GPS Coordinates: 57°21’54.51″N 127°51’45.14″W
Trip Questionnaire: Please click on the link below. This will take you an electronic questionnaire form that we ask you to complete and submit to The Fly Shop®. Please be sure to click the “Submit” button at the end of the form. The information provided will help us — and the outfitter best coordinate your trip.
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Important: Entry/Exit Requirements
Entry into Canada is solely determined by Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials in accordance with Canadian law. Please see the CBSA’s website for details. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html
Non-Canadians Entering Canada:
When you enter Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if you need one.
If you are a citizen of the United States, you need a passport to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport, but not to enter Canada by land or by boat. You must carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, or a Certificate of Indian Status, as well as photo identification. If you are a permanent resident of Canada or the U.S, you should bring your Permanent Resident Card with you.
U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid U.S. passport.
When returning to the United States from Canada, it is very important to note that all U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport to enter or re-enter the United States via air. For entry into the United States via land and sea borders, U.S. citizens must present either a U.S. passport, passport card, NEXUS card, Enhanced Driver’s License, or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document.
You must claim your luggage on your first point of entry into Canada and clear immigrations and customs. Failure to claim your luggage will result in your luggage not showing up at your end destination.
Inoculations & Health Concerns:
There are no formal requirements, or recommendations for immunizations and very little risk of infectious disease in Canada. The risk would be about equivalent to what it would be for trip to Colorado. You should check with your personal physician if you are concerned. We recommend that anglers be up-to-date on their Tetanus, Hepatitis-A and Hepatitis-B vaccinations.
Contact Information
If you have any problems during your trip with missed connections, or want to leave an emergency number for family members or office:
Spatsizi River Outfitters
Jackie Hayes, Office Administrator
Box 3070 Smithers, BC Canada V0J 2N0
(250) 847-9692 | info@spatsizi.com | www.spatsizi.com
Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge Smithers
3251 East Highway 16
Smithers, BC V0J2N0
(250) 847-4581 | Fax: (250) 847-4878 | Smithers@PrestigeHotels.ca
The Fly Shop®
(800) 669-3474 | (530) 222-3555 | travel@theflyshop.com
Alpine Lakes Air
(250) 847-9385
General Information
Lodging:
Laslui Lodge consists of a central cookhouse and individual log cabin units. The cabins have a wood stove, comfortable beds complete with bedding and duvet, carpet, electricity (operated with a generator), and hand and bath towels. Our bathrooms include two shower facilities with sinks that are centrally located with hot water and good pressure. Wolf and Bear cabins have newly installed showers and sinks inside the cabins with the toilets centrally located between the two.
Communication at the Lodge:
The lodge does have a satellite phone for emergency use only. There is also limited satellite internet service through a Wi-Fi system for simple texting.
Daily Fly-Outs:
Due to the limited number of rod days, we limit each angler to fishing each destination only once. This provides equal opportunity for all of our guests and maintains quality fishing and environment at each location. Your co-operation and understanding are appreciated.
Gratuities:
In the past, many guests have asked us about recommended gratuities. A general guideline for Spatsizi would be approximately 10-15% of the lodge rate, per person. However, the amount of gratuity is at your discretion based on the service and quality of experience. Gratuities should be given in cash (USD) and can be given to the lodge owner in a lump sum at week’s end…they will distribute it between the guides, and lodge staff.
Weather:
Please be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Your week could range from the mid 40s up to the high 80s. Yes, it does rain; it seems more so in the last few years. Be prepared for rain and inclement weather with a good quality rain jacket and a positive attitude. You may encounter mosquitoes and black flies throughout July and August. Please bring insect repellent with DEET.
Water:
Filtered water will be made available to you at all times at the lodge, so there will be no problems with water-borne bacteria such as giardia. However, please be aware that such bacteria do exist in some of the waters in British Columbia, so we recommend against drinking directly from any streams or lakes. Drink only the filtered water, and you’ll avoid the unpleasant possibility of suffering the after effects of these microscopic organisms. If you like to drink out of the wilderness waters during your fishing days, simply bring along one of the portable filter devices (bottles or straws), as they have proven quite effective at filtering out all unwanted bacteria from affected waters.
Liquor & Beverages:
We serve complimentary wine with dinner. You are welcome to bring in any other alcoholic beverages and soft drinks you would like. Only one chartered plane arrives at the lodge per week so please give us advance notice if you have cases of wine or other beverages to be sent in and we will arrange to have your goodies there when you arrive. “Spirits,” or hard liquor, beer and wine, need to be purchased prior to your arrival in camp. You are able to bring in 1.5 liters of wine, 1.14 liters of liquor or 24 x 355 ml cans or bottles (8.5 liters) of beer or ale into Canada duty free. You may also purchase your liquor at the store in Smithers prior to your departure in the float plane (though Smithers prices will be a little higher due to the remote location).
