British Columbia, Canada - Skeena River & Nass River
Capt. Noel Gyger
December 3, 2007
Terrace - Freshwater Fishing Report
Guided River Fishing in British Columbia at its very BEST!
The photo of the week shows a very large Steelhead landed and released on the Skeena River by Alberto, from Italy. The male fish measured 46.45 inches in length, 26.8 in girth, based on the formula: Girth squared x length x 1.33 divided by 1000 = approximate weight 44-pounds. A little more detail is shown below of this fantastic catch landed with a fly rod but be sure to check my website next week when I will be able to post a complete article. The anglers describe their experience as “breathless”. Photo courtesy of Luciano Dubinelli
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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 November 25 – December 2, 2007
(Number 47)
Dear Fishing Friends:
SUMMARY: I think this is the first time I have to say the fishing is POOR. The weather has been very cold all week. It has gotten down to -15 at night and a day time high of only -5. Unless you have a heater in the eyes of your fishing rod they are going to freeze up. Hopefully the extreme cold weather won’t last too long. This would be a good time to service your rods and terminal tackle while you wait for a break in the weather.
LIST OF “New” ITEMS POSTED ON THE WEBSITE THIS WEEK:
- Three river Scenic Photos Nov 26/07 http://www.noelgyger.ca
- One NEW webpage entitled Testimonials Nov 27/07 http://www.noelgyger.ca
- One article Informational Articles Nov 28/07 http://www.noelgyger.ca
- One wildlife Scenic Photos Nov 30/07 http://www.noelgyger.ca
Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) promotional video
From the footage that was shot this past summer in the region, NBCTA has uploaded the Barbershop edit to You Tube www.youtube.com Enter “northern british columbia tourism” and you will find the Barbershop edit in the top two – titled “Northern British Columbia Tourism”. Brought to you courtesy of Kermodei Tourism www.kermodeitourism.ca Enjoy!
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.
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:
Chad Black
Ron Wakita
Craig Murray
CURRENT REPORT and summary for Skeena and Tributaries:
TYPE OF FISH CAUGHT: Steelhead and Trout
Thank you for using barbless hooks.
FISHING THIS WEEK: POOR (due to extreme cold weather)
LARGEST FISH OF THE WEEK: Specie: Where: Angler: (none reported this week)
WEATHER: Cloudy with sunny periods. 30 percent chance of flurries. Windy. High -9 degrees C. Wind chill -22 degrees C. Region normal: Max. Temp. 1 degree C. Min. Temp. -3 degrees C. Sunrise 8:34 am Sunset 4:14 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 is very low and in good shape but starting to freeze around the edges. The Zymoetz (Copper) River is in good shape but ice is starting to form. The Kalum (upper and lower) River is in excellent shape. Kitimat River is low and clean.
CURRENT WATER HEIGHTS FOR:
SKEENA RIVER:
http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca
KITIMAT RIVER:
http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca
SKEENA RIVER: The water is in good shape. It has been dropping all week. Should be a few Steelhead and Trout one can catch…although a little cold right now.
KALUM RIVER: The water, both upper and lower sections are in excellent shape and fishing for Steelhead is good…although it is very cold and windy (northerly out-flow) right now. The water height is normal for this time of year and is beginning to drop-down to its “winter-low”.
Since the River flows out of a lake (Kalum Lake) its water temperature is usually warmer than other rivers which means the river does not “usually” freeze-over. Although under the right conditions (very low water, heavy snow and cold temperatures) it will freeze-over.
If it starts snowing heavy and the air temperature stays very cold “slush” will form. The slush floats with the current until it gets hung up in the shallow “tail-outs”. The slush backs up and if it stays cold it will freeze into a solid mass blocking off the river and drift boat access.
This does not happen every year because usually when a cold snap breaks and it starts snowing the air temperature warms up rapidly. So much so that sometimes the snow turns to rain. Then there is no problem with the river freezing over.
