[Bob Budesa]

So, three of us are planning a trip to the Skeena this fall.

We've got two boats to consider hauling north - 16' Alumaweld drift boat, or flat-bottomed sled.

Drift boat is lighter, easier to tow and maneuver, easier to move on river, etc.
My only question would be shuttle services. I've searched this site for threads involving shuttles, but nothing much comes up. I could take my bike, but I'm not sure how far it is between launch sites. Anything under 15-20 km is easy.

Flat-bottomed sled is heavier, more difficult to move around, but we wouldn't have to worry about a shuttle (I assume).

Given those two choices, what would you consider taking?

Bob

 

[rynchus]

Take the sled or hire a cab for your shuttle. There is some concern from legit guides that shuttling Non Resident Aliens is 'guiding'. I'll leave it to you to interpret the 'grey area'.
There really should be a policy statement by the ministry on the matter. As
it stands, it's a bit murky.

However you decide, I hope you have a successful trip.

 

[Marcel]

Depends on which rivers you plan to fish...

If you are targeting the Bulkley or mainstem Skeena I would bring the sled. If you're more interested in smaller rivers go with the drift boat (watermaster type boats would be even better, especially if this turns out to be a low water year).

 

[maxwell]

no shuttle service out there to move your vehicle, I think that one member miss understood. sled forsure... only a few rivers that I think would be drift boat friendly and not many great "boat launches"

 

[Bob Budesa]

Thanks all! The sled it is!

 

[Jabrowning24]

I think whichever boat you choose you should kidnap your buddy Josh and smuggle him up with you... if it's kidnapping my job will still be waiting and the Mrs can't be mad at me right?!? I'm jealous Bob!

 

[Bob Budesa]

Now that the boat is dialed in, it's time to talk regulations, restrictions, and requirements.

Are there any special permits that one must acquire prior to placing said boat in said waters? Special petrol?

thanks for any and all help.

Bob

 

[PGK]

Just don't bring whirling disease or rock snot with you and you're cool. Let the rig dry out for a week and bleach the runners if carpeted.

 

[bigbadbrent]

Just don't bring whirling disease or rock snot with you and you're cool. Let the rig dry out for a week and bleach the runners if carpeted.

Good point. Wonder how many of the LML and AB guys with boats think of that.

 

[eamonnm]

(This thread is 2015 but adding to this in 2021): Are there any new regulations on bringing boats to Canada? I'm bring a zodiac with a small jet motor. I've looked everywhere (including here) to see if I can find information about bringing a boat temporarily to Canada and then returning with it to the US.

Can anyone direct me, please? Thx.

 

[eriefisher]

I can't say for sure in B.C. but here in Ontario I see a lot of American boats going down the road to a destination other than the U.S. I would advise proof of ownership and registration though for both the boat and trailer.

 

[jdcross]

The Skeena is going to be closed Oct 12.
I just spent a month there and really not much reason to go.

 

[twists]

The Skeena is going to be closed Oct 12.

Thats still not confirmed, is it?

 

[jdcross]

Thats still not confirmed, is it?

That's a good point.
No official proclamation yet.
But all are assuming it's a done deal.
There are very few fish coming in at all

 

[twists]

That's a good point.
No official proclamation yet.
But all are assuming it's a done deal.
There are very few fish coming in at all

Lousy situation if you have a lodge booked and paid and a 20 hours flight to get to Vancouver… - all the more during Covid times when flying is a pain-in-the-a** and I have to quarantine when I get back…

 

[Steelheadfreak]

(This thread is 2015 but adding to this in 2021): Are there any new regulations on bringing boats to Canada? I'm bring a zodiac with a small jet motor. I've looked everywhere (including here) to see if I can find information about bringing a boat temporarily to Canada and then returning with it to the US.

Can anyone direct me, please? Thx.

Yes actually. If you are driving up from the US, you will be directed (or should be if the agents arnt lazy that day) by border services to an inspection area. Make dam sure your bilge is dry or it will be a giant and possibly expensive trip. They will be checking mostly for zebra mussels and or water millfoil. Should they find ANY, sign of it, you will be required to clean and disinfect right there before crossing. And you will get charged for it. In the summer months, they have inspection stations at the border and along certain highways. As mentioned above though, 99% chance the river will be closing in a week and a half and there are no fish anyway.

 

[jdcross]

Lousy situation if you have a lodge booked and paid and a 20 hours flight to get to Vancouver… - all the more during Covid times when flying is a pain-in-the-a** and I have to quarantine when I get back…

I understand some lodges are allowing cancellation for this year and rolling the booking over to 2022

 

[PAV]

I was there until Oct 11 and can confirm it’s closed as of Oct 12.