The Chinook are coming!
Capt. Noel Gyger
May 25, 2010
Terrace - Freshwater Fishing Report
The photo of the week shows first time spey fishing angler, Doc Chad Smith from Bakersfield CA, with a chrome Chinook. He was fishing with a pink fly he tied himself the night before his guided fishing day. Chad was using a Sage 10-151 spey fly rod and a Hardy Angel reel. His line was the new Rio Skagit Flight Head 650 grain, running line from Rio as well, 13ft of t-14 for a sink tip and a 15lb Maxima Ultragreen tippet, tied in a Bimini Twist, for full fighting power and strength. Doc was guest of Tracey Hittel of Steelhead Heaven.
Noel Gyger - WEEKLY FISHING REPORTS for Smithers, Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert and Meziadin North
May 16 to May 23, 2010
Dear Fishing Friends:
SUMMARY: Weather has been good with a little above average daytime temperatures. Fishing for Steelhead, Cutthroat Trout, Bull Trout and Dolly Varden Char using both fly, spin and conventional gear is fair. The Skeena River is too dirty to fish. It's time again to fish the clean seams that flow in from the cleaner tributaries. The Zymoetz (Copper) River is high and borderline fishable. The Kalum River is high and in good shape and fishing for Steelhead and Chinook (King) Salmon is good. This is the time of year when you can catch Steelhead and Chinook on the same day. The Kitimat River is in good shape and fishing for Steelhead is spotty. More Chinook are coming in with the high water. Fishing the outer waters for Chinook is good. The main run of Chinook heading into the river will start soon. Then fishing in the bay will take off. Crab (Dungeness and King) fishing is excellent. Check out the Ron Wakita report below. Ocean Chinook fishing in Prince Rupert is good. Fishing for Halibut is good and so is trapping Crabs and Prawns. Check out the Jeff Carlson report below. The Smithers anglers are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Bulkley River summer-run Steelhead and Chinook. In the meantime lake fishing is good. Check out the Cory Koenig report below. Jason Munday in Terrace reports fishing is fair. Trout and Dolly Varden fishing is good. Lake fishing is good. Check out Jason Munday's report below. Marvin Reid from Mezidian North reports lake fishing is good. Check out Marvin's report below.
For Sale: waterfront properties, rafts, jet boats and Wanted to Buy property are posted near the bottom of this report. Check them out!
Contact me anytime to post your FOR SALE river or ocean front property. Retirement folks from around the world are looking for this type of investment where they can fish the rest of their lives and still be close to home! There is NO charge for a posting. My FISHING REPORT AND WEBSITE has world wide reach.
View current postings
With the participation of some of the Best Dealers (Tackle Shops) in the Northwest I have distributed DVD players and Video clips featuring the Best Fishing in the Northwest highlighting several of the Best Guides and Charters in the Northwest using a variety of the Best Fishing Products on the Market today. The dealers that have the DVD players are: Home Hardware in Kitimat, J&E Tackle and Hunting Shop in Prince Rupert, Oscars Source for Sports in Smithers and Fish Tales Tackle Shop in Terrace. Please visit these shops to watch the shows.
LIST OF "New" ITEMS POSTED ON THE WEBSITE THIS WEEK:
- One New item (wanted to buy) on "Recreation Water Front Property" May 22/10
- Two New items posted on "Special Guided Fishing Trips" May 20/10 -
- One New item (jet boat) posted on "Market Place" May 18/10
- One New item posted on "Conservation" May 18/10
- Two New items (rafts) posted on "Market Place" May 17/10
BOOK NOW! Click here for discounted trips of a lifetime! Let me know if I can be of service to book you with the "best" fishing guide and/or fishing lodges for both river and ocean. There are NO extra charges to book through me, just a lot of free information and advice from a person with years and years of fishing and fish guiding experience. It is like hiring two guides for the price of one. I will promptly answer your questions.
Many people book three trips per year to our area; one trip in the spring (March-April-May), one trip in the summer (June-July-August) and one trip in the fall (September-October-November). They love having the same guide but fishing for different fish in different areas.
Be sure to check out my website at www.noelgyger.ca for news bulletins, mid week fishing updates, conservation, my history, quality waters strategy, special guided fishing trips, video clips, podcasts, scenic river photos, wildlife photos and others, comments from past guests, informational articles, archived fishing reports from 1996 through 2002 and a sportfishing market place. I hope it meets with your entire satisfaction. I am at your service.
