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Weekly Fishing Reports (Smithers, Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert and Meziadin North)
Noel Gyger
May 8 to May 15, 2011
Dear Fishing Friends:
SUMMARY: Weather was good all week. Not too hot but the rivers are on the rise.
The Skeena River is a dark brown colour and too dirty to fish. Even though the water is dirty the Chinook (King) Salmon will be migrating up river to spawn in the native waters.
The Kalum River is in good shape both upper and lower. The river is high but very clean. This is a good time to try your luck for both Steelhead and Chinook on the same day. Reg: The upper section closes for Chinook on May 25.
The Zymoetz (Copper) River is a little high and borderline fishable. You still have a chance to catch a Steelhead on the lower end. Chinook may be in the river also. The upper section is closed for fishing January 1 to June 15. The Lakelse River is in good shape and fishing for Steelhead and Trout is fair.
The Kitimat River is still producing Steelhead and the Chinook are showing up. There are still plenty of Trout to keep anglers attentive and now we have the anticipation of more Chinook.
The Douglas Channel will start to produce the large Chinook that are prized by so many sport anglers. While in the pursuit of the "King of Salmon", we are able to dine on Crab and Prawns. Many boaters are venturing out further for Halibut and bottom fish.
Prince Rupert has been fishing very well for bottom fish. The bottom fishing was excellent with light winds and sunshine most of the day. The ice is coming off some of the lakes around the Smithers area. Great fishing at the mouth of the Fulton River where it dumps into the Babine Lake.
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New Items on Website go to http://www.noelgyger.ca/news-bulletin.htm to find New items:
May 6, 2011 Prince Rupert, BC OCEAN trip $2199/person for a 3 day/3night trip
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River Reports
Skeena River is a dark brown colour and too dirty to fish. Even though the water is dirty the Chinook (King) Salmon will still be migrating up river to spawn in their native waters. Tip: You may want to try and fish in the clean water of the tributary rivers where they join up with the Skeena. Example: Try fishing the mouths of the Exchamsiks and Kasiks Rivers.
Check out the Skeena Tyee Test Fishery Chart for Chinook here:
http://www.noelgyger.ca/H2O/Non-Tidal/TyeeTestFishery/Charts/SkeenaChinookDays.pdf
Kalum River is in good shape both upper and lower. The river is high but very clean. This is a good time to try your luck for both Steelhead and Chinook on the same day. There is plenty of water for the jet boats to get around. How to: Try using spoons the next time out. Some of the best spoons are made by Gibbs. Some of the best rods are GLoomis. Shimano makes excellent spin reels. Tuf-line makes excellent braided line. Duracast line is coated and slides effortlessly through the guides and won't wrap on the tip. I have reports of Chinook being landed now. Steelhead and Chinook on the same day…WOW. Tip: If the Chinook are in a pool you should see them rolling. Try casting spoons. They love spoons and by using Tuf-line you have a better chance of landing them. Info: Check out an article I wrote about catching both Steelhead and Chinook on the same day. Cast to the link to read http://www.noelgyger.ca/articles/Articles-May-2nd-on-the-Kalum-by-Noel.doc
Lakelse River The water is on the rise but in good shape. Fishing for Steelhead throughout the whole river is fair. Most Steelhead are in their spawning mode now. Chinook will be coming in the lower end. Where: The bridge on the lower end is a popular spot to fish for Chinook. Camping: There is a rough forestry campsite close to the bridge. Tip: Fishing off of the bridge with a marabou jig is the most popular method, so is a Hot-shot or Kwikfish plug. Reg: Fly fishing only between Lakelse Lake and CNR Bridge, Mar 1-May 31. I have reports that fly fishing for Cutthroat, Dolly and Rainbows in the upper end is very good right now. Steelhead should not be targeted.
Gitnadoix River This beautiful Skeena tributary usually has a very good run of spring Steelhead. This river is located in a Provincial Park. It is a very rough, rocky river in the lower end and jet boating can be dangerous. Please be careful! Regs: Class 1 water all year. Steelhead Stamp mandatory April 1-May 31. Fish guiding on this river in this park is limited, for details, advice and suggestions please contact me noel@noelgyger.ca . Tip: Fly fishermen please wade safely by using a wading staff. Trophy XL makes a nice one in 7 sections. Easily folds up and stores in a pouch on the waist.
Zymoetz (Copper) River is a little high and borderline fishable. You still have a chance to catch a Steelhead on the lower end. Chinook may be in the river also. The upper section is closed for fishing January 1 to June 15. Reminder: No fishing above the sign at the transmission line crossing (below) Zymoetz Canyon Jan 1 – June 15. You can still fish below the sign all winter and spring. Fly fishing is the choice of many on this river. Wading with quality Simms waders and accessories is the way to go. A friend of mine is very happy with his new Islander fly reel. Trophy XL fly rod, Cortland Line and Maxima Tippet completes his set.
