Bella Coola 2017

[David Henry]

After much procrastination plans are in place for a trip next July to Bella Coola, rooms booked etc. I have always wanted to see this part of B.C. and the ranching country around Williams Lake. I hope to get out on the water for a couple of days and am researching guides or charters that might be able to accommodate us. Any advice from fellow AO members that know the area other than "take a rain coat" would be kindly received. Best Regards David Henry.

[Scott N]

I've only been out that way one time, but it sure is beautiful country out there. We stayed in Hagensborg and fly-fished the rivers for chums and pinks, it was lots of fun. I guess that's not what you're looking for if you're looking for a charter, but it's a fun option for a day or two.

Best advise I can give is don't crap your pants on "the hill" on the way down to the valley. I didn't expect that.

[Mad_On_Fishing]

I've been to Bella Coola once and unfortunately it was just for an evening as we were catching the ferry to port hardy the next day. have fun on the road coming to Bella Coola. from what I remember, the road is extremely steep, and to make sure to use the brakes as little as possible.

we did it in a 33' motorhome with my mother in the van behind us. a few minutes in, we get a call "yeah, your breaks are smoking". we put it in low gear and "hammered" on the brakes frequently. definitely a learning experience for myself and the family

I hope you have a great adventure! its quite beautiful there!

[David Henry]

Scott N river fishing is a possibility as well, did the Kitimat river a couple of times in years past and a day on the Skeena. D.H.

[Lefty]

Spent a week out there about 44 years ago. Saw lots of grizzly and black bears and bald eagles. The switchbacks going down into the valley with a pick-up truck involved going forward and backing up to be able to make it. At that time if I remember right a two ton truck was the biggest vehicle that one could squeeze around the corners. It was like stepping back into the 40's and 50's going in there at that time.

[Ronbill]

I was out there late July 4 years ago fishing from a private vessel. Had a blast and caught our limit of hali and salmon easily.

The road into the valley is steep at 12% grade in several locations and up to 18% in one short stretch. It's less of an issue these days as large fuel trucks still haul in weekly. I did see several RV's and trailers being hauled in/out. I think trailering less than 30' behind would be ok, but anything longer would get sketchy. The worst would be towing in/out and meeting up with an opposing fuel truck or semi on one of the 3-4 narrower corners. There are provisions for pulling over, but you would need to pay attention.

As for the fishing, I personally would not want to charter daily out of Bella Coola. Most of the good fishing is 50 miles out from the marina in the Bella Bella/Shearwater area - absolute heaven out there. The issue with Bella Coola is that it lies at the furthest inland point of the North Bentinck Arm of the Burke Channel. The fjord is somewhat narrow and very deep (I believe 1800') with no holding water for salmon to feed. So you must drive out at least 18 miles of often rough water as the winds blow eastward into land right up the length of the fjord. However, once you exit the North Bentinck Arm into the larger Burke Channel you can hang a right, behind King Island and get out of the winds. From there you have relatively protected passage along King Island all the way to Denny Island where Shearwater is located. Alternatively, if the winds are light you can proceed straight out the Burke Channel and end up in Fitzhugh Sound (Hali anybody!).

I was lucky to stay on a boat for 5 nights (which was a good thing as the boat speed was 10 miles/hr max) so there was no need to charter in and out every day. We anchored and fished as we went along our way. I know there are charters out in the Shearwater area (they have a grocery/liquor store too!) right on Denny Island (IIRC). I imagine most people fly out to Bella Bella and get picked up by charter from there.

Good luck with your research.

here is a pic of the road in called the Freedom Road:



But once you are out there:

[Esox]

Does the road closely follow the Dean River? I want to get out there and fish the Dean for steelhead and salmon.

[Ronbill]

Originally Posted by Esox

Does the road closely follow the Dean River? I want to get out there and fish the Dean for steelhead and salmon.

No the freedom road follows the Bella Coola River valley. The dean is in another valley to the north only accessible by water, plane or helicopter.
Most people fly from Bella Coola or Anahim Lake into the Dean.

[Esox]

that's what I thought, just wanted to make sure.

[David Henry]

Ronbill, thank you for sharing your knowledge and excellent photographs. We might opt for a ferry ride to Bella Bella and be better to fish from there. D.H.

[Sundancefisher]

Our buddy trip is going to the Haida Gwaii again. We booked our 737 direct flight to Masset. Unfortunately 8 guys backed out. Still I have a long time to look for replacements as our trip is Aug 29-Sept 2, 2017

[Ronbill]

Originally Posted by David Henry

Ronbill, thank you for sharing your knowledge and excellent photographs. We might opt for a ferry ride to Bella Bella and be better to fish from there. D.H.

That's a great plan. When I was there I did see a small number of guide boats and self guided boats from one of the charters/lodges around Bella Bella/Shearwater. Nice thing about that area is that there are many nooks to tuck into to get out of rough water. Very fishy waters indeed. Next time I would like to get more bottom fish including ling cod/greenling, rock fish etc. to add to the salmon and halibut.

Few more pics: