Silver Hilton Steelhead Lodge

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:

✓  Arrange flights to/from Smithers, B.C. - Please book the flights listed below

✓ Arrange a hotel in Smithers

✓  Purchase fishing licenses

✓ Complete your personal online guest registration form

✓ Sign the lodge's waiver (via online registration)

✓ Get travel cash

Silver Hilton Steelhead 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 the Silver Hilton Steelhead Lodge, guests need to make flight arrangements to/from Smithers (YYD), British Columbia. All flights connect through Vancouver, British Columbia (YVR).  

Arrival Day:
Guests need to arrive in Smithers the day before they are scheduled to fly into the lodge to overnight. Guests can arrive at any time on this day.

Departure Day:
Due to the helicopter schedule in/out of the lodge, guests need to book a flight out of Smithers after 3:00 PM on the day they come out of the lodge. Generally, Air Canada offers two flights a day through Smithers – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Guests will need to book the afternoon flight, which may mean an overnight in Vancouver before connecting home.

Helicopter Charter Flight Baggage Restrictions:
Please pack as lightly as you can and leave any unnecessary items at home or with the expediter in Smithers. Please limit your baggage to three items, totaling no more than 70 pounds combined:

  1. One soft-sided duffel bag
  2. One personal carry-on bag
  3. One rod tube (max diameter of 3 inches)

Please note that the helicopters cannot accommodate large fishing rod totes, Bazookas or other large hard cases. Guests who cannot make the normal transfer day either in or out of camp and who need their own charter must arrange the flight with lodge manager, Brian Schneider.

The lodge's expediter, Danielle, can offer limited baggage expediting and storage in Smithers. If you would like to leave fishing equipment with her until the next season, she can arrange that for you. Also, if you would like to ship bags or rods ahead of time, please reach out to Fly Water Travel and we will connect you with Danielle to make the necessary arrangements.

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.  

Electrical Requirements:
If you are 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.

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

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

Gratuities:
The following are guidelines and gratuities are up to the discretion of the individual guest. Gratuities are pooled for lodge and guide staff and can be given to the lodge manager, Brian Schneider, at the end of the stay. The pooled gratuities do not include the lodge’s expediter, Danielle Boissevain, and should be left with her directly should you like to thank her for her services. Gratuities are preferred in cash.

  • Lodge and Guide Staff: $1,200 per person per week total 
  • Lodge Expediter: $75 per person per week  

Fishing Licenses:
Please note that fishing licenses are not included. You can purchase the following items online in advance here. If you have questions regarding your days, please get in touch with Noël Nelson at Fly Water Travel (noel@flywatertravel.com or 800-552-2729).

  1. A Basic Angling license (either an eight-day or annual) 
  2. Conservation Surcharge/Conservation Speciies license – Steelhead
  3. Classified Waters license (7 days for Weeks 1-8 and 3 days for Week 9)

    River = Babine
    Guided = Yes
    Angling Guide name = Brian Schneider
    Dates = The day you arrive at the lodge through the day before you depart the lodge.

Note: Classified Waters licensing is only required through October 31.

Cell Coverage and Wi-Fi:
There is no cell coverage at the lodge. The lodge has StarLink Wi-Fi, available throughout the property.

Power:
Power is generator supplied during the hours of 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Limited power banks for CPAP machines are available with advance notice.

Laundry:
Laundry service is not available at the lodge.

Water:
All water is treated, spring-fed water and safe to drink.

Beverages/Alcohol:

  • Wine and spirits: Included
  • Beer: Not included. Guests are welcome to bring their own.

Smoking:
The lodge has an array of cigars available for purchase. Smoking is limited to outside in non-communal areas. There is no smoking in the cabins or main lodge.

Recommended Medical Evacuation Carrier and Insurance Provider:
Acera Insurance

Silver Hilton Steelhead 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.

Silver Hilton Steelhead Lodge Tackle Overview

We travel to the Silver Hilton Steelhead 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.

Silver Hilton Steelhead Lodge Provided Equipment:

  • Rods/Reels/Lines: The lodge has a small 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 lodge also sells some of their most popular and productive flies.

Silver Hilton Steelhead 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.

Silver Hilton Steelhead 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 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.

Silver Hilton Steelhead Lodge Recommended Flies

Guests are encouraged to arrive at the lodge with flies for the week, however the lodge does have flies available for purchase on-site. The guides will also have flies and supplement or change out your flies 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. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep your ordering within the US, contact Will Johnson at the Ashland Fly Shop.

Top 5 Silver Hilton Steelhead 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 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

Buff:
One “Buff” facial sun protector (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 Ken Morrish

Ken is a fourth generation fly fisher who has guided throughout Alaska, Oregon, and California. He has taught hundreds of students the fundamentals of the sport, managed fly shops, consulted with leading fly rod manufacturers and designed an extensive line of popular fly patterns produced by RIO Products. Ken is an accomplished writer and photographer whose work has appeared in most major fly fishing publications as well as dozens of fly fishing books including Lani Waller's A Steelheader's Way. Additionally, Ken is an ardent defender of the Pacific's anadromous fisheries, as well as a past board member and current ambassador for the Portland-based Wild Salmon Center.

Contact Ken