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.
ZYMOETZ (COPPER) RIVER: The water is in good shape today and fishing for Steelhead is very good. Of course this depends on the weather and it is too cold now.
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 for the Week of November 25 to December 1, 2007
Cold has been the name of the game during the past week in Terrace. Temperatures have dropped from mostly above zero earlier in the week, to subzero temperatures during the day. This had the effect of keeping rivers low and clean and, although there are certainly some great fish to be caught, the icing of guides and cold weather in general makes it just that little bit more difficult. Because of the amount of line shooting through the guides and the diameter of the line itself, fly fishing does not bode as well for colder conditions as conventional fishing methods, such as float fishing or spoon fishing. Not surprisingly then, a few anglers who were conventional fishing last week did fairly well given the conditions. Jeff Langley stopped by the lodge yesterday and told stories of a big Steelhead that he landed that was 39 by 20 inches - the "mythical" 20 lb fish. I have to get out fishing more...
On a more personal note, I will be heading back home to Ontario to visit with my girlfriend, family and friends for the Christmas holidays, so I just wanted to take the time to wish you all the best for a great holiday season this year. Take care, and I hope to see you at the lodge next year!
Best regards and tight lines,
Chad Black
Operations Manager
Nicholas Dean Lodge…where every cast in an adventure!
CURRENT REPORT and summary for Northern Coastal Rivers:
Fishing Report from: Ron Wakita of Reliable Guide and Charters
KITIMAT RIVER: The snow has dropped lower on the mountains and mercury has also dropped in the thermometer. The cold bite of winter is here. Despite the elements two groups ventured out to fish cutthroat this week. I did not hear back from the one group but the other group caught six trout in a four hour outing. They caught most of the trout at Wedeene Park which is typically one of the hot spots for trout. Another spot worthy of trying is the Old Sawmill as it is also usually very good for winter fishing. There are still good fishing opportunities in the North West but dressing appropriately is an absolute must. Neoprene waders are great and thermal layering is a must. Good gloves and toques are also a good idea.
DOUGLAS CHANNEL: There were a few winter springs caught in the harbour last week but no boat activity on the Douglas this week. I drove down to the Marina and spoke to Don Pearson the owner of Moon Bay Marina and he said "it's just too cold and windy to be out there".
Looking back to warmer times helps me get through the winter fishing withdrawals. Looking at some pictures really helps. Included in this report are some pictures of those warmer times.
We are also booking trips for next season. We offer drift boat trips down the Kitimat River. We also offer jet boat trips to the lower Kitimat and trips to the Dala and Kildala rivers. We offer Salt water charters for day trips or multiple days. We can customize a Fishing package that can include any or all the services that we provide. Any interested parties please contact Noel.
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: Nimmo Bay Resort
Music night is one thing that Nimmo Bay guests look forward to. Georgia Murray and Clifton Murray are professional singers (Clifton being on Canadian Idol this year). Music is one of the three key ingredients that makes Nimmo Bay a successful business. There is music in the chalets, music in the main lodge, music in the pool hall and ipods in the helicopters with 5000 tunes at the pilot’s fingertips.
Humour, music and detail are the ingredients that keep us going and the guests coming back. There are 10 guitars, 1 piano, 1 cello, 1 violin and numerous percussion instruments at Nimmo Bay as guests often add to the mix with their talents. Nights are just as lively as the days. Perhaps if you call Noel you can get in on the fun at Nimmo Bay. 2008 is just around the corner and we start with Steelhead fishing. It's your turn.
Craig Murray, Owner
Nimmo Bay Resort (Est. 1980)
To Fly is Human ...To Hover, Divine
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. Congratulations Craig, Deborah and staff.
