SUMMARY: Weather was excellent all week. Lots of sun shine and warmer than average day time temperatures. Fishing Guiding started on March 15th on the Kalum River. Skeena River is in good shape but full of ice flows and frozen over in spots. Be very careful walking on the ice ledges! There may be some Steelhead wintering over in some locations. The Trout and Dolly Varden Char are available year round. Kalum River is in good shape and fishing for Steelhead is excellent. Zymoetz (Copper) River is in fair shape and fishing for Steelhead is slow. The upper section closed for fishing on January 1st. Lakelse River is in fair shape and fishing for Steelhead and Trout is fair. Lake ice fishing is good. Beware of thin ice! Kitimat River is iced up and snowed in. This has caused the river to be reduced to narrow channels. Despite these conditions, some anglers still went fishing. The warmer weather will help the situation. Trout fishing this week was excellent. Douglas Channel; I have not heard anyone fishing the Douglas Channel at all this week but they will be heading out soon with the warmer weather. Many anglers are upset about the current Halibut Policy. The 2011 Halibut Season will close some time in the summer but DFO does not know when. This makes it impossible for Saltwater Anglers to book holidays or days off to fish for Halibut. This Conservative Halibut Policy is affecting all Recreation angler's ability to enjoy this Canadian resource especially folks who must travel long distances. See Important Halibut Information in the FULL REPORT. Prince Rupert: With the beautiful weather were having it looks and sounds like this weekend should see lots of fisherman heading out for some fun on the water. Everybody is getting their boats dusted off and ready for another season. Can’t wait for the fishing reports to start rolling in. Check out the Jeff Carson report below. If you would like to book a guided fishing trip on ocean and rivers please contact me Noel Gyger noel@noelgyger.ca anytime. Redl Sportswww.redlsports.comNormarkwww.rapala.caSimmswww.simmsfishing.comTuf Linewww.tuf-line.comBaitrixwww.baitrix.comPure Fishingwww.purefishing.comAce Line Haulerwww.acelinehauler.comIslander Reelswww.islander.comLyman Lureswww.lymanlures.comScottywww.scotty.comBubba’s Bait Barn www.bubbasbaitbarn.comGibb-Deltawww.gibbsfishing.comShimanohttp://fish.shimano.comPower Prohttp://powerpro.comG.Loomiswww.gloomis.comKitimat Lodgewww.kitimatlodge.comBreck’swww.brecksinc.com Dolly’s Fish Market www.dollysfishmarket.comGreat Pacific Salmon Lodgewww.greatpacificsalmonlodge.comPro Trollwww.protroll.comGOOD LUCK and GOOD FISHING! Yours sincerely, Noel F. Gyger Guided Fishing Adventures and Weekly Fishing ReportE-mail: noel@noelgyger.caHome Page:www.noelgyger.caFishing Reports:www.noelgyger.ca/past-fishing-reports.htmSign-up forWeekly Fishing Report:www.noelgyger.ca/subscribers_form.htm for Smithers, Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert and Meziadin NorthRECORD SALMON & STEELHEAD Spin or fly-fishingRIVER, LAKE, STREAM or OCEAN!!!Follow Noel Gyger updates on Twitter: http://twitter.com/guided_fishing"You meet the nicest people on the river banks"To sign-up to receive these fishing reports to your personal e-mail in-box click here:http://www.noelgyger.ca/subscribers_form.htm
Tofino and Clayoquot Sound Area - January 30th, 2011
supplied by: Jay's Clayoquot Ventures RECORDED:0 °FISHING: Great
Tofino and Ucluelet B.C.
Sport Fishing Outlook 2011
For years, the Tofino BC area has been highlighted in publications and media circuits far and wide, with focus often stemming from news of an award winning Resort or eclectic cuisine. These stories rarely go beyond a paragraph or two, before the journalistic prose expands into the Tofino area as a whole and what makes it truly unique, so unique that people migrate here annually for Surf, Sand, Spas, Food and Fish.The diversity of the Tofino area provides an enticement to visitors that is often unrivalled by communities of similar size, not only in British Columbia, but on a world-wide scale. Amenities and attractions, natural beauty and adventure, open Pacific and protected inlets to enjoy, explore and Fish. With the 2009 and 2010 sport fishing seasons playing out to be the best in the last decade, local and visiting anglers are excited to hear that 2011 is forecasted to again provide very strong Chinook and Coho Salmon fishing opportunities. The strength of the recent and forecasted Columbia River Chinook and Coho returns have been a definite highlight for local fisheries, and provide an extremely strong component in supporting the west coast of Vancouver Island sport fishing opportunities for the future. So strong in fact, that the Chinook salmon from coastal Washington State and Columbia River Hatcheries make up well over 80% of Tofino’s early season Salmon fishery. What is even greater news for Tofino and Ucluelet area anglers is that prime components of these strong southern stocks are forecasted to be the largest on record since 1980. These are primarily larger 4 and 5 year old Chinook coming from nearly 100 Million hatchery augmented runs. Yes, that is a lot of zeros in 100,000,000 meaning a lot of young salmon entering the ocean with very good marine survival conditions during recent years. The Salmon Enhancement news and efforts south of the border just gets better. The 2009 release exceeded 100 million and an even higher budget has been allotted to supporting these runs, with the Snake River production alone exceeding the hatchery Chinook salmon outputs of Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Ocean’s efforts in British Columbia. Some folks thank their neighbours for feeding the cat or bringing in the newspaper, but we can be extremely thankful that our neighbours south of the border believe in supporting Salmon runs.
For the 2011 season, these exceptionally strong spring runs of Chinook salmon should appear along Tofino and Ucluelet’s outer coastline by early April, with the “wave” of southern migrating Chinook continuing through July and early August. These transient salmon find the habitat and abundant food source along Tofino and Ucluelet’s offshore banks a prime setting for the juvenile stage of their life cycle, as well as the final adult stage, when they feed hard in preparation for the final journey to natal streams. This scenario is one that anglers anticipate each season, and fortunately it happens in our local waters as much or more than most areas of the B.C. coast. The waters that average 145-160 feet deep, approximately 4-8 miles offshore near Portland Point, Three Humps and the Heisen Bank will be the go-to area for the Tofino area anglers. Trolling near the bottom with Anchovies or Needlefish hoochies as well as thin Needlefish style spoons are preferred methods to ensure success. The larger 4-5 year old Columbia River Chinook often travel closer to the shoreline in relatively shallow waters during this same time, providing an option for smaller vessels to pursue these magnificent fish within a safe proximity to Clayoquot Sound. A little further south towards Ucluelet and offshore on La Perouse Bank, some tolling depths are deeper in the gully areas, but a similar gear approach is often used. As the abundant schools of Sardines reappear in the area as a staple food source for the maturing Salmon, the preferred gear size increases with larger spoons and plugs becoming as popular as ever for this fishery.
The strength of the area’s inshore Coho fishery has rebounded to rival past years that helped label Clayoquot Sound and to a slightly lesser degree, Barclay Sound as B.C.’s premier Saltwater Fly fishing destination. Schools of hungry Coho Salmon arrive in late May and early June, and thrive among the myriad of Islands, Reefs and Kelp Forests, foraging on abundant schools of Needlefish as well as Euphasids. Likely due in part to the beneficial conditions of the base stage of marine survival, these aggressive Coho have been reaching amazing size proportions by mid to late summer, and returning through the fall well past the end of October. Recent reports indicate that one of the area’s main transient Coho runs originating from Puget sound is expected to return at nearly a 10% survival rate, which is triple the average of B.C.’s Coho stocks in recent years. The same favourable ocean conditions will provide for stronger B.C. returns as well, with one respected Fisheries Scientist predicting the best Coho numbers in the past 10 years!! This area and fishery has been favoured by many smaller vessel anglers, and has become extremely popular again, most notably for those that enjoy catching hard fighting Coho Salmon on a Fly Rod in the shallow, protected waters of the sound.
Recreational Halibut Fishing along Tofino’s outer coastline should also remain consistently strong, due to Canada’s overall biomass of Halibut increasing over recent years. The average size and weight has also increased as forecasted, with anglers along Vancouver Island’s west coast experiencing great success in 2010. Catch limits and a seasonal opening date is not set at the time of writing, but the International Pacific Halibut Commission has increased the “exploitable” portion of the biomass allocated to Area 2B-Canada, which is then managed and allocated within Canada by DFO. Announcements are anticipated soon regarding seasonal planning and regulations. The Tofino and Ucluelet B.C. areas’ early season months of April May June and July will be the best bet for Halibut fishing within 6 -10 miles of the coastline, with average sizes likely in the 20-40 lb range. Late season regulation changes may be in effect, so make sure you consult with people in the know prior to trip planning, or check the DFO website for current regulations.
As in any fishing season, regardless of your location there can be highs and lows. For 2011 we are fortunately looking forward to once again experiencing why Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim area has been considered B.C.’s most reliable Sport Fishing destination by many who have fished our beautiful area.
Jay Mohl operates Clayoquot Ventures, a Tofino Sport fishing company and Fly & Tackle Shop. The year 2011 marks Clayoquot Ventures’ 16th season in Tofino. For updated fishing reports and fishing information please go online at www.tofinofishing.com or call 1-888-534-7422.
Fraser River - January 6th, 2011
supplied by: STS Guiding Service RECORDED:0 °FISHING: Goodmaps
Like 2010 we will begin our 2011 sturgeon season fishing the Mission area during the spring Ulichon migration. This is when these small smelts return from the ocean to spawn in the lower Fraser. The fish are not as large as we see in the summer/fall but the action is steady with many 10 to 20 fish days.Pic - http://www.guidebc.com/images/p1000489_073010_800w.jpg If you’re wanting to fish for larger trophy sturgeon during late spring/ early summer, our sturgeon camp is the place to be. Our new Yurt camp is located near Lillooet, BC, 3 hours drive from Vancouver, 2 hours from Whistler, BC. This region is warm, dry and offers spectacular scenery and fishing. STS has teamed up with Fraser Canyon Lodging to offer what we believe is the most spectacular sturgeon fishing adventure available anywhere in Canada or United States. When I first visited the Yurt Camp in 2010 I was a bit skeptical, I always believed that lower/mid Fraser was the only place that offered great sturgeon fishing, Wow was I wrong! After spending 3 days fishing a region seldom fished by anyone I could not wipe the smile off my face. I never saw another boat and spend most of the 3 days chasing fish down the river. I would safely say it was some of the best fishing I have ever experienced. Want to join Vic & Tom for 4 days of incredible sturgeon fishing? Camp Dates are set for peak fishing period. July 8-11July 11-14August 5-8August 8 -11 Maximum of 12 guests per date, to see cost and Itinerary, please see link http://www.guidebc.com/accommodations/accomm_sturgeonwildernesscamp.asphttp://www.guidebc.com/images/p1000482_080210_400w.jpg During the summer months sturgeon fishing can be very good in the Chilliwack/Mission region. The salmon are now migrating up the Fraser at full speed and the sturgeon are following along for a feed. Once the salmon season is in full swing, so is the sturgeon fishing, typically this will take place in early to mid August when the sockeye salmon are migrating up the Fraser River. If your wanting to fish for salmon and sturgeon in the same day or multi-day trip, August through to November is best. 2011 is a Pink year so fishing will be very good for large sturgeon from early September through to until end of October. Pic - http://www.guidebc.com/images/p1000676_112610_400w.jpg Whether you are looking to spend a day or a week, family vacation or take your best client or a corporate retreat with 5 star accommodations and service, STS Guiding is the leader in sport fishing on the Fraser. Our quality fishing adventures are second to none, not sure, see what our many guests had to say http://www.guidebc.com/testimonials.aspVancouver Saltwater Salmon fishingWinter Salmon fishing has been fair to excellent the past week. Good numbers of Chinook are being caught in Vancouver Harbour with a fair number of keeper size Chinook. Finding the biat fish is the key, find the bait and you will hook fish. Hoochies, Spoons and bait fish have all been producing fish, trolling near the bottom has worked well. Our new 265 Express is geeting rigged and almost ready to hit the water, If your looking to get out and catch some salmon, February is a great month.Vancouver Saltwater Fishing with STSFor the past 10 years STS has offered saltwater charters out of Vancouver. Most of our saltwater fishing charters have been sub-contracted to associate charter operators out of downtown Vancouver. Well that is all about to change.STS has partnered up with Delta Airport Hotel and as of Feb 1, 2011 we will be operating our own Saltwater division based out of Vancouver Airport Hotel. Daily charters will be available as well as overnight stay packages. We are currently rebuilding our new site www.fishingvancouver.com with official launch date of Jan 15.Delta Airport Hotel is located 2 minutes from the Vancouver Airport just off the north Arm of the Fraser River. With our own private marina we will have quick and easy access to Vancouver Saltwater Fishing Hot Spots, Gulf Islands and the Fraser River. Some of our packages will include salmon and sturgeon combo’s as well as Vancouver Island & Gulf Island Salmon Fishing.Although our marina is not right in downtown Vancouver, we believe our strategic location will give us a huge advantage. Within a few short minutes we can be fishing all of Vancouver’s Hot Spots not to mention our close proximity to the Gulf Islands. To make your journey to us easy, we offer FREE hourly shuttle to and from Vancouver Airport, for those coming from downtown we offer free shuttle service to and from Vancouver’s Canada line.All Vancouver Ocean Charters with STS Include:· Free Airport and Canada line shuttle service· 6, 8 or 10 hours of Guided Salmon Fishing· All charters we drop crab and prawn traps when in season· Private Guide and Transport Canada Certified boat· All fishing tackle, fishing license and catered lunch· Fishing Hot Line for Quick Reservation· Souvenir for each guest.· Continental or Full Breakfast can be added for an additional charge. Check out our new 27 ft Grady White, this fishing machine is equipped with the best in tackle, saftey and navigation not to mention one of the best guides teams in the Vancouver Saltwater Scene.Pic – Want to win a 6 hour Saltwater Guide Trip with STS? Just send us an e-mail with “enter me to win” We will post the winner on our new website www.fishingvancouver.com on Jan 15.To celebrate the Jan 15 launching of www.fishingvancouver.com we will be giving away a Saltwater Fishing ROD & REEL combo valued at over $250. To enter just visit www.fishingvancouver.com on Jan 15, and find the link, “enter free draw” we will draw the winner at 5pm on Jan 15.Join our team of 8 professional guides for the 2011 season and see why STS is considered #1 in the valley.STS Guiding Service is committed to providing current and future clients with the highest level of service and quality angling experiences at the lowest price possible. We pride ourselves on our personal and friendly service, our ability to catch fish on 95% of our guided charters. We are fishing the area 12 months of the year. For us fishing is a year round commitment, not just a summer job. To Book Your next guided adventure, call us Toll Free 1-866-771-3474 Remember to conserve your catch
