This report is sponsored by: Aspen Inn & Suites “The Fishermen's Headquarters”

Smithers, BC Toll Free 1-800-663-7676

For fishermen's specials click here Photo of the Week

Current Steelhead:

Hi Noel, attached is a photo of our client, Greg Lobdell, with a Steelhead he caught last week on a Skeena River tributary. He was with fishing guide professional guide Greg Buck. Photo Credit: Dan Doughty

Though the water levels are exceedingly low for this time of year, there are still some very bright Steelhead being caught on the Skeena and tributaries.

Regards, Chad Black Operations Manager Nicholas Dean Lodge www.nicholasdean.com Weekly Fishing Reports (Smithers, Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert and Meziadin North) Noel Gyger

April 17 to April 24, 2011 BOOK NOW! Contact Noel Gyger for a guided fishing trip of Number 213 a lifetime! Let me know if I can be of service to book you with the Dear Fishing Friends: "best" fishing guide and/or fishing lodges for both river and ocean. There are NO extra Note Bookmarks should appear on the left side when you open this PDF. If they do charges to book through me, just a lot of free information and NOT just click on the “Blue Ribbon” Bookmark icon to open. advice from a person with years and years of fishing and fish SUMMARY: Weather was good all week but day and night time temperatures have guiding experience. It is like hiring two guides for the price of been below average…again! Have to ask, why? Climate change? This has caused one. ALL the rivers to remain very low. Snow packs are staying in the mountains. The “bush roads” which are used to access isolated rivers remain plugged with “hard pack” snow. I will promptly answer your Usually, even walking in this type of snow is difficult for most anglers…but the questions. determined ones will get to the water and be rewarded with some nice “un-spooked” fish, sometimes on their “first cast”. The Skeena River is in fair shape but “stained” with a little brown colour. This river usually has a good run of spring Steelhead. I have reports of some good catches of bright spring fish. So get out there and try your luck. For Sale: Riverfront property The Trout and Dolly Varden Char are available year round. The Kalum River is in good in Terrace and Kitimat. shape but very low. Fishing for Steelhead is good although with the low water they “spook” very easily. The Zymoetz (Copper) River is in good shape and fishing for Wanted to Buy Rod Days. Steelhead is fair but water is very, very low. Fish are spooky. The upper section closed Truck for Sale and more. All for fishing on January 1st. The Lakelse River is in good shape and fishing for Steelhead located near the end of this and Trout is fair. The Kitimat River is producing Steelhead but the catch numbers are report. Check them out below: not what they should be during this time of the season. The low water conditions combined with the colder water temperatures have also created some tough fishing conditions. We need some warm weather or rain to bring up the water levels. I guess we should be careful what we wish for. Rising water should bring in more spring Steelhead. Contact me anytime to post See Important Halibut Information in the Ron Wakita section below. Douglas Channel; your FOR SALE river or ocean with the good weather, I have reports more boaters heading down the Douglas Channel front property. Retirement for the weekend. Many are targeting Halibut, Bottom Fish, Salmon, Crab and Prawns. folks from around the Prince Rupert; reports excellent catches of Chinook Salmon. Most of the Chinook are world are looking for this type staging now and they will start to migrate up the Skeena River soon. See the Jeff of investment where they can fish the rest of their lives and Carlson report below still be close to home! There is NO charge for posting. My This week guide reports came from Tracey Hittel, Andrew Rushton, Chad Black, Greg FISHING REPORT AND Buck, Marvin Reid, Gary Miltenberger and Jeff Carlson. Thank you to the fishing WEBSITE has world wide guides and others who sent reports and photos. It is very much appreciated! reach. View current postings

To sign-up to receive these fishing reports to your personal e-mail in-box click Weather Reports here: http://www.noelgyger.ca/subscribers_form.htm Terrace: 250-635-4192 Kitimat: 250-632-7864 Prince Rupert: 250-627-1155 Smithers: 250-847-1958. New Items on Website click http://www.noelgyger.ca/news-bulletin.htm to find New items:

April 22, 2011 Announcing we landed our first Chinook (King) Salmon of the season April 21, 2011 Announcing "New" content in the Weekly Fishing Report

RIVER FISHING Lots of lodge or day bookings still available on classified or non-classified waters. Guiding fly or spin fishermen with raft, drift-boat or jet-boat. Contact Noel to book NOW!

OCEAN FISHING Chinook Salmon, Bottom Fish and Crab in Prince Rupert or Kitimat Douglas Channel has started. To book warm, covered charter boat please contact Noel Gyger anytime. Phone: 250-635-2568 E-mail: [email protected]

To sign-up to receive these fishing reports to your personal e-mail in-box click here: http://www.noelgyger.ca/subscribers_form.htm

River Reports Weather - Normal temp - Sunrise & Sunset – Tides – Hydrometric Data

Note: fishing reports for the Bulkley, Morice, Kispiox, Babine and Meziadin Rivers North are posted “in-season” only.

Skeena River Steelhead and Trout can be caught at some locations. Access is easier as most of the snow has melted. Spring Steelhead are in the river now. This river can handle all fishing systems. In this report I will cover “plunking”. I am kind of an old guy so some of my stuff is old too. I use a Diawa 10.5’ Kevlar Graphite KGX 20 HC. Ambassadeur 7000. Maxima mainline 30lb test High Vis. Maxima 40lb leader. I am using larger test for the leader so the fish can not chew through it. Butch Triple swivel with 8oz flat dropper Lead Weight. Spin and Glow, size 3, 2 small plastic beads. Gamagatsu hooks size 3ott. Be sure to pinch that barb.

Skeena River Graph

Hydrometric Data

Babine River Graph Bulkley River Graph Kispiox River Graph Kitimat River Graph Morice River Graph Nass River Graph Skeena River Graph

Normal Temperatures: Max +14°C. Min 3°C. Sunrise: 6:14 AM Sunset: 8:51 PM Lakelse River Is in fair shape and fishing for Steelhead is fair. Most fish are in their spawning mode now. Tip: Float fishing a bright red corky and a little bit of white wool works well. Choice of hook would be a small Gamagatsu barbless or with barb pinched down. Spin or level wind reels filled with Power Pro braided line works well. Use the thinnest line possible. It is still very, very strong. Tip: The Salmon fry are hatching so the fly fishermen should match this by fishing minnow patterns and streamer flies. Reg: Fly fishing only between Lakelse Lake and CNR bridge, Mar 1-May 31.

Kalum River Is in good shape both upper and lower end and fishing for Steelhead and Trout is fair. The water is very low and the Steelhead are “spooked”. How to: When the water is low it can be fished successfully with light spoons. Some of the best spoons are made by Gibbs. Some of the best rods are GLoomis. Shimano makes excellent spin reels. Tuf-line makes excellent braided line. Duracast line is coated and slides effortlessly through the guides and won’t wrap on the tip. Hint: Since the water is so low it is very dangerous for the jet boats so please be careful. Drift boats and rafts are in “paradise”. Higher water will change everything…did I say it should bring in the Chinook (King) Salmon? Tip: If you can, only fish the deep cut-banks where there is some rifflely flowing water. Fishing anywhere else would probably be a waste of time.

Gitnadoix River This beautiful Skeena tributary usually has a very good run of spring Steelhead. This river is located in a Provincial Park. It is a very rough, rocky river in the lower end and jet boating can be dangerous. Please be careful! Regs: Class 1 water all year; Steelhead Stamp mandatory April 1-May 31. Guided fishing on this river in this park is limited, for details, advice and suggestions please contact me.

Zymoetz (Copper) River The water is in good shape but very low. Fishing for Steelhead is fair. Reminder: No fishing above the sign at the transmission line crossing (below) Zymoetz Canyon Jan 1 – June 15. You can still fish below the sign all winter and spring. Fly fishing is the choice of many on this river. Wading with quality Simms waders and accessories is the way to go. A friend of mine is very happy with his new Islander fly reel. Trophy XL fly rod, Cortland Line and Maxima Tippet completes his set.

Zymagotitz (Zymacord) River The water is in fair shape and access has improved with the melting snow. Fishing for Cutthroat Trout and Dolly Varden Char is good. This river has some big Bull Trout and a fair run of spring Steelhead. Tip: The best way to practice catch and release and do the least amount of harm to the fish is to use a small hook. Size 1 or size 2 Gamagatsu is a good choice. Big hooks harm fish. This is common knowledge so why is the use of small hooks NOT in the regulations?

Kitimat River Is producing Steelhead but the catch numbers are not what they should be during this time of the season. The low water conditions combined with the colder water temperatures have also created some tough fishing conditions. We need some warm weather or rain to bring up the water levels. I guess we should be careful what we wish for. Rising water should bring in more spring Steelhead. Tip: In extreme low water conditions use light test line, small terminal tackle and small hooks. If using lead shot use micro shot. The drift boaters are very anxious to float their boats and pull some plugs. The most popular plugs are the Hot-Shot and Kwikfish made by Luhr Jensen. Kitimat River water heights (below Hirsch Creek) cast on this link: http://www.wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/graph/graph_e.html?stn=08FF001

Douglas Channel With the good weather, I have had reports more boaters heading down the Douglas Channel for the weekend. Many are targeting Halibut, Bottom Fish, Salmon, Crab and Prawns. Tip: Use the Ace Line Hauler to pull your traps. Reg: When travelling with Crab you must leave the shell on. Note: Chinook (King) Salmon fishing won't start until mid May although there is always feeder Chinook wondering around the outer waters of the Douglas in search of baitfish.

The beauty of the Douglas Channel is that there is so much it has to offer in addition to the awesome fishing. There are Killer Whales, Sea Lions and all kinds of Sea life to marvel at. There are Natural Hot Springs to soak in. Kayakers, wind surfers and sail boats also enjoy the sheltered waters of the Douglas Channel.

Prince Rupert Reports some excellent catches of Chinook Salmon. Most of the Chinook are staging now and they will start to migrate up the Skeena River soon. See the Jeff Carlson report below. . Skeena Tyee Test Fishery

Tyee Test Fishery

Gillnet test fishery operations have been conducted at Tyee in the lower Skeena River since 1955, in order to evaluate the magnitude of Skeena River salmon and steelhead trout returns.

The net is allowed to drift within a channel measuring two to five kilometres long and 0.8 km wide that runs parallel to the northern shoreline of the river.

Sets are made on both high and low water slack during daylight hours. This usually results in three sets a day, but sometimes only two can be made. Drifts must be exactly an hour long.

Daily escapement estimates are calculated for sockeye salmon. Although they are not calculated for the other species (chinook, coho, chum, pink and steelhead), relative abundance and timing is determined by comparing the calculated indices for a given year to those recorded in previous years.

Reading the Index: The Tyee Test Fishery indices are an indication of the size of the return entering the Skeena River. This test gillnet fishery has been going on in the same fashion since 1955, and so the index can be compared from year to year to see how the runs compare. The multiplier used to expand the index into an escapement estimate is calibrated for sockeye every year, using the actual count obtained from the Babine counting fence. For other species, it is generally felt that there is no number that you can multiply the index by to find the exact escapement, we use it for a relative abundance indicator only

The first column of any year shows the daily index. This index is based on how many fish were caught that day and would roughly be equal to the number of fish caught per hour fished. The second column is the "Cum Index", which stands for Cumulative Index, and is a running total of all the indices of that year, added together. Now, if you refer back to the column between 1999 and 2000, you will see the "90's Avg. Cum. Index" which is the 10 year average of the cumulative indexes for any given date. That way, you can refer to the current year, and compare it to the average.

Due to various funding pressures over the years, we have ended the Tyee Test Fishery on different dates. In recent years, we have been able to extend it into October, but many years it ended prior to that date.

©Province of British Columbia

Skeena Chinook Tyee Test Fishery, 1956-2010 450.00

400.00

350.00

300.00

250.00

200.00

150.00

Cumulative Index 100.00

50.00

0.00 1956 1958 1960 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010

View Chart Fishing Guide and Tackle Shop Reports

Summary for Skeena and Tributaries Fishing This Week FAIR

Type of Fish Caught

River: Steelhead, Cutthroat Trout and Dolly Varden Char. Ocean: All five species of 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: 15-pound Steelhead – Kalum River. Ocean: 20-pound Chinook Rupert

To sign-up to receive these fishing reports to your personal e-mail in-box click here: http://www.noelgyger.ca/subscribers_form.htm

It is NOT too late to book a guided river or ocean fishing trip

RIVER FISHING Lots of lodge or day bookings still available on classified or non-classified waters. Guiding fly or spin fishermen with raft, drift-boat or jet-boat. Contact Noel to book NOW!

OCEAN FISHING Chinook Salmon, Bottom Fish and Crab in Prince Rupert or Kitimat Douglas Channel has started. To book warm, covered charter boat please contact Noel Gyger anytime. Phone: 250-635-2568 E-mail: [email protected]

NOW BOOKING for 2011: Let me know if I can be of service to book you with the "best" fishing guide and/or fishing lodges for both river and ocean. There are NO extra charges to book through me, just a lot of free information and advice from a person with years and years of fishing and fish guiding experience. It is like hiring two guides for the price of one. I will promptly answer your questions and concerns. Contact Noel Gyger to book NOW Tracey Hittel – Kitimat Lodge

Welcome to Kitimat Lodge Experience the best in coastal fishing. Rivers teeming with Salmon and Steelhead flowing into the saltwater of the Kitimat Region Lodge caters to freshwater and saltwater clients from around the globe Lodge capacity is 24 guests per week, 18 suites in all, privately located on the cliffs carved by the Kitimat River Walking distance to Kitimat River Located mouth of Douglas Channel Our sea-run Steelhead season begins March 15th and we target all 5 species of Salmon until December 1st Make Kitimat Lodge your destination for 2011 We are open 365 day a year

See you in 2011…

Tight lines.

Tracey Hittel http://www.kitimatlodge.com

Phones: Office 250-639-4277 Cell 250-632-6677 Lodge E-mail [email protected] Skype Address: kitimat_lodge April 21, 2011 – Update from Tracey Hittel of Kitimat Lodge

Hi Noel, here is our latest catch, a chrome Steelhead on the spey. The Doc was fishing a Green Butt Intruder, and fish on, a great fight, lets see what tomorrow brings, windy this afternoon and broken clouds, still smiling as the photo says it all, ZZZzzzzzz. www.steelheadheaven.com

Tracey John Hittel www.kitimatlodge.com

Kitimat BC Canada

250 639-4277 Direct Line to the fish! Andrew Rushton – Kalum River Lodge

Hi Noel, Fresh spring Steelhead are now coming in to several of the coastal streams we fish. This is a great time to dust of your tackle after a long winter and challenge yourself against these hard fighting spring run fish. With a fly or conventional gear this is a great time to be out fishing. The Kalum River is still low and clean. Cooler temperatures this past week have kept water levels down.

The first Chinook salmon are starting to arrive in the river. Not too many around yet but with warmer weather there will be good numbers in the river soon. Here is a photo of our long time guest Roger Still holding a nice Kalum River Chinook. This one was caught on a wobbler lure. Rod was a Shimano Exage with Ambassadeur 6500 C reel spooled with 20lb Trilene.

Regards, Andrew Rushton

Kalum River Lodge Terrace, BC, Canada

Tel: 250-635-7204 Cell: 250-615-9462

E-mail: [email protected] www.kalumriverlodge.com Ron Wakita - Reliable Guide and Charters, Kitimat BC

Website: www.kitimatfishingguideandcharters.com and

Home Hardware Tackle Shop E-mail [email protected] Phone 250-632-1275

To Save Money:

Click on link for Store Flyer – containing lots of Sale Items Discounts do not apply to Sale Items Selected Fly Reels 30 Kitimat River sorry, no report from Ron Wakita this week due to illness. Get to 50% OFF Loomis, well soon Ron. Sage, Reddington, Lampson, Ross , Scientific Angler, Hardy, Loop, Please view: Important Halibut Information at the end of this Fenwick Fishing Report Discounts do not apply to Sales Items

We are booking for the 2011 Season: Anyone interested in Jet boat trips, Saltwater trips or River Drift boat trips please contact Noel [email protected]

Good Health and Good Fishing!

Sincerely Ron Wakita [email protected] www.kitimatfishingguideandcharters.com

Important Halibut Information

Fishy side of politics exposed By Contributed - Terrace Standard http://www.terracestandard.com Published: April 20, 2011 8:00 AM

By Malcolm Baxter

MIDWAY through the federal campaign, the Kitimat Halibut Allocation Task Force continues its efforts to make the allocation an election issue. It’s embroiled in a controversy with commercial halibut fishermen and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans over who should be allowed to catch halibut.

And as part of that, the task force had a session with Skeena-Bulkley Valley New Democrat incumbent Nathan Cullen to update him on their latest efforts and to seek his comments.

Cullen told them BC was “a big battleground” with seven or eight seats that could be crucial to the outcome of the federal election. And on North Vancouver Island, a tight race, halibut is indeed one of the key issues.

Cullen also noted he is even hearing about it on the doorstep in inland communities like Burns Lake and Smithers.

“All the parties in Ottawa live in a bubble,” Cullen explained. “They think it’s all about the leader or its position on Afghanistan or something.”

While those things did factor into the result, it is different in every riding and there can be local issues that drive the debate.

Cullen recalled two elections back the Conservative party line was they were in favour of open net fish farms. However the candidate in Skeena-Bulkley Valley had to switch positions in mid-campaign because he was getting “hammered” on the issue.

And he had found himself in a similar situation in 2004 over the gun registry.

In response to a question from Task Force chairman Ron Wakita on whether the election meant nothing could change until it’s over, Cullen said the federal Fisheries department (DFO) could modify policy even in an election period.

And while DFO is loathe to change any policy, especially in mid-stream, Cullen added, “When you start to affect the political outcome of things on an issue, that’s when policy starts to shift.”

That said, he cautioned shifting allocation between the commercial and sports fisheries ran counter to the department’s underlying philosophy to privatize the resource, “to make it a commodity like anything else.”

Malcolm Baxter is the editor of The Northern Sentinel in Kitimat. http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/northernsentinel

Please click on these links to download the:

Petition: http://fightforhalibut.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/2011_halibut-skeena-petition-to-the-the-aspiring-pms-docwith- skeena-mp-fax-numbers-2.pdf

Poster: http://fightforhalibut.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/halibut-taskforceposter.pdf

As reported in previous Fishing Reports. DFO allocated 88% of Halibut stocks to 436 Individuals and 12% to the rest of the Canadian population who are potentially Recreational Anglers. This is wrong. It is criminal that the people of Canada will have to lease quota from these individuals to fish for Halibut after the Inseason closure. DFO has not yet announced when the Halibut Inseason closure will come. It is impossible for anglers to book holidays or time off to fish for Halibut. We can not invite family or friends to fish with certainty. Charters can not book clients. This is a mess!

The Canadian people own the Halibut resource. We are forced to fight for our individual rights to this Halibut resource that the Conservative Government has forgotten that we collectively own. As parents we have an inherent obligation to fight for our children and grandchildren's right to fish for halibut and all other marine resources in the future.

The Federal Election provides the opportunity and sense of urgency for everyone to get involved now. The time to act is now because it is not just about Halibut anymore. We fear that if the Conservative Government receives a majority government without making a commitment to change the Halibut policy, (ITQ's) Individual Transferable Quotas which is the foundation of this unfair Halibut, will infest itself in all other fisheries on the west coast.

The BC Sport Fishing Coalition is requesting all Canadians to please do your part by printing off the attached Petition, collect signatures and fax the completed Petition to the 3 Party Leaders and the SFI (Sport Fishing Institute). Fax numbers are included at the bottom of the Petition. Please also fax to the Candidates in your riding. The strategy is to elevate the Halibut Issue to become an Election Issue to be debated amongst the Party Leaders and for Political pressure to force commitments to change this Halibut policy.

We are particularly hoping for the support from Alberta and other provinces. Halibut and all marine resources are owned by all Canadians and the Politians will measure the strength of this Petition by the cumulative total of signatures and the addresses from where the signatures originate.

If everyone does their small part collectively we will make a Big Difference!

Please print additional Petitions to pass on to your fishing partners so they can collect signatures and fax to all the above. Please add the fax numbers for your local Candidates prior to printing. The Petitions can be down loaded from the www.bchalibut.org website. The Halibut Heist Poster will help draw attention to the Petition.

Please join the Halibut Petition Campaign and stand with all Canadians to send a loud and clear message to the Political Party Leaders that "we the people own the Halibut resource!".

EITHER WE STAND UP NOW OR BE STOOD UPON FOREVER! Rob Alcock SFI (Sport Fishing Institute)

Thank you in advance for your timely answers to these questions.

Best regards…

Ron Wakita, chairman Kitimat Halibut Allocation Task Force 380 City Centre Kitimat B.C V8C 1T6 home. 250 632 2866 bus.250 632-3522 fax. 250 632-3528 cell. 250 632 1275 Check below for some great deals in our Tackle Shop

Selected Rods 30 to 50% OFF

Loomis, Sage, Shimano, Fenwick, St. Croix, Berkley, Daiwa, Lamiglass, Trophy XL, Protac, Quantum

Selected Fly Lines 50% off City Centre Hardware & Sporting Goods "Kitimat's Largest Tackle Store" 380 City Centre Kitimat B.C V8C 1T6 bus.250 632-3522 fax 250 632-3528 [email protected]

40% OFF All Cloudveil Gortex Rain Coats, Fleece and Clothing

NEW Arrivals: SIMMS Rivershed Wading Boots Vibram Thread

Thank You to everyone who provided Photos and info to this Fishing Report.

We are booking for next year. We are also offering Gift Certificates for Guided Driftboat Trips, Jet Boat Trips and Saltwater Charters. These would make excellent Gifts anytime.

Good Health, Good Fishing

Sincerest regards, Ron Wakita [email protected] www.kitimatfishingguideandcharters.com Jeff Carlson - BC Style Fishing Charters and J&E Tackle Shop, Prince Rupert BC

Apr 20 Hi Noel, even thou the weather has been a bit below average in temperatures it didn’t seem to bother Tim and Kevin from Prince George as they enjoyed a great day of fishing aboard the Charter Vessel Alluette Gal Skippered by Miles and Denise Fuller of Antilla Adventures. Between them they managed to hook into 6 Chinook and landing 4. It was a great day had by all.

Here are some photos of the Trish Anne at Lucy Island.

BOOK your charter dates now. Contact Noel [email protected]

BC STYLE Fishing Charters To book your charter for Salmon, Halibut and Bottom Fish onboard the Trish-Anne (boat on the left) please contact Jeff Carlson of BC STYLE Fishing Charters www.bcstylefishingcharters.com

Prince Rupert Weather: http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/cabc0236

Prince Rupert Tide Charts: http://www.waterlevels.gc.ca/cgi-bin/tide- shc.cgi?queryType=showFrameset&zone=18&language=english®ion=1&stnnum=9354

www.bcstylefishingcharters.com

Tight Lines and see you on the water.

Jeff Carlson – owner

Steve Hidber & Bob Melrose - Oscars Source for Sports, Smithers BC www.oscarssports.com

Greetings from Oscar's Source For Adventure,

A new fishing season is upon us and we at Oscar's are very excited to announce the opening of our new store: Oscar's Source For Adventure.

The new store will be all about the outdoors with fishing as our focal point. In addition to fishing we will carry footwear from Merrell, Patagonia and Lowa as well as apparel from Marmot, Simms and Patagonia. Great brands to enjoy the outdoors!

The new store will also house a fine selection of family camping products from Camp furniture to sleeping bags, to tents....

We look forward to welcoming you to the new store!

Kerry, Alex & Steve

Opened March 1, 2011 Oscar's Source For Adventure 1222 Main Street Smithers, BC

Tel: 250-847-3377 Email: [email protected] website: www.oscarssports.com

Marvin Reid – fishing guide for river and lakes north

We are now accepting booking for the 2011 angling season. We operate out of Meziadin Lake Provincial Park. The Park is situated 2 kms south of the junction of highways 37 and 37a and 56 kms from Stewart BC and Hyder Alaska.

April 21, 2011 Update from Marvin Reid: To Marvin, is ice off the lake yet, any fishing action? To Noel, Good morning Noel: To the best of my knowledge, we are still in winter mode. I will be taking a trip up first week of May to have a look around. I will keep you informed of anything I see. Marvin

Our season runs from mid May to the 3rd week of September. Early in the season, we have spectacular fishing for Dolly Varden as well as Rainbows. These fish, typically can be found at any of the creek mouths, feeding on migrating salmon fry. Average weight for the Dolly's is in the 1 to 2 kg range. We measured one Dolly at 77 cm, early last year. This fish was taken at the top end of the Meziadin River, which is easily accessible in the spring when the water levels are higher. The Meziadin River is very productive for both species of fish, but navigating it can be tricky later on in the season, once the water level has dropped.

Sockeye Salmon enter the lake mid July. These fish are beautiful and chrome when first entering the lake. Sockeye can be caught up to the end of August. The allowable catch limit on these fish is 2 per person per day. It is also about this time that Springs can be taken at the confluence of the Meziadin and Nass Rivers. This is a walk in fishery, and one must constantly be aware of bears in the area. At the end of July, Coho begin to enter the lake, these fish can produce some great fishing, but must be released unharmed.

We supply all rods, reels and tackle. We will also clean and package your catch. Just bring your camera, the scenery is spectacular. We fish out of a 17.5 ft Harbecraft boat, powered by a 75 horse power Yamaha. The boat is equipped with a canvas top for those "not so nice days" which can sometimes happen.

As mentioned we operate out of Meziadin Lake Provincial Park. The Park has 66 sites and will accommodate RV's of any size. Wireless internet is available to all sites, as well, there is a small convenience store located in the Park. For more information or bookings, please contact me at [email protected] or at 250-639-9856

Tight lines, Marvin Reid Great Pacific Salmon Lodge – Prince Rupert

April 21, 2011 - Great Pacific Salmon Lodge Update

It's been a very busy few weeks around here.

The renovations are still going hard with a few unexpected issues that had to be solved. But the important part is that all the issues were taken care of and the Lodge will be finished on time.

First half of our tackle order has been delivered and we just put in the second half of the order. Bait has been ordered and arraignments have been made for storage.

All staff have been hired and I think you will agree that we have hired nothing but the absolute best guides on the West Coast.

Our Head guide Matt is off this weekend to go crab fishing along the Alaskan border. Apparently there is a run of Alaskan King Crabs that come that far south at this time of year. He is also taking the chance to test out one of the boats this weekend as some changes were made in order to keep our guests a bit more comfortable.

He also has received word on some hidden Hali holes and "New" Salmon spots that he is going to recon this weekend. That’s one of the nice things about having such close ties to the local community. If your polite, respectful and have a great reputation, old commercial fisherman will share secrets!

We aim to have our guests on fish when others are just burning fuel. I am really excited to see some of these "New" spots and I know Matt is just about bursting with excitement. We are really proud about bringing a whole new experience to the Prince Rupert area. Please give us a chance this summer to show you and your friends the Magic of this very special place.

“This is where YOUR Adventure begins” Jamie Hunt

Great Pacific Salmon Lodge http://www.greatpacificsalmonlodge.com

Rob Brown – The Skeena Angler

I would like to welcome Rob to my Weekly Fishing Reports. Rob contributes a weekly column to our local Terrace Standard Newspaper: http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/terracestandard

Here is his latest column below: Title: Race to the Bottom Published: April 20, 2011 - 11:00 PM

Note READ the full column below Rob’s introduction:

Here is the link to his blog: http://web.me.com/skeenaangler/Skeena_Angler/Blog/Blog.html Welcome Home Page: http://web.me.com/skeenaangler/Skeena_Angler/Welcome.html

Introduction

Hi. I’m Rob Brown. For the past 35 years, I’ve fished Skeena system. In winter, sometimes alone, sometimes with a partner, I’ve strapped on snowshoes and tramped over the drifts to fish the Kitsumkalum River for steelhead. In the spring I’ve divided my angling time between the lower reaches of the Kalum, chasing spring steelhead, spring salmon, cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char, and the Lakelse River, hunting cutthroat trout and steelhead. In the summer I’ve frequented the log gravel bars of the Skeena, angling for sockeye, summer coho and the summer run steelhead bound for the Bulkley, Morice, Babine, Kispiox, Sustut and smaller, less well known streams that feed the upper reaches, of the Skeena. In autumn, I’ve enjoyed fine steelhead fishing on the Zymoetz and the Clore, dead drifting dry flies, dragging damp flies, and fishing tiny nymphs just under the surface for summer run steelhead. My fishing hasn’t been confined to the Skeena drainage. Inside you will find records of outings to well known steelhead rivers like the Dean, the Thompson, and the Coquihalla, to lesser known streams, like the Kitlope, and many smaller coastal streams. Some of the articles you will find herein are diary entries, records of days on rivers and streams in the valleys of the Skeena and the streams that feed her. Others are reflections on how I think things are and how I believe they ought to be. The pieces that fit into this last group are political in that they are concerned with the politics of the environment, the politics of resource management, the politics of sport, the politics of getting along with people and the way politicians have got it wrong or got it right when it comes to fish and all the things related to them. You will find some how-to articles, as in how to tie a fly and how to cast it. You won’t find any road maps to streams or any precise instructions on where and how to fish them, but you may be able to glean some of kind of information of this type by reading about my exploits and those of the men and women with whom I’ve fished. I haven’t tried to hide the little I know about angling from prying eyes, but, out of respect for fish and friends, I haven’t broadcast it either. You’re not a bleeder are you? the late Lee Straight once asked me after returning the draft of a letter I’d written for the Steelhead Society of B.C. I put down the red ink stained letter, revised the original along the lines he suggested then sent it back with a note assuring him that I was not. That still goes. If you disagree with something I’ve written, if you believe your two cents worth is more valuable than mine, then I want to hear from you. If something I’ve scribbled down strikes a chord, if you appreciate it, or you’re glad I said it, I want to hear from you too

Rob Brown Skeena Angler

Race to the Bottom Jim calls to ask if I’ve heard that there are plans to log Baxter’s. I tell him I haven’t, that I’m shocked, and that this kind of BS has just got to stop.

It’s bad enough that the loggers have ruined so many viewscapes along the Skeena, taken big chunks of old growth right next to the river, and bad enough that they’ve left giant waste piles of wood that was once vital to the health of the surrounding ecosystems, but this just too much.

Yeah, says Jim, we’ve got to put our foot down somewhere.

After I hang up, I call Brinkman, the contractors who are strip mining the forests for Coast Tsimsian resources. The head guy isn’t there so I talk to the forest planner. He admits they have holdings on the Copper, some of which they are planning to cut soon.

There are issues, I tell him emphatically. Can I come by so we can talk about it.

Sure, he says.

We make a date for mid afternoon.

