Noel Gyger - WEEKLY FISHING REPORTS for Smithers, Terrace, Kitimat and Prince Rupert
February 21 to February 28, 2010
Number 162
Dear Fishing Friends:
SUMMARY: Weather is good but with scattered showers. Temperatures have been a little above average. More anglers are fishing for Cutthroat Trout, Dolly Varden Char and Steelhead using both fly, spin and conventional gear. The water is extremely low. The fish are spooked so a stealthy approach is needed to catch them. Using smaller terminal tackle is a good idea also. The lower end of the Zymoetz (Copper) River is fishing good for Steelhead and Trout. The Kalum River is fishing fair for Steelhead but you have to work hard to find them. Trout fishing is slow. It is mostly walk and wade as the water is too low for a jet boat. The Kitimat River is in good shape and fishing fair for Cutthroat Trout. The odd Steelhead is being caught also. Check out the Ron Wakita report below. Winter Chinook fishing in the Kitimat Harbour and Douglas Channel is poor right now and is weather dependent. Winter ocean Chinook fishing in Prince Rupert is good when the weather is good. Check out the Jeff Carlson report below. Lake ice fishing is slowing down in the Smithers area due to the warmer weather. Check out the Cory Koenig report below. Jason Munday in Terrace reports a few Steelhead landed on the Kalum River. Check out his report below. The main stem Skeena River is getting some action for Steelhead. There is a possibility to hook a Chinook also. I tried a little Trout fishing myself. Check out the video clip below. The fishing guides are preparing to start their season on March 15 on the Kalum River. Guiding is allowed on the Kalum River from March 15 to October 15.
February 25, 2010 One "New" clip posted on Video Clips:
Dustin Kovacvich, head guide for Nicholas Dean Lodge and I went fly fishing for Trout on a small Skeena River tributary on Wednesday, February 24, 2010. Dustin caught a Bull Trout on his first cast...no kidding. We hooked a half dozen fish in less than three hours. If you want to learn "how-to" catch Trout (Bull Trout, Dolly Varden Char, Cutthroat and Rainbow) on a 5/6 weight fly rod you need to watch this video. Click here for a direct link to the video It is also listed on the Video webpage. Title: Bull and Cutthroat Trout and listed in category Tips and Techniques. Clip #0079. Plays for 9:07 minutes.
Have “YOU” entered the following draw yet? Thank you to those who have...
Cast on link to view full size http://www.noelgyger.ca/articles/win-a- ... g-trip.doc?
With the participation of some of the Best Dealers (Tackle Shops) in the Northwest I have distributed DVD players and Video clips featuring the Best Fishing in the Northwest highlighting several of the Best Guides and Charters in the Northwest using a variety of the Best Fishing Products on the Market today. The dealers that have the DVD players are: Home Hardware in Kitimat, J&E Tackle and Hunting Shop in Prince Rupert, Oscars Source for Sports in Smithers and Fish Tales Tackle Shop in Terrace. Please visit these shops to watch the shows.
NOW BOOKING for 2010: 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. Cast here http://noelgyger.ca/special-guided.htm to read more of what I have to offer.
*** Don’t miss the opportunity to be guided for Steelhead on the Kalum River the last two weeks in March 2010. Season opener begins March 15th. Please contact me for details... Limited spots available...
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 http://www.noelgyger.ca for news bulletins, mid week fishing updates, conservation, my history, quality waters strategy, special guided fishing trips, video clips, podcasts, 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. I am at your service.
FISHING GUIDE REPORTS FOR THIS WEEK ARE FROM:
Ron Wakita, Glen Kilcup, Ariel Kuppers, Dustin Kovacvich and Jeff Carlson
CURRENT REPORT and summary for Skeena and Tributaries:
TYPE OF FISH CAUGHT: Steelhead, Trout and Dolly Varden Char for river. Salmon, Halibut, Bottom Fish and Dungeness Crab for ocean.
Thank you for using barbless hooks! (This is a BC fishing regulation)
FISHING THIS WEEK: GOOD
WEATHER: Cloudy. A few flurries beginning early this morning changing to periods of rain this morning. High 6. Sunrise 7:26 AM Sunset 6:07 PM. Today’s yearly average temperatures: Maximum 5 degrees. Minimum - 2 degrees.
WEATHER REPORTS VIA TELEPHONE: Terrace 250-635-4192 Kitimat 250-632-7864 Prince Rupert 250-627-1155 Smithers 250-847-1958.
SKEENA RIVER: More and more anglers are fishing the mainstem Skeena River for Steelhead. Some folks have been having great success. The water has come up a little bit which should move in more Steelhead and Chinook, yes I said Chinook.
KALUM RIVER: Since the weather is good more anglers are heading out to try their luck fishing for Trout and Steelhead. Anglers are reminded of a bait ban January 1 to March 15. Fishing has been reported as fair. The water is very low and the fish are spooked in the shallow sections. Try to fish in the deep cut-banks. Trout fishing has been OK...but has really slowed down...as a result of the bait ban.