Kitimat River - June 10th, 2008
supplied by: Noel Gyger Guided Fishing Adventures RECORDED:70 °FISHING: Good
The photo of the week shows fishing guide Gord McKean (aka “splash Gordon”) with a beautiful, big Kitimat River Chinook (King) Salmon. Photo courtesy of Gill McKean of Westcoast Fishing Adventures ================================Noel Gyger – Guided Fishing Adventures and Weekly Fishing Report4012 Best Street, Terrace BC V8G 5R8, CanadaTel/Fax: (250) 635-2568Cell: (250) 631-2678E-mail: noel@noelgyger.caHome Page: www.noelgyger.caFishing Reports: www.noelgyger.ca/past-fishing-reports.htmRECORD SALMON & STEELHEAD Spin or fly-fishingRIVER, LAKE, STREAM or OCEAN!!!================================ Home Page: www.noelgyger.caNoel Gyger - WEEKLY FISHING REPORT dated June 1 – June 8, 2008 Dear Fishing Friends: SUMMARY: Wow, the opportunity to catch a BIG Chinook (King) Salmon is here now! We have some decent river conditions.Theweather has been pretty good all week and you can’t beat this early summer season. It has been a little on the cool side with the odd rain shower but this is good and helps the rivers shape up. Believe it or not the mighty Skeena is borderline (to fair) fishable. Normally, in a good year, thousands of Chinook Salmon are in the river heading upstream to their home rivers. The Salmon swim no matter how dirty the water is. If this water gets a little cleaner…watch out…the “bites” are going to be fantastic! Best places to fish are anywhere downstream of Terrace BC. Excitement grows from anglers and guides in the Terrace area for this opportunity and an anticipation of another good run. The only problem with this glowing scenario is we don’t know the size of the Salmon run yet. The lower Kalum has fresh Chinook (King) Salmon moving in and the knowledgeable guides know where to go and how to catch them. Fishing at the mouths of rivers where tributaries enter side channels of the Skeena River is also a good bet at this time i.e. the Exstew, Kasiks and Exchamsiks Rivers. The Zymoetz (Copper) River is still dirty. Thank goodness for the Kitimat River and other smaller coastal rivers and streams because if the big Skeena is un-fishable these smaller waters usually are. And ocean and lake fishing is fantastic. BTW - the Kitimat River is clean but fishing is only fair for Chinook. The run seems to be late this year. Check out the Ron Wakita report below for more detail. The above photo shows six Japanese guests at Nicholas Dean Lodge. Mr. Tahara Yasufumi (bottom row – right side) was here 15 years ago. Nice to have a repeat guest even if it takes a few years. That’s me on the far left, second in from the far right is Gary Mills and far right is Chad Black. The dogs name is Ruger. They just finished two days river fishing for Chinook and are on their way to Prince Rupert for three days of ocean fishing. This is their fourth trip back for ocean fishing. The river fishing was slow for them. LIST OF “New” ITEMS POSTED ON THE WEBSITE THIS WEEK:- June 6/08 details of a BOOK RELEASE from Nimmo Bay Resorthttp://www.noelgyger.ca/news-bulletin.htm- June 7/08 on item posted on “Conservation”http://www.noelgyger.ca/conservation.htmNOW BOOKING FOR 2008 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. 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 WakitaChad BlackGill McKeanTodd Haynes CURRENT REPORT and summary for Skeena and Tributaries: Type of fish caught: Chinook and Trout for river. Chinook/Halibut/Bottom Fish/Crab for ocean. Thank you for using barbless hooks. FISHING THIS WEEK: GOODNote: I was going to leave the above graph at only FAIR but since the ocean fishing has been so hot I moved it to GOOD.LARGEST FISH OF THE WEEK:Specie: 40-pound Chinook Where: Skeena trib Angler: Greg Buck Weather: Cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers. High 13. Region normal: Max. Temp. 19 degrees C. Min. Temp. 7 degrees C. Sunrise 5:00 AM Sunset 10:07 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=wxbtnoldWATER CONDITIONS: Skeena River is borderline fishable. Lower Kalum River is fishable. Kitimat River is dropping and is fishable. Zymoetz (Copper) River is dirty. Most smaller coastal streams are in good shape. current water heights FOR:sKEENA rIVER:http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/fullgraph.asp?stnid=08EF001KITIMAT RIVER:http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/fullgraph.asp?stnid=08FF002Skeena River: The water heights have been dropping all week and is now borderline fishable. This is what is needed to bring in the Chinook (King) Salmon runs. Kalum River:The water in the low end is fishable. Hopefully a good run of Chinook are still entering now. 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. Kasiks River:It is now possible to fish for Chinook at the mouth, in the clean seam, where it joins the Skeena. Sometimes the Chinook come out of the Skeena and into the clean water in search for scent of their home river. EXCHAMSIKS RIVER: Same as above, it is now possible to fish for Chinook in the clean seam. EXSTEW RIVER: Same as above, it is now possible to fish for Chinook in the clean seam. Note: the above three rivers are closed to angling for Chinook except at the very low end. Please check 2007 – 2009 BC Freshwater Salmon Supplement (fancy name for regulations) at: www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish for details. Zymoetz (Copper) River:The water is still colored up. 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. The above photos show some very happy anglers who decided to go ocean fishing for Halibut this week…as they wait for the river fishing to get red hot for Chinook. Photo courtesy Gill McKean of Westcoast Fishing AdventuresIn Gill’s own words, “Here are a few photo's for a report from yesterday, what a "BLAST" Austen, my son caught rat fish, dog fish, rock fish and of course the mighty Halibut. We even got broke off twice and I caught the same fish again with the hooks still in him!
