Water is available from a spring fed source outside the main lodge cabin, a primitive shower is available as is warm water for it when requested, and there is a simple outhouse. An electrical outlet is available several hours a day to recharge cameras and the likes. Meals are prepared in the main cabin by your guides. They tend to be very simple and served on the late side. Please feel free to bring along your favorite pre-meals snacks, as well as energy bars for the longs days spent on the water. Note: Clients are responsible for bring their own beer and alcohol. If you need ice, bring some of that along too! This can be bought in Smithers the night before or in advance by your outfitter by special arrangement.
The Secret System Climate:
While the weather can be mild, always be prepared for cold when visiting the interior reaches of BC. Rain and snow can occur at almost anytime and typical day temperatures range from 30-60 degrees F. Hard frosts are common throughout the fishing season.
The Secret System Season:
September 8 – October 8
The Secret System Fish Species:
Steelhead
The Secret System Lodge Capacity:
2 to 3 anglers
The Secret System 2010 Rates:
$5,000 per week + 6% HST
Included:
Accommodations, meals, guiding, all transfers to/from Smithers.
Not Included:
Airfare to Smithers, overnight accommodations amd meals in Smithers, HST, gratuities, alcohol, beer, wine, ice, licenses (about $ 210 CAD payable in cash on site in US or Canadian currency) arrival and departure taxes.
British Columbia