ZYMOETZ (COPPER) RIVER: Steelhead fishing is reported as fair. The upper section is closed as of December 31 but the lower section below the first canyon will stay open for the winter Steelheaders to enjoy.
Fishing Report from: Ron Wakita of Reliable Guide and Charters, Kitimat BC
KITIMAT RIVER: Typical for this time of year in the North West we received a mix of weather conditions. We had some rainy days, some sunny clear days and even a little snow but the Trout fishing continues to be good.
Feb 21 Martin Golhke landed a 15lb Steelhead under the Haisla Bridge. Martin was excited describing his first Steelhead of the year. Congratulations Martin!
Feb 23 Ariel Kuppers landed this Kitimat River Dolly Varden on his Fly Rod using a pink worm pattern. Ariel was fishing with his Dragonfly 9` 7 wt Rod and his Dragonfly Expedition 7/8 Fly reel. A 5wt Rod is better suited for Trout but this time of year there is always the potential of hooking a Steelhead. A 7wt would give Ariel a better chance of landing a Steelhead than a 5 wt which is why he used his 7wt rod.
Feb 24 Ariel Kuppers fly fishing the upper Kitimat landed a couple more Dolly Varden on a Fly. It snowed in the morning but Ariel said, "it was really nice and sunny when he was out fishing" It was nice to catch Trout but I think Ariel may also be looking for an early Steelhead on his Fly rod.
SUMMARY: There was a few Steelhead landed and a few lost this week. Trout fishing will continue to be good and we can expect more Steelhead on the Kitimat as we head into March. Steelhead catch numbers on the Kitimat River can be outstanding in peak season. With enhancement of Steelhead by the Kitimat River Hatchery we are fortunate to have one the best Spring Steelhead Fisheries in the area. Stay Tuned!
DOUGLAS CHANNEL: Herring have been reported in the Kitimat Harbour more frequently this week but we still have not received many reports of Winter Chinook being caught.
We should be getting better results but I can only report the fishing as it is, is not how we would like it to be. A couple of boats went down to the outer waters for the weekend looking for some King Crab. Justin Lowes who is one of our Tackle store staff is in this group so I will share his results in this Fishing Report.
Thank You to everyone who has provided info or photos for this Fishing Report.
PS: We are booking for the 2010 Fishing Season. Please contact Noel noel@noelgyger.ca
Fishing Report from: Fishawk Guiding, Kitimat/Terrace BC
Hi Noel, this weekend I took Mike Primeau and Todd Henry out to Prince Rupert, BC on the ocean and despite gale force wind warnings all week, which were false (it had been glass smooth out there for at least 3 days prior to our outing ) we had a great day. We bottom fished a few spots and got into a few quillback rockfish and we all caught a few big sculpins (bullheads)
Our plan for the day was to troll for springs. Mike nailed this nice little Halibut while trolling our spring spot and not too long after, I hit my spring. The day was calm all day which was quite rare for Rupert and fishing was a success. Calcutta reels http://www.fish.shimano.com and Berkley http://www.purefishing.com big game were the days choice of tools. Luhr Jensen http://www.rapala.ca flashers with rolling anchovies worked for the trolling. Jigging heavy buzz bombs caught the rest. Going out again soon...you should jump in sometime Noel! Tight lines Glen Kilcup, Fishawk Guiding
Fishing Report from: Fishing Report from: J & E Tackle Shop, Prince Rupert BC
Hi Noel, I have had a few reports of folks catching some Winter Springs. With the nice weather it has been windy at times. When the weather is not co-operative, the Prawning and Crabbing is a good alternative and is usually very productive this time of the year. Take advantage when the weather is nice and take to the water. Tight Lines and enjoy our North Pacific Playground
To book your charter for Winter Chinook onboard the Trish-Anne please contact Jeff Carlson of BC STYLE Fishing Charters http://www.bcstylefishingcharters.com
Thanks. Jeff Carlson – owner
Fishing Report from: Fish Tales Tackle Shop, Terrace BC
Hello Noel, well the weeks are passing fast. It will be spring before we know it. This week I have Willie McCleary with another beautiful Steelhead!! Caught on the Kalum. He was using a Sage RPL+ 8110-4 , Islander FR #2 http://www.islander.com , Scientific Angler WF8 line and Seagar fluorocarbon leader. On the end of that was a Black Wooly Bugger. Awesome Willie! Good job! Thanks to his Trophy XL waterproof fishing jacket http://www.redlsports.com he was able to stay warm and dry for this great day on the river! Well fishers, get out there fishin and enjoy this awesome weather! Happy Fishing to all from Fish Tales Fly & Tackle Shop!!
Cheers! Jason Munday - manager
Everyone is invited to check out our New! instore flyer http://www.noelgyger.ca/ads/fish-tales- ... -flyer.pdf Out of town orders are always welcome. Come in for a coffee anytime.
Fishing Report from: Cory Koenig of Webflyz, Smithers BC
Cory Koenig is taking custom fly orders for any species now at http://www.webflyz.com
Highest Quality, Durable, and Competitively Priced Flies for any Species!