Splash Gordon got spanked by a monster Halibut it was too funny! He is still talking about it!
Great day for the guides day OFF!
Hope you are all well…wish you were here to help us eat all this Halibut.”
Fishing Report from:Nicholas Dean Lodgefor the Week of June 1 to June 7, 2008
Hello Anglers, Water conditions have continued to improve on many of the rivers in the Skeena region over the last week. The majority of tributary rivers has dropped, and in many cases, has started to clear. Even the big river itself has been receding slowly, and is now in the “grey” phase. At this height and clarity, it is not quite fishable in all areas, but there are some locations which can be productive, such as clean seams, where water from cleaner tributary rivers enters the Skeena. Given similar temperatures over the next week, the Skeena should continue to drop and clear. On the other hand, the Kitimat River has been clean for most of the week, and Greg and Sky have reported some success while fishing spoons and back trolling plugs from drift boats. The Chinook landed have been a little on the small side, around 20 lbs, but as the season progresses, more and larger fish will enter the Kitimat and Skeena drainages 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 ChartersKITIMAT RIVER: The Kitimat River has been in great shape this week and there have been a few chinook caught. There was a chinook caught at the Lower Dike on Monday morning. Brad Schmidt, construction worker working the Eurocan Shut down caught a 20lb chinook also at the Lower Dike after work Tuesday evening. Work hard! Play hard! Well done Brad. Mike Herzberg of Reliable Guide and Charters fishing with his buddy Alvaro landed 21lb.Chinook on Friday. Mike and Alvaro also lost another Chinook on the same drift. Terrance Reynolds also of Reliable Guide and Charters drifted this morning and they lost two Chinook, one right at the boat. As disappointing as it is to lose a fish so close to landing, it is an inevitable part of fishing that all anglers must come to terms with. The Chinook run in the Kitimat River appears to be a little late this year and consensus of some hardcore chinook anglers is that they have had better results at this same period in previous years. We are on some big tides now and I suspect that catch rates will increase dramatically and so will the disposition of some chinook anglers. Fishermen are sure in a lot better mood when they are catching fish! DOUGLAS CHANNEL: The Douglas Channel is starting to produce some pretty good results. Doug Rumley and I boated a 25lb. chinook last Sunday. Shane Campbell of Shane's Fishing Adventures fishing with his buddy Vince Sealy and Vince's Uncle Wayne hooked seven Chinook landing four between 14lbs to 28lbs on Wednesday. They also boated six halibut on the same trip. Congratulations to Shane, Vince and Uncle Wayne on a great day of fishing!
My nephew Derek and I fishing with Derek's buddy Jordan boated a 20lb. Chinook this morning.(Saturday June 7th) Wes Owen of Golden Adventures boated a 28lb.chinook today as well and lost another one also in the Kitimat Harbour. I agree with the local consensus that the chinook run may be a bit late this year but we are definitely seeing signs that the chinook run is picking up now especially in the Kitimat Harbour fishery and further down the Douglas Channel. The above are Todd Haynes and Rob Vodola with some very nice Kitimat Douglas Channel Harbour Chinook Salmon that did not quite make it into the river. These fish were landed on Wednesday and were estimated to weight around 28-pounds each. Photos courtesy of Todd Haynes of Nautical West Charters Cast to this link for Kitimat tide tables http://www.waterlevels.gc.ca/cgi-bin/tide-shc.cgi?queryType=showRegion&language=english®ion=1Fishing RegulationWebsites: 2007-2009 BC tidal waters and freshwater Salmon fishing information:www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfishEffective April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2009 2008-2009 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis:www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish Effective April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009Note: For In-season Regulation Changes posted on the web check the above URL’sGUEST FISHING PHOTOS:*** If any of you have special fishing photos, 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) MARKETPLACE(Sportfishing related items only please) Contact me anytime to list your itemsBuy, 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. 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
Kalum River - April 21st, 2008
supplied by: Noel Gyger Guided Fishing Adventures RECORDED:60 °FISHING: Good
The photo of the week shows Chad Black with a gorgeous, bright Kalum River Steelhead caught on April 18, 2008 within ten minutes of starting to fish. Cast to Video Clip 0048 ================================Noel Gyger – Guided Fishing Adventures and Weekly Fishing Report4012 Best Street, Terrace BC V8G 5R8, CanadaTel/Fax: (250) 635-2568Cell: (250) 631-2678E-mail: noel@noelgyger.caHome Page: www.noelgyger.caFishing Reports: www.noelgyger.ca/past-fishing-reports.htmRECORD SALMON & STEELHEAD Spin or fly-fishingRIVER, LAKE, STREAM or OCEAN!!!