Webb and Doug released 50 trout on the weekend. He wants to go fishing. I do too, but when I tell him about the logging planned for Baxter’s and the meeting I’ve got planned, and that I have to deliver flyers for Nathan Cullen and meet with the planner at Brinkman’s after that, he immediately grasps the importance of both endeavours and offers to join me.

According to my pedometer, we walk 13 km then take a few leftover leaflets to NDP central where we discuss the mayhem in forestry with Francoise.

Separating the forest licenses from the mills was a mistake, she suggests.

We agree and continue to discuss the issue between ourselves over a couple of bowls of hearty soup at the Starfish Deli.

By the time we’re fed up, it’s mid afternoon, time for the meeting.

We drive to the Brinkman office. It’s located next to Polly’s Cafe, in the offices of what was once called Planet Starship, or something silly like that, by its former owners, Skeena Cellulose. I remember meeting with Rick Brouwer and Kevin Derow there, years ago, in heady times when the mill that is now graffiti rubble was humming.

We meet Richard Chavez. Don’t log that area I tell him. And I tell him why. I tell how it’s a beautiful mix of old and new timber. I also tell him of the notched stumps, the remnants of the old mill, how it’s a heritage site, how it has horse trails through it, how it is a preferred walkway for steelheaders, how it is used by over wintering moose, how it contains three creeks that rear salmon and a high water channel that magically fills up with coho every fall. And, I tell him that the lower part of the site has been diminished by severe erosion already and that removing the roots of old riparian trees will aggravate that problem.

If you leave the usual 30 metre leave strip, says Webb, those trees will blow into the river.

Richard looks confused. He takes out his maps.

It’s not ours, he tells us. That’s Kitselas Forest Products.

We apologize for the mistake, but before we go, Webb asks Richard why his company logged the second growth near the Sleeping Beauty Trail when it was about to double in volume and price. If we didn’t, another company would have, he tells us. It’s the way the system is set up. It’s the government.

We hop in my truck and make for KFP. It’s snowing low down. The distant clear cuts, still white, stand out in bold relief on the blue hillsides. Two trucks loaded with clear export logs pass us as we approach the 4-way stop.

Terry Collins is the man we want to see a man in the Kitselas Band Office tells us. We run into Terry in the parking lot. I give him the same pitch I gave Richard. He tells us that they do hold the right to log Baxter’s but assures us they will log the same way they logged Williams Creek, selectively. He tells us we won’t be able to tell it’s been logged. I ask why KFP doesn’t just leave the land intact.

He tells us that KFP timber cruisers once discovered a heritage site full of culturally modified trees and canoe logs that the Lax Wilams had used for centuries.

We backed right off, he said. Another company moved in to log the site. The Lax Wilams filed suit. The company appealed to the B.C. supreme court where a judge ruled in their favour and they logged the site.

And that is how it goes in the province where forest stewardship has gone by the wayside and where, if things go on like this, we will be left with no tourism, no fish, and a lot of big ugly clear cuts.

Rob Brown Skeena Angler

Hi everyone,

I just updated my website and thought you might want to check it out. To visit, just click on the links below or paste the URLs into your browser.

Skeena Angler http://web.me.com/skeenaangler Blog Rubber Worms

Take a look and let me know what you think!

Rubber Worms

Tuesday, April 19, 2011 At the last meeting of the Sport Fish Advisory Committee, I found myself sitting next to Gene Allen. Gene is rancher and fishing guide whose Dad, Marty, was a Kispiox Valley pioneer who ably represented the Valley on the board of the Kitimat- Stikine Regional District for many years. Gene’s daughter, Shannon, is an indefatigable environmental activist doing battle with the fools who want to wreck the Sacred Headwaters of the Skeena with coal bed methane development. In support of his motion to ban the wretched things, Gene held up a pink rubber worm with a barbed bait hook dangling from the spot where it’s anus would have been had it been a real worm. The sight of that phony translucent annelid immediately triggered a flashback to 29 years ago when Webb and I first began our fishing treks to the Kispiox River. All we about the stream was that Karl Mauser had killed the world’s largest steelhead to be hooked on a fly in one of its pools, and that some guy from Prince George had persuaded an even larger fish to bite his wobbling spoon. Where do you like to fish the river? I asked Ronnie Tetreau, a professional steelheader who lived on the Kispiox and was known within the North Coast steelhead circle as the “Human Net.” Ron had eyes that sagged at the corners giving him the appearance of constant contemplation. As he thought about my question, those eyes narrowed. He took off his oversized cowboy hat, one that resembled the fedora worn by Hopalong Cassidy but had an eagle feather stuck in the band, ran his hand through his hair then pushed the hat back on. The Patches, he said. Patches? The Potato Patches. How do you get to them? The road just past the road to the dump. Armed with that scant bit of information Webb and I set off. After a few misses, we found the road to the Patches. It was a rough track that wound down a steep hill to what were once potato fields but were now covered in long grass and wild roses. Like all the roads in the Kispiox, this one had a base of marine clay, blue gray and as slippery as snot when wet. I sure hope it doesn’t rain while we’re down here, said Webb, looking at the road we’d just stumbled down in my 2 by 4 Datsun pickup. We set up our tent in one of the rough camp sites. Doug fired up the rusted old Coleman stove he’d salvaged at the Terrace Dump while I filled my pipe with Balkan Sobranie and watched watched a lone fly fisherman cast a bright orange line over the water at the head of the run below our camp, the same water, I later learned, where Karl Mauser had taken his world record. We got up early the next day. Doug hard boiled four eggs in the coffee and fried bacon while I threaded white bread on wire frames and laid them over the fire. We ate quickly then made our way to the river. After a morning probing spots that looked suitable for steelhead, neither of us had had a bite. I was standing at the head of the run I later learned was known as the Middle Patch. Doug was working methodically through the tail. At the sound of voices I looked up to a gray drift raft bobbing through the riffle above me. From his Hopalong hat, I recognized Ronnie at the oars. He pulled over downstream on the opposite side of the river from me and send his sports stumbling down the beach. The he pulled his float rod from the raft, walked a few steps upstream and made a cast as I made my way toward him. In the few minutes it took me to reach him, Ron had released a steelhead and was into another. Ron, I shouted across the river, how’s the fishing been? They seem to be just about everywhere, he said, pumping his rod rhythmically. It turned out, Ron, who didn’t particularly like guiding, had taken on three anglers who were staying at Walker’s Steelhead Camp, as a favour to Olga, which explained his inattentiveness to them. They catching any? Not as many as they should, he answered, but they’re happy. Before he rounded up his charges, Ronny beached one more fish and missed another. Seeing what could be done with a float rod led me to suggest to Webb that we should bring ours along on our next trip. That way, I suggested, we will learn where they live so that we can come back and try for them with a fly. We did that, or, at least, I did. On our next Kispiox outing I fished an egg cluster, an oddly shaped and particularly deadly opaque pink lure know as the Japanese Gooey Bob, which I garnished with a tuft of fluorescent green yarn. The results were dramatic. In places where Doug struggled to hook a fish, I hooked a half dozen. With my latex lure I was able to find fish all their hiding places. After a couple of days, and 27 steelhead brought to the beach, I felt guilty. The fishing was simply too easy to be called sport. I put away the gear rod, resumed angling with the fly rod, with slightly better results since so many steelhead lies had been revealed with the float rod. Since then a pink rubber worm, like the one Gene held up, has supplanted the Gooey Bob as the lure of choice among float fishers. My first glimpse into how deadly a lure they are came not long after the aforementioned Kispiox outing when Tom Protheroe, Bruce Gerhart, Gordie Morgan, and I were fishing the lower Lakelse River for Spring steelhead. While Tom and Gordie fished their float rods from Thunderbird to Mink Creek, Bruce and I fished from Mink Creek downstream with the fly. Bruce used his perennial favourite, an Orange General Practitioner dressed on a size two hook, while I fished a size 6 sparsely dressed, silver bodied Muddler Minnow. It was one of those days when the Dolly Varden char were lurking in that part of the river awaiting the opportunity to pick of migrant pink salmon fry. While they ignored Bruce’s prawn, my muddled minnow flashed silver and the Dolly Varden took it recklessly. Bruce was a good hundred metres below me when the char began taking my fly after every cast. What are you catching? he called upstream. Just dollies, I yelled back. Bruce returned to the fishing without saying anything. if they’re fished out, like they’ve been in so many places, they won’t be just dollies, Bruce said as we drove up the Lakelse Main to our rendezvous with Tom and Gordie. We didn’t have to wait long at Mink Creek before Tom and Gordie arrived. Tom, a pretty fair float fisher in those days, was stunned. He and Gordie had shared the runs upstream, taking turns going first. Gordie had hooked 14 fish. Tom hooked two. Our floats would be floating downstream side by side and Gordie’s would go down, Tom said, amazed. As if to convince us, Tom shortened the distance from his float to his lead line and made a cast into a fast riffle just upstream if where we had been standing. The float bobbed down through the froth past a log which we all knew could be hiding a steelhead. Gordie made a similar drift. Tom sent his plastic eggs out again with no result. Gordie’s float disappeared on his second drift. After a moment’s hesitation, a bright fish leapt some fifty feet upstream then hit the water again and bolted off in the opposite direction. It must be the way the damn thing wiggles, said Tom. The fact is, pink rubber worms are all but irresistible to steelhead. If you accept the proposition that the object of angling those fish isn’t to catch every steelhead in the river, and that sharing is a virtue, then you have to seriously examine the issue of when where it is acceptable to use these deadly lures. The Kispiox, Gene argued, has had lower flows in the last few years than he can remember it every having. When those low flow conditions prevail, the only places Kispiox steelhead can find some sanctuary is in a few deep pools whose depths are impenetrable to fly fishers, but not to the float rodders and bottom bouncers using pink rubber worms. Gene’s motion didn’t reach consensus. Representatives from the BC Wildlife Federation, who, despite the fact that they sign their correspondence Yours in Conservation, oppose every conservation measure that is brought to the SFAC table, and spend their energies arguing for kill fisheries and vehemently resisting change, would not agree.

Rob Brown Skeena Angler

Gary Miltenberger – Northwind Ventures

The Road to Bella Coola - Part One

Five student forestry majors at the University of Washington, sitting around a dormitory coffee table in 1971 had just finished a study session together, for our final exams. Even though we all still had one more year of studies to complete, the conversation drifted to speculation about where we might end up working after graduation. As the other four guys warmed up to the topic, I slid into my dorm room and returned with a highway road map of the State of Washington.