Hello Noel, Spring is near, and the Olympics are almost done. GOLD CANADA GOLD!!! In the excitement, I have made some Olympic Medal flies that are sure to catch fish! Using the ever popular BLUE for steelhead, these flies were created!
http://www.webflyz.com/fishing-resources/fly-talk.html is where you can view the GOLD, SILVER, and BRONZE medal flies!
Nothing much to report, except I am sure everyone is tying flies these days for a great anticipated spring steelhead trip very soon!
There is some great opportunities to ice-fish for large char in the Smithers/Houston area though, eating most any baitfish imitations you may have! Check out GUMMY MINNOWS for great success, especially for sea-run trout!
Babine Lake has provided some decent char and rainbow trout ice fishing, although the ice is becoming submerged with water. Many small lakes around Tukkii Lodge and the Nilkitkwa road and the entire Babine Lake road leading up to Babine Lake are filled with an abundance of cutthroat and rainbows. Weather has been very good for ice fishing this past week, but getting anglers out there is a different story. We have an abundance of fishing opportunities in the Bulkley Valley, time to take advantage! Spring is near, and many anglers are very itchy for spring steelhead fishing!
... Need CHAR catching flies? Then look at webflyz.com or give me a call 1-250-877-2021 or, ...if you are in need of lures or anything else for ice-fishing, contact Steve Hidber at Oscar's Source for Sports.
Anticipation is definitely on spring fishing in the Terrace area for steelhead. Many new anglers/customers are asking about this years steelhead fishing in our beautiful province!
Do you need to top up your fly box?!?! Sick of tying flies yourself? Check out Webflyz B.C.! Any flies can be custom made for your specific fishing situation.
Contact Cory at WEBFLYZ B.C. http://www.webflyz.com for ice-fishing flies and more.
Check newly added fly photos at http://www.webflyz.com or... if you are planning a trip to hotter destinations like Belize, Mexico, Bahamas, or even the Cayman Islands check out WEBFLYZ B.C.'s website for select boxed flies that are working for many anglers right now!!! Bonefish and Stripers are sought after at the moment! From Steelhead to Stripers, Salmon to Sailfish, this fishing year has already begun in some of the warmer states!
Check your 2009-2011 Freshwater fishing Regulations synopsis for all details concerning B.C. Lakes and upcoming spring/summer steelhead fishing in Region 6.
Good luck everyone. Yours sincerely, Cory Koenig
PRODUCT PROFILE Islander Reels http://www.islander.com
Manufacture of World-Class and Specialty Fishing Reels
Islander Reels has been manufacturing precision Center Pin, Fly and Mooching reels for over 15 years as a division of The J.S. Foster Corporation of Saanichton, near Victoria, B.C., Canada.
"In order to land the big fish you need a reel that you can depend on, a reel that will hold its own in the face of a challenge. For over 15 years Islander Reels have been put to the test in some of the most extreme sports fishing conditions in the world. In our constant quest for perfection, Islander Reels have evolved into the best reels on the market. From detailed design and ingenious machining to the final finishing touch, Islander Reels have been built to last, built to excel and built to provide you with the fishing experience of a lifetime."
Islander Reels is the Number One choice of Professional Guides in the North West.
Islander Dealers in the Northwest: City Centre Hardware and Sporting Goods in Kitimat, Oscars Source for Sports in Smithers and Fish Tales Tackle Shop in Terrace
Contact info: Islander Precision Reels 6771 Kirkpatrick Crescent Saanichton B.C. V8M1Z8 Canada Phone 250-544-4856 Fax: 250-544-1450 http://www.islander.com
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 REGULATIONS WEBSITES:
2009-2011 BC tidal waters and non-tidal (Federal) Salmon fishing information:
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish
Effective April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2011
2009-2011 Freshwater (Provincial) Fishing Regulations Synopsis:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish
Effective April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2011 (Note: regs good for two years)
GUEST FISHING PHOTOS:
*** If any of you have special fishing photos, testimonials, scenic river photos, wildlife photos or articles I would love to see them.
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
Fiberglass fish reproductions
This 42 x 23.5 inch Steelhead was estimated to weigh 30-pounds. There are many sizes and positions available, and pretty much any species. Call Carey Braun anytime at 250-639-3769 and he will be happy to build one for you. Yes, that’s Carey in the photo. Place your order NOW
WIN a FREE one day DRIFT BOAT FISHING TRIP down the Kitimat River for three people by signing-up your friends, family and fishing partners for my WEEKLY FISHING REPORT. This trip is supplied by Reliable Guide and Charters and is for the 2010 season. The LUCKY WINNER will be drawn on April 30, 2010. Cast to this link to open a form showing how to enter names. Send the completed form via e-mail or postal mail. When I receive it I will reply confirming your name is entered into the draw - GOOD LUCK
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
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: http://www.noelgyger.ca
Fishing Reports: http://www.noelgyger.ca/past-fishing-reports.htm
RECORD SALMON & STEELHEAD Spin or fly-fishing
RIVER, LAKE, STREAM or OCEAN!!!
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