================================ Home Page: www.noelgyger.caNoel Gyger - WEEKLY FISHING REPORT dated April 13 – April 20, 2008Dear Fishing Friends: SUMMARY:It has been mostly cool, cloudy with scattered rain all week but the weekend is very nice. And the water is up – but still clean…yahoo! I guess I can say it now…conditions are near perfect. The guiding clients have been doing very well especially those who book multiple days. Multiple days mean they get to experience different rivers, pools and runs. I was tempted to move the fishing gauge from good to excellent. The Zymoetz (Copper) is clean and fishing on the low end is good. The Kalum is very clean and fishing is very good. With a “bump” of water the Kitimat River is fishing well for Steelhead. See the Ron Wakita report below for more detail. The Skeena River is clean and Steelhead are being caught. Don’t spread this rumor but we have already caught our first Chinook (King) Salmon on the Kalum River this year. It happened on April 3rd. Sky Richard was the lucky angler. Soon, we may be able to catch both Steelhead and Chinook on the same day. Now that experience will change your life. I know, it changed mine back in 1980. I have a report of guiding clients “just about” landing a Steelhead on the Kalum River that was estimated to weigh over 25-pounds. It got away before they could get the photo. I also have a report from my friend Rob Vodola who was fishing with a friend on the Kitimat River after work for a couple of hours and hooked-up with a couple of very fresh Steelhead just in from the ocean. Rob landed his fish a big wild male estimated to weigh over 20-pounds…plus. He said it was the most beautiful Steelhead he had seen this year. Even with the low water the fish are still making it upstream. Check out a brief report of the day Chad Black and I had on the Kalum on April 18th. LIST OF “New” ITEMS POSTED ON THE WEBSITE THIS WEEK:- Apr 10/08 one video clips posted on “Video Clips”http://www.noelgyger.ca/video-clips-web.htm under new category “Tips and Techniques”- Apr 17/08 one item posted on “Conservation” http://www.noelgyger.ca/conservation.htm- Apr 18/08 one video clip posted on “Video Clips” http://www.noelgyger.ca/video-clips-web.htmNOW 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. CURRENT REPORT and summary for Skeena and Tributaries: Type of fish caught: Steelhead and Trout Thank you for using barbless hooks. FISHING THIS WEEK: GOOD*LARGEST FISH OF THE WEEK:Specie: 20-pound plus Steelhead Where: Kitimat River Angler: Rob Vodola Weather: Sunny with cloudy periods. Windy. High plus 5. Region normal: Max. Temp. 13 degrees C. Min. Temp. 2 degrees C. Sunrise 6:20 AM Sunset 8:47 AM 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=wxbtnoldWATER CONDITIONS: The Skeena is low and in good shape. The Kalum (upper and lower) River is in good shape and has come up about one foot since last week. Kitimat River is very low and clean and is starting to come up a bit also. current water heights FOR:sKEENA rIVER:http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/fullgraph.asp?stnid=08EF001KITIMAT RIVER:http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/fullgraph.asp?stnid=08FF002Skeena River: The water is in good shape, low and clean. Fishing for Steelhead is good if you know where to go and what to do. Kalum River:The water, both upper and lower sections are in excellent shape and fishing for Steelhead is very good. The water has come up so it is much safer for boating. April 18, 2008 Chad Black and I had an opportunity to fish together for a few hours on the Kalum River. Chad's favorite way to fish is with his Spey fly rod. He is a pro fly caster. It didn't take him very long to catch his Steelhead (see: Photo of the Week) and what a fresh fish it was, bright and clean. It must have just come in from the ocean this spring. I managed to shoot some video and still shots. Did I say, I caught a Steelhead also. I caught mine spinning with a light silver spoon. Chad shot some video and stills also with his camera…so check back early next week when I will have had a chance to edit and post it on the website. We also caught Cutthroat and Dolly Varden Char. It was just a GREAT day fishing. Both our fish were females Chad’s estimated to weigh 10-12 and mine 12-14-pounds. Chad gave me some very good Spey Fly Fishing Tips and Techniques on video (soon to be posted)…stay tuned…it is only going to get better. 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 Steelheaders to enjoy. Water is clean now and the fishing is pretty good. 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 Lodgefor the Week of April 13 to April 19/08Hello Anglers, The prevailing low, clear water conditions on the Skeena and its tributaries changed last week as rainfall and snowmelt inundated rivers. Though the Skeena has a little more colour to it, it has been fishing well during the past week, and some very fresh Steelhead have been caught there. Other rivers have redeveloped their natural glacial colour, which Steelhead seem to feel more at home in. Though the fishing has been a little spottier than in previous weeks, the Steelhead are still in the rivers in good numbers, and the game is more about finding aggressive fish. Guests at the lodge last week hooked into several Steelhead on the fly, ranging from large bucks with prominent red stripes, to white chrome fish with a hint of pink in their cheeks. Another group of Italian anglers who were guided by Greg and Dustin experienced some great fishing on light spoons cast to deep, swirly pools. The next week is forecast to be a warm sunny one, which will hopefully continue to melt snow and raise river levels. An increase in water levels will no doubt bring more fresh fish into the Skeena system which, as water temperatures rise, will be very strong fighters. And perhaps most striking, the warmer weather will allow us to access some of our favourite remote coastal Steelhead rivers. These are creeks and small rivers where 20 lb Steelhead can be sight fished as they hold behind large boulders in clear water. More on this adventure next week… 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 ChartersKITIMAT RIVER:Anyone drifting the Kitimat River please beware