British Columbia, Canada - Skeena River & Nass River
Capt. Noel Gyger
September 3, 2007
Terrace - Freshwater Fishing Report
Guiding fishingtrips on the Skeena River near Terrace BC at its vert BEST!
The photo of the week shows Nicholas Dean Lodge guest George Honore with his beautiful, bright, wild, summer-run Skeena River Steelhead. Angling guide Sky Richard is holding the fish which was estimated to weigh around 16-pounds. Photo credit - Jon Millichap. There were many photos I could have used as the photo-of-the-week.
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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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Home Page: www.noelgyger.ca
Noel Gyger - WEEKLY FISHING REPORT dated August 26 – September 2, 2007
Dear Fishing Friends:
Wow, where did August go? With the cooler rainy days it feels like summer is over. September is here and that means Coho. Our American friends call them Silvers. The more rain we have the better. High water is needed to bring in good numbers and allow jet boats access upriver. DFO predicts a good run so we will have to wait and see if that prediction comes true. Interestingly, the Tyee Test Fishery for Coho is below the six year average. I assume this refers to the summer-run Coho which should already be past Terrace. As per regulations the Coho fishing on the lower Skeena tributaries opens on Sept 1. These are the Coho we call “northerns” the big ones with the hooked nose. The biggest one I have ever seen was landed on the Kasiks River by Jack Baikowitz that weighed 27-pounds. Cast http://www.noelgyger.ca for a photo.
Steelhead fishing on the Skeena varies from good to spotty. Some guides report excellent fishing while others say it has been slow. I have reports of some big fish landed. Jeff Bright of www.jeffbright.com landed a 25-pounder last week and apparently landed another one around the same size this week. All with the Spey fly rod. Once again, no photo…as the saying goes the BIG one always gets away.
Sockeye and Chum fishing are spotty but there are still plenty of Pinks to catch although the fish are getting dark.
The Skeena River started to rise (worst fishing conditions) on Aug 29 and kept rising until Aug 31. Obviously this must have had an affect on the fishing, slowing it down. The river has been dropping (best fishing conditions) and cleaning ever since.
Fishing for Steelhead on the Zymoetz (Copper) River is slow at this time. Water has been dirty most of the week. Anyway some of the best fishing for Steelhead is during the classified water time period of Sept 1 to Oct 31. So I guess one could say the fishing has JUST begun. Check out some of the video clips from late last fall…WOW-WOW that is all I have to say. There are 17 Steelhead clips from the fall time period, numbered from 0007 through 0023. What kind of a run are we going to have this year?
Nicholas Dean Lodge Outpost Camp report: I understand they may take the camp down today. Below is a photo of one of the largest Steelhead caught at the camp this season. On the left is AAG Rick Morrison and on the right AG Dustin Kovacvich. Photo credit goes to Keith Cuddeback. Thank you very much Keith for sending it to me.
Cast to http://www.noelgyger.ca for another New video clip posted on August 28. It is numbered and titled:
Video Clip 0007 Rick Morrison coho fly fishing Skeena River
Little bit of back ground on the video clip. Rick is an Assistant Angling Guide (AAG) for Nicholas Dean Lodge at their outpost camp. His clients stopped fishing for lunch and he took the opportunity to make a few casts...and POW a nice Coho took his fly. He hooked it in the main flow of the river. The fish fought its way down stream and through a shallow tail-out and ended up in a back eddy where Rick landed it. Nice job Rick.
This is the first fly fishing Coho video clip I have and I hope to have more in the future.
For a detailed report on the Kitimat River and Douglas Channel please read the Ron Wakita report and photos below.
Let me know if I can be of service to book you with the "best" fishing guide and/or fishing lodges. 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 kind of like hiring two guides for the price of one. Your questions and concerns will be promptly answered by me. Cast here http://noelgyger.ca to read more of what I have to offer and review the latest updates regarding last minute openings. Contact me for all the details and to book. These dates are updated on the 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.
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: Coho, Chum, Sockeye, Pink, Chinook and Steelhead in the river. Halibut, Bottom Fishing and Coho in the ocean Kitimat Douglas Channel and Prince Rupert.
Thank you for using barbless hooks.
FISHING THIS WEEK: Fair
LARGEST FISH OF THE WEEK: Species: 25-pound Steelhead Where: Skeena River Angler: Jeff Bright (Second week in a row)
WEATHER: Cloudy with sunny periods. Showers beginning late this afternoon. High to 18 degrees C. Region normal: Max. Temp. 20 degrees C. Min. Temp. 9 degrees C. Sunrise 6:43 am Sunset 8:26 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 in fair shape. Water has been dropping the last few days. The Kitimat River is up and down but has been fishable all week. The Kalum River is clean. 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: Fishing is fair for Sockeye throughout the whole system. Pinks are showing in abundant numbers. Coho fishing is slow. We are keeping and eye on it. Fly fishing for Steelhead is fair. The main stem is the “highway” for Salmon and Steelhead heading to their many different tributary rivers.
KALUM RIVER: The main run of Coho should be entering the river now. This run spawns in the whole river. The early run that swims quickly through the whole river and into Kalum Lake is still happening. The distance is about 20 kilometers. They seem to mill around in the lake at the mouth of the Beaver (upper Kalum River) and Cedar Rivers until the water is the correct height, then they shoot up. If your timing is good you can catch them in the lake. Sockeye are in the river now but are closed to angling.
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: With the higher water good numbers of Coho should be entering the river now. Fishing on the low end has started. Catches have been slow.
EXCHAMSIKS RIVER: With the higher water good numbers of Coho should be entering the river now.
EXSTEW RIVER: With the higher water good numbers of Coho should be entering the river now.