CURRENT REPORT and summary for Skeena and Tributaries:
TYPE OF FISH CAUGHT: Chinook, Steelhead, Trout and Dolly Varden Char for river. Salmon, Halibut, Bottom Fish and Dungeness and King Crab for ocean.
Thank you for using barbless hooks! (This is a BC fishing regulation)
FISHING THIS WEEK: FAIR
LARGEST FISH OF THE WEEK: River: estimate 15-pound Steelhead. Ocean: 75-pound Halibut from Douglas Channel in Kitimat, BC
WEATHER: Increasing cloudiness. 30 percent chance of showers this afternoon. High 17. UV index 4 or moderate. Sunrise 5:17 AM Sunset 9:46 PM. Today's yearly average temperatures: Maximum 18 degrees. Minimum 6 degrees.
WEATHER REPORTS VIA TELEPHONE: Terrace 250-635-4192 Kitimat 250-632-7864 Prince Rupert 250-627-1155 Smithers 250-847-1958.
SKEENA RIVER: The water is too dirty to fish although it is dropping and cleaning.
Skeena River height: http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/fullgraph.asp
KALUM RIVER: More anglers are heading out to try their luck fishing for Chinook, Steelhead and Trout. The water is high but in good shape. Fishing has been reported as fair. Chinook are being caught in the upper and lower sections. The odd Steelhead are still being taken but most have kelted and are heading back to the ocean. Reminder: Fishing for Chinook upstream of signs below the lower canyon closes Tuesday, May 25th. The lower end will remain open to fish for Chinook until August 7th.
ZYMOETZ (COPPER) RIVER: The water is too dirty to fish.
Fishing Report from: Ron Wakita of Reliable Guide and Charters, Kitimat BC
KITIMAT RIVER:
All good things must come to an end and the Steelhead run on the Kitimat River is on the decline. There may be the odd bright Steelhead but most of the Steelhead in the Kitimat have turned to spawning colours or have finished spawning and on their downstream migration.
The Trout fishing has been exceptional this season and continues to be very good. Anglers are reminded that the Bait Ban is in effect as of May 15th. Fly Fishing has been very effective for the Trout. Fry patterns have been the more effective patterns. Other Trout anglers are having good success with the Gibbs 3/16oz Silver Hex Croc.
Some anxious Chinook Anglers have already geared up for Chinook. Chinook have been reported rolling in the pool of the Upper-Lower Dike on the High tides.
May 16 I had the pleasure of drifting with Lynn and Fred Stevenson to celebrate Fred's Birthday. We lost one Steelhead during our drift but managed to hook a bunch of Trout on the lower portion of the Kitimat. Spending a day on the water, one gets to know people on a different level. I never would have guessed that Lynn was so competitive. When Lynn started to hook Trout, it was "Game On". Thank You to Fred and Lynn for a wonderful and entertaining day on the Kitimat River fishing and Happy Birthday Fred!
May 18 James Wright reporting landing a couple of Steelhead in the upper Kitimat. Sorry no pictures.
Summary The Kitimat River will start to produce Chinook with each High tide. The Upper-Lower Dike and the Eurocan Pump House are typically the first 2 fishing holes to produce these early Chinook. Although it is still early for the Kitimat Chinook, many anglers are gearing up to catch these Trophy Sport fish.
DOUGLAS CHANNEL:
May 17 Alain St.Pierre and Ray Hepting landed a 30lb Chinook on the Douglas Channel. Congratulations Guys. I was hoping to have photos and more details for this fishing report. Stay tuned.
May 21 Darcy Janes fishing with Louis Laganiere caught a 25lb Chinook in the Kitimat Harbour. Darcy and Louis were using Rhys Davis Whole herring trolling at 60' on the Moon Bay side of the Kitimat Harbour. Congratulations guys and Thank You for sharing the info.
Summary Chinook have being caught mostly in Sue Channel but this week we have received reports of Chinook being caught in the Kitimat Harbour. Many boaters have waited all winter for the start of Chinook fishing and now we are on the verge of some of the best Chinook fishing on the coast.
The King of Salmon is so named because no other Salmon pulls line off a reel like Chinook. It is an exciting time to be fishing the Douglas Channel.
Thank You to everyone for submitting photos and info for this report.
Tight Lines, Good Health and Good Fishing!