of the log jam above Powerlines! The Kitimat River water level went up earlier this week due to some rain we had last weekend. With the rise in the water the Steelhead catch rates were pretty good earlier in the week through out the river particularly in the upper end. The higher water levels encouraged more Steelhead into the river and also caused more Steelhead to migrate up river. I managed to land one on Sunday and another on Monday evening. Tuesday evening after work I was fishing with Francis Timmons from Quebec and he managed to land another one in the upper river. Pat Oliver also landed one about 18lbs. on Wednesday up river. Many other Steelhead anglers reported good success as well. After the rain stopped and with continuing colder temperatures the river has dropped steadily during the latter part of this week and the catch rates have dropped off in the upper river. The lower cleaner water level has created more challenging conditions although Randy Marshall of Randy's River Guiding reported landing a 12lber with his client on Saturday. There seems to be more Steelhead holding in the lower drift and the wider deeper Steelhead runs in the lower portion of the Kitimat has produced more fish. One drift boat has reported hooking five Steelhead landing three in the lower drift on Friday. We have some higher than average tides in the next few days which should help bring some fresh Steelhead into the Kitimat. I suspect that the higher tides will bring more fresh Steelhead into the Kitimat River but the lower river level will cause them to hold in the lower portion. To test this theory I plan to drift the lower portion tomorrow morning. Stay tuned! DOUGLAS CHANNEL: We have experienced some high winds in the Douglas Channel which has caused little to no activity. Accordingly not much to report from the Douglas Channel.
Cast to this link for Kitimat tide tables http://www.waterlevels.gc.ca/cgi-bin/tide-shc.cgi?queryType=showRegion&language=english®ion=1Fishing RegulationWebsites: 2007-2009 BC tidal waters and freshwater Salmon fishing information:www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfishEffective April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2009 2008-2009 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis:www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish Effective April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009Note: For In-season Regulation Changes posted on the web check the above URL’sGUEST FISHING PHOTOS:The above photo is from a few years ago and shows Robert Tomes, a repeat guest, with his BIG Steelhead landed on the Kalum River while Spey Fly Fishing.*** If any of you have special fishing photos, 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) MARKETPLACE(Sportfishing related items only please) Contact me anytime to list your itemsBuy, 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. 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
Courtenay - saltwater - February 13th, 2008
supplied by: Fishing BC Online RECORDED:45 °FISHING: Great
Winter Chinook fishing all around the Georgia Strait continues to be strong. Large schools of salmon seem to be content with hanging around feeding on the massive amounts of herring in the area and with literally hundreds and hundreds of tons entering the Georgia Strait to spawn in the next few weeks these fish should fatten up nicely over the next couple of months. More and more anglers are getting word of the opportunity and have chosen to dust off their gear and hit the water in all areas from Campbell River to Nanoose Bay. Many are hooking into as many as twenty fish if the weather and tides co-operate. Good sized fish are being landed in areas like Lambert Channel, Eagle Rock, off the lighthouse in Campbell River, the “hump” off of Kitty Coleman, Tribune Bay, Flora Isle, French Creek and the waters in and around Chrome Island. Fish are hitting over a wide range of depths, from 75 ft all the way down to 320 ft but most fish are being hooked around 160 ft. Kermit Coyote spoons trolled behind Betsy flashers (gold or silver) have kept us busy most days, although every day out seems to require some sort of gear and or color change, but regardless the fishing is as good as it has been in a long time. With no virtually no commercial herring sets made north of Qualicum during the roe fishery last year it should serve as a reminder to ALL that if there is feed for migrating stocks of salmon in the Georgia Strait the fish stocks will increase, it’s a no-brainer…..more feed more fish….Every year about this time thousands of large migrating Chinooks enter the waters on the east coast of Vancouver Island hot on the trail of the billions of herring and some of the best fishing of the year is just around the corner. Having landed many fish in the 30 + range outside of Flora Isle (Hornby) in March and April, one would expect more of the same in the next month or two. Make sure to have your spools full as these fish are for the most part are right on the bottom at 200-230 ft can have you chasing them around for quite some time. Trolling large (6-7”) Wonder spoons or 5-6” silver prism Coyote spoons without a flasher, and stay right on the bottom dropping your deep lines down constantly to stay deep. The reefs just outside Whaling Station Bay (just north of Flora Ise) should not be overlooked as tide changes push bait up from the deep into areas where feeding salmon can be targeted as they chase the feed around. This is a great opportunity to do some mooching with your favorite setup. G&M FISHING CHARTERS (250) 954-6500 Toll Free at 1-800-577-6966 www.fishingbc.ca
Campbell River - saltwater - February 13th, 2008
supplied by: Fishing BC Online RECORDED:47 °FISHING: Great
