Weekly Fishing Reports (Smithers, Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert and Meziadin North)
Noel Gyger
July 11 to July 18, 2010
Dear Fishing Friends:
SUMMARY: Weather has been good with average temperatures and the odd rain shower. Fishing for Chinook, Sockeye, Chum Salmon, Cutthroat Trout, Bull Trout and Dolly Varden Char using fly, spin and conventional gear has been good. The Skeena River has been dropping all week and fishing for Chinook is good. I have many reports of some very big Chinook caught this week. The Kalum River is in good shape and fishing for Chinook is fair. The Kitimat River is in good shape and fishing for Chinook is excellent. The main run of Chinook are in the river now. The main run has peaked. A few more should come in with the morning high tide. This will also bring in Chum and Pink. Fishing "out front" the Kitimat Bay (Douglas Channel) for Chinook is spotty as most of the fish have gone upriver. Coho, Chum and Pink are starting to show up in the bay. Fishing the outer waters for all species of Salmon and Halibut is good. Crab (Dungeness and King) fishing is excellent. Check out the Ron Wakita report below. The Zymoetz (Copper) River is in good shape and fishing for Chinook is good. Ocean Chinook fishing in Prince Rupert is good. Fishing for Halibut is good and so is trapping Crabs and Prawns. People are catching their limits. Jason Munday in Terrace reported anglers are catching Chinook on the mainstem Skeena River. Marvin Reid from Mezidian North reports lake fishing for Dolly Varden and Rainbow Trout is good. Water levels on the Meziadin Lake are dropping. More Sockeye are showing up in the Meziadin Lake. Chinook are being caught at the mouth of the Meziadin River where it dumps into the Nass River. Bob Melrose says the Bulkley River is low and clear. Fish are a little tough to get. Morice River is so clear fishing is tough. Fish will be in the deep pools waiting for more water before they move upriver. The Kispiox River water is low. You really need to know your stuff to catch a fish here now. We need a bump in water in all of these Skeena Tributary rivers to get the fish moving. This week guide reports came from Ron Wakita, Andreas Handle, Mike Holland, Ariel Kuppers, Tracey Hittel, Gill McKean, Jeff Carlson, Randy Marshall, Greg Buck, Nelson Furtado and Marvin Reid. A very hearty Thank you to all guides and anglers who have sent reports and photos. It is very much appreciated!
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, Meziadin Park Store in Meziadin Lake BC and Fish Tales Tackle Shop in Terrace. Please visit these shops to watch the shows.
BOOK NOW! Click here http://www.noelgyger.ca/special-guided.htm for discounted trips of a lifetime! 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.
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, 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.
New Items on Website
July 16, 2010 One FOR SALE: (Riverfront property on the Bulkley River)
http://www.noelgyger.ca/recreation-retirement-waterfront.htm
July 16, 2010 One FOR SALE: (Riverfront property on the Kispiox River)
http://www.noelgyger.ca/recreation-retirement-waterfront.htm
July 14 & 15, 2010 One Conservation item http://www.noelgyger.ca/conservation.htm
Weather and Water Conditions
Bulkley River
Water is low and clarity is excellent. Fish are in but tough to get.
Kalum River
More anglers are heading out to try their luck fishing for Chinook (King) Salmon. The water is in good shape. Fishing has been reported as fair. Chinook are being caught in the lower section. The main run should be here soon. Reminder: Fishing for Chinook upstream of signs below the lower canyon closed on Tuesday, May 25th. The lower end will remain open to fish for Chinook until August 7th.
Kispiox River
We have had mixed reports about the fishing. Some guys are getting into a lot of fish while others are leaving empty handed. Water is low, but river clarity is excellent.
Morice River
Again, fish are in but catching is tough. The water is so clear and low that they will be in the deep pools waiting for more water before they move on.
Skeena River
The water dropped all week and fishing for Chinook (King) Salmon is good. Lots of people are heading out on the river to try their luck. The main run of giant Chinook in the Terrace area is here. The two main boat ramps (Fishermen's Park and Kitsumkalum) are filling up with excited anglers. There are more and more anglers coming every day to enjoy this fabulous fishery. The bank fishermen are setting up on the "Cotton Wood" pool on the Skeena River. A few Chinook have been caught off of the "Lakelse River Bridge". Both spin and fly fishermen are covering the banks at "Ferry Island". This is a very exciting time of year!
Hi Noel, here is a picture of pro angling guide Randy Marshall (left) and assistant angling guide Nelson Furtado (Randy's River Guiding) posing with a 45 lb Chinook landed on the Skeena River this week. Photo by Greg Buck. The picture sent to Noel Gyger by Nelson Furtado.
Zymoetz (Copper) River
The water is in good shape. Chinook are coming in now. I have received some good reports of Chinook landed.
Fishing Guide Reports
Summary for Skeena and Tributaries
Fishing This Week
EXCELLENT
Type of Fish Caught
River: Chinook Salmon, Chum Salmon, Pink Salmon, Trout and Dolly Varden
Ocean: Salmon, Halibut, Bottom Fish and Dungeness and King Crab for ocean.
Thank you for using barbless hooks! (This is a BC fishing regulation)
Largest Fish of the Week
River: 50-pound Chinook on the Kitimat River. 45-pound Chinook Skeena River. Ocean: 150-pound Douglas Channel, Kitimat, BC
Ron Wakita: Reliable Guide and Charters, Kitimat BC
Kitimat River
The fishing on the Kitimat River was excellent this week with bright, big Chinook moving in on the morning big tides. The key to success this week was fishing the morning high tides. There were more and more Pinks and Chum starting to show in good numbers. Surprisingly, there were also the odd Sockeye and Coho caught this week. The Kitimat River has a skeleton run of Sockeye, D.F.O estimates between 500 to1000. This is an excellent time to be fishing the Kitimat. There are all five species of Salmon swimming around waiting to be hooked by a lucky angler.
July 10 - I had the pleasure of fishing with Naomi Point and Jonathon Sura. We hooked 2 chrome Chinook but we landed a 24lb beautiful, bright Chinook. We had an excellent and very exciting day of Chinook fishing on the Kitimat River. Thank You to Naomi and Jonathon for enlisting our guiding services. I had a lot of fun fishing with you both.
July 10 - Andreas Handl of Kingfish West Coast Adventures landed 3 very nice Chinook. I took this photo on the river when Andreas' boat and mine were boat to boat. Susan and Rainer looked very happy with their catch. Congratulations to all! All of these Chinook were bright fish with sea lice. Andreas was using Luhr Jensen http://www.rapala.ca/ Hot Shot SE Mag. Anyone wishing to book a trip with Andreas please contact Noel Gyger
July 12 - Mike Holland fishing with our clients, Marvin and Val Hawke had a Great Day drifting the Kitimat River. They hooked 4 Chinook and landed 3. Congratulations Marvin and Val! Well done Mike! Mike commented that Marvin and Val were a pleasure to fish with. Anyone wishing to book a trip with Mike please contact Noel Gyger
July 12 - I had the pleasure of fishing with my very good friend Randy Padalec and his new girlfriend, Darcy Shaw. Also along on our drift was Dale, a very good friend of the Padalec family. Dale landed a Pink and Darcy landed a 15lb Chinook on our morning drift. We had a great time on our drift since Randy and I have fished together for 20 plus years. The "Old Randy" I affectionately referred to as the "Fishing partner from H..." The "New Randy" with Darcy's guidance, has potential. :)
July 13 - Ariel Kuppers drifting with our clients, Daniel and Louise Kitt hooked 2 Chinook but landed a bunch of Pinks. The Pinks are an excellent warm up exercise for landing the bigger Chinook. Stay focused and you will land some Chinook.
July 13 - Randy, Darcy and I decided to fish in my secret fishing hole, directly under Haisla Bridge. We landed a 24lb Chinook on a Metallic Pink Hot Shot. http://www.rapala.ca/ Randy told some fish stories and we enjoyed the breeze which had less wind than Randy's fish stories. We caught a fresh Chinook with Sea Lice. Great Fish Stories Randy and Congratulations on the fish!
July 14 - Randy and his father, Mike Padalec and I decided to fish under the bridge again and attempt to catch Randy's mother Evelyn a "Birthday Fish". I am pleased to announce that we landed 2 Birthday Chinook on the morning tide. Randy and Mike did an excellent job landing Evelyn's Birthday fish. Happy Birthday Evelyn!
The first Chinook we hooked and landed on Yakama Bait's New Blue Scale Mag Lip. It took us less than five minutes from launching to hook this 29lb Chinook. Mike did an exceptional job landing this Chinook. I have been working with Buzz Ramsey from Yakama Bait to make some adjustments to these lures for our fishery. I think we have dialed in these lures for fishing the Northwest for Chinook. They are a deep diving plug that has a "Skip beat action" that Buzz designed to entice the strike. I think it is a winner. Well done Buzz. The proof is in the pictures. A Huge Thank You to Buzz!
July 14 - Andreas fishing with our clients Louise and Daniel Kitt landed a Chum and a 22lb Chinook. First they landed some Pinks with Ariel, then a Chum and finally a Chinook. Congratulations Daniel and Louise! Well done Andreas! Louise and Daniel are such wonderful people and I am so happy to report their success on the Kitimat River.
July 15 - Andreas Handl fishing with his clients Tamara and her father Mike Hustin landed a 50lb Chinook on a Luhr Jensen http://www.rapala.ca/ Hot Shot SE Mag. Wow! Andreas reports that Tamara did an awesome job landing this brute of a fish. Well done Tamara! Congratulations, that is a fish of a lifetime! When I spoke to Tamara's father Mike there was a sense of pride that only a father can relate to. Tamara loves to fish with her father and this fishing trip will create a page in the Hustin history of life that will be cherished for generations. Thank You to Tamara, Mike and Andreas for allowing us to share the moment! Anyone wishing to book a trip with Andreas please contact Noel Gyger
July 15 - Mike Holland guiding his clients Dave and Anthony enabled them to land a 22lb Chinook. Dave reports "this is the first Chinook he has landed and the biggest fish ever". Congratulations Dave and well done Mike.
July 15 - Reliable Guide and Charters had the pleasure of hosting a Business Networking excursion for Gerry Knechtel of Midway Purnel Ltd. Gerry organized this Driftboat trip for a group of ten business associates to do some fishing and networking in the peaceful tranquility floating down the Kitimat River. These trips provide an excellent opportunity to get away from the office and enjoy the company of business associates on a personal level rather than by phone, fax or emails.
The tranquility of drifting the Kitimat River was frequently interrupted by the bending of rods and the sweet sound of "Fish On!" This group hooked 10 Chinook in total and landed 5. They also landed a bunch of Pinks and lost a Coho at the boat. Some of the group had a front row seat to watch Tamara Hustin land a 50lb Chinook. To watch a very attractive young lady tame a 50lb Chinook was quite the experience.
On behalf of Ariel, Trent, Richard and myself, a big Thank You to Gerry Knechtel for organizing this trip and enlisting our Guiding services. I hope you all a wonderful fishing experience on the Kitimat River. We were honoured that you chose our company to host your fishing trip and we look forward to being at your service to your group again in the future.