STARTING NOW Think about hiring an experienced jet boat fishing guide for the above three rivers for fall Coho (Silver) Salmon. It will change your life…believe me!
GITNADOIX RIVER: The Coho seem to school up in calm pools on the lower end. With the higher water good numbers of Coho should be entering the river now. Access to this river is difficult. Jet boat only.
ZYMOETZ (COPPER) RIVER: When the water is clean a few Steelhead have been caught.
KINCOLITH RIVER: Coho should be coming in on high tides.
TSEAX RIVER: Has a late run of Chinook. I have a report of good numbers of Chinook landed in the low end down near the mouth. The best access is via jet boat but some determined folks like to walk in from the road. Coho should be right behind the Chinook or even mixed in with them.
KWINIMASS RIVER: Coho are coming in now. More rain the better.
ECSTALL RIVER: Coho should be coming in now with the higher tides and rain.
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 Chad Black of Nicholas Dean Lodge
The above photo shows lodge guest Bob Owen taking great pride helping hold his Skeena River wild Steelhead. This fish was estimated to weigh 14-pounds. On the right is owner of the lodge Dustin Kovacvich. Photo credit - Jon Honore
NICHOLAS DEAN LODGE is British Columbia’s premier exclusive wild salmon and steelhead outdoor adventure destination and the only lodge in North Western BC that can offer a different adventure every day, each time you come to the lodge. We have access to over 50 rivers and lakes, saltwater fishing, fly and conventional fishing, all species of salmon and trout, including outdoor adventure. We can organize an adventure sport like mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, camping, tours, skiing, snowmobiling and off -road motorcycle tours.
The Skeena River system may be the last pervasive wild salmon and steelhead fishery in the world; it’s well protected and will become a legacy for the clients of Nicholas Dean Lodge to enjoy for many years to come.
CURRENT REPORT and summary for Northern Coastal Rivers:
FISHING REPRT from: Ron Wakita of Reliable Guide and Charters
KITIMAT RIVER:
The Coho return has been sporadic lately but with the recent high tides and the rainfall we had the last couple of days created two influences for the Coho to migrate into the area.
This is the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce Fishing Derby weekend and a bunch of Coho showed up in time for the derby participants to catch. There were 7 Coho caught at the Pump House Friday August 28th and 9 caught at the Lower Dike. The Coho don't seem to be holding in the lower river for long as the next morning there were only 2 landed at the Pump house and 2 at the lower dike. This is typical with Coho that when the river rises the Coho migrate upriver and then hold in the deeper pools as the river drops. The Kitimat River is dropping so smart money says to go up river into the deeper pools such as Coho Flats, Powerline and even as high up river as the 18 mile rock. Another bonus of the high water is that a section of river that was impassible above the powerline has now opened up.
Stay Tuned for this weekend's derby results as we will post them on this report.
DOUGLAS CHANNEL:
Dan O'Neil of Rising Sun Charters reported landing a 100lb. halibut but he did not enter the Derby. The largest halibut will win $500.00 cash but Dan had to have entered the Derby prior to catching the fish and time will tell whether his halibut would have been the largest at the weigh in deadline.
One of the hot spots in the Douglas Channel for Coho is "Fish Trap" as Todd from Nautical West Charters reports limiting out his clients on August 28th. "It's hot" Todd says and lots of other boats were doing really good as well.
Todd also reports a large halibut also pushing close to 100lbs caught in the Fish Trap area.
We will soon see whether this angler was entered in the Derby and eligible to win the First prize of $500.00.
Stay Tuned to this fishing report for all of the results from the Derby.
Good Luck to all anglers participating in the Derby or not.
Thank You to everyone who contributed to this report.
Report 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:
FISHING REPORT from Craig Murray of Nimmo Bay Resort
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.
The photo is helicopter pilot/guide Ted holding a fresh central coast, wilderness River, Chinook (King) Salmon for the lodge guest. The fish was caught on August 27.
In September, the great fishing continues in all of our systems for Trout, Coho and Chum. This is the best time to hook into large Chinook Salmon. There are summer Steelhead at this time. Although we do not focus on them this is a great time to fish for them.
Join us for the most incredible fishing experience of a lifetime. Depart the resort each morning in A-Star helicopters and travel from sea level to 7,000 feet and down again into the Great Bear Rainforest where some of the most private and desirable fresh water fishing in the world await. Fly fish or spin fish all day for Rainbow & Cutthroat trout, Steelhead, Char and all 5 species of Pacific Salmon: Chinook, Coho, Chum, Sockeye and Pink. Be guided on the following classified rivers: Wakeman River, Nekite River, Kingcome River, Kakweiken River, Ahnuahti River, Seymour River as well as over 40 unclassified rivers and lakes throughout northern Vancouver Island and the central coast from Knight Inlet to Bella Coola.
This year in 2007, out of 10 Heli fishing and tour resorts and lodges from around the world, Nimmo Bay Resort was voted number one by the prestigious, New York based Forbes Traveler magazine.
To Fly is Human ...To Hover, Divine
Craig Murray, Owner
Nimmo Bay Resort (Est. 1980)
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.
Wanted to buy: 18-20 foot flat bottom jet boat with centre console, motor and trailer a bonus but not mandatory. Peachland BC Contact Rob 250-767-6456 or 250-864-8644 or [email protected] or Rick 250-212-2314 New Sept 1/07
For Sale: magnificent Fishing Lodge in the heart of Patagonia. Located in what probably is the very best spot for salmon runs in the whole South American continent. Ask for full information by contacting Carlos Hernandez of Hunting & Fishing in South America via e-mail [email protected] New Aug 30/07
Wanted to buy: large arbour reel for 9-10 wt Spey rod. Would consider a used one in good condition. Terrace BC E-mail Rick Morrison [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. New items have been posted this week.
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
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