So the plans have been made " in spite of much objections from the wife" for yet another 20 day trek up north. Its been a few years so we are overdue. The question we are asking is whats changed if anything that we need to be aware of??? On past trips we base out of the town of Smithers, and fish 3-4 different rivers during a 14 day timespan starting Oct 20 and into Nov. So here comes the questions.

1> We drive up and tow my drift boat. 1,300 miles 1 way- Whats the price of diesel in B.C right now???

2> We bought permits by the day- 20 dollars a day for class 1 rivers ( Like the Kispiox) and 10 dollars a day for class 2 rivers (like the Bulkley) Has this changed ???

3> In the past we have stayed at a small motel in Smithers and paid the lady who runs the place to have one of her kids do a shuttle for us each day that we fished on the Bulkley. She informs me that they are both gone now so we are looking to set something up in advance. Any ideas??

4> At risk on this one... How has the fishing been in the last few years ??? I have read that it has improved somewhat because of some netting restrictions at the mouth of the Skeena.. True/false.

5> Thinking about trying couple of the rivers that are further west. Maybe the copper. Are there boat ramps etc that can be used by the public, or in short, whats the access ??

Thats a lot of questions. We do it on our own and have not used any guides. They pretty much have the best info but I feel bad asking them and then not using them. Just thought some of you would have been up that way and would have some input. Thanks in advance guys. B-RUN

B-Run, #4 its more crowded for sure. #5 Zymoetz is rough launching and most of it is really rough, try your legs you"ll live longer. Kittsum Kallum Might be better for what I think your looking for its almost downtown T.

I have only fished the Kitimat River south of Terrace for Kings in July. Reliable sources have told me that it gets big runs of late summer to early fall silvers and also some steelhead. It is a beautiful river that is not difficult to drift from 18 mile bridge on down to town. At least it didn't used to be. Check with local Chamber of Commerce or Tourism for better details about run timing and any river changes. It's an awesome river. Also check with the guys at the the 2 tackle shops in Terrace about the Kitimat and other ideas.

B, You might have better luck asking on the Virtual Fly Shop, in the Western Canada section. If plan to fish the Bulkley, be aware that you have to hire a guide on the weekends now and look for this coming on other rivers in the area.

Rich... a 8 dollar phone call the the region 6 Provincial fish and wildlife office took care of that statement you just made.. to quote.." whoever told you that you need a guide to fish on any river let alone on weekends was smoking a doobie" ... I hope that was second hand information you have and not something you actually paid for. Not that I won't look into it further but pretty sure the fisherys guys would know the answer to that one.

I've not visited so I don't have any first hand information to pass along, but you might try the following sources:
www.anglingbc.com has a bulletin board at /discussion/index/html. So does www.fishbc.com at /adventure/angling/forum/index.phtml

A local Internet yellow pages plus bulletin board for Skeena valley communities can be found at www.hiway16.com

The Ministry of the Environment in Smithers' phone number is 1-250-847-7260.

Hope this helps

You might want research the The Bulkley Anglers Use Plan, I thought they were suspose to implement this plan this year that any non resident planning to fish the Bulkley on weekends must hire a guide. I know they've been trying to push this through for a couple of years. Anyway It sounds like your pretty on top of it so you'll find out, good luck whatever you find out.

I just got back from B.C. two weeks ago and paid $.65 per liter to feed my Powerstroke.