Bear Claw Lodge
Tackle & Travel Guide

Welcome to your Fly Water Travel trip guide. We’re excited to help you prepare for your upcoming adventure! Inside, you’ll find everything you need: your to-do list, travel logistics, destination notes, and a curated tackle guide tailored to your trip.

Getting Ready

We’ve created a quick checklist of essential tasks to make sure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. If questions come up or you need anything at all, just give us a call, we’re here to help every step of the way.

To-Do List:

✓ Confirm passport is valid for the dates of the trip

✓  Arrange flights to/from Terrace, B.C.

✓ Purchase fishing licenses

✓ Complete personal online guest registration form

✓ Get travel cash

Bear Claw Lodge
Travel Guide

From how to get there and what documents you’ll need to tipping guidelines and destination details, this section covers the practical information to ensure smooth travels.

Getting to the Lodge:
To get to Bear Claw Lodge, guests need to make flight arrangements to/from Terrace (YXT), British Columbia. All flights connect through Vancouver (YVR). 

Arrival Day:
Guests need to arrive in Terrace the afternoon they are scheduled to go into the lodge (Air Canada flight arriving at approximately 3:20 PM or earlier). There is one transfer to the lodge according to this flight schedule. If guests are not able to make this flight, they will need to arrive in Terrace the night before and overnight, otherwise, we can assist in making custom arrangements to transfer into the lodge for an additional fee.  

Departure Day:
Guests need to schedule a flight departing Terrace the morning they are scheduled to come out of the lodge (Air Canada flight departing at approximately 9:50 AM or later). Again, there is only one transfer from the lodge according to this flight schedule. If guests need to depart Terrace earlier, custom arrangements can be made for an additional fee. 

Documentation Requirements:
To enter Canada, all guests are required to have the following: 

  • Passport: Valid for the duration of your trip 
  • Criminal History Clearance: Anyone with a criminal record (including misdemeanors or alcohol-related driving offenses) may not be able to enter Canada without first obtaining an approval for rehabilitation well in advance of any planned travel. To determine whether you may be inadmissible and how to overcome this finding, please visit the Citizen and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.  

Recommended Travel Agent:
Alicia Regueiro, Holdy Tours
800-446-1111 or 925-927-6617
alicia@holdytours.com  

Servicing Airlines:
Air Canada 
Note: We highly recommend booking the ‘Comfort’ fare option which offers refundable tickets and the ability to change your ticket.

WestJet

Vancouver Hotels:
Fairmont Vancouver Airport
3111 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond
Mention Fly Water Travel for a discount

Radisson Hotel, Vancouver Airport
8181 Cambie Road, Richmond
Located about 2 miles from the airport and offers a free shuttle.

Holiday Inn Express Vancouver Airport
9351 Bridgeport Road, Richmond
Located about 2 miles from the airport and offers a free shuttle. Breakfast included.

Terrace Hotels:
Best Western Terrace Inn
4553 Greig Ave

Comfort Inn & Suites
5112 Highway 16 West
Offers airport shuttle

Holiday Inn Express & Suites
3059 Highway 16 E
Offers airport shuttle

Terrace Transfer Options:
Kalum Kabs Ltd.
250-635-7177

Coastal Taxi
250-632-7250

Kitimat Taxi
250-632-2100

Currency: 
The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the official currency in British Columbia, however, US dollars (USD) are widely used and accepted.  

Travel Cash:
We recommend each guest travel with $2,000 (USD)

Credit Cards:
The lodge accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express which can be used to pay for any activities and incidentals. 

Gratuities:
The following are guidelines, gratuities are up to the discretion of the individual guest and can be left with Jim at the end of the week for distribution to guides and lodge staff. 

  • Guides: $700 (USD) per person per week 
  • Guest House Staff: $250 (USD) per person per week  

Fishing Licenses:
Fishing licenses are not included and will need to be purchased in advance.

As of April 1, 2026, British Columbia has changed its licensing system to
Wildlife Information and Licensing Data (WILD), combining hunting and fishing
licenses into one system. With the change, they will no longer be using angler
numbers and will shift all licensing to Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID) numbers.