Sincerely
Ron Wakita
We have dates available for Jet boat trips, Saltwater trips and Driftboat trips. Please contact [email protected]
Testimonial for the Tiny Teaser Baitrix www.baitrix.com
"Hi There…Just thought I would let you know I caught a 45lb halibut on May 16th on the Oak Bay Flats on a tiny teaser with Tiny Teaser Baitrix. The Baitrix in a tiny teaser gives the lure the best roll I have ever been able to achieve even better than with real herring. The halibut swallowed the Baitrix quite deeply but I was able to get it out and reuse the Baitrix, something you could not do with real herring. Going fishing again this weekend with the same piece of Baitrix as it still looks brand new. I have used other artificial strips in the past but none can compare with the Baitrix. This was my first trip using the Baitrix, you might say I am hooked now. Thanks Alex Green"
Fishing Report from: Gill McKean of Westcoast Fishing Adventures, Terrace BC and region
Hi Noel: Girls can do it too! You can see by the smile on Andrea's face she is having a good time as she holds her bright, silver Steelhead landed and released on the Kitimat this spring. She caught this one on her own. I think April has a Twin LOL. We had a great Steelhead season and now look forward to the rivers dropping into shape and hooking the largest of all the Kings of the river or as we Canadians call them Chinook.
Comments from her husband Jake below:
"Gill, Here are couple photos of my wife Andrea and Your bro Gordie with a Kitimat River pig. We had a great time with you guys and look forward to coming back soon. We at Clackacraft Drift Boats work with many Guides and Outfitters and your Services rank at the top. You know you can really tell when someone enjoys what they do for a living and you guys do. We are honored to have you as a Clackacraft Pro-Staffer and as a Great friend!
Fish-On,
Jake Gregg
Clackacraft Drift Boats
Tight Lines to all.
Gill McKean
Spey Casting Fly Fishing we do it all and love every minute of it...
Fishing Report from: Tracey Hittel of Steelhead Heaven, Kitimat/Terrace BC
Kitimat River Fishing Report May 17, 2010
Our spring Steelhead season has come to a close and the Chinook Salmon are trickling in, and are they ever fresh. So fresh as the attached pics of the Doc (Photo of the Week) from Bakersfield, CA has a sea-liced bullet in his very happy grasps, not to mention a nice Steelhead that day as well, all on the Spey.
Our last pair of anglers of the season, the father and son combo made my Steelhead finale a rewarding, as well a challenging one as the fellas wanted to Spey cast the entire week, did I mention that they have never spey fished. An hour of practice on the Lodge lawn and next morning we were fishing the local streams for fresh Chinook and late season Steelhead.
Terry and Chad spent many hours walking and casting the long pools and combing the riffles to feel the tug of a trophy fish, not to mention donating many flies to the Kitimat River. So one evening after dinner we tied up 10 flies, one black pattern and one pink.
After many smaller Cutthroat, medium sized Dolly Varden and Bull Trout, Chad got the tug of the trip, a large Steelhead was fooled with his secret weapon and out of the water this double red striped 20lb male jumped, then making a quick run to shore and upstream, the fight was short and sweet. Unfortunately the hook pulled and the line went limp. Yes a butt kicking experience. Terry also had a large fish take his fly twice in the same pool but the brute eluded him each time.
The week together was awesome for me, and the guys are now trained up on Spey fishing. You know when you drop clients off at the airport and you give hugs instead of handshakes the experience was successful. It may sound corny, but clients do leave as friends. River conditions are now very high and logs are rushing down the Kitimat River as I write this report, we are in the freshet!
Summer guests have the opportunity to hike, fish, spa, and tour while in the Kitimat Valley so contact us if you have any questions. Sincerely, Tracey Hittel
Fishing Report from: J & E Tackle Shop, Prince Rupert BC
HI Noel: May 15th was a day to remember for Mike Lambe, as his 2 sons Wade and David treated him for a day of halibut Fishing in Hecate Straight and 2 days of Salmon Fishing on the banks of the Skeena River for his 60th birthday. We headed out at 5:00am to my favourite Halibut hole. We arrived 1 hr before low tide and were not disappointed. We were there for about ˝ an hour on the Ebb tide. And 1 hour later we had 4 nice Halibut in the boat, with Mike catching the biggest at 60lb on his 60th birthday, WOW. After that we headed for Stevens Island to finish off the day with a little Salmon fishing and picked up 1 Chinook at 18lbs. They had fished with me 6 yrs ago and forgot how much fun ocean fishing can be. They will be back, and said it will not be 6 yrs. before they make the trip back. Mike, Wade and David are from Williams Lake BC
Fishing is salt and freshwater is what we have to offer the world. Come on out and enjoy our hospitality!
www.bcstylefishingcharters.com
Tight Lines and see you on the water.