Zymagotitz (Zymacord) River The water is in poor shape due to melting snow. Fishing for Cutthroat Trout and Dolly Varden Char is poor. This river has some big Bull Trout and a fair run of spring Steelhead. Tip: The best way to practice catch and release and do the least amount of harm to the fish is to use a small hook. Size 1 or 2 Gamakatsu is a good choice. Big hooks harm fish. This is common knowledge so why is the use of small hooks NOT in the regulations? Gear suggestion: Kamloops Dragon fly rod, 10' Kamloops fly reel, AFTMA #8line. Backing Dragon Fly "Bright Orange" 30lb, 150 yard spool. Fly line SA Sharkskin Steelhead WF-8-F.
Kitimat River will continue to produce some bright Steelhead, some not so bright and everything in between. More Chinook will be caught as we progress into the latter part of May and into June. It is an exciting time of year to be fishing the Kitimat River. You never know what is on the line when the rod goes off, when the float dunks or your fly line rips through your trigger finger. As always, you set the hook and react to whatever comes up splashing. It could be a Trout, Steelhead or Chinook. On the moment of truth when you know how big the fish is, it is a precious moment in an angler's life. The bigger the better. Regs: This river has a power boat ban. The drift boats love to "pull plugs". The most popular plugs are the Hot-Shot and Kwikfish made by Luhr Jensen. Reminder: Bait ban, Sept 1-Dec 31. Regs: Hatchery Steelhead daily quota = 1; hatchery Steelhead monthly quota = 10. All wild Steelhead are catch and release.
Exstew River This river does not have a Steelhead run. It is closed for Chinook (King) Salmon above the highway 16 Bridge. Tip: Below the highway bridge can be a good spot to fish for Chinook when conditions are right. That is when the Exstew River is cleaner than the mainstem Skeena. This is the time of year when the Chinook start migrating up the Skeena River.
Kasiks River This river does not have a Steelhead run. It is closed for Chinook (King) Salmon above the highway 16 Bridge. Tip: Below the highway bridge can be a good spot to fish for Chinook when conditions are right. That is when the Kasiks River is cleaner than the mainstem Skeena. This is the time of year when the Chinook start migrating up the Skeena River.
Exchamsiks River This river does not have a Steelhead run. It is closed for Chinook (King) Salmon above the highway 16 Bridge. Tip: Below the highway bridge can be a good spot to fish for Chinook when conditions are right. That is when the Exchamsiks River is cleaner than the mainstem Skeena. This is the time of year when the Chinook start migrating up the Skeena River.
Fulton River I hear that the mouth of this river which flows into Babine Lake is now on fire! Lake Trout, Trophy Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout are being landed by anglers at the mouth, just below the mouth of the Fulton River.
Douglas Channel will start to produce the large Chinook that are prized by so many Sport Anglers. While in the pursuit of the "King of Salmon", we are able to dine on Crab and Prawns. We are truly blessed to live and fish in an area that some are now referring to "The Playground of the North West". Tip: Use the Ace Line Hauler to pull your traps. Reg: When travelling with Crab you must leave the shell on. Note: Chinook (King) Salmon fishing won't start until mid May although there is always feeder Chinook wandering around the outer waters of the Douglas in search of baitfish.
Prince Rupert has been fishing very well for bottom fish. When trolling for Chinook try a SplitKing Lure. Jeff Carlson of BC Style Fishing Charters reports good success with this lure.
Lakes – Smithers The ice is off of Lake Kathlyn, Ross Lake and Tyee Lake. It should not be much longer for the big lakes to be ice free! We can't wait to hit Rainbow Alley! The Trout fishing was unbelievable last year. Report from Steve Hidber of Oscar's Source for Adventure
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Fishing Guide and Tackle Shop Reports
Summary for Skeena and Tributaries
Fishing This Week
FAIR
Type of Fish Caught
River: Chinook, Steelhead, Cutthroat Trout and Dolly Varden Char.
Ocean: All five species of Salmon, Halibut, Bottom Fish and Dungeness and King Crab for ocean.
Largest Fish of the Week
River: 25-pound Chinook – Kitimat River Ocean: 50-pound Halibut - Rupert
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The Great Pacific Salmon Lodge, based just out of Prince Rupert BC, is offering the following inaugural year special:
$1999 per person for a 3 day/3 night trip
(Based on 3 people per boat)
Yes, we know this is a drastic discount compared to other lodges, especially when you consider that this is a fully guided setup, equipped with the best possible gear. Despite the low price and high value, you have assurance that no corners are being cut.
Promotion is subject to availability. Please contact me for details. noel@noelgyger.ca
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Guided Fishing Season…and more
MARCH Guiding starts on the Kalum River March 15 for "wild" Steelhead on a private (take-out is on private property) five mile drift that has 27 pools, most of which are excellent for the fly and spin rods. Drift-boats or rafts are used on the upper five miles and guiding the lower five miles is with jet-boats. Jet boats are also used on the upper end if there is enough water. There is no hatchery Steelhead in the whole Skeena system. These wild fish have been holding there all winter. This river also has a winter and spring run of Steelhead.
