British Columbia, Canada - Skeena River & Nass River
Capt. Noel Gyger
July 23, 2007
Terrace - Freshwater Fishing Report
The Skeena River is coming into shape fast. Everyone has been waiting a long time. In the meantime the fishing on the Kitimat River is RED HOT
The photo of the week shows me with a nice big doe Chinook (King) Salmon landed this time of year last season. I was fishing on the lower Kalum River (one of my secret holes).
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Noel Gyger – Guided Fishing Adventures and Weekly Fishing Report
4012 Best Street, Terrace BC V8G 5R8, Canada
Tel/Fax: (250) 635-2568
Cell: (250) 631-2678
E-mail: [email protected]
Home Page: www.noelgyger.ca
Fishing Reports: www.noelgyger.ca
RECORD SALMON & STEELHEAD Spin or fly-fishing
RIVER, LAKE, STREAM or OCEAN!!!
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Noel Gyger - WEEKLY FISHING REPORT dated July 15 – July 22, 2007
Dear Fishing Friends:
I have received a few calls and e-mails from folks who are concerned with the shape of the Skeena River. I basically told them the Skeena River has been mostly borderline fishable and times NOT fishable. Check out the photos below which I snapped a few hours ago. Top left are a few fly fishermen trying for Sockeye at Ferry Island. Top right more fishermen on the main stem Skeena at the mouth of the Copper trying for Sockeye, Chinook and Steelhead. Bottom left is shot of the parking lot at Fishermen’s park boat launch. There are not a lot of boats out. Bottom right is a graph taken off of the govt website re water heights at noon today. You can see the trend is mostly on the down. The rain we had last night did not help matters, it colored up the Copper river which flows into the Skeena. Once again all I can say is that the Skeena is borderline fishable now. The lower Skeena has been fishing well with quite a few Chinook, Coho and Sockeye landed. The lower down the Skeena you go the cleaner the water usually is. The Kalum is high but fishable. Maybe everyone has gone over to the Kitimat River?
The Kitimat River has been red hot. Check out Ron Wakita’s report below. Still lots of Chinook available and now I have reports of the odd Coho being caught also…plus Chum and Pink. I even have a report of a Sockeye caught.
If I can be of service to find you the “best” guided fishing adventure let me know. Cast here to check out more of what I have to offer and review the latest updates regarding last minute openings at: http://noelgyger.ca Please note many of these trips are now being offered at a discount price. Contact me for all the details and to book. These dates are updated on my website whenever there is a change.
Be sure to check out my website at www.noelgyger.ca for more info on my history, Quality Waters Strategy, special guided fishing trips, video clips, scenic river photos, wildlife photos and others, comments from past guests, informational articles and archived fishing reports from 1996 through 2002. I hope it meets with your entire satisfaction.
FISHING GUIDE REPORTS FOR THIS WEEK ARE FROM:
Ron Wakita
Chad Black
Craig Murray
Randy Janzen (photo only)
CURRENT REPORT and summary for Skeena and Tributaries:
Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Salmon forecast for 2007: Chinook look very good for the Skeena and Kitimat systems; Coho are good to excellent; Pink expect a reasonably good run; Sockeye returns to the Skeena are expected to be good this year; Chum average return.
TYPE OF FISH CAUGHT: Chinook, Coho, Chum, Sockeye and Pink in the river.
Thank you for using barbless hooks.
FISHING THIS WEEK: GOOD
LARGEST FISH OF THE WEEK: Specie: 289 -pound Halibut (estimate) Where: Douglas Channel Angler: Sorry, missed the name
WEATHER: Rain. Highs to 16 degrees C. Region normal: Max. Temp. 23 degrees C. Min. Temp. 11 degrees C. Sunrise 5:28 am Sunset 9:53 pm
WEATHER REPORTS VIA TELEPHONE: Environment Canada taped messages constantly updated, giving current conditions and three day forecasts. Terrace 250-635-4192 Kitimat 250-632-7864 Prince Rupert 250-627-1155 Smithers 250-847-1958.
For current Terrace weather information please cast on:
http://www.theweathernetwork.com
WATER CONDITIONS: The Skeena River is borderline fishable. The Kitimat River is up and down but is fishable on most days. The Kalum River is high but fishable. Zymoetz (Copper) River is dirty. Other Skeena tribs towards Prince Rupert are clean.
CURRENT WATER HEIGHTS FOR:
SKEENA RIVER: RIVER AT USK (08EF001 RIVER AT USK (08EF0
http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca
KITIMAT RIVER:
http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca
SKEENA RIVER: is on the drop again and is borderline fishable. The main stem is the “highway” for Salmon heading to their many different tributary rivers.
KALUM RIVER: Chinook (King) Salmon are available in the lower five mile section. The water is high from the heavy rain we’ve had and is borderline fishable today.
This is a Classified River year round and can be guided from March 15 through October 15 only. The Steelhead record is 32-pounds. To see a photo of this fish cast to: http://noelgyger.ca The angler is Dennis Therrien.
