The Ultimate Fishing Holiday.

The Bella Coola Valley is rightfully famous for its river fishing and has been attracting fishermen from all over the world since the Tweedsmuir Park Lodge was originally built in 1929. There is the Atnarko River, which flows past the lodge, as well as the Talchako and the Bella Coola River, and many rivers only accessible by helicopter. In addition to the bountiful rivers, Bella Coola is also the terminus of the most extensive fjord system in the Americas with excellent salt water fishing, as well as crabbing and prawning. These rich local fisheries have sustained the local Nuxalk First Nations and their vibrant culture for many millennia.

Trip Highlights

• Excellent fishing holes are only steps from your private chalet
• Drift and fish the scenic Atnarko River in a Mckenzie drift boat
• Visit remote, pristine watersheds by helicopter
• Opportunities for crabbing, prawning and ocean fishing on the fjord
• Local and experienced fishing guides show you the spots
• Luxury accommodation at the historic Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

Rivers in the Bella Coola valley host annual Salmon returns during the summer months (June to late September) as well as healthy resident trout populations. There is no motorized traffic on these rivers insuring a serene fishing as well as wildlife viewing experience.

One of the best is the Atnarko River which flows through Tweedsmuir Provincial Park and past our lodge. Some fantastic fishing holes are only steps away and many clients are on the river well before breakfast. Additional fishing is accessed by drifting down the rivers in McKenzie river boats. These boats offer a relaxing way to see and fish the valley, with opportunities to cast from the boat, as well as to stop along the way and fish from shore or gravel bars.

We also recommend spending a day out on the fjord. The bottom fishing, prawning and crabbing is excellent and the scenery is amazing.  It's also a great way to see local wildlife: dolphins, seals, otters, and in the spring, Grizzly Bears on the estuaries. Along the way a quick stop at the natural hot springs overlooking the fjord is always enjoyable and a dip in the ocean is invigorating. For lunch its a fresh sea food feast.

For many people the highlight of the trip is the helicopter fishing day. This allows us to fly to very remote and pristine rivers and lakes that experience virtually no human traffic. Please note that the heli day is optional as there is an extra cost, but it is well worth it.

All the fishing adventures are led by experienced and professional local fishing guides. They will supply gear, provide fishing tips, show you the good spots,  and generally help out every step of the way.

If  you are coming to fish for Salmon, then preparation of fish for shipping is available locally. This can be by freezing the fish or smoking them.

Species in our Rivers and their Seasons

Each season sees a return of all five Pacific Salmon species, as well as the seasonal movements of resident species throughout the river system. A rough guide is as follows:

• Apr - May    Sea run Cutthroat Trout
• May - July    Spring / King Salmon:
• July - Aug   Pink Salmon
• July - Aug    Sockeye Salmon:
• Aug - Oct    Chum Salmon
• Sept - Oct    Coho / Silver Salmon
• Year Round    Resident Rainbow, Cutthroat and Bull Trout

We are strong supporters of catch and release for any of our resident fish species. Visit the BC government' s online fishing synopsis and Salmon regulations for further details.

Get More Information

We recommend booking either our 3, 4 or 5 night itineraries. These programs are designed to introduce you to the best fishing in the Bella Coola valley. However, it is also possible to design a custom program if you can only stay two nights or want to stay longer.