We, Billy Labonte and Carrie Collingwood, are pleased to introduce ourselves as the owners of Babine Norlakes Steelhead Camp. The only locally owned lodge on the Babine. We are the third family in fifty-five years to own and operate this extraordinary Steelhead lodge on the world famous Babine River

Billy Labonte spent his childhood with a fishing rod in his hands. In 1992, he met the Wickwire family, who at that time were the owners of the Silver Hilton Steelhead Lodge. In the fall of that same year, at the age of 16 he started his guiding career on the Babine. The Lower Babine and the Silver Hilton Steelhead Lodge was his introduction to the guiding world, and under the tutelage of “Babine Bob” Wickwire, master jet boater Jud Wickwire and steelhead guru Lani Waller, he had an unfair advantage and a sharp learning curve as a guide. He guided each fall on the Babine until 2004 and part time until 2010. In 1998 he started summer trout guiding for Spatsizi Wilderness Vacations and met his wife Carrie Collingwood. Today he is a world class fishing/hunting guide and bush pilot. Those who know Billy best, understand steelhead have always been in Billy’s blood! It’s his way of life.

Carrie Collingwood comes from a family that has been in the lodge business since 1969. She received her BA in Recreation Management from the University of Victoria in 1997. She worked in public sector recreation for several years then moved to Smithers to work for her father’s family business, Spatsizi Wilderness Vacations & Collingwood Bros. Guides & Outfitter. Carrie handled the marketing, reservations and office management for 16 years and co-managed & guided at the operating lodge with Billy during the summer months. She has a passion for fly fishing and although she is a true “trout” fly fisher she loves the thrill of a 20lb steelhead on the fly.

“We are excited at the opportunity to provide exceptional service, and many memorable angling adventures. We invite you to join us on this magnificent river.”

Babine Norlakes Steelhead Camp goes back to 1965 when Ejnar Madsen built the original camp. The introduction of the jet drive in the mid 60's changed everything and gave Ejnar the ability to take his fisherman down the rocky Babine river without damaging his outboards and props and planted the seed for the first Steelhead Camp on the world famous Babine River. Ejnar started a Steelhead legacy on the Babine River that remains strong to this day. Most of the runs and pools are named from the pioneers who fished the Babine back in the late 60's.
The Clegg’s bought the operation from the Madsen's in 1986 and operated both the Steelhead Camp and Trout lodge. Their love for the river, the bears and the steelhead and hard work to protect this magnificent river is appreciated.
Our camp is on Lake Babine Nation lands. Lake Babine Nation traditionally had Hereditary Chiefs and four clans (Bear, Caribou, Beaver and Frog) who enjoyed a vibrant economy based on an inland fishery. Lake Babine Nation is the third largest Aboriginal Band in British Columbia.

It is our great honour to operate here and continue the legacy on the Babine and follow in the footsteps of the Madsens and Cleggs. We will continue to protect the Babine and offer top quality angling experiences.