Frontier Steelhead Experience
Travel & Tackle 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 Smithers, BC

✓  Arrange hotel in Smithers

✓  Purchase fishing licenses

✓  Complete your personal online guest registration form

✓  Get travel cash

Frontier Steelhead Experience
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 Frontier Steelhead Experience, guests need to make flight arrangements to/from Smithers (YYD), British Columbia. All flights connect through Vancouver (YVR).

Arrival Day:
Guests need to arrive in Smithers the day before they are scheduled at the lodge to overnight. Guests can arrive at any time on this day. It is recommended to reserve a room at the Stork’s Nest Inn.

Departure Day:
Guests are asked to depart Smithers in the morning, typically around 10:00 AM.

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

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

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

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

Smithers Hotels:
Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge
3251 Highway 16 E

Stork’s Nest Inn
1485 Main Street

Sunshine Inn
3880 4 Avenue

Smithers Restaurants:
Roadhouse
3711 Alfred Avenue

Telly’s Grill
3843 4 Avenue

Blue Water Sushi
1232 Main Street

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 $3,000 (USD) for staff & guide gratuities, however the lodge does accept credit cards for tips and fishing licenses.

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. We recommend guide and staff gratuities of $1,200 - $1,700 per person. Tips are pooled and can be left in an envelope provided to you. Cash (USD) is preferred, however they will accept and check or credit card, as well.

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 – Steelhead stamp
  3. Classified Waters license - The exact river and dates will be provided to guests before their arrival.

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:
The lodge has internet service and cell phone service is found at some areas of the Bulkley. Morice days have no cell coverage, but the lodge has Wi-Fi.

Power:
The lodge has 24-hour power. The Morice lodge is powered by a generator.

Laundry:
The lodge will be happy to take care of limited laundry needs at no charge.

Water:
Drinking water is available at the lodges.

Beverages/Alcohol:
The lodge provides all non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Guests may also bring their own.

Emergency Medical Assistance:
In case of an emergency, Bulkley Vally District Hospital is located in Smithers, BC.

Recommended Medical Evacuation Carrier and Insurance Provider:
Acera Insurance

Frontier Steelhead Experience
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.

Frontier Steelhead Experience Tackle Overview

We travel to the Frontier Steelhead Experience 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.

Frontier Steelhead Experience Provided Equipment:

• Rods/Reels/Lines: The lodge’s guides carry 2 -3 rods lender rods in their boats for guests to use as needed with perfectly matched lines for the conditions. The lodge will also provide a rod for the entire week at the request of the guest.

• Flies: Flies are supplied by the guides, many of them hand-tied and proven winners. Of course, guests are welcome to bring and fish their own favorite patterns.

Frontier Steelhead Experience 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 rods 13-feet and under.

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Frontier Steelhead Experience 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 early September 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.

Frontier Steelhead Experience Flies

Guests are encouraged to arrive at the lodge with flies for the week. Top flies can also be purchased at the lodge. The guides will also have flies and supplement or change your flies out for some of theirs as conditions and circumstances dictate.

Frontier Steelhead Experience 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)

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 BC operations prefer felt soled wading shoes. For the lates season 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 Gaiter:
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