KASIKS RIVER: It is now possible to fish for Chinook at the mouth, in the clean seam, where it joins the Skeena. Sometimes the Chinook come out of the Skeena and into the clean water in search for scent of their home river.
EXCHAMSIKS RIVER: Same as above, it is now possible to fish for Chinook in the clean seam.
EXTEW RIVER: Same as above, it is now possible to fish for Chinook in the clean seam.
GITNADOIX RIVER: The Chinook are entering the river now. You are limited to fishing for them downstream of the powerline crossing near river mouth.
Note: sadly, the above three rivers are closed to angling for Chinook except at the very lower end. Please check 2005 – 2007 BC Freshwater Salmon Supplement (fancy name for regulations) at: www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca for details.
ZYMOETZ (COPPER) RIVER: Like other Skeena tributaries, the Chinook (King) Salmon will start coming in now. You may fish the whole river for Chinook until July 23rd, then it closes upstream of the Highway 16 bridge. Due to a heavy rain last night the river is dirty now.
CRANBERRY RIVER: Chinook (King) Salmon are entering the river now. It may be fished for Chinook to July 31. Limits 4 per day, only 1 of 65 cm. Monthly quota = 1 over 65 CM
KINCOLITH RIVER: The BIG fresh, silver, Chinook (King) Salmon are coming into the river in the high tides. One may angle for Chinook downstream of white triangle boundary signs located at the Kincolith River Bridge. You would be fishing in the river but it is actually tidal water, so please remember you must have a salt water license to angle here. Cast here to buy them on line:
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish/Licensing/online_e.htm
TSEAX RIVER: This is a Nass River tributary. Chinook (King) Salmon fishing begins around July 1st. You may retain one big fish per month.
KWINIMASS RIVER: Chinook will be coming in soon with the high tides. You may fish for them until July 9. You must release the BIG ones. You may retain “Jacks” DFO describes limits as 4 per day, none of 65 cm.
ECSTALL RIVER: The main Chinook (King) Salmon runs start into this river around July 15. You may retain one BIG fish up until July 31 after that the big ones must be released but you still may retain a “Jack” under 50 cm.
OCEAN FISHING PRINCE RUPERT:
A summary of what is available year round can be read in the Archived Fishing Report dated April 13, 1997. For a direct link cast here: http://noelgyger.ca
Cast to this link for Prince Rupert tide tables http://www.waterlevels.gc.ca
AREA RIVER RECORDS: Chinook Salmon: Skeena River, 92.5-pounds; Kalum River, 85-pounds; Kitimat River, 74-pounds; Steelhead: Skeena River, 45-pounds; Coho Salmon: Skeena River, 27-pounds.
Fishing Report from: Nicholas Dean Lodge Fishing Report for the Week of July 15 to 21, 2007
The Skeena River is still quite high near Terrace, but it has dropped and cleaned enough to be fishable for Chinook Salmon with the best locations being situated where cleaner waters enter the Skeena. Dustin recently returned from a trip to Rainbow Alley on Babine Lake, and mentioned that the Bulkley River had cleaned up quite a lot, so we expect that as the Bulkley continues to drop, the Skeena should get in better shape.
Guests at the lodge have caught some great fish here during the past week on the Skeena River, as well as the Kitimat. An average day on the Kitimat last week casting spoons and back trolling plugs yielded about 8-12 hookups, but a few of our guests had the good fortune of having over 20 hookups on one particular day. The fish averaged 25 to 30 lbs, and a few 40 lb fish were also caught.
Best of luck fishing, and if you want to join us for a week of trophy Chinook fishing in combination with excellent fly fishing for other Salmon and the first runs of Summer Steelhead, don’t hesitate to contact Noel…
Until next week, tight lines and screaming reels…
Chad Black
Operations Manager
Nicholas Dean Lodge…where every cast is an adventure!
CURRENT REPORT and summary for Northern Coastal Rivers:
Fishing Report from: Reliable Guide and Charters
This is our Derby Weekend that our store co-sponsors with The Ol' Keg. Labatt’s is our beverage of sponsor for adults and Coca Cola is the sponsor for the kid’s portion of the derby. The largest chinook in the Kitimat River or Douglas Channel would win $500.00. The largest Chum will win $500.00. The largest halibut would win $500.00 and the second largest would win $500.00.
The4 largest kids Chinook prize is a rod and reel. The largest kids Chum is also a rod and reel. The kids can and have won the $500.00 cash prize as well.
The derby starts today, Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22.
KITIMAT RIVER:
High Tides, higher water levels and Killer Whales is a recipe for a ton of fish in the Kitimat River this week.
All five species of salmon were caught in the Kitimat this week. Dave Bergeron caught a Sockeye at Coho Flats on Wednesday. There were two Coho caught under the Haisla Bridge on Thursday. There are a pile of pinks in the lower Kitimat holes and Chum are finally starting to run.