July 16 - I had the pleasure of fishing with Kyle Adams and AJ Brazil for a few hours on the Kitimat River. I had intended to go to the gym and work out but I decided instead to load my driftboat with 3 willing anglers and row my driftboat to burn the excess summer calories. I also wanted to do a little Tackle testing with Yakama Bait new Mag Lip diving plugs. Kyle and AJ were happy to accommodate when I shared my plan with them in the parking lot in front of our Tackle store. Kyle landed our first Chinook weighing 29lbs on Yakama Bait's new Mag Lip Blue Scale Diving Plug. When we went on shore to land this Chinook we invited Don from Prince George to join us. This provided the extra weight in the driftboat to increase the calorie burn and allowed us to put up another rod with another Mag Lip. With Don in the boat we hooked but lost another Chinook on the Mag Lip Blue Scale and then AJ landed a 22lb Chinook on the Mag Lip Blue Pirate. Thanks for a great morning of fishing guys. I was able to get an excellent work out, Kyle and AJ were more than happy to land the Chinook and Yakama's Mag Lip has earned the recognition of enticing Kitimat River Chinook to take the hook. Buzz Ramsey of Yakama Bait also deserves recognition of designing a winner. Yakama Bait's Mag Lip is the Real Deal! Later that day, Cindy Empson of Royal Lepage shared a saying with me that "if you love your job, you will never work a day in your life!". Life is good!
July 16 - Ron Plante was fishing with his kids and some friends and caught a Chum and a bunch of Pinks. A father fishing with his kids in Kitimat is a common occurrence and it is always a delight for me to observe. Some of the fondest memories of my father are fishing trips and hockey road trips. Well done Ron and family
There were also 2 Chum landed on the Radley Park side by Nolan and his father. Congratulations guys!
Anglers are reminded that Chum are open on the Kitimat River for retention of 2 Chum per day over 30cms. Pinks on the Kitimat River are closed for retention.
Summary: The Star of this week was Yakama Bait's new Mag Lip diving plug. It has been a long time since I have gotten this excited about a new lure on the market. It is also an advantage to be able to speak directly to Buzz Ramsey, the lure designer. Thank You for all your help Buzz.
The Kitimat River will continue to fill with Chinook, Pinks and Chum in the coming weeks. There will be plenty of action on the rods to entertain all levels of anglers. We are indeed fortunate to be blessed with the stock abundance of Salmon that the Kitimat River provides.
Tidal Portion
July 13 - Andreas fishing with his clients Norm, Anthony, Brad and Don landed 7 Chinook. The largest was 40lbs. Wow! What an awesome day of Chinook fishing!
July 16 - Andreas Handl fishing with his clients Tamara and her father Mike Hustin and their relatives Dave and Anthony in the Tidal portion landed 3 Chinook. Wow ! Congratulations to the Hustin family! Your family is landing big Chinook on all portions of the Kitimat River. Great job Andreas! Anyone interested in booking a trip with Andreas please contact Noel Gyger
Douglas Channel
The Douglas Channel is producing Chinook, Coho, Pinks, Chum and very good numbers of Sockeye Salmon in exceptional numbers. Bottom fishing has also been very good highlighted by a 90lb and a 150lb Halibut caught this week.
July 11 - Ferd Bouzane fishing with his brother John boated a 150lb Halibut. Ferd said that John landed the Halibut but usually with big Halibut it is a team effort. Congratulations to the "Bouzane Halibut Fishing Team". Ferd also reports catching a bunch of Grey Cod on their fishing trip. Well done Guys!
July 15 - Wes Owen boated 3 Coho in the Kitimat Harbour. This is exceptionally early for Coho at this end of Douglas Channel. (sorry no photos available) When the early signs of a run start early usually means we are in for a Good One! Time will tell. Stay tuned. Good Job Skipper.
Summary: The Douglas Channel will start to show her stock abundance in all her glory in the coming weeks. When the Chinook, Pinks and Chum start to spawn bottomfish will migrate into the inner portion of the Douglas Channel. This makes bottom fishing possible in the wind sheltered areas of the Douglas Channel and easier for smaller boats to productively bottom fish. All five Salmon species will also be available for harvest. The key is to know where to go and what to do.
Any interested anglers are welcome to email me at wakita@telus.net or contact the helpful staff at MK Bay Marina 250 632 6401.
Lori from M K Bay reports that they have full launching facilities and temporary moorage available. "We really try to accommodate everyone".
We still have available days on our driftboat trips, Jetboat trips and Saltwater trips. Any interested anglers please contact noel@noelgyger.ca
Thank You to everyone for contributing photos and info for this fishing report.
Sincerely and Cheers
Ron Wakita
Westcoast Fishing Adventures, Terrace BC
Hello Noel, Well it has been an incredible start to the Chinook season with some guests hooking as many as 20 to 30 Chinook a day. The worst day we have seen so far was 6 hooked with none landed. I guess you can't catch them all!!
Not much time to type a full report but I think you get my drift. Take care...
NEW! I am offering a "Super Special" FULL DAY guided Chinook Drift-Boat fishing on the Skeena and Kitimat Rivers! Maximum 3 per boat.
Please contact Noel for the detail and prices.
Tight Lines
Gill McKean
Fishing is our addiction - Guiding is our passion - Adventure is in our blood
J & E Tackle Shop, Prince Rupert BC
Hi Noel, fishing in and around Prince Rupert is excellent, especially when the days are not too windy. I heard of boaters getting their limits on Salmon and Bottom Fish at many of the popular fishing grounds plus limits of Crab and Prawns. I am really busy with charters so my report is a little short this week. I should have some nice pics and more of a report for you next week. Please get the word out that fishing is great so folks who are planning trips can come now. The charter boats are really busy and most are booked up. Please have them contact you for available dates
Fish Tales Tackle Shop, Terrace BC
Hello Noel, Well this season is smoke'n hot so far! The Skeena River is producing outstanding fishing! People are pumped! The weather is great and the rivers are in near perfect condition. This is the time to be out there for your monster prize fish!!!
Fish Tales has incredible deals on all of your fishing needs. We invite everyone to come in and check out our full inventory of equipment so you are properly prepared to catch your monster fish! We also have a complementary phone for our out of town guests to use to call home. Also, Fish Tales would love to display your favorite picture on our in-store BIG SCREEN. Please email your pictures to jason@fishtalesterrace.com so we can display them for all to see!
Happy Fishing to all from Fish Tales Fly & Tackle Shop!!
This week Redl's item is a Trophy XL Wading Jacket. http://www.redlsports.com/ Launched in July 2006. Trophy XL's waterproof and breathable wading jackets are available at your nearest Trophy XL deals. Their wading jacket is designed to meet the needs of river anglers in the Pacific Northwest. Available in small, medium, large, extra large and extra extra large. Regular price $121.99 on SALE 20% off for $97.59 each.
Fish Tales would like to take the opportunity to WELCOME Simms http://www.simmsfishing.com/ into our store. We now carry a solid Simms product line and growing. Fish Tales invites everyone to come in and check out our store display of this top quality product. Comfort is key for a great day on the river!!
Happy Fishing to all from Fish Tales Fly & Tackle Shop!!
Instore flyer coming soon...
Out of town orders are always welcome. Come in for a coffee anytime.
Cheers!
Jason Munday
Marvin Reid: Meziadin and Northern BC
Hi Noel, Meziadin Lake continues to produce both dolly varden and rainbows. Lake levels are now dropping after having risen during the last warm spell. The number of sockeye entering Meziadin Lake increases each day. I have received reports of some excellent fishing for springs at the mouth of the Meziadin River, where it flows into the Nass River. As well, people heading south, down Highway 37, are reporting great fishing at Kinaskan Lake as well as other lakes and streams along the route.
I had the pleasure this past week of fishing with a couple of good friends from Kitimat, Wendy "O" and Alan Hoover. We were fortunate enough to hook into a couple of rainbows. Unfortunately we did not have a lot of time to fish, so hopefully we will get another opportunity before summer is over.
I am now the operator of Meziadin Lake Provincial Park, as well as operating the Park which has a Store, and wireless internet to all sites. We also offer Travel Trailer Rentals to persons wishing to enjoy the outdoor experience.
I do guided fishing trips on Meziadin and other local lakes along Highway 37.
Meziadin if not the best lake in Northwest BC for Dolly Varden and Bull Trout, up to 11 lbs, must be very close to the top of the list. I supply all rods, tackle and bait. Care of catch and cleaning.
Trips can be booked by the hour or by the day. I use an 19ft Harbercraft powered by a 75 Yamaha.
We can be contacted at marvin_reid@telus.net , or 1 866 500 7302
Best regards, Marvin Reid
Bob Melrose: Oscars Source for Sports, Smithers BC
They Found some Sockeye!
Last week we asked the question "Where Have All the Sockeye Gone"? Today we can tell you that they have found enough for a Sockeye opening on the Skeena. Effective July 14 the Skeena is open from the mouth all the way up to the confluence with the Babine.
Limit is 2 per day, possession of 4. There is no retention of Sockeye in the area of the Kitwanga as marked by the boundary signs. The Babine will be open August 1-31, limit 2 Sockeye per day, possession 4, and fly fishing and barbless hook only.
The recreational catch rate is estimated at 4% of the total Sockeye catch. We are happy that we do have an opening but also know that the Sockeye commercial catch and native fisheries can greatly impact the Steelhead and Coho returns. The best solution is to not manage for any one specific group but have so many fish returning that commercial, native, and sport fishers are all happy. Let's forget the politics and just think about the fish.
Low Water
Most of our rivers are running at near record low levels. Ministry of Environment data shows the Fraser, Thompson, Skeena and Nass systems are well below normal levels for this time of year. The Skeena and Nass are so low that they are classed as Drought Level 3 (very low condition).
The Bulkley is flowing at below normal condition.
All of this means that slower water flows tend to concentrate the fish a little more and will give anglers easier access to the many bars along the Skeena. It will probably mean that jet boaters should be very aware of the hazards and have good knowledge of the safe channels as water is much shallower than normal. Be careful.
Fishing Sockeye
When fly fishing for Sockeye the need for a good strong hook is critical. We are constantly hooking bottom so we need a very strong hook that holds as sharp a point as possible in these conditions. The hook we have been really impressed with is the Mustad R90 size 4. It holds a point extremely well and is a 4X Strong. Even though it is only a #4 we have landed 30-40 pound Springs with that hook. We like the #4 as Sockeye in the ocean are plankton feeders and are used to small feed. In observing Sockeye from a high vantage area we notice with anglers using those larger flies, that the Sockeye simply move aside to let the bigger flies pass by.
The technique for fishing Sockeye is called high stick nymphing. Google up High Stick nymphing and you can watch some videos on Youtube to get the idea. On the Babine or the bars on the Skeena the fast water seams are the Sockeye highway and concentrate the upstream migration. In slower water the Sockeye spread out, in fast water their line of travel is much narrower. Casts should be short and upstream. Keep rod parallel to the water and follow your fast sinking line and as it passes you lower the rod tip. The idea is to keep as tight a line as possible from your rod tip to the fly. I have watched many anglers cast medium to long casts with huge bellies in the line. All that will catch is a huge dose of frustration. Once anglers learn to high stick the rod on the seams their success is immediate.
Fly line must be fast sinking to get immediately to the bottom, raising and lowering the rod tip keeps the fly in the zone. Leaders must be short, in the one meter range and usually 15 pound test. We seldom go above 20 pound because we then risk losing our whole fly line. We would rather break a fish off than lose a $60 fly line.
All foul hooked Sockeye must by law be released, and anglers fishing the Babine which opens on August 1 must use fly fishing gear only. This regulation also means no external weight. You can't use split shot, lead wraps etc. Check with your speciality tackle shop for the proper weight sink tips needed.
If a fish is obviously foul hooked the fish should be broken off immediately, not trying to wrestle it to the beach.
PRINCE RUPERT
Excellent fishing out of Rupert with the peak of the Springs coming in and more and more Coho showing up daily. Bottom fishing good with rockfish, ling and Halibut.
Absolutely prime time to be there.
BULKLEY RIVER
Water is low and clarity is excellent. Fish are in but tough to get.
KISPIOX RIVER
We have had mixed reports about the fishing. Some guys are getting into a lot of fish while others are leaving empty handed. Water is low, but river clarity is excellent.