Winter Chinook fishing all around the Georgia Strait continues to be strong. Large schools of salmon seem to be content with hanging around feeding on the massive amounts of herring in the area and with literally hundreds and hundreds of tons entering the Georgia Strait to spawn in the next few weeks these fish should fatten up nicely over the next couple of months. More and more anglers are getting word of the opportunity and have chosen to dust off their gear and hit the water in all areas from Campbell River to Nanoose Bay. Many are hooking into as many as twenty fish if the weather and tides co-operate. Good sized fish are being landed in areas like Lambert Channel, Eagle Rock, off the lighthouse in Campbell River, the “hump” off of Kitty Coleman, Tribune Bay, Flora Isle, French Creek and the waters in and around Chrome Island. Fish are hitting over a wide range of depths, from 75 ft all the way down to 320 ft but most fish are being hooked around 160 ft. Kermit Coyote spoons trolled behind Betsy flashers (gold or silver) have kept us busy most days, although every day out seems to require some sort of gear and or color change, but regardless the fishing is as good as it has been in a long time. With no virtually no commercial herring sets made north of Qualicum during the roe fishery last year it should serve as a reminder to ALL that if there is feed for migrating stocks of salmon in the Georgia Strait the fish stocks will increase, it’s a no-brainer…..more feed more fish….Every year about this time thousands of large migrating Chinooks enter the waters on the east coast of Vancouver Island hot on the trail of the billions of herring and some of the best fishing of the year is just around the corner. Having landed many fish in the 30 + range outside of Flora Isle (Hornby) in March and April, one would expect more of the same in the next month or two. Make sure to have your spools full as these fish are for the most part are right on the bottom at 200-230 ft can have you chasing them around for quite some time. Trolling large (6-7”) Wonder spoons or 5-6” silver prism Coyote spoons without a flasher, and stay right on the bottom dropping your deep lines down constantly to stay deep. The reefs just outside Whaling Station Bay (just north of Flora Ise) should not be overlooked as tide changes push bait up from the deep into areas where feeding salmon can be targeted as they chase the feed around. This is a great opportunity to do some mooching with your favorite setup. G&M FISHING CHARTERS (250) 954-6500 Toll Free at 1-800-577-6966 www.fishingbc.ca
Cowichan River - February 18th, 2007
supplied by: Island Outfitters FISHING: Good
Steelheading is GOOD on the Cowichan. The water level is just above 1.45 meters near the lake and just above 1.35 meters near Duncan. There are lots of steelhead in the river and we have heard of a quite few being landed, both on flies and gear. There are steelhead throughout the entire system now so there are lots of productive spots to chose from, not just the most popular pools. We’ve also heard that some fresh fish have also come into the lower end over the past few days. Good bets for steelhead on the Cowichan are pink worms, Gooey Bobs and Spin’n’Glo’s. At the top end of the river, anglers are doing well fly fishing for trout with egg patterns.
Sooke - Vancouver Island - February 18th, 2007
supplied by: Island Outfitters FISHING: Good
Just like last week, salmon fishing was GOOD but not too many people were out fishing. A few anglers caught springs, but mostly fish less than 10 lbs. Most of the salmon were being caught off the Sooke Bluffs near the trailer park and/or near Secretary Island and the mouth of the harbor. The fish are close to the bottom and deep (100 feet or more). With spoons try Watermelon or Army Truck color combinations with 4” Coyotes, Gypsies and Titans. Anchovy is still the most popular natural bait, using Rhys Davis Watermelon or Purple Haze teaser heads. With plastic baits, go with the Mint Tulip, Purple Haze hootchies or squirts. Really, almost anything that you use will catch springs right now if fished according to the manufacturer’s instructions. crabs. HALIBUT- Halibut fishing has started but we haven’t heard of any coming from here. Extra Large herring and/or octopus are the most popular baits. However, if the dogfish become a nuisance you can use Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or the new Glow in the Dark bullet Jig.
Becher Bay - Vancouver Island - February 18th, 2007
supplied by: Island Outfitters FISHING: Fair
Fishing was SLOWER with most boats getting a fish or two. The most productive area was from Whirl Bay to the Bedford Islands where anglers were catching springs up to 21 lbs. The big fish of the week was the 21 lb spring caught by Bob Dalziel in Whirl Bay. A 19 lb fish was landed near the Bedfords. The mouth of the bay near the can buoy has been slower, but still a few were caught there. The best fishing has been close to the bottom in 117 to 125 feet of water in Whirl Bay and a bit deeper if you’re fishing at the mouth of the bay. If you’re fishing bait, use anchovy or small herring in Watermelon, Mint Pearl or Purple Haze teaser heads. With plastic baits use the Cloverleaf, Army Truck or Purple Haze hootchies and squirts. With spoons try Silver/Brass, Green Silver, Mongoose, or Watermelon color combinations with 4” Coyotes, Gypsies and Titans. HALIBUT- Several ‘Chicken” size halibut were weighted in at the marina. Extra Large herring and/or Octopus are the most popular baits. However, if the dogfish become a nuisance you can use Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or the new Glow in the Dark bullet Jig.
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