I opened and spread out the map, so we could all see which location each of us might choose. One of the five said “Wenatchee area, for the US Forest Service”. Another said: “I liked that Eatonville area, around Pack Forest” (where we’d all spent most of the previous summer in three forestry field classes). Our third guy muttered something about a low Selective Service draft number, and told us that IF he survived Vietnam for two years after graduation, he’d like to try for a U.S. Park Service job. The fourth member of our group indicated that he was going to sign up for two more years of studies as a graduate student, and thought perhaps he might later go for his Ph.D., then teach at a university.

I listened to all of them, and considered what I’d heard. Then I looked at the road map, which extended up to the southern- central coast of British Columbia. Somewhere in the area of Rivers Inlet, there were unnamed rivers flowing down from the slopes of “Silverthrone Mountain” (elevation 9400’ a.s.l.). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverthrone_Mountain

“What about you, Miltenberger?”, I heard one of them ask. I think that it was Larry Frye, who was the instigator of our Mt. Index one-day climb the previous September.

“Do any of you know anything about British Columbia”, I asked? I didn’t know much about it myself, and neither did any of my fellow students, but I wasn’t about to let that deter me. I’d recently read a book called “Driftwood Valley”, by Theodora Stanwell-Fletcher, about her and her husbands’ wanderings in the wilds of northern British Columbia in the mid-1950s, and what I read in her book appealed to me a great deal!

I explained that I’d grown up in the “big timber” country of the southeast Olympic Peninsula, and that as far as I knew, I would probably be able to get a job with The Simpson Timber Company, in Shelton. All that I’d heard about Simpson was good news. They were progressive, treated their employees well, and could offer lots of opportunity. But I yearned to experience adventure and wild, untamed country, with really great, un-crowded fishing. So I pointed to that unroaded, unknown area (to us, that is) of the central coast of British Columbia, and said to my fellow forestry students: “I think that, pointing to the Mt. Siverthrone area, I’d like to work in that area at some point in my career”. They all looked at me as though I was nuts, of course! Maybe I was?

I filed away that conversation deep into my brain somewhere, and forgot about it for a while. But over the next two or three years, I would recall the conversation occasionally, and then smile.

The fishing in southwest Washington, no matter where one went, was usually fairly crowded, even back in the early 70s. For another year, I was satisfied with canoeing across the Cowlitz, in my new wood-canvass, homemade kit canoe, at the Barrier Dam, whenever I had a few hours to fish by myself. I’d also traded in my homemade 12’ Oregon drift-boat on a 16’ Eastside dory, and learned a lot about drifting rivers, mainly on the Cowlitz and Toutle, and a trip or two on the Satsop, Chehalis, and Skykomish Rivers. I was quickly learning how to float and read rivers, and how to operate a drift boat, but I still wasn’t catching very many fish.

My fifth steelhead finally came on the Cowlitz River, early April of 1974, late one Saturday afternoon, while fishing from the anchored drift boat amongst a line-up of other drift-boats. We were just across from the take-out for the drift between the two hatcheries, fishing the last piece of water for that drift that day.

I’d nearly lost the eight pound hatchery fish while I was playing it, when a guy in a nearby anchored boat got excited by my hook-up, and decided that he’d cast to the exact spot where I’d hooked my fish, before I’d fully cleared my fish from the area. He cast his line right over my line, and I was very unimpressed!

Eventually, with a little luck, we were able to clear his line, and I was able to finish fighting the little hatchery hen, and got it into the net. On my way home that Saturday night, I found myself wishing for a wilderness fishery, where there were no crowds!

I stopped at a gas station on the way home to fill up the car after my day on the river, and picked up a copy of the weekend Seattle Times. Reading the “Weekend Times” was something of a tradition that I’d inherited from my mom and dad. First, during football or basketball season, I’d turn to the sports page to read the summary of the UW Husky’s latest games. Next, I would read the front page news headlines, followed by the weekend color comics, and then finally the Classified Ads.

After dinner that night, I sat down to listen to the radio and read the paper while Dawn Ann finished up in the kitchen. When I got to the Classified Ads, one ad in particular jumped out at me: “Older log home on 20 acres, at the base of a 8500’ glacier- capped peak, with two small salmon spawning creeks, pastures, occasional bears, moose and deer passing through the property, located 20 miles from Bella Coola, B.C. Asking $40K Canadian. Call John Osborne at (phone number)”.

I phoned John Osborne that same evening, and learned a fair bit about the Bella Coola Valley. On a map of B.C., it wasn’t very far from Silverthrone Mountain.

Mr. Osborne wasn’t really a fisherman. He knew that the salmon in his creeks each autumn were dogs (chum), then coho (silvers). They also caught 1-2 lb. cutthroat in the creeks. It was common for bears, both blacks and grizzlies, to fish his creeks for salmon. There was fairly good steelhead and spring salmon (kings) fishing in the Bella Coola and Atnarko Rivers, he thought. He also told me that you could watch mountain goats in the summer-time up on the big mountain (Mt. Nusatsum) behind his house. He told me that the primary industries in the valley were logging, commercial fishing, farming and tourism.

The little tidewater community at the head of Burke Channel (a long fjord) of Bella Coola, settled by a shipload of Norwegian pioneers in the 1890s, was around 1,000 people in population. There were around 500 people around the settlement of Hagensborg, which was located ten miles up the valley from Bella Coola, and another 1,000 or so people scattered around the 40 mile long valley, in rural residential sub-divisions and farms. It sounded like my kind of a place!

After I put the phone back on the receiver, I wandered into the kitchen, and said to Dawn Ann: “How would you like to go for a drive next week, so see some new places? I have some vacation time coming, and the following weekend will be Easter, which meant a statutory holiday could added to the vacation time.”

I showed her the newspaper advertisement, and told her of my phone conversation with John Osborne.

The ever practical one, she said: “But we don’t have enough money to buy a place like that”. “I know”, I said, “but we can still drive up there and look around, and see if we like the area or not …. and we could use a short vacation!”

Truth be told, we barely had enough extra cash to make a trip like that, but after chatting with John Osborne, I knew that I had to at least see the place. Anything beyond that would unfold however it was meant to.

After a little more chatting about the idea, it was settled! I would take four days off from work, and along with the Good Friday statutory holiday, we were going to drive to Bella Coola, to have a look around.

Next week: A little side-trip, to Casper, Wyoming, to attend the 25th Annual Orvis-Endorsed Flyfishing Guides Rendezvous.

The Road to Bella Coola - Part Two, will appear the following week.

Tight Lines, Gary Miltenberger

Email: [email protected] www.nortindventures.ca

Gary Miltenberger – Lodge Update

Bronson Creek Camp Update

For 2011, we offer two one-week, Saturday to Saturday options:

The Jet-Boat Only Option, for $3795/angler-week, or the Helicopter Option, for an additional $3500/angler-week. Note: All anglers is a given week MUST choose the same option, unless one three-person party is willing to pay the $4500/day (three hour minimum) helicopter costs.

The Jet-Boat Only Option limits the accessible fishing waters located within a 90-minute jet-boat ride of the camp. We can guarantee excellent fishing for King salmon, silver salmon & trout with this option, and the opportunity to explore potentially new, previously unfished, unknown steelhead waters. We do expect to find some new steelhead rivers.

The Helicopter Option opens up an entire new realm of waters to fish, many that never see any other anglers all year long. Our Helicopter Option includes: (1) two full days of heli-hopping fishing, (2) two days of being spotted to a drift boat with a guide, floating the river for the day, then being extracted by the helicopter and returned to camp in the evening, and (3) two days of jet-boat accessed fishing.

Group size for the Helicopter Option is multiples of three anglers, with a camp capacity of nine anglers. This is the result of the helicopter capacity, which in three anglers plus one guide. We will combine multiple three-person groups for a single week, to reach the nine-person party size, if the anglers request this.

Serious steelhead angler will probably want to select the Helicopter Option, until we are done exploring all of the rivers that we have access to, as presently our best known steelhead rivers are accessible only by helicopter.

NON-Fishing Partners

We encourage non-fishing partners to accompany their angling spouse or partner to Bronson Creek Camp. Besides just relaxing in the ambiance of a quiet, wilderness natural world, we offer many other activities besides the fishing, such as landscape and wildlife photography, heli-hiking, wild-flower and vegetation identification, natural history walks, trips to glaciers, jet-boat tours, and hot-spring excursions. See our "Other Activities" page for more information. The rate for NON- fishing partners is $2,000/week, not including transportation costs to and from the camp. Gary Miltenberger – New Destination the Stikine River and over a dozen surrounding waters. Booking NOW for 2011

A New World-Class, Signature Fly Fishing Destination: the Stikine River and Surrounding Waters

The fisheries of the extremely remote and amazingly rewarding lower Iskut and Stikine River Valleys, in northwestern British Columbia, Canada

Website launched this week www.northwindventures.ca

"Just imagine if you can, the Skeena River system 100 years ago; no roads, no railway, no logging, no other industries, no farms, no towns nor cities, no fishing lodges, no jet boats, no drift boats, no local anglers. It would be just you, the rivers, the mountains, the wildlife, and the fish. The very best fishing that you would ever experience, anywhere it the world'.

THAT...... is exactly what we can offer to you ..... in 2011 and beyond!"

Brought to you by Northwind Ventures (Gary Miltenberger) and Rivers West Adventures Ltd. (Pete and Kathy Kossey).

"There's gold in them thar hills, it's said"!

Nestled amongst the rugged coast mountains of northwestern British Columbia and only a few miles from Alaska, about 60 miles (96 kms.) northwest of Gary Miltenberger's residence at Meziadin Lake, BC, is the lower Iskut River (a major tributary of the Stikine River). Bronson Creek is a small tributary to the Iskut. Located at the mouth of the creek is the Bronson Creek mining exploration camp owned and operated by Pete and Kathy Kossey under the business name of Rivers West Adventures Ltd. Check it out on Google Maps: http://maps.google.ca/?ie=UTF8&hl=en

The Bronson Creek camp, was established in the early 1970s by the Pamacon Development Corporation, as a mining exploration camp. It was later used as a base-camp, while Cominco developed the Snip Mine. It is still used for mining exploration annually, with the amount of exploration use fluctuating greatly.