MORICE RIVER
Again, fish are in but catching is tough. The water is so clear and low that they will be in the deep pools waiting for more water before they move on.
Enjoy your weekend. Bob Melrose
Product Profile
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Fishing Regulations
2009-2011 BC tidal waters and non-tidal (Federal) Salmon fishing information:
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish
Effective April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2011
2009-2011 Freshwater (Provincial) Fishing Regulations Synopsis:
www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish
Effective April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2011 (Note: regs good for two years)
Guest Comments and Photos
*** If any of you have special fishing photos, testimonials, scenic river photos, wildlife photos or articles I would love to see them.
July 10 Hello Noel, well, my nephew and I made it back from the Skeena yesterday, July 10th. What a week we had on the Skeena. My nephew James, is 14, and has never been salmon fishing before. He handled himself like a pro.
James and I caught a 8lb, 9lb, 15lb, 20lb, 27lb, 37lb, three 39lb, and a 50lb Spring during the course of the week.
I also caught a 12lb Steelhead, and a couple of 3 and 4lb dollys, and dozens of rainbows.
There were two events that happened during our fishing trip, on the Skeena, I'm sure James will be talking about long after I am gone. I actually have this first story I'm about to tell you on video. I just need to get it transferred to DVD.
I gave James my 11ft, heavy action Shakespeare http://www.purefishing.com/ Ugly stick, with a small 6500c series, Abu Garcia http://www.purefishing.com/ reel, to use. After casting out and setting the rod in its holder, the bell soon went off and the battle was on.
James started to back up the bank and reel in a huge Spring. After several minutes of hanging on for all he could, James yelled out to me, "The reel broke off the rod". So James found himself with the rod in one hand and the reel in the other. The metal tab which was welded to the reel broke off completely. He managed to stick the rod under one arm and use both hands to reel in a bit at a time. After a fairly lengthy battle, this young boy managed to land our second 39lb salmon. This was amazing to see!
The second story is as equally exciting. Shortly after casting out and setting the rods in their holders, both James and I started up the river bank to our camp, about 50 yards from the waters edge. Half way to the camp we both turned to check out the rods. We heard the bell go off on one of the rods, followed by a loud smacking noise. One rod was gone from its holder. We both ran down to the river, but it was too late, the rod was no where to be seen. We had lost my new Abu Garcia http://www.purefishing.com/ 7001i, and 9.5 ft Shimano http://fish.shimano.com/ rod. What a disappointment.
About a half hour later, a person appeared on top of the log jam just next to our camp, and yelled out to me, "did you guys lose a rod?" I explained the make and model, to which the gentlemen replied, "Yes that's the one, you'll have to climb over the log jam and get your rod back, but I'm keeping the salmon. It would appear he snagged the rod and managed to land the 20lb salmon. The rod was dragged for about a 150 yards across the rocky bottom.
The Shimano rod is fine but the reel is thrashed. It may be repairable. I just need to take a closer look.
Pretty amazing stories eh? It's the honest truth, it really did happen to us.
Please find attached a few pictures from our amazing trip.
Yours truly
Stephen H. Frandsen
Hi Noel, Skeena River fish, caught last week by my partner Trevor Penner.
Thanks
Jim Trinca
Catch and 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
Contact me anytime to post your items. There is no charge for a posting. Here are the latest postings
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
Real Estate
New! May 2/10
This property is a ten minute drive from the Terrace/Kitimat Airport part way between Terrace and Kitimat. Near Mount Layton Hot springs, within 45 minutes of internationally acclaimed Shames Mountain, 15 minutes from 18 Holes at the Skeena Valley Golf Club, and central in all directions from world class salmon fishing, mountain biking, hiking or kayaking. This property features over 400 feet of sandy beachfront. While approximately 25 acres is left forested, the balance has been levelled and prepared for your dream home, or potential development. This property is home to local wildlife, including Moose, Deer, and perhaps the occasional Spirit Bear, plus countless smaller mammals and birds. This property is truly a one of a kind natural treasure. Properties of this quality rarely become available, act now! Contact Noel for more info.