Weight Allowance:
Due to safety measures, a maximum weight allowance of 60 pounds per person is very strictly enforced. If your baggage weighs more than the allotted amount, you will be asked to leave some articles behind in Smithers. You’re understanding and cooperation in this regard is greatly appreciated.
Fishing License:
The lodge will have fishing licenses available to purchase in Smithers.
Loss of Baggage:
American Express offers Flight & Baggage Delay Insurance with up to $500 for delays of more than six hours if you purchase your airline ticket with a Gold Corporate American Express card. We advise you to purchase this insurance or something similar from your card holder, as some of our clients have experienced a delay in luggage arriving to Smithers, prior to flying to Spatsizi. We do not have daily flights to Spatsizi, so purchasing replacement of personal property may be necessary.
Smithers:
What is there to do in Smithers? Smithers is a small, quaint, alpine theme town nestled at the base of Hudson Bay Mountain in the Bulkley Valley. The main street offers some excellent shopping for souvenirs, outdoor gear and fishing supplies. The mountains and rivers around Smithers offer you the traveler an opportunity to explore the Bulkley Valley. If you’d like to spend a few extra days in Smithers you could arrange some guided rafting, hiking, or cycling trips. Or, take in a round of golf at one of our local courses. Smithers also has several unique Bed and Breakfast accommodations situated in the countryside. Check out www.tourismsmithers.com
Trout Tackle & Equipment
Fly Rods:
Fly Rods should be contemporary graphite, and 8 1/2’ to 9 1/2’ in length. The very best of fly rod manufacturers build 3, 4, and even 5 piece fly rods that don’t appreciably sacrifice anything in the way of action when compared to a 2-piece model. Whatever the brand, you should bring at least two rods (one rod for dry fly fishing), preferably a 4 or 5-weight. Your second rod will handle all your wet fly fishing and should be a 6 weight. A spare rod is not a bad idea in case you are unfortunate enough to break one.
Fly Reels:
Good quality, lightweight fly reels, with simple disk drags or pawl drags, are the best choice. Reels should be filled with fresh 20 pound backing.
Fly Lines:
You will basically need three fly lines at Spatsizi; a weight-forward floater a sink-tip and an intermediate full sink “Still-water” fly line.
Leaders & Tippet:
Keep it simple on leaders; 7’6” to 9’ leaders tapered to 4X, 3X and 2X. Two – three of each leader size should be plenty. Bring fresh tippet in sizes, 5X, 4X, 3X, and 2X, Rio, and Seaguar make some of the best tippet and leader material available.
Dry Flies:
- Parachute Adams – #12 – 14
- Adams Irresistible – #12 – 14
- Missing Link – #14-16
- Royal Wulff – #10 -12
- Neversink Trude – #12
- Green Drake – #8 – 12
- Nealley Brown Drake – #10
- Humpy – #12 – 14; green, yellow
- Elk Hair Caddis – #10 – 12
- Sofa Pillow – #6 – 8
- Stimulators – #6 – 10; rubber legs
- Madam X – #8
Nymphs:
- Hares Ear – #10 -12; regular & bead head
- Prince Nymph #10 -14; regular & bead head
- Fox’s BH Poopah – #14; tan, olive
- GB Bird’s Nest – #10 – 14
- Poxyback P.M.D. Nymph – #16 – 18
Streamers:
- Wooly Buggers – #4 – 8; black, olive, brown
- Crystal Buggers – #6; coal, olive, brown
- Matuka Sculpins – #4 – 6; olive, black
- Marabou Muddlers – #4 – 6
- Beadhead leeches – #8; olive, black maroon
- Zonkers – white, black brown
- GB Rabbit Leech – #8; olive, black
*All flies must be barbless*
Guides normally have a complete selection of flies on hand in case you don’t have the right fly for the situation.
Clothing for British Columbia
The weather in Northern British Columbia is constantly changing – one day it may be 80°F and sunny, and the next day rainy, windy and in the low 50’s. It is also not uncommon to have frosty mornings and every type of weather all in one day. By planning your clothing strategies around a layering system, you can easily adjust and adapt to changing temperatures and conditions. These insulating layers can be used in any combination, and not necessarily in the order listed. For instance, you may want to put your rain jacket directly over your base layer on a warm, breezy day. Concentrate on synthetic fabrics in all your garments when packing for B.C. Synthetic materials retain little moisture, “wicking” it away from your skin and “breathing” it out away from the body. This is important when you are walking in waders or when outside temperatures heat up. Remember, cotton garments are nice in the tropics but have no place in the mountains or wet country. When wet, cotton has negative insulating qualities and takes a very long time to dry.