As Bronson Creek was in the process of being shut-down and reclaimed from mining activity, Pete and Kathy bought it in 1999, and took over the operation. Their original intention was to convert it to a tourism operation, which they worked diligently at for the first couple of years. Then along came another mining exploration company, and offered them a long-term affiliation for accommodating more mining exploration crews. Their tourism lodge idea was put on hold.

Billions of dollars of gold have been identified in the Iskut and Stikine River Valleys of northwestern British Columbia. The Stikine River was used as one of the major transportation corridors to access the famous Yukon Klondike Gold Rush of 1896- 1898. Ironically, the Klondike stampeeders who rushed through the Stikine Valley from 1897-1900, by way of steam-driven paddle-wheelers up the Stikine River to Glenora and Telegraph Creek, then making their way to the Klondike for the world famous "Gold Rush of 98' gold fields, passed through a corridor of gold far, far richer in gold than the Klondike, without ever knowing it nor turning a flake or finding a nugget along their way. The reason that they found no gold along their way up the Stikine, that the Stikine and Iskut gold deposits took so long to find, is that very little of it is found in placer deposits, where sifting through the gravel in stream-beds produced the golden flakes and nuggets. The Stikine-Iskut gold is tied up primarily in "hard-rock" deposits, which requires very sophisticated, high-tech and expensive diamond drilling exploration operations, to locate and identify the rich seams of the precious metals. The same high-tech sophistication and expense is required to extract the gold from the ore.

For the past 30 years, the mountains surrounding the Stikine and Iskut Valley have been explored extensively by diamond drilling exploration projects. This exploration still continues most every summer at some level, even now. Iskut/Stikine gold properties such as Snip, Galore Creek, Shaft Creek, Bronson Slope, and Eskay Creek are common table-talk around the BC and international mining communities.

But while all this attention has been focused on gold, the totally amazing and world-class fishery resources of the Stikine and Iskut River have been largely ignored in the sport-fishing world.

Commercial fishermen in Alaska have long known about the Stikine's extremely rich salmonid fishery resources. The Stikine is a "trans-boundary river". It originates in, and is mostly located in British Columbia, Canada. Only the lower few miles of the river, and the estuary, are located in Alaska, USA.

Every year at the Pacific Salmon Commission's International Salmon Treaty fishing plan negotiating sessions, between USA and Canada, a certain amount of time and energy is devoted to discussing which of the Stikine's salmonids have "maple leafs" and which have "stars & stripes" on their tails and dorsal fins. BC/Canada provides nearly all of the spawning and rearing grounds for the Stikine's fisheries, while Alaska/US provides the pasturage & grazing at sea. Annexes to the Pacific Salmon Treaty dealing with the trans-boundary rivers, outlining fishing plans and an equitable distribution of the catch between the two countries, are negotiated and re-negotiated on an ongoing basis by the Northern Panel of the Commission, and recommended to the Commissioners. Gary Miltenberger was a member of that panel for several years in the 1990s, which is where he first learned of the Stikine River's fishery resources.

What are the reasons that the Stikine's fisheries are largely unknown to the sport-fishing world?

First, these waters are very, very remote and extremely difficult to get to, and therefore also hard to get to know. They are accessible only by aircraft, or by expedition-type river-boat access. And the Iskut River is very braided, and extremely challenging to know all the right channels, to travel it by jet-boat. It should be attempted only by expert level mariners.

Second, both of the rivers are so muddy and turbid, they are essentially unfishable for all but a very few weeks of the year, in the late autumn, just prior to freeze-up. The Stikine turbidity originates in many miles of clay-banks which slide naturally into the river, in areas upstream of the Highway 37 Bridge. There is also glacial feed in some of the streams in the lower Stikine. The Iskut turbidity comes primarily from glacial feed.

Where the Iskut and Stikine's amazing fishing is to be found, is in the dozen or so clear-water tributaries located downstream of the Grand Canyon of the Stikine (immediately below the Highway 37 bridge), for many miles. The Stikine/Iskut area has not been previously known and fished by very many fly fishermen, but Gary Miltenberger and his intrepid guides are about to change that!

Two of the Stikine River tributaries are well known and road accessible via the Telegraph Creek Road, out of Dease Lake. The Tahltan River has very considerable summer chinook and fall steelhead runs, while the Tuya River has a very good sockeye run. The Grand Canyon of the Stikine is impassible to fish. In that area, the river narrows down to an extremely narrow canyon, too narrow even to float a rubber raft down it. The water-shoots through there with the same power and speed as water flowing through a fire-hose. It forms a velocity barrier that simply is not navigatable to even the strongest swimming salmonid. If you are ever on a road-trip that takes you through Dease Lake, BC, plan to stop there for half a day and charter a helicopter for the 45-minute round-trip flight through the Grand Canyon of the Stikine. It's worth every penny of the cost! In the lower reaches of the Stikine and Iskut, the fishable tributaries are really only reasonably accessible by helicopter. A helicopter is based at the Bronson Creek camp each year from early May through early November. The fishing that can be had with only short helicopter flights from the camp, to the dozen lower Stikine tributaries is so good that it really defies description. Suffice to say this: you have never experienced Salmonid fishing this good, nor will you ever, anywhere else in the world. You will fish waters where there are several thousand chinook (king) salmon in a few miles of water. The same with all the other salmon species too!!! You will fish and catch chinook (kings), sockeye (reds), coho (silvers), steelhead, sea-run cutthroat, rainbows, and dolly varden until your arms will feel like they will fall off. You will fish for steelhead in waters where the big, northern coho are so numerous and aggressive, that the steelhead will have great difficulty beating the coho to your fly.

We will be catering to a nine-person party size in 2011, with your week starting and ending on Saturdays. There will be one seasoned guide for each three guests. Your fishing will be a combination of heli-fishing days, jet-boat fishing days, and heli fly outs with a guide and rubber raft, where you will be dropped off for a day-long float trip, and picked up by chopper at the end of the day.

Access for our clients will be through Smithers, BC for Canadian clients, and through Wrangell, Alaska for American clients. European clients may choose whichever access departure point that best suits their other travel arrangements. We prefer that all anglers in any given week be all part of the same party. However, we are prepared to combine parties, in three groups of three clients each.

Even the notorious, sporadic autumn rains which cause great grief to anglers attending a camp at a "home-river" location, will not diminish your fishing at our camp. If some or most of the rivers are high and unfishable for a few days, a week or more, we will still keep you fishing, by taking you salt-water fishing for salmon and bottom fish in Alaskan waters, trout fishing to amazingly productive mountain lakes, where the cutthroat and rainbows are very plentiful and willing, or to a river or two which are lake-fed and are never unfishable, no matter how much it rains.

Our season begins in May for spring steelhead. June, July and early August are for the huge northern chinook (kings), and trout & dolly varden when you get tired battling the huge kings. Mid-July through August are the sockeye, trout and dolly varden fishing, and salt-water fishing in the fjords. Early-August through mid-September is for the sockeye, dollys and trout in rivers and lakes, and salt-water fjord fishing, for salmon and bottom fish. Mid-September through mid-November are the northern coho and autumn steelhead months. Because we are so close to the coast and marine weather, our season can last a few more weeks longer that the famous inland, upper Skeena tributaries.

When you have been satiated with the fishing, we will also offer heli-hiking in the alpine meadows, glacier tours, gold panning, jet-boat or white-water rafting trips, and photography & nature tours. If you want to photograph bears, early August through mid-September is the time to do it, as they are fishing for the big, spawning chinook salmon then. One favorite activity will be an all-day jet-boat photography tour down the Iskut and up the Stikine to Telegraph Creek, where we will have lunch at the famous, historic Riversong Cafe, then spend the afternoon boating back to the camp.

Our operation will not be a "meat-market fishery", where everyone kills and retains their legal limit of fish. You will be allowed to keep a fish or two for meals at the camp, and take back a fish or two when you return home, if you feel that need...but that's all! We WILL NOT be providing fish boxes, like the big factory-like, meat-market salt-water fisheries. If you want to take a fish or two home, they will be frozen in a plastic bag, and it will be up to you to get it safely back to your home without spoiling. If you want to go to a "meat-market fishery", we will very gladly refer you to some of the best ones. Any angler who insists on killing his or her legal limit at our camp ... will come there only one time, because you will never get another reservation to fish with us again. We very strongly endorse limiting your kill, and "catch & release" fishing. Only single, barbless hooks are allowed, except in salt-water, where tandem barbless and barbless trebles may be used. All of our steelhead are wild, so they must all be released... that's the law in B.C. Unfortunately for you, the camp is already fully booked for May and June, 2011. So we will be accepting reservations, beginning on the first Saturday of July, extending until mid-November.

Below is our rate and reservation information for next year:

Base Rate will be $4000/angler/week/CAD,

Fixed-wing flights, Smithers>Bronson> return = $9000 CAD, or $1000/angler if there are not weekly, back-to-back bookings, If there are back-to-back bookings, it will be around $500/angler. Anglers pay this direct to the aviation company

Fixed-wing flights, Wrangell, Alaska>Bronson>return = $900 -1100 USD for each three person group. Anglers pay this direct to the aviation company

Helicopter costs: 3 hrs/day minimums apply to the camp flying, to base a chopper at the camp. The initial estimate for this is $4700/day or $32900/week/nine anglers = $3655/angler. This fee will be subject to adjustment depending upon fuel rates and the size of the machine. Anglers pay this direct to the helicopter company. This is the minimum cost....if anglers want more helicopter flying time, their cost will be more.

Note: please bring cash, travelers cheques or credit cards to pay for your fixed-wing and helicopter charters.

The Base Rate includes: - meals; including beer and wine. If you want hard liquor, bring it with you! - accommodations - one guide/three clients. - typically includes two days jet-boat accessed fishing, two-days of heli-assisted rubber-raft float trip or lake fishing for trout, two-days of heli-fishing, or two days of fishing tributaries to a large lake that is heli-accessed, and/or two days of salt-water fishing. - care and handling of fish kept.

- boats and fuel - guide licensing and insurance - business overhead, profit and risk. Clients who wish to go exploring further and fish other waters than our normal program includes may do so, providing they know, understand and are willing to accept and pay the additional helicopter costs.....subject to chopper availability and scheduling.

The Base Rates does not include: - travel costs to get to and from Bronson Creek camp. - BC and Alaska fishing licenses - hard liquor. - helicopter costs - tips and gratuities,

The booking weeks will run Saturday to Saturday, beginning the first Saturday in July, and ending on November 12th.

