Episode Show Notes
In this episode, host Jeff Liskay and Dave Whitey Evans takes us into Bulkley River Fly Fishing. They dive into stories from the Bulkley River system, talk about what makes this water so special for steelhead, and share what life is like running a world-class fishing lodge in British Columbia. With Dave’s humor and deep experience, this episode is a mix of laughs, wisdom, and a genuine love for fishing and community.
Show Notes with Dave Whitey Evans on Bulkley River Fly Fishing
How Whitey Found the Bulkley
Dave “Whitey” Evans didn’t plan to be a fishing guide. Back in the mid-80s, he was a whitewater rafting examiner traveling around British Columbia testing river guides. One day, he met a lodge owner named Colin Shadrach from Smithers who needed help on the Bulkley River.
Dave had never fished before and thought fly fishing “looked boring,” but the job sounded good—catch-and-release, rowing dories, and steady fall work. He took the job and ended up falling in love with the fish, the river, and the valley.
Over time, he learned from other guides, shared his whitewater skills, and picked up steelhead knowledge fast. That mix of teamwork and river sense helped shape the guide he is today.
Building a Dream on the Bulkley
Now called Bulkley River Lodge, it’s more than a fishing spot — it’s a tight-knit crew of passionate guides and loyal guests who return year after year. The river itself is legendary, stretching nearly 90 miles of prime steelhead water, from slow freestone runs to rocky canyon pools. With strong steelhead runs, crisp fall colors, and a team that feels like family, it’s no wonder the Bulkley has become a bucket-list destination for anglers across North America.
The Bulkley River Experience
At Bulkley River Lodge, every trip is built around the angler. Dave and his team guide across 50–60 miles of prime steelhead water, tailoring each beat to skill level. Newer anglers fish the easy gravel runs. Experienced casters tackle the canyons.
With two guests per guide, each trip is personal, focused on learning and improving every cast. The goal? To make you a better steelheader while enjoying one of the most beautiful rivers in British Columbia. Whether you’re swinging flies or fine-tuning your presentation, the crew makes sure every day on the Bulkley counts.
Keeping Steelhead Rivers Alive
Dave knows that fishing the Bulkley River isn’t about one perfect day — it’s about a lifetime on the water. Some years are full of fish, others aren’t. That’s just steelheading. He explained how changing water patterns and melting glaciers are already affecting the rivers. As glaciers shrink, rivers will see:
- Big spring floods
- Low summer flows
- Warmer water until fall rains return
To protect the future of steelhead, Dave and other guides focus on catch and release and push for better management. He says the key is simple — “Just get out of the fish’s way.” When salmon and steelhead run, they feed the whole system: trees, bears, and everything in between.
The Dry Fly Game
For Dave, nothing beats watching a steelhead crush a dry fly. Most days on the Bulkley River start with dries—there’s just something special about seeing a big fish rise to the surface.
He says old-school guides used to fish deer hair patterns like the Bulkley Mouse, keeping them tight and moving with tension. Today, foam flies make things easier. They stay on top and keep waking with less effort. When fish go deep, Whitey keeps it simple: “Can’t go wrong with a wiggly fly.”
His best advice? Don’t rush the hook set. When a steelhead eats, give it a second to turn before tightening up. Steelhead move through, not stay put like trout, so patience and timing matter most. As Whitey says, “The tug is the drug.”
Enjoy the Process
Dave says fly fishing isn’t just about catching fish — it’s about the process. Every cast, every missed take, and every new skill you pick up on the river is part of what makes it special. He reminds anglers to slow down, learn from others, and soak up the quiet moments between fish. Everyone wants the biggest steelhead, but the real reward comes from time spent on the water.
As Whitey puts it best: “Everything I’ve learned about steelheading in 35 years can be summed up in one word — sometimes.”
You can find Dave Whitey Evans on Instagram @bulkleyriverlodge.
Visit their website at steelheadbc.com.