River and Helicopter Fishing Excursions

The remote and wild watersheds of Bella Coola are a fisherman’s dream. Many of these rivers do not see any human traffic, but are teeming with fish. Our River and Heli Fishing Excursions have been designed to introduce keen fisherman to all the best fishing that this remarkable part of the world has to offer.

Trip Highlights

• Pristine river systems home to multiple species of trout and salmon
• Fantastic fishing holes only a 5 minute walk from your private chalet
• Float the Atnarko and Bella Coola Rivers through old-growth forest in our McKenzie drift boats
• Helicopter flights to remote and unspoiled river systems
• Knowledgeable and local guides show you the secret hotspots
• Luxury lodging at the Tweedsmuir Park Lodge with 400 metres of river frontage

The Bella Coola Valley is a remarkable location for any fisherman. This is due to the stunning setting - deep, lush, coastal valleys surrounded by towering snowcapped and glaciated mountains. Here fisherman can encounter Grizzly Bears, Deer, Wolves and Eagles at any given moment. The wilderness setting is simply superb.

Your base of operation is the Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, with accommodation in private chalets. The lodge is located on 60 acres of private land inside Tweedsmuir Provincial Park and has 400 metres of exclusive river frontage. The lodge was originally built in 1929 as a sportsman’s lodge for hunting and fishing. The hunting has long since faded, but the fishing is still going strong and from the Lodge you can access excellent water only a short walk away. No guide is needed for this activity.

In addition to the walk in fishing holes by the lodge, you will also be taken on a river drift down the Atnarko and Bella Coola rivers. These drifts are the perfect way to fish. Accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable guide, you will access the best parts of the river, including many hard to reach spots. We use the McKenzie drift boats which are exceptionally comfortable, and ideal for these rivers. They are non-motorized and therefore do not disturb the wildlife. The leisurely pace and silence offer a relaxed and peaceful way to travel the valley, as well as a completely unique opportunity for fishing.

The highlight of your stay will be a day of helicopter accessed fishing. Out towards the Inlet and in the many remote alpine valley’s, there is no possible way to access the rivers without either a helicopter or a lengthy boat ride and hike. These rivers are still pristine and are hardly ever fished. This helicopter accessed fishing is the ultimate in wilderness fishing experiences.

The rivers in and around Bella Coola have always had a healthy population of resident and migrating fish stock. Throughout the winter and early spring there is excellent trout fishing, both in the easily accessed rivers of the Bella Coola valley and rivers only accessible by helicopter. Then in the summer and fall, Salmon in their thousands, return from an epic Pacific migration. It is not uncommon to catch a 40-50lbs Salmon.

Fishing equipment and technique depend on the season and fish species. For the Salmon we most often plug, bait or lure fish. For Trout we use lighter gear such as spin casting or fly fishing gear. It is really up to you, your experience and your own technique. Please bring your own equipment, if you prefer, especially if you want to fly fish for Salmon. We do not supply heavy fly equipment.

Fish species in our rivers and their seasons

• Sea run Cutthroat Trout: Apr - May
• Spring / King Salmon: May - July
• Pink Salmon: July - Aug
• Sockeye Salmon: July - Aug
• Chum Salmon: Aug - Oct
• Coho / Silver Salmon: Sept - Oct

Small Group Sizes: Maximum 4 People

Fishing trips are best experienced in smaller sized groups and we keep our trips to a maximum size of four.

Trip Duration

We can organize a custom stay for you, but recommend either our 5 or 6 day program (see the suggested itineraries below). These trips have been designed to showcase some of the best fishing that Bella Coola has to offer.