Clothing:
Our spring/summer season from the end of May through July accesses the Babine River from our housekeeping cabins on Babine Lake. Spring can be warm or very cold due to the north winds coming off the mountains, which often are still covered in snow. As the warmer spring and summer weather moves in, sun block and stripping off layers become the norm. Therefore, bring a complete range of heavy and light layers with top quality waterproof rain pants and jacket plus hood.

Also cover the hands and feet with excellent quality gloves and waterproof shoes. Our fall season from early September to mid November accesses the Babine River from our Steelhead Camp. Typically September can be frosty in the mornings and then warm in the afternoons. October and November can be cold and snowy but are often above freezing all day and just a little bit below freezing at night. Since all angling by regulation must be done by wading make sure that you have a high quality layering system from head to toe. Wool is a great layer for the feet and chest, but I also like the micro fiber layers that are close to the skin first, then layer with wool and finally a goose down vest to keep your chest area well insulated. It's your call, but I believe you need to be prepared for cold and warm weather anytime during the season. The lighter breathable rain jackets one size larger than you regularly wear also give lots of room for layers plus the lighter weight on your shoulders. Going lightweight but high tech and warm is the key to enjoying wading in cold water and weather. Finally, spend the extra dough and get some high quality finger-less gloves that have the flaps available to cover your fingers when you are not fishing. I recommend Glacier Glove products and wool finger-less gloves. Lastly, take the time to find a high quality hat, one that covers the ears. When combining a high quality hat with the rain proof hood from your jacket, both the wind, rain and/or snow will not find its' way into and down your neck!

Waders:
There are limited wading opportunities for our spring/summer season, and required wading for our fall season. Since the spring/summer and early fall water temps are usually in the high 40's to mid 50's F, stocking foot breathable waders are recommended. However, if you are like me with always cold feet, you will appreciate boot foot breathable waders for any wading that doesn't require extensive hiking. For our October and November months, we all (guiding staff) recommend boot foot only waders. Whether you choose breathable versus neoprene, don't show up at Steelhead Camp with stocking foot waders in October or November! If your layering system is a good one, the breathable boot foot wader will be your first choice. I personally shift from breathable to 5 mm neoprene in early October, but I do a lot of standing around watching you guys fish! Lastly, have a back-up pair of waders for the times when you punch a hole in your first choice!

Travel Tips:
Since 9/11 the carrying on of such items as rods, fly lines, backing, hooks or any item that could be converted into or used as a weapon on the airlines is prohibited. If you would like to send to us any of your fishing gear prior to your trip, please do.

Angling Gear and Tackle:
When it comes to fishing the Babine, we recommend top of the line rods, reels, lines, leaders, etc. A high quality dry bag big enough to hold back up gear and clothing is a must. I recommend Watershed dry bags www.drybags.com. For our spring/summer season for trout we recommend 5 and 6 weight graphite fly rods. For the fall at Steelhead Camp, we recommend nine weight 9.6 to ten foot (high quality) graphite fly rods. Reels and fly lines should match rod weights. There are so many rod, reels and fly lines to choose from now, just make sure your choice is high quality. Personally, I enjoy Loomis and Sage rods, Abel, Islander, Valentine and the most recent Loop reels. For fly lines, I recommend Scientific Angler. For leaders and tippet, I recommend Scientific Angler and Maxima. Plan to bring all your tackle needs since we supply a limited and basic supply at both the Trout Lodge and Steelhead Camp. After confirming your reservation, contact me for specific fly pattern information.

Specific Fly Lines:
For both spring/summer trout and fall steelhead seasons, I recommend the Scientific Angler and Cortland fly lines. You need weight forward floating fly lines for either season, and you need a wide range of sink tip fly lines for either season. Frankly, we have had problems with all other fly line manufacturers in terms fly line failure, loop to loop failure and overall performance.

BC Angling License:
Electronic licensing is now required by government...we are no longer able to issue licenses at the Trout Lodge or Steelhead Camp. Guests must purchase the required angling licenses on line before arrival. The on line link is www.fishing.gov.bc.ca.

Purchase License On-line