British Columbia, Canada - Skeena River & Nass River
Capt. Noel Gyger
October 15, 2007
Terrace - Freshwater Fishing Report
Guided Fly Fishing for wild Steelhead in Terrace BC Canada Skeena River Region
The photo of the week shows Gary Dickenson of Santa Rosa, California with a huge Zymoetz (Copper) River Steelhead caught on October 6, 2007 This could very well be the fly caught record for this river, unless someone else knows of a bigger one. Let me know. Congratulations Gary! Photo by: John Rusmisel
More detail below:
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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 October 7 – October 14, 2007
(Number 40)
Dear Fishing Friends:
Water is fishable on some of the rivers. We are lucky to have so many different rivers to fish. One gets blown we just move to another. The Zymoetz (Copper) River is blown out today. The Skeena is still fishable even after all the rain we have had. Late fall Coho should still be coming in. Steelhead, at least the true summer-runs, are in their home rivers now. Fall and winter runs bound for the Kalum River are still coming in. Tomorrow, October 15 is the last day for guiding on this river. If you know where the Coho are holding in the Kitimat River they can still be caught. Check out the Ron Wakita report below.
I get my fishing reports from many sources but I would like to mention one I got yesterday from Bill Kiser of Portland, Oregon. Bill has been coming back for guided trips with me and now the Nicholas Dean Lodge since 2000. Bill went home yesterday after his week of fishing and told me he had great success on all the rivers he fished for both Steelhead and Coho. He said his guide Gregg Buck took very good care of him and put him onto fish everyday. See you next year Bill.
Out of curiosity I was looking back at some of my past guiding records and note that fishing on the lower Skeena River October 15, 1999 was fabulous. We fished for eight hours using conventional tackle. (Barry and Brian) hooked 45 fish, landed 33 of which 21 were Coho, 7 Steelhead and 5 Pinks. On October 16 (Jack and Diane) hooked 44 fish, landed 31 of which 18 were Coho, 13 Steelhead and 2 Pinks. My question is… shouldn’t we expect this kind of action even today? I say…YES…and if not we have to do a better job managing our fishery. I think we have our work cut out.
I have some wonderful fishing photos this week, anyone of them could have been the photo of the week.
Photo of the week more detail (from e-mail string):
E-MAIL: TO: Gary Dickenson FROM: Noel Gyger
Hi Gary, thank you for the photos. Nice fish! The following are the formulas I have used for years:
CATCH & RELEASE FORMULAS:
Chinook: girth squared x length x 1.54 divided by 1000 (inches)
Steelhead: girth squared x length x 1.33 divided by 1000 (inches)
If your Steelhead had a girth of 25 inches the weight could be estimated (25 x 25 x 45 x 1.33 divided by 1000) at 37.40-pounds.
That is one BIG Steelhead. Thanks. Noel
E-MAIL: TO: Noel Gyger FROM: Gary Dickenson
Noel: You confirmed what I was thinking about the size of that steelhead. Could this actually be the fly-caught record for the Copper River? (If not, that is fine with me, but I would at least like an estimate of the weight for my story-telling purposes.) I saw the photos of the records of 30 and 32 pounds on your website, and my fish looks bigger than both of those fish. That's why I sent you my photos. I thought you would be interested.
I have many photos of the fish, and from different angles, so I think a good estimation of the girth can be determined based on the photos. The length measurement of 45 inches is accurate. Actually, the first rough measurement was 45-1/2" inches, but several re-measurements put it at 45 inches.
You can use the photos in your report. Here's the information on our day.
Fish caught by: Gary Dickenson, Santa Rosa, California
Date: October 6, 2007
River: Copper River, lower portion below confluence with Clore River
Photos taken by: John Rusmisel
Length: 45 inches; tip of nose to tip of tail
Girth: Not measured, (I'll let you estimate the girth)
Gear: Fly fishing; 9.5' 8wt Sage EP single-handed fly rod, Bauer LM3 reel, Rio Type 3 shooting head line, Maxima 15 lb test leader.
Fly: #6 purple egg-sucking leech.
Report: The big steelhead took a little over 20 minutes to land. Jumped completely out of the water on four different occasions. It was awesome to see. For the day, we (John and myself) had 7 hook-ups, with three steelhead and one dolly landed. The steelhead were approximately 8 lb, 12 lb, and 37 lb (?); the dolly was 16". .
