Where exactly will you be fishing? Skeena directly, or any tribs?

Smaller rivers may call for a different set-up than larger waters.

 

Mostly on the main stem but I'd like the flexibility to fish some of the tribs.

 

What line / grains?

 

Are you going through a lodge or guide service? If you are, they’d be the ones to ask.

Jake

 

In my bag you’ll find Rio Replacement tips which I use 75% of the time. For winter or when I need to dredge I like SA TC tips in both 10 (120 grains) and 12 feet (160 grains). TC tips are dual density, tapered, turn over really nicely, and sink a little more evenly then level tips. Sink 1/2, 3/5, and 7 cover most everything.

 

A little more about what Im bringing. 7 + 8 weight spey rods with Rio Elite Max in 525,550, 575 and a FIST in 540 grains.

I am fishing a few days with Skeena Spey but they are pretty busy with their summer fall season right now so I figured I'd ask here where everyone seams to have more time on their hands!

 

just get a set a T8 - T14 10ft tips and call it a day

 

T- 10 and T-8; if you're a solid caster, I'd bring 10' and 14' versions. You typically don't need to cast far, but getting your cast to turn over is critical. Also, make sure to bring an 13'+ 8 weight.

 

I wouldnt say I am a great caster, so if theres some specific tips that will help me vs straight T-10 then I'd be willing to spend the $.

 

For mainstem Skeena and bigger tributaries I would also go with Rio Replacement Tips or straight T-Tips (but if you go with T-Tips, add a floating and an intermediate Replacement Tip).

For small tributaries, MOW or iMOW tips can be very useful.

 

For Skeena mainstem in spring I usually use 12’ of T8 or T11. 10’ tips of these weights would also work.

 

They run super shallow in the spring in the skeena, if you’re wading out to your knees you’re too deep. I usually run a 5/5 float-t11 and 10ft of t8.

 

If you are comfortable with T-10 or T-11 for deep, then a good second shallower tip is a Rio 15’ 10 wt tip, type 3 sink rate. Cut the front skinny end down to the same length as your T-10/T-11. This will provide a consistent casting feel (length and mass) when switching tips.

 

For main Skeena spring steelhead you will want light sink tips (rio type 3) or A Airflo T-7 with unweighted fly. The winter fish are in shallow tailouts to avoid seals and sea lions. Even some greased line or with a weighted fly. Think 12" ro 24" of water in many holding areas.

 

I used t11 5/5 mow for most of my walk and wade fishing west of Terrance on the mainstem. Sometimes a 10ft intermediate. I found fish in knee deep or less.

 

They will hold/run shallow, betwwen a foot and a half and 3 in soft water. So , well this is dangeres to point out there will be some place for the T-stuff, leave the T-'s off your line and put and I or S3 tip on..

 

Ive read the seals thing a few times, and on my last trip there I caught one fish really tight and skinny and another one fairly far out in some deeper water. People say it very matter-of-factly and Im curious was there a study of this? Are we sure it isnt just because they are trying to conserve energy for a long trip ahead? If I had to swim that far up a river I sure wouldn't do it in the middle.

 

For that time frame on the main Skeena, I have always started the day with one rod having an int and the other a type 3. Very rarely I change one rod to a type 6 to match conditions. Rio replacement 15' tips

 

Which replacement tips would you recommend for an average caster throwing a 13'3" #8 with a 23' Rio 550 skagit head? 10' or 15'? Which weight?

 

15ft will make casting easier for you.

The grain weight / inch of the tip should not exceed the end of the shooting head, so you should be fine with all weights of the Rio tips. The heavier or more wind resistant the flies you're casting are, the heavier the replacement tip should be to turn over propertly.

 

These should be fine: https://www.speypages.com/threads/r...io-replacement-tips-15’-9-flt-int-s3-s6-s8.432746/?post_id=2739332#post-2739332

 

I have fished the Skeena and Kitimat a number of times in late March and April. You do not need anything heavier than a Type 6, and 90% of the time I have a Type 3 tip on. Unlike winter steelheading in CA/OR/WA, there is no need to fish heavy tips. Most of the water fished is not technical and you will fish even runs and tailouts that are not deep. You generally are not targeting deep slots, heavy water, ledge rock runs etc., that we encounter in the west coast states that require us to get deeper quickly. You can use your skagit heads, but won't need Muir- density heads. I've used skagit heads (but use my longer heads), my Rage heads, and NextCast heads all in the 23-30 foot range. Many will cast heads more in the 30-35 foot range with the lighter tips, and some go even longer if they enjoy longer lines and rods. Have fun!

 

Very helpful, thank you.

 

5/5 T-8,11 and 14 MOW

 

Light tips

 

I pretty much always use the 15' tips in 8/9 weight.

 

As many have mentioned, you certainly don't need to have a ton of different tips. I like the FLO tips by airflo as the intermediate head helps turn things over nicely without any hinge effect. I would start with 10' of T10. If you find your casting stroke does not get enough stick, up the tip length to 12'. That said 10' tips are a great place to start.

Good luck! The spring steel season in Skeena country is something else.