Base Layer:
Start off with synthetic thermal underwear tops and bottoms. They usually come in three weights: light, mid and expedition. According to your individual metabolism, pick what weight is best for you. Simms, Patagonia, and Skwala are good choices.
Middle Layer:
Your second layer of insulation, both top and bottom should match the weather and conditions of the day. Synthetic fleece is the way to go here. Simms, Patagonia and Skwala are good choices.
Hats:
Bring a hat with a good brim for sun protection, and a warmer stocking hat (touque) for cold days (which can occur anytime during the season.)
Socks:
For a week’s fishing trip, three pairs of heavy socks will be adequate. Wool, polypro or a combination of both are the best choices in sock material. Try on your socks with your waders and wading boots before you go to insure you have plenty of room to move your toes. Being unable to move your toes and cramping your feet in your wading boots are the biggest reasons for numb toes and cold feet. Smartwool, Simms and Patagonia synthetic socks are the way to go.
Gloves:
Fingerless insulating gloves are great for boat rides and cold days. If the bugs are bad, gloves further help keep them off the backs of your hands. We have had the best success with synthetic or wool gloves, rather than neoprene which retain water. Simms has several quality products to consider.
Waterproof Shell:
The final layer on your upper body should be a rain jacket. High quality Gore-Tex type products are the best. Your rain jacket should be 100% waterproof and breathable, multi-layered, with sealed seams. Buy the best rain jacket you can afford, as it is one of the most important pieces of equipment you can own. Skwala, Patagonia, and Simms make high-quality jackets designed specifically for fly fishermen.
Waders:
Stocking foot, breathable waders are the only way to go. You will experience little or no moisture build-up inside the waders, even after a long hike; they wear like iron, pack down very well, and are comfortable to be in all day. For safety we strongly recommend always wearing a wading belt. Simms, Patagonia, and Skwala make high-quality waders.
Wading Boots:
NO Felt-soled Boots. Rubber soled lace-up wading boots are recommended as they offer superior ankle support and are exceptional for hiking to and from waters. Korkers, Patagonia, and Simms make some good models to consider. Cleats or studs are not needed and are tough on plane floats and rafts. If you feel the need to bring studded sole boots, you will need to wear street shoes in the plane, and then switch to the wading boots on arrival to the water to be fished. Gravel guards are a must.
Camp Shoes:
A good weight saving trick for overall packing is to wear comfortable tennis or hiking shoes during air travel that can double as camp shoes. Avoid sandals – they’re not mosquito-proof! After a long day of fishing, it’s nice to get out of your waders and slip into a comfortable pair of shoes to wear around the lodge. Crocs work great and are super lightweight.
Fishing Vest or Tackle/Vest Pack:
For vests, we like a high quality product, in a ‘shorty’ model. Choose one that has room for a rain jacket, or camera in the back. Brands we like are Fishpond, Patagonia, and Simms. Many of the newer bags can be combined with your vest to create the perfect vest pack.
Small Day Pack:
This can be an important article to include while packing. We like a waterproof, top-loader day pack that can hold extra gear, clothes, flies, camera, snacks, water bottle, etc.
Fishing Hat:
Look for a hat that is comfortable, relatively waterproof, and that has a good size brim to shade your eyes and face.
Line Clippers, Pliers, Hemostats, & Hook File:
These are essential to any fisherman and should not be left behind.
Polarized Sunglasses:
Fly fishing in remote British Columbia, Canada, is a very visual experience. Spotting the fish is part of the excitement, and part of the challenge. Good quality polarized sunglasses are a must. Polarized sunglasses not only let you spot fish more effectively but protect your eyes from the intense sunlight experienced in Canada, as well as hooks. Smiths, Oakley and Costa del Mar make some of the best in the industry.
Camera:
If you are going to take your digital 35mm SLR camera, make sure you have a waterproof case for it. The best waterproof cases we have found to protect expensive camera equipment are made by Pelican Products, www.pelican.com. Don’t forget your flash unit, battery charger and extra storage.
Headlamp:
Our favorite is one of the Loon Nocturnal headlight models with an LED bulb(s) and are rechargeable.
Sun Protection:
The summer weather in British Columbia is generally pleasant with average temperatures ranging between the low 50’s and mid 80’s. Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and frequent use of sun block (SPF UVA/UVB 30+) are highly recommended. Sun gloves will save the backs of your hands from burning.
Bug Repellent:
Although bugs are usually not too big a problem in this part of British Columbia, a bottle of bug dope with active ingredient DEET (30%+) is not a bad idea to include in your tackle bag. Bring some…
Wading Staff:
If you use a wading staff on your home waters, then bring it to B.C., it will come in handy.