To receive an FWID and purchase fishing licenses, guests must first register for a BCeID HERE. After registering for a BCeID, guests will need to create an FWID HERE. Finally, once an FWID is supplied, fishing licenses can then be purchased HERE.

The following licenses are required for the trip.

  1. A Basic Angling License (either an eight-day or annual)
  2. Conservation surcharge receipt – Steelhead stamp
  3. Classified Waters License - These will be arranged at the lodge.

Electrical Requirements:
Guests traveling to Canada from outside the U.S. or Canada, a Type A or Type B power adapter is needed. These are the standard North American outlets used throughout the United States and Canada.

Cell Coverage and Wi-Fi:

  • Cell Coverage: Limited cell coverage in the valley
  • Wi-Fi: The lodge has StarLink Wi-Fi 

Power:
The lodge has 24-hour power

Laundry:
Laundry service is available at the lodge free of charge. A laundry bag is provided in your bathroom.

Water:
The lodge will provide bottled water in each room. While the tap water is potable, it is iron-rich and colored.

Beverages/Alcohol:

  • Soft Drinks: Included
  • Beer, Wine and Alcohol: Beer, house wine and alcohol are included. Special requests or orders will be paid separately if they are more expensive than the lodge's house selection.

Recommended Medical Evacuation Carrier and Insurance Provider:
Acera Insurance

Bear Claw Lodge
Tackle Guide

Here you’ll find everything you need to be ready on the water: our preferred setups, favorite flies, recommended packing list, and notes on tackle available at the lodge.

Bear Claw Lodge Tackle Overview

We travel to Bear Claw Lodge with two Spey rods. The first is a 13 ft. 8-weight set up with a matching Skagit head and the second is a 13 ft. 7-weight set up with a floating Scandi head. Before October 15th, the Scandi set up is strongly recommended, but after that time, your second rod could be rigged as a backup Skagit system, with different/lighter sink tip, reducing time spent changing sink tips. Both set ups should be matched with good quality reels, appropriate mono or floating running lines, and at least 150 yards of 30-pound backing. Spey anglers have a great many options when it comes to rod lengths, and virtually all of the options are viable. Likewise, guests could travel with two 8-weights or two 7-weights, as both are well suited to the program.

Bear Claw Lodge Provided Equipment:

  • Rods/Reels/Lines: The lodge has a limited selection of loaner rods, reels and lines for guests to use in the event of lost or delayed luggage.

  • Flies: Guests are encouraged to bring all their own flies, but the guides will also have flies to supplement as needed.

  • Waders Boots: The lodge has a limited selection of loaner waders and boots for guests to use in the event of lost or delayed luggage.

Bear Claw Lodge Skagit Setup

A Skagit setup is the staple for most BC anglers. They are easy to cast and are used most often for sink tip fishing. Less experienced casters can also use them with a 15-foot floating tip as an alternative to a Scandi head. RIO Skagit Max heads are typically recommended for Spey rods over 13 feet while the RIO Skagit Max Power is recommended for Spey rods13-feet and under.

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Bear Claw Lodge Scandi Setup

Scandi setups are useful for fishing dry flies and unweighted traditional flies. They can also come in handy when the water is very low. While they are most often used from August through mid-October, when water temps are warmer and the fish are active, they can occasionally be useful during low clear water later in the season. For less experienced anglers, these set ups tend to be used less than the Skagit set ups, but most intermediate and experienced anglers like to travel with them and use them often in the early season. When using a full floating Scandi head, anglers will attach a 12 ft tapered mono leader, but anglers can also purchase a Scandi Body to which various tapered tips are attached. This is the most versatile option and allows anglers to adjust to a wide range of conditions.

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Support Your Local Fly Shop

If you need assistance with assembling your gear for your upcoming travels, we encourage you to support your local fly shop. This curated list of tackle is handpicked for your destination by our experts and can serve as your shopping list to get your ready for your next adventure. Find your local Far Bank dealer.