Our reservation policy is: A 50% deposit secures reservations, the balance is due 60 days prior to the first day of the client's trip. Full refunds for cancellations that are made 60 days or more prior to trip date, minus a 10% administration fee applied to the Base Rate. For cancellations made 59-31 days prior to the booked date, a 50% refund will be paid, unless we book those dates with another party on short notice; if that occurs, a 90% refund will be paid. For cancellations where 30 days or less cancellation notice is given, no refund will be paid, except in verifiable medical emergencies; and a 90% refund will be paid in such instance or an offer made to extend the reservation to the following year.

The trips that you take to the lower Iskut and Stikine will be the adventure of a life-time, every time you go that you go there. That's our one and only guarantee!

Your hosts,

Gary Miltenberger and Pete & Kathy Kossey

Tight lines,

Gary Miltenberger email: [email protected] website: www.northwindventures.ca

Advertise on the Noel Gyger Website and Weekly Fishing Report

Want rates for sponsorship? Just click here http://www.noelgyger.ca/advertise.htm

Check the website stats for yourself: http://www.noelgyger.ca/stats

It is a "good" idea to advertise online because Canadians spend more time on their computers than watching television. They spend 18.1 hours per week online compared with 16.9 hours watching television. Click here to read the survey

My GOAL is to increase TOURISM

You do not have to be a fishing guide to benefit from advertising on Noel Gyger's website. All tourism businesses, tackle businesses and others will benefit.

. over 25 years promoting tourism and fish guiding experience . join your consumers on an angling journey of a lifetime . communicate your unique brand awareness to new and existing consumers . noelgyger.ca provides you with this opportunity with a limited time website advertising offer at reasonable prices . gain an edge over your competitors in this ever-expanding market Guided Fishing – Special prices

Seasonal Special Offers

Thinking of some exciting spring Steelhead fishing or fighting some powerful King Salmon? We are offering specially priced packages - so why not join us for some amazing fishing this year.

Prime Time Summer Special Spring Steelhead Fishing Skeena River King Salmon

Dates between April 1st and May 7th Dates between July 1st to July 15th

5 night/4 day 5 night/4 day $2000 CDN per person $2000 CDN per person

Or Or

7 night/6 day 7 night/6 day $2900 CDN per person $2900 CDN per person

Prices Include: Transportation to and from Terrace airport Lodging and all meals Fully guided fishing Any tackle required

Prices do not include: 12% HST Tax Alcoholic beverages Fishing Licenses Gratuities

These prices are offered for a limited time and are only valid for the dates stated.

Help me plan my guided fishing trip

What do I want to fish for (Salmon, Steelhead or Trout)? When is the best time? What is the best way to fish for them? How long is the guided day? Do we fish from a boat or walk and wade? What kind of boats do the guides use (drift boat, jet boat or raft, etc)? What have other anglers caught at this time? Are there any pictures? What was the biggest fish? What was the weather like? How do I get there? What do I need to bring? Are there any testimonials? YES, click here http://www.noelgyger.ca/testimonials.htm for testimonials.

To start to answer any of the above questions and more please check out the Past Fishing Reports webpage at http://www.noelgyger.ca/past-fishing-reports.htm There are links there that go back to fishing reports from 1996 right up until today. Who should I contact for more information? Contact Noel Gyger he will be more than happy to help you. Product Profile – Maxima

Maxima www.brecksinc.com/en/maxima.htm

THE BEST BY TEST!

Located in the hills of Germany's Bavaria region, Maxima™ have a state of the art research, development and manufacturing facility.

Using today's most advanced and precise line extrusion technology, Maxima™ transforms extremely pure, virgin nylon formulations into the worlds highest quality monofilament under the intense scrutiny of uncompromising quality control engineers.

Brecks is proud to be the Canadian home of Maxima™ since 1983. Maxima's Standards of Excellence

Tensile Strength: Maxima's uniquely precise extrusion process and quality control are your guarantee of 100% consistency in tensile strength.

Knot Strength: Maxima's exclusive polymer formula maintains knot strength and prevents slippage. The unique hard- process finish keeps properly-tied knots from cutting into themselves.

Low Stretch: Maxima is engineered only with a hint of stretch and delivers power when it counts.

Abrasion Resistance: Maxima's special bonding of hydrocarbon molecules gives a tougher finish - for protection against nicks, cuts and chafing.

Limpness: A line that is too limp will stretch too much and absorb water. That's why we engineered Maxima with just the right amount of limpness. New arrivals for the 2011 Season:

Maxima Hi Vis yellow monofilament will be introduced for 2011. Hi Vis formulation has the same knot strength and abrasion resistance Maxima is famous for in a high visibility formulation. Hi Vis is offered in reel fill One Shot spools of 6 lb test through 40 lb. test and Bulk spools in 10 lb. through 40 lb. test.

AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW at: City Centre Hardware and Sporting Goods in Kitimat, Oscars Source for Sports in Smithers, Fish Tales Tackle Shop and Northcoast Anglers in Terrace

Conservation

April 20, 2011 New From TheCanadian.org: Harper Supports Enbridge & Oil Tankers; Alexandria Mitchell on the Youth Vote; Rafe on Dix as NDP Leader

Rafe: Harper's Outrageous Support for Oil Tankers in BC "If you intend to support the Tories, know that they have absolutely condemned your province to hugely destructive spills both on your precious wilderness and your coastline - perhaps the world's most beautiful and certainly one of its most dangerous. Every time you hear the company or the government saying 'risk', substitute 'certainty'. Prime Minister Harper has shown that he either doesn't understand the consequences of the pipelines and tankers in or knows them and doesn't care." http://thecanadian.org/k2/item/683-harpers-outrageous-support-for-oil-tankers-rafe

"This Isn't Your Grandmother's Election" by Alexandria Mitchell First time voter Alexandria Mitchell discusses the upswell of interest in the federal election among young voters - and why they may yet prove a force to be reckoned with: "While the Tories claimed this was an election that no one wanted, it's being turned on its head by the growing movement of 'Vote Mobs' across the country. At 35 universities and counting, hundreds of youth are taking to their campuses and producing videos to share with the rest of their country. The message is simple: Youth are voting..." http://thecanadian.org/k2/item/687-this-isnt-your-grandmothers-election-alexandria-mitchell

Rafe on NDP Leadership Win for Adrian Dix "The Liberals will paint Dix as being bad for business - but does that matter if he has good policies for small business? Do voters like being screwed by big business?...Now, of course, the NDP must avoid angering Labour but if Mr. Dix understands that Big Labour doesn't lend itself to great support on the ground for the NDP and he can play to that while skating the fine line between that and Labour leadership, he might be able to do something that the NDP have always had trouble with: getting the blue collar worker." http://thecanadian.org/k2/item/680-rafe-on-ndp-leadership-win-for-adrian-dix

Our independent voice for BC's environment depends entirely on your generosity - please donate to our work: http://thecanadian.org/donate

April 20, 2011 Alexandra Morton update. This has been sent to all federal candidates that have public emails.

VoteSalmon.ca

Dear Candidates:

Further to my letter of April 5, thank you! Fifty-three of you have now answered my questions: would you protect wild salmon by removing salmon farms from BC waters and protect aquaculture jobs by supporting a land based industry? John Duncan (Conservative) is the only candidate to support open-net salmon farms remaining in BC waters (All Candidates meeting, Port McNeill). While the NDP, Liberals and Greens support moving the industry onto land to make more permanent jobs in a sustainable industry. The Conservatives are unable to say they support wild salmon. They are telling me they want to wait for the results of the Cohen Inquiry. However, Randy Kamp and Ed Fast who I have met with, will not commit to implementing Justice Cohen’s recommendations.

This is a concern, because the Coastal Resource Interests Study, Salmon Aquaculture Review, Special Legislative Committee, Pacific Salmon Forum and Auditor General report are all expensive government processes that recommended changes to the industry to protect wild salmon that were never acted on.

Further to the BC Salmon Farmers letter sent to you on April 8; here are some findings by the Cohen Inquiry.

March 17, under oath Dr. Laura Richards (DFO, Director General of Science) indicated DFO research suggests the majority of Fraser sockeye are being weakened and killed by a retro virus. The Minister of Fisheries (Gail Shea, MP, PEI) was briefed that a virus is one of the top three suspect causes of the 2009 sockeye collapse, but she did not tell the public. Instead, DFO left the fishermen and First Nations to take the blame. We learned the DFO scientist who made this finding is not allowed to present at meetings not run by DFO and not allowed to speak to the media. She has also not been allowed to test farm salmon to find the source of the virus killing sockeye and Strait of Geogia Coho and Chinook. “Epidemic of a novel, cancer-causing viral disease may be associated with wild salmon declines in BC” Report is at Cohen Commission March 17 exhibit 613G

On April 5, we learned that senior DFO officials met with the salmon farming industry to discuss a “crisis,” the BC public rejects the salmon farming industry.

“Due to the scope of the public confidence crisis in the Pacific Region, however, it is recognized that regional Communications and Aquaculture Management staff will need to continue to manage the file…key to the strategic approach to addressing confidence issues will be targeting information for the general public….” Cohen Commission April 6 exhibit 611

Does it seem right to you that at a time when DFO is closing its community offices, cutting funding to wild salmon habitat protection work and research that money is being spent to change our minds about salmon farms? When DFO speaks about salmon farms how do we know if they are trying to sell us on the industry or telling us the facts?

I will continue traveling through southern British Columbia to your campaign offices to find out: will you protect wild salmon by removing salmon farms from BC waters, will you protect salmon farm jobs by supporting a land-based upgrade to the industry and are you certain the Norwegian companies have not imported foreign viruses? As a result of my work so far I would like to add one question: Who actually supports the ocean salmon farms that are using the BC seafloor as a dumpsite?

