The Damdochax River is a Class II river that originates as a clear, nutrient-rich, lake-headwatered stream. It flows westerly for 8 miles toward the Nass, through an area that is fecund and abundant, through shadows and overhanging alders, over redds and trouty waters until it is joined by the Sansixmor.
The mainstem of the Damdochax is a river where an experienced, crafty wader can cross when the river is at a good fishing height. A good caster can throw a line across it. This intimacy is a treasure, letting an angler work with and within the whole of the river. From that joining, the Damdochax tumbles over a trouty, quickly descending area where change is most evident. Log jams catch and hold dying salmon, bears knowing where. Thirty minutes walking later, the Slou Muldo joins the Damdochax and the mainstem begins.
Flowing into the Nass River, the Damdochax River mirrors the Slamgeesh valley flowing into the Skeena. Here we have a watery land and pathway between the two. A little over two thousand feet in elevation, this intact wildland corridor serves as a lush life-line between the headwaters of the Nass and the Skeena, the second and third largest river systems in the province.
Damdochax River Lodge consists of a main lodge and 3 camps on the Damdochax River. The main lodge is located on Damdochax Lake, at the mouth of the Damdochax River. Within one mile, a world class Rainbow fishery can be found, as well as some of the best Steelhead pontoon boat fishing imaginable (yes, Steelhead in a lake!)
Cottonwood Creek is located 3 miles downstream from Damdochax Lake, this camp sits on a bank overlooking an oxbow of prime Steelhead water. You can sight fish for Steelhead in runs such as the aptly named "corner store".
Moss Creek Camp is a two hour raft trip downstream (3 miles) from Cottonwood is where you will find Moss Creek Lodge. It is within walking distance of some of the best dry fly water in North America.
Alder Lodge Camp can be described as the "Shangri La" of Spey fishing. Nestled at the confluence of the Nass and Damdochax Rivers, and within a 300 ft walk to the river, this water is an anglers dream.
About The S
teelhead Fishing
The Steelhead of the Damdochax are not unlike the Steelhead of the Northwest of British Columbia, not unlike the Steelhead of the Kispiox, the Babine, Sustut and Bulkley. The average buck is 32.5 inches long. 18 to 22 pound fish are not uncommon. The biggest fish we have seen measured 43 inches.
The great hens are the special fish, the wild ones that tear you up and clean you out. Most of them are lost within seconds, knots pulling open, lines breaking. So ready and used to the average, we simply aren't ready for the great ones and they are lost more often than not.
The most common rig is an eight weight floating line rigged out with 10' intermediate sink tip leading into a 9' leader ending in a 15 pound tippet. The basic flies are a chewy brown nymph, an October Caddis, a weighted Skunk with crystal flash/polar bear hackle, a floating Muddler and a Waker, a Blue Charm, a General Practitioner, traditional Spey flies in assorted colors, a Popsicle, silver/blue weighted flashabou flies...and a big, fat, black bug. Leeches are a must, in various sizes and colors, black and purple being the colors of choice.
About The Trout Fishing
Trout fishing the way it used to be. A watershed never logged. A wilderness untouched. A natural abundance of 100% wild, native, exquisite rainbows lurking in the shadows. The Damdochax is pristine - a stunningly fertile breeding ground, and home to a truly unspoiled, world-class trout fishery.
The water is alive with wild Rainbow...bright and feisty, chunky and acrobatic, each one lively and exceptionally beautiful, so entirely different from the next. Hatches start mid afternoon, the trout greedily eating, almost in a frenzied manner, making even the most reserved angler anxious to cast.
Canoeing out of the main lodge on the lake for a day in the headwaters with fly rod and camera is a joy, a true delight. Beginning trouters will see immediate results, even on upstream dries, and short casts are often enough. The more experienced may choose a sharper challenge, going fine and far off without indicators on upstream nymphs. Whatever the level or method chosen, the rewards and pleasures are as rich.
Getting There: |
Via float plane from Smithers, BC. About a one hour flight - included in the rate. Airline schedules are such that you will have to overnight in Smithers the night prior to your lodge visit. |
Length of Stay: |
7 nights / 7 days fishing |
Number of Guests: |
6 for steelhead season. 4 anglers for trout season. |
Season: |
Steelhead - September & October. Trout - July, August & September |
Other things to do: |
Bear viewing, hiking, canoeing, wildlife watching, hiking |
2008 Season Rates:
