Fisheries across the region have been active for nearly two months, and as sockeye and especially pink salmon see solid returns midway through August, many are celebrating the days along our beloved rivers. 

But as we await a provincial announcement about weather or not communities, lodges and local anglers will see a Steelhead season, many are perpetually concerned about how their populations are fluctuating and how the Government of B.C. has been managing these majestic fish. 

The Bulkley Valley is Steelhead paradise. Even though one of the lowest steelhead returns on record is tracking in the Skeena, and especially the Babine River, the are still some of the largest wild steelhead runs in the world. This is not only the lifeblood of these rivers, but brings significant cultural and economic benefits with it. Millions of dollars are generated each year throughout the region, directly linked to the salon and steelhead economy. 

"Seeing the families out on the river, kids that come in to tell us about this the first salmon they caught, it's really great for our community," said Alex Bussman, co-owner and manager of Oscars Source for Adventure tackle shop in Smithers. "It's great to have the shop full like this, but the uncertainty created by fisheries managers is not sustainable."

Last year's steelhead run was fairly decent, however 2021 saw a complete shutdown of steelhead fishing in the Skeena and Babine Rivers, costing operators millions and igniting a debate about which fishing sectors have the largest impact on salmon and steelhead. An issue that has been debated by salmon biologists, conservationists, commercial harvesters and First Nations, for years, with no consensus.

Brian Schneider, General Manager of the Silver Hilton Steelhead lodge, which has operated along the Babine river corridor since 1961 and is one of the most recognised steelhead operations in the country, and says although steelhead numbers have always fluctuated, the last few seasons have been particularly challenge with no clear solution in sight.