So, do think this fish has any chance at being a record for the Copper River? I have no experience with a fish of this size, so I leave the size estimate to the big fish experts such as yourself. Show the photos around to other guides and see what the consensus is. I am going to try to get a good estimate of the girth base on all my photos. If you want to see more photos of the fish, I'd be happy to send them to you.
Thank you for your response.
Best Regards,
Gary Dickenson
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If any of you have special fishing photos, scenic river photos or wildlife photos I would love to see them and post them on my site. Note to those who have already sent photos, I promise, I will get them posted soon.
NOTICE Cast here http://noelgyger.ca to view open dates for the guides and lodges. Their seasons are running short and there are not many open dates left.
NOW BOOKING FOR 2008 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 like hiring two guides for the price of one. I will promptly answer your questions and concerns. 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.
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, 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.
FISHING GUIDE REPORTS FOR THIS WEEK ARE FROM:
Ron Wakita
Chad Black
Craig Murray
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: Steelhead and Coho in the river.
Thank you for using barbless hooks.
FISHING THIS WEEK: ---GOOD
LARGEST FISH OF THE WEEK: Specie: 18-pound Steelhead Where: Skeena trib Angler: Andrew Fairclough
WEATHER: Periods of rain. Windy. Highs to 9 degrees C. Region normal: Max. Temp. 10 degrees C. Min. Temp. 4 degrees C. Sunrise 8:00 am Sunset 6:41 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, Kitimat and Kalum Rivers are in fishable shape. Other Skeena tribs towards Prince Rupert are also in fishable shape.
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: The River is staying in shape. Coho are showing up in average numbers. Fly fishing and spin fishing for Steelhead is slowing down as most of the summer-run fish have moved through by now. The main stem is the “highway” for Salmon and Steelhead heading to their many different tributary rivers.
KALUM RIVER: The water is in good shape both top and bottom and is fishing good for both Steelhead and Coho. It is possible to catch both Steelhead and Coho on the same day although each species requires specific location and technique.
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: Coho are the target fish. Most fish have already moved to the top pools as the water has been high. Our record fish was a 27-pounder.
EXCHAMSIKS RIVER: Coho are in the whole river now. The fish are starting to hold in deep pools and runs on the upper end. Sometimes they go so high they cannot be reached by jet boat. Heli fishing is the only way to go then.
EXSTEW RIVER: Coho are in the river now. This is a difficult river to fish because the water is a dark green colour.
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 are throughout the whole river and may be into the lake by now. Access to this river is very difficult. Experienced jet boat operators only please.
ZYMOETZ (COPPER) RIVER: Water is dirty. It is now that copper colour it is famous for.
KINCOLITH RIVER: Coho should be coming in on high tides and should be dispersed through the whole river. With each high water the fish move further up the river.
ISHKHEENICKH RIVER: This is a fantastic river for Coho this time of year. The water needs to be rising and falling to keep the fish moving up river.
MEZIADIN RIVER: Both Steelhead and Coho can be hooked on the same day plus numerous local trout and Dolly Varden char. To clarify: Fishing for Steelhead and Salmon are only allowed at the very low end of the river below the boundary sign (you are actually fishing the clean seam of the Meziadin River in the Nass River). Trout fishing is available throughout the whole river and lake. Please check the fishing regulations.
The fall colours in the Nass and trib region are absolutely beautiful this time of year. Cast to http://www.noelgyger.ca view some of the scenic photos.
In addition to scenic photos cast to http://www.noelgyger.ca to watch a few video clips from the beautiful Nass River system.
CRANBERRY RIVER: Both Steelhead and Coho can be hooked on the same day. Access to this river is not very good.
TSEAX RIVER: Has a late run of Chinook. The fish should be throughout the whole river. I have a report of good numbers of Chinook landed in the lower end down near the mouth. 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.
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
Fishing Report for the Week of October 7 to 13, 2007
Andrew Fairclough poses with one of his 5 Steelhead landed in one day on a Skeena River Tributary. This fish was estimated to weigh around 16-pounds. Photo credit: Stuart Forsyth
This week at Nicholas Dean Lodge saw a number of anglers from the UK coming over to sample some of the great Steelhead fishing available here. And great it was. On their second day of fishing, Andrew Fairclough and Stuart Forsyth hooked 10 fish and landed 7, the largest around 18 lbs. These fish were fresh chrome, and only a few days from the Ocean. Peter McLeod, one of our newest booking agents, also attended the lodge with the renowned photographer and tv personality, Henry Gilbey. Though Coho fishing was slow for their first couple of days, their third and final day proved to be the winner. Peter landed an 18 lb Steelhead, and his client, Michael Joynson, landed three Steelhead, one of which was 18 lbs and the other a trophy at 20! Needless to say, I can’t wait to see some of Henry’s photos.
Long time Nicholas Dean guest Bill Kiser fished with one of our top guides, Greg Buck, and landed upwards of 5 Steelhead every day and several Coho. Finally, congratulations go out to Elizabeth Salisbury for landing her first Steelhead on the fly, and to Godfrey Butler, for a great 14 lb Skeena Coho.
Until next week, tight lines and screaming reels.
Chad Black
Operations Manager
Nicholas Dean Lodge…where every cast is an adventure!
"Most people fish their entire lives without realizing it's not the fish that they're really after." - David Adams Richards
CURRENT REPORT and summary for Northern Coastal Rivers:
Fishing Report from: Ron Wakita of Reliable Guide and Charters
KITIMAT RIVER (October 11 “mid week” update): There have been reports of Coho (Silver) Salmon being caught in the upper Kitimat River especially the first wash out area. The Coho that are being caught range in colour with the majority of them showing spawning colours. This is typical for the Kitimat River during this time of year. The river is fishable today but the river is rising with the recent rain that we are having. Cutthroat trout have been reported through the Kitimat River and is a great fishery if the river conditions remain decent. As usual this time of year we are totally reliant on the weather. Stay tuned.
KITIMAT RIVER (October 7 through October 14):
The fishing pressure on the Kitimat River slows down this time of year although there are still plenty of fishing opportunities to catch Coho or Cutthroat trout. The majority of the Coho will start to show spawning colors and fresh Coho will be fewer and fewer in numbers. Most of the Coho are being caught in the upper Kitimat with the Washout being the hotspot for this week. There have been reports of lots of bears on the upper Kitimat so anglers should beware to avoid confrontations. There have been sightings of both Black and Grizzly bears as they are fattening up for their winter hibernation so it is wise to be careful especially around dusk.
Cutthroat trout is a fishery that is growing in popularity as they are enhanced by the Kitimat Hatchery. Fly fishing is very productive. The most popular fly patterns are egg patterns or minnow patterns. My personal favorite is the muddier minnow with gold tinsel body. Small spoons and spinners are also effective but the most popular method is the float and worm rigs.
DOUGLAS CHANNEL:
Trolling for Coho is finished for this year but trolling for winter springs should start anytime now. The timing of this feeder Chinook fishery is difficult to predict as the feeding Chinook follow baitfish up the Douglas Channel and into the Kitimat harbour.
Some years it is better fishing in October and November and other years it is better February and March. Crabbing and Bottom fishing is always an option but as previously reported totally reliant on the weather.
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:
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.
Fishing Report from: Nimmo Bay Resort
Here we have a mainland stream giving up her silver treasure. Pirates of
the Great Bear Rain forest are on the loose.
October 15 is Nimmo's last day for this year. We begin the spring season with Steelhead fishing. First trip starts April 17th. There will also be a summer steelhead program this coming year. 2008 will be a magic year for Salmon and trout, so we will look towards seeing some of Noel's anglers at Nimmo Bay.
Note from Noel: 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
Buy, sell, trade or swap your item or items by listing them here today
Your Ad will receive LOCAL, REGIONAL, NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL exposure:
• Your Ad will be posted on my website
• Your Ad will be promoted in my Weekly Fishing Reports
• Your Ad will be posted on other websites who host my fishing reports
Examples of what to list: Boats and accessories, Motors, Vehicles, Air Craft, Rods, Reels, Tackle, Real Estate (i.e. fishing lodge), Rentals (Cabins Cottages), Lakeshore, Tourist accommodation, ATV, RV's, RV sites, Taxidermy, Books, Magazines, Videos, Photographs, Antiques, Artwork, Clothing, Employment, Trade/Swap and Wanted, Help Wanted, etc.
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]
To view the items currently listed please cast to: http://www.noelgyger.ca
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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Home page: www.noelgyger.ca
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