Jeff Carlson - owner
Fishing Report from: Fish Tales Tackle Shop, Terrace BC
Hello Noel. Well, as the Skeena is dirty from the rainfall we just had I have not received much river info from folks. This high water is a good thing as it will bring the Kings in!! Saltwater fishing has really taken off. There is lot's of people heading out to Rupert and Kitimat for Chinook and Halibut. Also folks are setting out their crab and prawn traps for that extra treat at days end. Hopefully I will receive more detailed info soon as people return from there trips with tales to tell! Willie sent me a picture of his first Spring of the year! Nice catch!
Willie---- 5 a.m. top of the trail fishing on the run at 5.30, temp. a tad under zero..first pass only 2 small dollys.. second pass at 7.00 a.m. my egg sucking leach was struck by a freight train. I thought large Steelhead as my line peeled out well into my backing, 10 minutes later I had the fish flash 20 feet in front of me and I thought not as big a Steelhead as I thought.. It was not until I got it really close that I realized it was my first spring of 2010... Willie M
Happy fishing to all from Fish Tales Fly & Tackle Shop
Fish Tales would like to take the opportunity to WELCOME Simms into our store. We now carry a solid Simms product line and growing. Fish Tales invites everyone to come in and check out our store display of this top quality product. Comfort is key for a great day on the river!!
Happy Fishing to all from Fish Tales Fly & Tackle Shop!!
Out of town orders are always welcome. Come in for a coffee anytime.
Cheers!
Jason Munday
Fishing Report from: Marvin Reid who reports for Meziadin and area, Northern BC
Fishing at Meziadin, has been nothing less than awesome. Everyone I have spoken to has experienced success on the water, this week, including myself. Today ( Sat ) while fishing with Dave Ringham and Dave Fuchs from Kitimat, I caught a 77cm Dolly Varden. That is my personal best on Meziadin. Unfortunately, like every good fishing story, the cameras were all left at home.
I had the pleasure this week of taking a trip to Watson Lake, Yukon. If ever you have the chance to take this trip, you will never be disappointed. There are numerous lakes and rivers, along the way which have easy access. Most all contain Rainbows, Dolly Varden. Aortic Grayling or Pike. As well as great fishing the scenery on Highway 37 is beyond words. I have attached two photos taken this week at Meziadin Lake Provincial Park. The first is of Jeremy and Miranda Howerton and their baby daughter Arianna, they are from California. Jeremy spends the summer in Alaska as a fishing guide. The second picture is of Carol Fisk of Kitimat, with a Dolly she caught from shore on a single hook and a worm, Great job, done by all.
I am now the operator of Meziadin Lake Provincial Park. As well as operating the Park which has a Store, and wireless internet to all sites. We also offer Travel Trailer Rentals to persons wishing to enjoy the outdoor experience.
I do guided fishing trips on Meziadin and other local lakes along Highway 37.
Meziadin if not the best lake in Northwest BC for Dolly Varden and Bull Trout, up to 11 lbs, must be very close to the top of the list. I supply all rods, tackle and bait. Care of catch and cleaning.
Trips can be booked by the hour or by the day. I use an 19ft Harbercraft powered by a 75 Yamaha.
We can be contacted at [email protected] , or 1 866 500 7302
Best regards, Marvin Reid
Fishing Report from: Cory Koenig of Webflyz, Smithers BC
My daughter is now making FLY earrings for that FLY woman in your FLY life!
These and any custom fly earrings are available upon request. Not bad for 9 years old, 'EH!! www.webflyz.com or 1-888-WEBFLYZ!
Cory Koenig is taking custom fly orders for any species now at www.webflyz.com
Highest Quality, Durable, and Competitively Priced Flies for any Species!
>>CHECK OUT THIS>> "Steelhead Proof"
Terrace Fishing Forecast:
GOOD...nice to see the Chinook coming back!
Target Species:
Chinook
More Fishing Reports:
