The photo of the week shows Sky Richard of Nicholas Dean Lodge gently releasing a wild Skeena River Steelhead caught this winter. Photo by Chad Black
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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: noel@noelgyger.ca
Home Page: www.noelgyger.ca
Fishing Reports: www.noelgyger.ca/past-fishing-reports.htm
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 February 17 – February 24, 2008
(Number 59)
Dear Fishing Friends:
SUMMARY: Day time air temperatures have been mostly above freezing. The ice has started to melt on most of our rivers and more runs and pools are available to anglers. It has been a harsh winter but I understand the snow-pack is normal. The only river without an ice problem is the Kalum. The Kitimat River is opening up also. Check out the nice Kitimat River Trout photos below. It seems like spring is on its way.
LIST OF "New" ITEMS POSTED ON THE WEBSITE THIS WEEK:
- Feb 14/08 one item posted on "Conservation" http://www.noelgyger.ca/conservation.htm
- Feb 18/08 update #2 is posted on Skeena "Quality Waters Strategy" http://www.noelgyger.ca/quality-waters.htm
- Feb 23/08 one item posted on "Special Guided Fishing Trips" http://www.noelgyger.ca/special-guided.htm
MY HISTORY
Here are a couple of photos from the mid 1980's that bring back good memories for me. This is where it all started regarding drift boats. We could not buy drift boats in our area so we built our own. This is our first fiberglass boat my friends and I built. I think we built about 10 boats. Not many of them around anymore. They were big, over 19 feet in length with high sides, not like today's boats which are much shorter with low sides. None of us had any idea how to row them but through "trial and error" we learned. On our first drift on the upper Kalum River we got swept into a sweeper tree that just about rolled the boat. The boat was turned sideways by the strong current and could have been swept under the tree. Somehow we all managed to scramble out of the boat and up onto the sweeper and made it to shore…but we did not let go of the boat. We bailed it out and carried on down stream. Not much choice as drift boats only go down stream. In a way, we were lucky to be alive. This was a very dangerous situation. After this experience we walked the boat around the corners looking for sweepers, I think we were all a little scared and a lot more cautious. We made it through the five mile drift and each drift after that it got easier as our skill on the oars improved. Did I say we caught lots of Steelhead also?
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/special-guided.htm 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:
Craig Murray
Chad Black
Ron Wakita
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 FAIR GOOD EXCELLENT
LARGEST FISH OF THE WEEK: Specie: Where: Angler: (none reported this week)
WEATHER: A mix of sun and cloud. Windy. High +7. Region normal: Max. Temp. 4 degrees C. Min. Temp. -3 degrees C. Sunrise 7:37 am Sunset 5:58 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/weather/cities/can/pages/CABC0292.htm?ref=wxbtnold
WATER CONDITIONS: The Skeena is very low and in good shape although sections of the river are frozen over. The Kalum (upper and lower) River is in good shape. Kitimat River is low and clean and the ice is melting.
CURRENT WATER HEIGHTS FOR:
SKEENA RIVER:
http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/fullgraph.asp?stnid=08EF001
KITIMAT RIVER:
http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/fullgraph.asp?stnid=08FF002
SKEENA RIVER: The water is in good shape, low and clean but it is frozen over in many areas.
KALUM RIVER: The water, both upper and lower sections are in excellent shape and fishing for Steelhead is good as long as one can "brave" the weather and snow conditions.
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/records/Record003.jpg The angler is Dennis Therrien.
ZYMOETZ (COPPER) RIVER: The upper section is closed to fishing as of December 31 but the lower section below the first canyon will stay open for winter Steelheaders to enjoy. The lower end is frozen over.
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 February 17 to 23, 2007
Hello Anglers,
From my desk back home in Ontario, I've been keeping track of the Terrace weather via the weather network (and one of our guides, Andrew Blix – a much more reliable source of information!), and it seems that temperatures are finally on the rise. The cold weather that had gripped us and left rivers frozen solid over the last few months is starting to lose its hold, and we should be able to get out fishing in the near future. It's been a long time coming, and it's almost like I get that nervous twitch when I think about firing a 90 ft cast towards that oh-so-nice seam with my Spey rod, or the sharp dip of a float under the surface as a Steelhead takes off!
We are also excitedly preparing for our first guests of the season in late March for Spring Steelhead. Tying large, often gaudy flies, sharpening hooks and retying knots are just a few of the activities that we'll be working on over the next few weeks. And if you're thinking of a last minute trip for some of the best Steelhead fishing you're likely to encounter, contact Noel for a few last minute prime time spaces and a 10% discount off the 2008 rates. Ideal, reliable water conditions, and pools stacked with fish await your cast today…
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: Ron Wakita of Reliable Guide and Charters
KITIMAT RIVER:
Here are some photos of two of the five cutthroat trout that Pat Oliver and Ariel Kuppers caught on the Kitimat River on Wednesday February 20th.
This week weather has been a lot milder and some anglers have been able to get out and do some Cutthroat fishing (see photo above). There is still ice along the banks but Pat and Ariel still had a good day. "They would not bite on worms but bit on small spinners", says Pat. The Gibbs Silver Heck Croc 3/16 oz was the productive lure of the day.
DOUGLAS CHANNEL: I spoke with two skippers on Saturday who were fishing in the Kitimat Harbour for winter springs but neither one of them were able to catch any Salmon. They were both able to catch a feed of Dungeness Crab and both said they had a great day on the water. Sometimes it is more than enough just to enjoy the boating and outdoors.
Cast to this link for Kitimat tide tables http://www.waterlevels.gc.ca/cgi-bin/tide-shc.cgi?queryType=showRegion&language=english®ion=1
CURRENT REPORT and summary for Central Coast/North Van Island Wilderness Rivers:
Fishing Report from: Nimmo Bay Resort
Here we are having lunch at the beginning of a river. A mighty salmon river on the BC coast. Glaciers are rivers in a frozen state and eventually home to the thousands of salmon that are born and return there each year.
This is a humbling experience. You are seated in a restaurant that is never crowded, beside a 10,000 year old glacier , as it births a brand new river. Few get to experience such a drama, only mother nature can produce.
Yet at Nimmo Bay each day presents another miracle, as you come face to face with one natural reality after another.
The quest for the mighty Fish allows you to participate in this annual pageant. The cry of the angler is heard above all else "Just one more cast".
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/recfish
Effective April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2007
2006/2007 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/regulations/intro.html
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:
E-mail from Troy Adams, Troy likes to book at least two fly fishing trips (spring and summer) for wild Steelhead with Andrew Rushton of Kalum River Lodge
Hi Noel, just a quick note from Santa Cruz to say thanks for keeping up the reports, I thought I would send up a couple of pictures from the last part of April with Andrew. 3 days and nights of rain, the river came up the fishing slowed down, then picked back up. The only thing I can say is, have patience and listen to the guide, there knowledge can be rewarding. I will be back up in April to do it again, maybe we can fish together on a trip down the Kalum with Andrew. Talk to you soon, Troy Adams
LODGE GUEST TESTIMONIALS:
To: Nimmo Bay Resort: Nimmo Bay has created the Most Glorious Memories for my family and the leadership team of Southwestern Energy – Expectations Exceeded!." Harold Korell, Southwestern Energy
To: Nicholas Dean Lodge: "Beautiful country, spectacular scenery, great variety in fishing, excellent!" – Hannu Niileksela and Group, Finland
GUEST FISHING PHOTOS:
*** 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: Classified Rod Days. Angling Guide in Terrace BC has an angling license on the class 2 section of the Skeena River and 50 rod days for sale. It is a great opportunity for some one expanding a business or trying to get a foot in the door. Contact Adam 250-635-9765 or e-mail goliathguiding@telus.net New Jan 13/08
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 coho1@gmx.net
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
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 tarob@shaw.ca 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 hunting@chile.com
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 rkmorrison@telus.net
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 wakita@telus.net
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 moriceriver@mac.com
To view the items currently listed please cast to: http://www.noelgyger.ca/market-place.htm
To receive my WEEKLY FISHING REPORT and PHOTO via e-mail please send your name and e-mail address to: Noel Gyger noel@noelgyger.ca
GOOD LUCK and GOOD FISHING!
Yours sincerely,
Noel F. Gyger
Back to: http://noelgyger.ca/past-fishing-reports.htm
Home page: www.noelgyger.ca