Top 5 Flies for Bear Claw Lodge

Guests are encouraged to arrive at the lodge with flies for the week. The guides will also have flies and supplement or change your flies out for some of theirs as conditions and circumstances dictate. If you would like to order flies for the trip, consider reaching out to Oscar’s Fly & Tackle Shop in Smithers or if you would like to keep your ordering with the US, reach out to Will Johnson at the Ashland Fly Shop.

Top 5 Bear Claw Lodge Flies: 

  • Larimer’s Reverse Marabou Spey - Black and Blue (Size 2) 
  • Hobo Spey- Black and Blue, and Pink/Orange (Size 2) 
  • Morrish Pom Skater – Nightshade, Black and Blue (Size 6) 
  • Silvenator – Black and Blue and Black and Orange (Size 4)  
  • Suskwa Poacher- multiple weights if possible (Size 2)  

Suggested Packing List

We understand packing for an adventure is not easy. On a trip like this it is very important to have everything you need and nothing you do not. As the climate is extremely changeable and a wide range of temperatures and conditions can be expected, we recommend layering clothes. Anglers should be prepared with thermal underwear, fleece/soft shell jacket, and a rain jacket. Synthetic fabrics are preferred to cotton. Dress at the lodges/camps is neat but casual.

Documents:
Passport, itinerary, copy of fishing licenses, credit card, cash, business cards

Waders:
Breathable Gore-Tex stocking foot waders are recommended. For anglers prone to cold (especially feet), boot foot waders are excellent.

Boots:
Most operations prefer felt soled wading shoes. Rubber soles without cleats are not recommended.

Forceps:
We like the scissor pliers for crimping barbs, releasing fish and trimming flies

Clippers:
One line clipper

Wading Staff & Belt:
One wading staff & belt

Fishing Tackle:
See detailed lists above

Socks:
Four pairs of wool or synthetic socks to wear under your waders. Two pairs of camp socks.

Base Layers:
Two pairs of synthetic or merino wool long underwear (tops and bottoms) to wear beneath your waders. One mid-weight and one heavyweight. These can be worn alone or together depending on conditions.

Shirts:
Two or three long sleeve fishing shirts. One or two camp shirts.

Warm Layers:
A warm insulating layer. Down, nano puff and fleece are good. Avoid cotton.

Rain Jacket:
One high quality rain jacket

Hats:
Two fishing/baseball hats. One warm cap.

Camp Shoes:
One pair of shoes for around the lodge/camp

Gloves/Hand Warmers:
One pair of warm fishing gloves and hand warmers

Sun Gaitor:
One bandana or sun mask (which is good for bugs, too)

Sunglasses:
One pair of polarized sunglasses. It is great to have a lens cleaner and a soft cleaning cloth as well.

Sunscreen:
One bottle SPF 30+

Lip Balm:
One tube of SPF 30+ lip balm

Backpack:
One waterproof backpack or boat bag for day gear

Camera:
Don’t forget extra batteries and waterproof case/bag

Headlamp:
One small LED headlamp with batteries

Toiletries Kit:
Toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, razor, lotion, mini shampoo bottle, Advil, sleep aid, ear plugs, band aids, anti-bacterial ointment, Benadryl, Gold Bond powder, antibiotics (see doctor)

Contact Kat Mueller

Kat grew up in a fishing-obsessed family and remembers only one vacation in her youth that wasn't centered around chasing fish. She has spent most of her adult life fishing across Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah, while working behind the scenes with top lodges and outfitters to help their guests get the most out of their time on the water. An accomplished creative, Kat’s photography and writing have been featured in The Drake and other notable publications. While she is well-versed in all forms of fresh and saltwater fly fishing, she is first and foremost a two-handed steelhead angler. Her experience includes countless weeks on the Olympic Peninsula, the Snake and Clearwater rivers, and many of British Columbia's fabled waters. Additionally, Kat is a skilled rower and fly tier, and holds certifications in Swiftwater Rescue and Wilderness First Aid.

Contact Kat