The Fish: FishSkeena Target Species

Steelhead (Oncorhynchus Mykiss)
Season: March to May, July to November

The Steelhead is a sea run rainbow trout usually returning to freshwater to spawn after 2/3 years at sea. The Skeena river has the worlds largest run of Steelhead, from 10lbs to 35lbs as well as the world record. These are the most sought after fish by fly anglers due to their hard fighting and acrobatic displays. READ MORE

Chinook (Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha)
Season: April to June, Mid June to August

Also known as King Salmon this is the largest of the salmon species, weighing 10lbs to 99lbs. The power and size of these huge salmon is unbelievable - Broken tackle from fighting with these powerful fish is common. The Skeena river has produced two world record Chinooks weighing 92 and 99lb.
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Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus Kisutch)
Season: August to November

These are one of more aggressive of the salmon species, weighing 8lbs to 35lbs. Their willingness to strike and large numbers make Coho an excellent target for anglers; Either on the fly or spinner these fish are great fighters. It is possible to sight fish for these amazing salmon in some clear tributary rivers.
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Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus Keta)
Season: mid July to mid August

Comparable to the King salmon, Chum salmon are popular with fly anglers as they can be very aggressive, with a weight of 10lbs to 35lbs. These large salmon return to some of the coastal rivers in large numbers . Their unique colouring makes them very distinct. Anglers have caught Chum in excess of 30lb.
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Sockeye (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)
Season: Mid July to September

Pound for pound this is one tough fish. With a weight of 4lbs to 7lbs, these fish will run, jump, turn and truly test your angling skills. Sockeye migrate up the Skeena in large numbers so anglers will get lots of chances to hook these exciting, acrobatic fish.

Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)
Season: late July to early September

These are the most numerous of the salmon species. Averaging 2lbs to 8lbs Pinks can be great fun on light fly fishing tackle and provide an ample battle due to their speed and agility. Males can be distinguished by a large humped back which develops soon after entering the river.

Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma malma)
Season: all year round

The average length of the fresh water form is 12-18 inches long and 1lb-4lbs, although the current record weight is over 27lbs. The colour is variable with size, locality and habitat. Adults living in the sea are a dark blue with silvery sides and those living in fresh water are a olive-green to brown.

Bull Trout(Salvelinus confluentus)
Season: all year round

The Bull Trout, also known as a salmon-trout, is not actually a Trout, but a Char. It looks a lot like a Dolly Varden, however, and the two fish are frequently confused. Bull Trout can grow very large, up to 40 inches and 30lbs. Their heads are blocky, and they have a large jaw that curves upward towards the nose.

Equipment Advice

You have travelled many thousands of miles for your Salmon fishing holidays with us so don't let your tackle fail on you. Find out more on what to bring with you below.

Fly or Spinner?

Broken rods, burnt-out drags, spooled reels, frayed lines and all before lunch - Sounds good doesn't it! Find out more about how to catch the king of fish on a fly rod or a spinner below.