The Nechako River is a major tributary to the Fraser River, which is the largest river in BC. The Nechako River is approximately 290 km long, and joins the Fraser River in Prince George.
The Nechako white sturgeon, a genetically unique population of sturgeon that only exist in this river and are currently listed as an endangered species.
Kenney Dam, built in 1952, is located approximately 150 km upstream of Vanderhoof and holds back water from the Nechako River. The water release into the Nechako River is from the Skins Lake Spillway. The Nechako River flows at less than half the size it did prior to the dam being built. The river still experiences years where the flow is very high.