2007 Highlights :

2007 marked the 38th year of operation for the Collingwood Family. We are pleased to report our overall season was a success.   We started off with very high water in early July but this didn't deter our feisty trout or eager fly fishers.   As usual, we had superb catches on our home water, the Stikine River and outlet of Laslui Lake.   We ventured north and hit the secret "trophy rainbow lake" and got into to nice 5-7 lb rainbows.   The inlet of Upper Tuaton was just silly, crazy with good quality 2lb rainbows that took any fly you presented!    Our highlights for 2007 included two trophy rainbow lakes: quality not quantity was key; the curious hoary marmots at Jumpin Rainbow who visited us and the aircraft's floats on each trip; the 60 plus mountain goats spotted numerous times on Mt Terraze; the resident eagle at Stalk Lake who put on show each lunch break, the wolves in pursuit of Stone Sheep on the cliffs by the lodge and the glorious monkshood wildflower display in the meadow behind the lodge and not to mention all the plentiful, gorgeous wild trout we released...   These are the fond memories and highlights of our summer.  

Crew Corner:    The crews' genuine warmth and hospitality is what makes Spatsizi a memorable experience. Ray, Beannie, Sophie and Uli are all doing well.   Uli is turning into a fine birddog and got to fine tune her skills with "dad" (Ray) on a pheasant and goose hunting trip this fall. Billy & Carrie are pleased to announce the birth of their baby girl, Adison Lynn Labonte born Dec. 19 th, 2007 .   Billy will be attending a trade show in Pleasanton February 22-24 at the Alemada fairgrounds so please stop by if you're in the area.    Clay, Lara and little Chloe are very busy and expecting another addition to the family this April.   Chris took some time off veterinary work for two weeks this summer to help fly and guide.   

Thanks to our in-house chef, Rylan and his culinary creations.   Our waders were a little tighter at the end of the season. Angela Imhof returned for her second season and ensured all aspects of the lodge ran smoothly behind the scenes.   The lodge was impeccably clean and we truly appreciate her hard efforts.    Tim Brown, pilot of the Cessna 185- GUNK is always a pleasure to have in camp and we value his helping hand and patience on the river.   Armin Wilke from Alpine Lakes Air, a superb pilot, joined us for his 7th season and flew the new Wilga aircraft.   The glass windows and comfy seats make this plane great for wildlife viewing and for ease in and out of the plane.   Torrey Hough made a debut appearance in late August and we hope to see him next year for a week or two.   Danielle Boissevain, our expeditor, met our guests in Smithers and kept us organized and supplied the lodge with finest and freshest ingredients.   Andrew Alfred moved over from Tatlatui Lodge and guided for the month of August on Spatsizi waters and did a fine job. We thank our hard working employees, and we salute their strong work ethics and great teamwork.

Fish Tales 2007

•  Largest Rainbow: Stephen Smith, 12 lbs  

•  Most Adventurous Angler: Peter Regan

•  Largest Bulltrout: Tim Bettis @ Tuaton

•  Bocci Champs:   US vs. CANADA?- US took the title over the summer.

•  Most improved angler: Louise Pomeroy

•  Most return trips: Bruce Barlean & Jim Barrett

•  Hardiest Angler: Ray Robinson

•  Guides Choice: Fly of the year: Stimulator

•  Most fish in a day: John Baer

The Collingwood Family.