Blog
Welcome to our Blog. This is the best way to keep up with current events on Frontier Farwest Lodge.
Right now the world of spey fishing is advancing at an extremely fast pace. The market is being flooded with new rods, and new lines some of which are ringing very high on the price tag side of things. $1000 spey rods are becoming something that we don’t even flinch at anymore. Does that mean that your old spey rod is pretty much completely outdated now? Yes, it pretty much does. Just like your first...
It's the middle of Nov, I'm sitting at my computer on a Tues morning and it's a beautiful, sunny day in the mid 40 degree range. The Bulkley River and many other steelhead rivers are low and clear yet most fishermen are wearing another hat these days, rod and reel retired to dark closets and cold attics. But, the fish haven't "retired" or "hibernated."
They're still there...
The steelhead season is upon us and Frontier Farwest is scrambling to get everything in order for our first week of clients. Although no one likes the preseason scramble, in most cases its inevitable. Our new lodge is near completion and is going to be a pleasure to operate out of.
We think we have thought of everything but as any entrepreneur knows, things tend to pop us very quickly that need immediate...
Next to Steelhead, Springs (Chinook/King salmon) are probably the next most exciting large freshwater Species that can be taken on the fly. Springs are the first of the Salmon to enter their native streams, in late spring early summer when river flows are high and the water colored and somewhat turbid.
Although we generally prefer wading gravel bars and swinging flies into these giant Salmon, water conditions...
Due to a very long winter, and extremely late spring we were left with less that adequate water conditions thus far in our fishing season. This turned our attention to find other things to do than fishing. Somewhat of a daunting task considering our appetite for fly fishing. However, left with little choice we tried.
Someone told us that our new lodge on the Morice River was smack in the middle of some of the...
How to Prepare for your First Steelheading Trip
The Bulkley/Morice Rivers happen to get one of the largest returns of steelhead in the world, and much of our water is picture perfect for spey fishing. This means we are very accessible to the person who wants to take there first steelhead, or spey fishing trip. Our guides are all incredible instructors and knowledgeable about our fishery. For those planning your...
Every fly fisher, whether old or young, man or woman, expert or beginner, has their own definition of an ideal fishery. Some aging anglers may find that waters providing easy access and comfortable wading/walking are at the top of the list. Others may regard the setting, the scenery, wildlife and camping opportunities part of their ideal fishing experience. Those who are complete perfectionists with a high level...
Every year as salmon pour into north central BC waters, fishermen from around the world hit the rivers in pursuit of a king salmon. Within easy driving distance of Terrace, anglers can access many notable salmon fisheries on the road system with the chance of hooking into this trophy fish.
Unfortunately for a lot of the chinook fishing in BC there is a combination of easy drive, and easy access that sets the...
As a ski instructor in the winter, i don't often find myself pulling out my waders and heading for winter steelheading grounds, but this February an opportunity arose that I could not pass up. Derek invited me up to fish some winter steelhead in the Queen Charlotte Islands, now called Haida Gwaii and experience the Copper Bay Lodge program.
I stepped of the plane at 3pm and we were in the water by 4:30pm for...
The world hates change but it is the only thing that brings progress. Most people are in favor of progress, its the changes they don’t like. Our lodge is starting a new chapter in 2011 with a complete overhaul from our location to our fishing program. Scary? yes terrifying, but this is how we foresee the future of our industry and we want to be leaders and not followers.
Our new program is based around the...
Fishing the Bulkley Valley in the summer is an exciting adventure which will give you a wide variety of opportunities to fish many different types of waters and species. By utilizing a float plane base 5 minutes from the lodge we have access to over 80 miles of fishable waters.
Looking at BC fishing Lodges for yourself, a group or perhaps for a Corporate or Executive Retreat? Well, look no further. At Frontier...
After two extremely successful seasons under new ownership at Frontier Farwest Steelhead Lodge, we have decided to expand our operation.
Every year we ask our guests what we can do to improve, and the common theme is that people want to spend more time on the Morice River to compliment our unique canyon trips.
After long consideration of this we have purchased Morice River Lodge. This means in 2011 all our...
There's a species of fly fisherman among us that is common, yet poorly understood. Their habitat consists of parties, barbecues, and anywhere the beer pours freely. When they are on there own they are hardcore, ardent fly fisherman, often published writers on the sport they love. However if their is a party on the go and it revolves around fishing they have an inclination to pick up a gear rod. Bar fishing for...
Are you a leader just because you run a small business? No. But you need to be. Without leadership, the ship that is your small business will aimlessly circle and eventually run out of power or run aground. Anyone who has ever been in the lodge business knows this oh to well. The lodge owner is the captain of the ship and the type of leader they are reflects the service they provide. Ultimately it is the owners...
Guides are an eclectic mix of fishing enthusiasts. The world of fly fishing can be very small, and those who choose it as a profession have a common thread that connects them all. They clearly have a deep love and passion for the art of fly fishing. It is similar to someone selecting to be an educator in our school systems. However a fishing guide has a freedom that we don’t allow to our teachers. This...
The dead of winter is fast approaching. This is the time when Bulkley steelhead fisherman are in a dark place. too far removed from last years memories of tailing chrome wild fish, and too far away from stepping into a run armed only with a dry fly. We read fishing magazines, tie flies, and tell stories of past battles with the strongest fish that swims. All of this helps dull the pain. It only slightly quenches a...
The Queen Charlottes islands.
The Queen Charlotte Islands are accessed by ferry from Prince Rupert to the Skidegate Landing Ferry Terminal on Graham Island, by air from Vancouver to Sandspit on Moresby Island (770 km), and by air from Prince Rupert to Sandspit. Other commercial air services (including float planes and helicopters) are available at Sandspit, Queen Charlotte City and Masset. A 20-minute ferry ride...
For many of us the transition from trout fishing to steelheading seems like a logical one. Some people feel they have caught enough trout to have acquired a great confidence and are interested in tackling a new challenge. Plus seeing all the photos of massive steelhead that double or triple the size of our best trout raise curiosities. The trade off with steelhead is obviously the lower numbers for more size. It...
Hunkering down beside a 500 year old fallen Sitka spruce, my felt-sole shoes dig into the gravel bottom of Moresby Islands Deena River, one of the last great havens for catching fresh wild steelhead in a small stream. Fishing the rivers of the Queen Charlotte Islands is an exciting challenge that offers anglers the chance at chrome steelhead that have just entered freshwater.
Through my polarized shades, I...
Exploring the unspoiled rivers of the Queen Charlotte Islands is like stepping into a fishermans fantasy. As we wandered through the mossy green rainforest we felt as though we were in a fairy tale ourselves. The giant hemlocks had such life and personality they seemed alive. Dense spruce and cedar groves breathed as we passed through. Eventually we were swallowed into a world where anything seemed possible. Our...