The highlight of the week was definitely the numbers of Chinook caught throughout the Kitimat River system. Our mobile tackle van logged chinook at the Lower Dike, Pump House and under the Haisla bridge all week. Alex Nemeth (alias "Alexander the Great" this week ) of our guiding company ; Reliable Guide and Charters had an outstanding day on Wednesday hooking 16 chinook for clients and landing six.
Mark Girard and Gord McKean also had outstanding results in the drift boats this week. Most of our success is using the Scar Face technique developed by Mike Herzberg. I had the pleasure of guiding Dora and Bruno Spechner and friend Tommy from Switzerland. We landed two Chinook, a 30lb and a jack using the Scar Face technique and hooked seven pinks on fly.
Other drift boats also had success drifting the Kitimat. There were a pile of fresh Chinook in the Kitimat this week and even higher numbers of happy anglers. "Fisherman (Fishers) are in a lot better mood when they are catching fish. This was an outstanding week for anglers.
Stay tuned as there looks like there is more to come.
DOUGLAS CHANNEL:
Dan Dumont and his fishing partner Brad "Shithead" Wickman of Edmonton fishing the outer waters of the Douglas landed a 72" Halibut which according to the halibut chart I have calculated his halibut to be 196lb. Congratulations to Brad and Dan. What is even more amazing is at the dock was another halibut which was 82" which on this chart would weigh 289lbs. I am anxiously waiting for pictures of either halibut. Stay tuned.
Tight Lines to all!
Report and photos from Ron Wakita of Reliable Guide and Charters
Cast to this link for Kitimat tide tables http://www.waterlevels.gc.ca
CURRENT REPORT and summary for Central Coast/North Van Island Wilderness Rivers:
DFO Salmon forecast for 2007: Coho return is expected to be normal; Chinook were at or above average, so good fishing is anticipated; Chum are always strong; Pink returns are expected to be normal, which means very plentiful; Sockeye is not expected to be high.
A Fish Tale:
After a full day of catching fish, this Nimmo Bay guest has decided to let his rod do the work. When you're on the upside 0f 70, sometimes it is necessary to take a break from the strenuous job of fishing. This chair, carried in the helicopter, was a great way to relax and just let the rest of the afternoon slip by.
Many of our anglers are upwards of 70, both male and female. No one is retired from fishing when you put the helicopter on line. All those magical, dreamed about places of fish filled pools become suddenly accessible. You are born again as an angler, who can access the most difficult spots, where you can fish alone among the wilderness forests while standing or sitting beside a sparkling pool filled with Pacific Salmon and trout.
Our salmon season is upon us now and we will fish with guests until the end of October. Vancouver Island and the Mainland will supply the venue's and the helicopter is our magic carpet. To Fly is Human ... To Hover, Divine finally has meaning once you soar like an eagle and hover above those fish filled rivers and get up close and personal with waterfalls, mountain lakes and glaciers. This is a true Angling Odyssey.
If you would like to participate and you feel it is your turn to experience paradise, call Noel to reserve your place at Nimmo Bay. We look forward to seeing you.
Nimmo Bay Resort
Craig Murray, Owner
FISHING REGULATION WEBSITES:
2005/2007 BC tidal waters and freshwater Salmon fishing information:
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Effective April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2007
2006/2007 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca
Effective April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007
NOTE: For In-season Regulation Changes posted on the web check the above URL’s
2007 TV SHOW SCHEDULE FOR SPORTFISHING BC with host Mark Pendlington
CHANNEL Friday Saturday Sunday
Sportsnet Pacific 6:30 AM PST
(9:30 AM EST)
Knowledge Network 1:30 PM PST
(4:30 PM EST) 1:30 PM PST
(4:30 PM EST) 11:30 PM PST
(2:30 PM EST)
A Channel 7:00 AM PST
(10:00 AM EST)
World Fishing Network Check local listings
CATCH & RELEASE FORMULA: Chinook: girth squared x length x 1.54 divided by 1000 (inches) Steelhead: girth squared x length x 1.33 divided by 1000 (inches)
MARKETPLACE (Sportfishing related items only please) Contact me anytime to list your items.
Help Wanted: Nicholas Dean Lodge would like to hire a fishing guide. Please e-mail or fax your resume. Fax: (250) 635-7971 or E-mail: [email protected]
For Sale: 12 foot Port-a-bote folding boat. $1000. Terrace BC Phone 250-631-3161
For Sale: 16 foot Aluminum boat with a 40hp Evinrude. Boat, trailer and motor $1500. Complete with Hummingbird sounder, VHF marine radio, downriggers $2000. Kitimat BC E-mail [email protected]
For Sale: Three 20 foot Custom Flat Bottom Jet Sleds (build by Dennis Farnsworth) with Mercury 90hp/65 Jet and trailers. $8000 each OBO Houston BC E-mail James Britton [email protected]
Cast to http://www.noelgyger.ca to view the items.
To receive my WEEKLY FISHING REPORT and PHOTO via e-mail please send your name and e-mail address to: Noel Gyger [email protected]
GOOD LUCK and GOOD FISHING!
Yours sincerely,
Noel F. Gyger
Back to: http://noelgyger.ca
Home page: www.noelgyger.ca
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