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 SEASON REVIEW:
Size of the Skeena River Salmon and Steelhead run for 2007
- A fishing guide perspective
While we wait for a report from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) as to the run size, I thought you may be interested to know what a professional guide had to say. In this regard, I have asked Dustin Kovacvich, head guide and lodge manager for Nicholas Dean Lodge, for his analyses. Here is his summary:
Steelhead
Spring – GOOD
Spring Coastal Rivers – GOOD
Skeena summer-run – POOR
Fall-run – FAIR (average)
Late fall and winter-run - GOOD
Chinook Salmon
Spring – GOOD
Summer – FAIR (average)
Coho Salmon
Summer-run – POOR
Fall-run – VERY POOR
Sockeye
Skeena summer-run – GOOD
Pinks
Skeena summer-run – FAIR (average)
Trout and Dolly Varden Char
All waters – GOOD
Kitimat River
Chinook – GOOD
Coho – FAIR
Chum – POOR
Steelhead – FAIR at times, slow due to poor water conditions.
Notes:
• The flood on the Skeena slowed down demand for fishing but did not slow down the fish
• On average water was higher this year then previous and fishing was a little tougher. An angler had to adjust to the higher water.
• The Coho and Steelhead were of a larger size this year. It seems like when the fish are larger the run is smaller.
LODGE GUEST TESTIMONIALS:
To: Nimmo Bay Resort: “Take the best vacation you’ve ever had, multiply it by ten and you have Nimmo Bay”, Brittney Rogers
To: Nicholas Dean Lodge: “What a splendid fishery! Where else can you stand on a river bank and let the fish "come to you." Six different species landed at one spot in the same day. The Steelhead are spectacular and the Sockeye and Coho are hot! Thanks to Chad for his warm hospitality, Jean for great food and Cam and Sky for great guiding" – Bob Tacy, California, USA
GUEST FISHING PHOTOS:
Alberto showing his trophy Steelhead while fly fishing on the Skeena River (See photo-of-the-week above)
For the lovers:
Rod: Diamondback 11’ 8wt 3 pieces (double hands)
Reel: Ari’t Hart Steelhead with 250 yards of 30 lbs
Line: Teeny T130
Fly: black articulated leech size 1/0
Tippet: 14 lbs Maxima
Hook-set time: 4:30 PM
Time to land: 50 minutes
River: Skeena
Location: Kitwanga
*** If any of you have special fishing photos, scenic river photos, wildlife photos or articles I would love to see them.
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.
For Sale: Attention Rod Crafters: Lamiglas blank, SH126-F (10 1/2 foot) complete with 26 pieces 1/2 inch cork, 24 pieces 1 inch cork, 17 Fuji guides, 3 Fuji tip tops, Fuji reel seat, 2 butt caps, epoxy and binding thread. Will include electric motor used in construction of rod. Replacement value of these items is well in excess of $300. Will sell for $175. Terrace BC call Ted 250-635-5072 or e-mail [email protected] New Nov 5/07
For Sale: Do you want to get into the angling guide business and want to purchase classified rod days? I have 450 Skeena 2 rod days and license for sale. Contact Chris in Austria via e-mail [email protected] New Nov 5/07
For Sale: 11 1/2 foot Fenwick Blackhawk Graphite rod. Fuji guides and reel seat, as new $200 Terrace BC call Ted 250-635-5072 New Nov 3/07
For Sale: 20 foot Jetcraft. This boat is in immaculate shape. It has 158 hours on it. Power is a 350 cubic inch Chevy with a 3 stage Kodiak jet. Lockable storage in the bow, built in fish tank in the bow with running water, lockable side tray on the port side, Humming Bird sounder/fishfinder, rod holders, sleeper seats on port side, pedestal helmsman seat, storage box seat, has heater and defroster. Tandem TI trailer with bearing buddies and brakes on all 4 wheels. Deluxe in every way! $28,000. For more information Terrace BC call Ted 250-635-5072 New Nov 3/07
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
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]
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
Back to: http://noelgyger.ca
Home page: www.noelgyger.ca
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