Rick McDaniel Re/Max of Terrace
With over 3200 feet of river front, panoramic mountain views, beautiful natural spring on the property, mobile home and guest cabin, barn, stable, workshop, gardens, a 5 1/2 acre area that was formerly a vegetable growing plot that supplied the local area and has been fallow for several years now. May be organically certifiable. Pick your fishing spot along the riverfront, with several different good looking options available. Clear views of the Seven Sisters range, plus mountains to the East, West and South as well. Located 76 KM East of Terrace this is literally a piece of Paradise on Earth. The balance of the property carries up the ridge toward the majestic peaks on the South side of Highway 16. Perfect as a small farm or build your dream home. Contact Noel for more info, maps and more photo's.
Rick McDaniel Re/Max of Terrace
WANTED TO BUY I have a client who is interested in property of 5-10 acres or larger on the Skeena River or one of the tribs, not too far out from Terrace BC. Need winter access, hydro and phone connection, or at least wireless coverage. He wants to be able to walk down to the river with his Spey rod and fish, so Skeena 4 would be ideal, but no farther than USK. If you have larger acreage that is sub-dividable to suit my client please Contact Noel Gyger New! May 22/10
Smithers BC - 8 terraced acres of Bulkley River Waterfront. Experience the advantage of natures tranquility only 20 minutes from downtown Smithers, BC. Prime building lot awaits your ideas for development. Proven year round water source. Boat launch access for world class fishing, kayaking, rafting, etc. School bus service available. Recreation waterfront and privacy all at your door step. Contact Noel Gyger for detail and more photo's. New! July 16/10
Chris Timms Calderwood Realty Ltd of Smithers
Kispiox BC - Fishing paradise out your back door, world record steelhead were caught in this fishing hole. 24 acres of rare Kispiox Riverfront and host to the "Cottonwood Hole". Level, benched property part. Flood plain. Value of old homestead at buyers discretion. Prettiest small parcel in the valley. Contact Noel Gyger for detail and more photo's. New! July 16/10
Chris Timms Calderwood Realty of Smithers
Contact me anytime to post your FOR SALE river or ocean front property. Retirement folks from around the world are looking for this type of investment where they can fish the rest of their lives and still be close to home! There is NO charge for a posting. My FISHING REPORT AND WEBSITE has world wide reach.
View current postings http://www.noelgyger.ca/recreation-retirement-waterfront.htm
Boats
Newest MARKET PLACE ITEMS BELOW:
Price reduced to $10,500
For Sale: Custom 15 foot all welded aluminum Jet boat: 2000 Johnson 40 jet power with power trim stainless steel impeller (and stock aluminum impeller) 8 degree hull with tunnel. Center consol. Front fishing platform with storage. 3 Rod holders. 1 Scotty down rigger. Hummingbird 520 fish finder, Karavan trailer. One owner, never used for guiding. Turn key ready. $11,500 obo. Phone 250-635-4007 ask for Jamie. New! June 19/10
For Sale or Lease: 1997 24' Ali-Craft jet-boat & boat trailer: $35,000 (will cost you over $60K new) For complete listing details and contact info please click here http://www.noelgyger.ca/articles/june-17_2010-gary-miltenberger.doc New! June 17/10
For Sale: 16' Fiberglass Dory and Trailer: $5000 (will cost you $8-9K new) Very well maintained. Comes with anchor, anchor rope, life jackets (up to six), fish box, 10' ash oars, and spare new trailer tire. Has water-tight, lockable dry storage under the front seat also has dry storage under the bow. Knee braces at the bow, for standing & fighting fish while floating downstream. Current owner will deliver anywhere in northwestern BC. May be viewed at Meziadin Lake. Will consider a new model quad in good condition as trade. Contact Gary Miltenberger, e-mail only: gmiltenb@gmail.com Sorry, I don't have a phone. New! June 17/10
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
E-mail: noel@noelgyger.ca
Home Page: www.noelgyger.ca
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Bubba's Bait Barn www.bubbasbaitbarn.com
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