Babine River

The helicopter from Smithers, BC arrived at the Silver Hilton Lodge located right on the river just before noon on 10/22 in time for a delicious lunch before unpacking for the afternoon fishing. Our weather was considerably warmer this year and several afternoons were above freezing, but most mornings ice formed in the guides for a couple of hours, one whole day of huge snow flakes which gave the evergreens along the river and in the mountains a Christmasy feeling however the sun waited until the day we left to shine. Water temperature was up to 43 degrees compared to 37 last year. With new 5 mm. neoprene waders, size #12 boots, heavy fleece wader pants and other clothing kept me toasty warm and comfortable. The guides even had heaters in their boats this year to keep our hands warm. Gourmet meals at the lodge continued all week and everyone from last year returned except one fly fisherman so it was like old home week with the guys. Guides Mark & Billy are just wonderful companions, teachers, excellent safe jet sled operators who are treat to be with all day.

Unfortunately no really large fish were available this year but plenty of native steelhead in the upper teens to keep us busy most of the day. Our group of eight at the Silver Hilton managed to hook 213 fish, landing 170 all of which were released of course which was by far the most of any of the nine week season. While I didn't make the average daily catch, hooked and landed some of the nicest native steelhead ever and set a personal record with the largest fish of the week. A 21 1/2 pound (estimated from charts) 19 1/2" x 40" double stripe buck on a fly Paul gave me to try. The steely took the fly right after it settled from a nice long cast in the tail out of Eagle drift and was landed about 20 minutes later, no real jumps but many tense moments of thrashing & twisting on the surface after strong runs into the currents.

Enjoyed meeting Lani Waller, a world class fly fisherman, who arranges our trips and visited with him briefly before departure on our only sunny day. The snow covered mountains provided an exceptionally spectacular view from my front seat helicopter ride back to Smithers to overnight before flying home on 10/29. Already looking forward to next year as you can imagine.

The Babine river is just like it was a 100 or thousands of years ago with no logging near by, no commercialism, no netting, no beer cans or debris on the banks, no hatcheries, or any thing else to contaminate the pristine waters. It is only one of 5 rivers in the world with a totally native run of wild steelhead which will be preserved thanks to continued private support from the Save the Babine Foundation.

For more information on this lodge, check out the Silver Hilton Lodge website.

Silver Hilton Lodge, Babine River, BC, Canada

Date: October 2002