The Kispiox River in the Skeena Region of northwestern British Columbia (B.C.) is well known for providing a high quality steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) recreational fishery. In 1990, the province of B.C. implemented a Classified Waters system to protect such high quality angling experiences on rivers throughout the province. The purpose of the Classified Waters system was to provide a diversity of angling opportunities, maintain a high quality angling experience and improve regulation of the angling guide industry.