APRIL Same as above but add the Kitimat River and Skeena River PLUS remote coastal streams such as the Kwinamass River. Also, Chinook salmon start coming into the Kalum River in early April making it possible to catch both Steelhead and Chinook on the same day. This is an exhilarating experience!
MAY The Chinook (King) salmon are throughout the Skeena River and Kalum River. Depending on the size of the run and river conditions, angling for these "monsters" can be fantastic! Steelhead is still plentiful. Both Chinook and Steelhead can be caught on the same day with "expert" guidance of Terrace or Kitimat BC river fishing guides and ocean charter guides.
JUNE The spring snow "run-off" is at its maximum making it difficult to angle due to the possible poor water conditions, usually high and dirty. However, the Kitimat River, not being part of the Skeena drainage system, can be fishable for Chinook (King) with some excellent results. Even a few late "spring run" Steelhead may be taken. Usually, by the middle of June, we can fish the Kitimat River with a very good success rate. Kincolith River Chinook fishing can be fabulous; the fish come in with the tides. Other isolated coastal wilderness rivers can produce the same result. Our fishing guides know where to take you. OCEAN FISHING IS PRIME IN JUNE! Don't forget the Dungeness Crab and Prawns!
JULY This is "prime time" for "giant" guided Chinook Salmon on the Skeena River, Kalum River and Kitimat River. Be ready for a "good scrap!" Chum salmon in the Kitimat River and Sockeye and Pinks on the Skeena River. Also, it is quite possible to hook a "screaming hot" Steelhead on the Skeena River while fly fishing for Sockeye or Pinks.
AUGUST Chinook (King) salmon fishing continues, but mainly catch and release. Fresh Coho (Silver), Sockeye and Pink salmon are throughout the Skeena River and fresh Coho and Chum are entering the Kitimat River. Gleaming silver "summer-run" Steelhead are in the Skeena River. These fish are fresh and full of energy and it is common to hook Steelhead that weigh in the 20 - 30 pound range. This is "prime time" for fishing Chinook on the Ecstall River. This river is truly a remote "5 star" river. This is the ultimate guided fishing experience and it books up very quickly. Fresh summer-run Steelhead is starting to enter the Copper River, try and catch one of these on a skating dry fly. It is a life altering experience!! Silver fresh Coho are starting to enter their home river at the end of the month.
SEPTEMBER "Summer-run", Steelhead fishing is very strong. The main runs of "northern" Coho (Silver) salmon are now entering the rivers and can give you quite a "tackle straining" experience. Nothing but fresh fish is the norm for this month. The Coho (Silver) salmon can weigh up to 25 pounds, but average 12 pounds. This month is also very special because guided fly fishing begins for both Steelhead and Coho. Trout and Dolly Varden are also plentiful at this time. Ask about "fabulous" Steelhead fishing in remote camps on the Nass River and Bell Irving River.
OCTOBER This is "prime time" for the Steelhead in Copper River and "blow-out" Coho (Silver) Salmon fishing on the Skeena River tributaries such as the Kasiks River and Exchamsiks River. Steelhead is also available in the Cranberry River, Meziadin River and Bell Irving River. The record Coho (27-pounds) was landed at this time on the Kasiks River "the most beautiful river in the world". Outstanding guided Coho fishing can also be had on the Kitimat River and Ishkheenickh River.
NOVEMBER Guided fishing is available on the Kalum River until October 15. If the Zymoetz (Copper) River is clear it is "prime time" for Steelhead on the (dry or wet) fly. Coho (Silver) salmon are still available for the first week in November on the Skeena tributaries but most fish are dark. These would be "incidental" catches as they cannot be the target fish. Coho fishing usually closes on October 31.
DECEMBER through MARCH is for Steelhead and Trout
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Noel Gyger 96 fishing video clips on YouTube
Check out Noel Gyger fishing video clips:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=noelgyger Over 508,770 uploaded views.
Contact information
GOOD LUCK and GOOD FISHING!
Yours sincerely, Noel F. Gyger
Guided Fishing Adventures and Weekly Fishing Report
E-mail: noel@noelgyger.ca
Home Page: www.noelgyger.ca
Fishing Reports: www.noelgyger.ca/past-fishing-reports.htm
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It is NOT too late to book a guided river or ocean fishing trip
RIVER FISHING Lots of lodge or day bookings still available on classified or non-classified waters. Guiding fly or spin fishermen with raft, drift-boat or jet-boat. Contact Noel to book NOW! noel@noelgyger.ca
OCEAN FISHING Chinook Salmon, Bottom Fish and Crab in Prince Rupert or Kitimat Douglas Channel has started. To book warm, covered charter boat please contact Noel Gyger anytime. Phone: 250-635-2568 E-mail: noel@noelgyger.ca
NOW BOOKING for 2011: Let me know if I can be of service to book you with the "best" fishing guide and/or fishing lodges for both river and ocean. 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. Contact Noel Gyger to book NOW noel@noelgyger.ca
