Guest Angler Q&A Series: Darren Write and Missy Macdonald

In this new monthly series, we sit down with guests from across to angling community to bring new perspectives and share a glimpse into different aspects of the sport, fisheries and watersheds, and culture. In the debut of this series, we start with Darren Wright and Missy MacDonald from The Steelhead House in Terrace, British Columbia. Enjoy!

Tell us a bit about yourselves and how you each got started fly fishing.

Missy: We own and operate The Steelhead House in Terrace, British Columbia.  It has been 12 amazing years hosting great people from all over the world to chase steelhead and salmon!  We both love what we do! 

Darren: I started fishing early on as a youth steelhead on the North Shore of Lake Superior.  Later on in life, I moved to Banff (Albert) and opened a fly fishing company - from June until August, I’d be in Banff and then head in the fall to the Babine River il to guide.  For 15 years, I went back and forth between Smithers (British Columbia) and Banff , from chasing steelhead to looking for trout.  Now, it has been an amazing 25 years of guiding.

Missy: I got into fishing because of Darren. Many times, when we first met, he would ask me out on dates trout fishing.  Soon after, he introduced me to his love for steelhead and instantly, I was hooked (pun intended).  After years of working with Darren on the Babine River, I decided to join him and we have been working together ever since.
  

You’ve had the opportunity to fish a number of different systems across Alberta and British Columbia. How did you decide on the Skeena and Terrace as the home base for The Steelhead House?

Darren: We decided on Terrace because the mighty waters of the Skeena River and this watershed are the holy grail for wild steelhead and salmon. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world from the surroundings to the fish.

Missy:  Also, we fell in love with the building which we now call home and our guests know as The Steelhead House. Darren and I knew immediately that we stumbled onto something special, even if it has taken a little bit of work. 

The Skeena watershed provides habitat for a variety of fish from cutthroat trout to Chinook Salmon. However, many anglers make the pilgrimage here in pursuit of steelhead.  What makes them so magical?

Missy: Steelhead are a mysterious species and that’s what attracts us to them. It only takes one to really understand why we spend so many hours casting for them.  

Darren: The challenge is by far the best part, whether it’s enticing one to the surface to take a dry or swinging through the perfect pool in hopes that you get a grab

Owning a lodge means early mornings and long days. What keeps you going?          

Missy: Definitely the amazing guest and the smiles from all the excitement. 

Darren:  To watch people act like young kids waiting to go fishing is pure joy. 

Missy:  Darren loves guiding and I love hosting so  it’s a win win!                                               

When you manage to find time to get on the water yourself, do you have a favorite style of fishing (whether it’s throwing big streamers or euro-nymphing) and what are you chasing?                                                           

Darren and Missy: We love swinging flies for steelhead.       

Thanks Darren and Missy for sitting down with us - always a treat!

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Darren Wright and Missy MacDonald

Location: Terrace, British Columbia in Canada

Home Water: Skeena River and its watershed

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Favorite Species: Steelhead

Favorite Fly Pattern:

Missy - Intruder style (Purple and black)

Darren - Skaters

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Favorite Rod / Reel Set-up

Missy - Rod: Winston Boron II-MX 7/8wt 12’3”, Reel: Hardy Zane Grey/Skagit line

Darren - Rod: G.Loomis Stinger GLX 8wt 13’, Reel: Hardy Perfect 4’ Salmon/Scandi line