On May 1, we will be walking into Victoria because BC voters need to know which federal candidates have the backbone to stand up and protect wild salmon. This is your chance to let them know that you stand for wild salmon. Let your supports know they can join us and fly the flag for wild salmon. For more information Salmonaresacred.org

Thank you and I look forward to meeting you and/or hearing from you. You can respond to this email. Alexandra Morton

VoteSalmon.ca

April 22, 2011 - New From TheCanadian.org: Alex Morton Rates Federal Candidates' Positions on Salmon; New Report Urges Public Transit Spending; Ray Grigg on Globalization

Alexandra Morton on Candidates' Salmon Positions + Video Salmon biologist Alexandra Morton discusses recent bombshell findings at the Cohen Commission and her travels around the province to find out where various federal election candidates stand on protecting BC's wild salmon from fish farms: "I have been down Vancouver Island to Nanaimo, across the ridings of Vancouver, through Chilliwack to Kamloops, Enderby, Salmon Arm, Mission. I will be continuing through the lower mainland and southern Vancouver Island. It has been a fascinating exploration. Here is what I've found..." http://thecanadian.org/k2/item/691-alexandra-morton-on-making-salmon-an-election-issue- -new-video

"Just in Time for Earth Day: Report Urges Shift from Freeway to Transit Spending" by Eric Doherty "Shifting spending from freeways to transit will not only reduce BC’s greenhouse gas emissions, but lead to healthier, safer communities for all British Columbians. This is the conclusion of a new study. "Transportation Transformation: Building Complete Communities and a Zero-Emission Transportation System in BC" is co-published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and the Wilderness Committee." Plus details on a couple of fun Earth Day events to promote transit over freeways. http://thecanadian.org/k2/item/688-report-urges-shift-in-spending-from-freeway-to-transit Ray Grigg's Shades of Green: Reason, Mood & Globalization While globalization has brought many promises of prosperity and some clear benefits, beneath the superficial hue of optimism are systemic flaws that are creating a deepening and pervasive apprehension. The paradox of globalization is that it offers connectivity and cooperation while its size and complexity highlights our individual powerlessness and precariousness. Economic, political, social and environmental globalization also means interdependence and vulnerability - whatever happens anywhere on the planet affects everyone elsewhere." http://thecanadian.org/k2/item/693-shades-of-green-reason-mood-and-globalization

Our independent voice for BC's environment depends entirely on your generosity - please donate to our work: http://thecanadian.org/donate

http://www.simmsfishing.com

THE CHOICE OF PROFESSIONAL GUIDES WORLDWIDE

Simms Philosophy: Wherever you fish, you’re going to find fishing guides. And wherever you find fishing guides, you’re going to find Simms. Guides need gear that is functional, innovative and can withstand whatever abuse they put it through. What does that mean to someone who’s not a professional guide? Anything that’s designed to meet the performance needs of guides is gear you can count on. Simms. The choice of professional guides. And anyone else who lives to fish.

News Bulletin

April 21, 2011 – New content in the Weekly Fishing Report

We at noelgyger.ca are working hard to give our readers the best information possible that will serve to enhance their fishing experience and enjoyment. Some of you may have noticed over the last couple of weeks we have added something titled: H2O Data and have included a couple of lakes. A river is featured this week. Oceans are in the planning stages. Click on the Google “fly-over”. This blew my mind when I first saw it.

Also included is info on the Skeena Tyee Test Fishery in a simpler readable graph form. We will include data from as far back to when the testing began in1956 right up to now. We will include data for all 5 Salmon Species and of course our wild Steelhead.

We also have included a “Feedback” bookmark so please feel free to use this feature anytime. We would love to hear from you. We will also try and include more “How to”, “Tips”, “Regs”, and ” Notes”. If you have any to share please contact me. Cory at WEBFLYZ BC

Hello SPRING FLY FISHERMEN!

WEBFLYZ B.C is making CUSTOM FLIES for anglers flocking to Northwestern B.C for "OUR" beautiful back yard fishing! Boxed sets and custom FLY selections are being BUILT for many anglers for our SPRING STEELHEAD RIVERS by WEBFLYZ B.C.! Now is the time of year to take advantage of APRILS' OFFER CLICK HERE>>> www.webflyz.com to see what this fine month has to offer for you, the angler, if you may not have the "TIME TO TIE FLIES!!" WEBFLYZ B.C. builds to ANY ANGLERS' needs, freshwater, saltwater, ANY SPECIES, WEBFLYZ B.C.'s creations CATCH FISH PERIOD! Check out ESPN, TSN, an WFN to see the recent FINS+SKINS and FISHING THE FLATSAWESOME FLY FISHING SHOWS filmed in BELIZE for fine species that include PERMIT, BONEFISH and other sought after saltwater species!

WEBFLYZ B.C. is now affiliated with and exclusively uses MAUI JIM SHADES-_NEW FINE HT LENSES that are the one pair of shades that are used in ANY weather condition!

WEBFLYZ B.C. has also now a PROUD MEMBER/EXCLUSIVE USER of the SAGE ROD company to complement the FINE ISLANDER REELS!!--- AS SEEN on an upcoming segment of FINS+SKINS CLASSIC ADVENTURES with HENRY WASZCZUK!

If you need FLIES MADE in short time, let me know and your order can be custom tied for what YOU NEED! contact me at>> http://www.webflyz.com/contact.html for any questions.

Here is a group of my CUSTOM SQUID PATTERNS, on TUBES, VERY UNIVERSAL in a sense that they are used behind the flasher, (replacing bait!) for ALL SALMON, VERY STRONG, ALREADY PROVEN, USED for BOTTOM FISH-- HALIBUT, LING COD, SNAPPER, ROCKFISH--ALL LOVE THESE PATTERNS. No need to touch a herring or anchovy, tie this squid on and HOLD ON! Also proven for many SALTWATER SPECIES that include MAHI MAHI, ROOSTERFISH, MARLIN, and MANY MORE! Tied up to 2 feet LONG! The bottom one is 12 inches long.

From Cory at WEBFLYZ B.C. Have a great season fishing and if you need local advise and/or what to use where, I can help! Years past - 2000

2000 July 30

The photo of the week shows a photo collage of our guests landing and releasing larger than average Chum Salmon from the Kitimat River and Chinook (King) Salmon from the Skeena River.

NORTHWEST B.C. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT dated July 23 - July 30, 2000 (number 231)

Dear Fishing Friends:

This is the time of year when you have a chance to hook the “Grand Slam”! You can catch four species of Salmon (Chinook, Chum, Sockeye and Pink), plus summer-run Steelhead! Both fly and conventional tackle work well.

WE LANDED AND RELEASED OUR FIRST SUMMER RUN STEELHEAD ON THE SKEENA RIVER JULY 24 !!

Fishing for Chinook remains FAIR to GOOD on the Skeena and Kalum Rivers. Fishing for Sockeye on the main stem Skeena is working well for both fly and spin gear. The first run of Pink Salmon has started up the river. The talk around town is that a 66-pound Chinook has been landed this year on the Skeena River. I have also heard of a 64-pounder weighed in at Misty River Tackle Shop.

FOC (Fisheries & Oceans Canada) predict a good run of Chinook again, plus this year one may angle for and retain Sockeye and Pinks on the main stem Skeena River. The daily limit is two fish per person, double that for your possession.

FYI: Both Provincial and Federal fishing regulations are posted on the net. Their website URL is noted below.

FYI: AAG is abbreviation for Assistant Angling Guide.

GUESTS COMMENTS (from the lodge guest book)

“I had a great time, thanks.” Max Keist, SWITZERLAND – July 24, 2000

“Great food, great guide. Thanks a lot Noel, Gail, Tim and Dustin.(the rest of the comments were in the Japanese language).” Tomohiko Ohuue, JAPAN – July 26, 2000

“Thank you very much. I could have a good time in three days. I caught many Salmons. The best one is 30-pound Chum. I will come back someday.” Yasunori Tagami, JAPAN – July 26, 2000

“Thanks for the Biggest King of my life will be back.” Rob Stol, MI, USA – July 28, 2000

“Great lodge. Great guides. Great Fun. See you in October.” Gary Jordan, MI, USA – July 28, 2000 “The food was excellent, the lodge was excellent, Noel, Gail, Greg, Randy and Buddy (the neighbors dog) and of course the fish gave me a great time. Hopefully, I’ll be back to catch that grand slam.” Billy Graham, MI, USA – July 28, 2000

======

CURRENT REPORT:

Type of fish caught: Chinook, Chum, Sockeye, Pink Salmon and Steelhead. Thank you for using barbless hooks.

Fishing this week: POOR__FAIR___GOOD_*_ EXCELLENT ___

LARGEST FISH OF THE WEEK: Specie: 45-pound Chinook Salmon Where: Skeena River Angler: Robert Stol

Weather...has been on the cool side with scattered showers most of the time.

Weather reports… 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.

Water conditions... are fair on all rivers.

Kalum River… good for Chinook Salmon. More and more BIG FISH are moving into the lower end. The water is in good shape. Our lodge record 83-pound Chinook was landed on May 24, 1983. The river record is 85-pounds.

Skeena River... is GOOD for Chinook Salmon and now summer run Steelhead. The Skeena River record Chinook was caught years ago by Mr. Heinz Wickmen and it weighed 92.5-pounds. Usually someone lands a 70-pounder every year. I have heard of a 65-pounder landed this year. Unfortunately this fish was retained and could not be entered in the catch and release derby.

…July 24/00 AAG Randy Marshall and Greg Buck had a very good opening day with their group of four guests from MI, USA. This group plans to release all Salmon and Steelhead they land in five days of guided fishing.

… July 25/00 AAG Randy and Greg guided the same group as above and hooked about 12 Chinook in total and landed and released six fish.

Kitimat River… slow for Chinook…the run is basically over. The river closes for Chinook on July 31 as a conservation measure. The river record Chinook weighed in at 74-pounds. The Chum are coming in…but not in big numbers…yet. These are GREAT fish that fight hard! Chum update as of July 15… a good run has come in now and the fishing has picked up! A record run of Pink Salmon are in the river now. FISHERY NOTICE (as of July 26): Chum limit per day has been reduced from two fish down to one. Pink Salmon limit per day has been increased from zero to two fish per day.

…July 25/00 AAG Tim Lepp’s two guests from Japan had a good day fishing for Chum. They hooked a total of 30 fish and landed and released seven.

…July 26/00 AAG Randy and Greg’s group of four had a good day by hooking and releasing a total of 20 Chum and five Pinks. Another fisherman apparently landed a 35-pound Chum. We landed our first Coho of the year, about an 8-pounder. This is very early for Coho.

Kasiks River…we look forward to fish this river again for Coho beginning in the fall around mid September. Anglers are catching a few Chinook on the lower end of the river, below the highway bridge in the clean water pool.

Want More? Cast on this link: http://www.noelgyger.ca/archived-fishing-reports-web.htm Featured Video Clip

November 8, 2010

Commentary by Ron Wakita of Reliable Guide and Charters. Nov. 5, 2010. Wes Owen invited Noel Gyger and I for a morning trip in the Kitimat Harbour to fish for Winter Chinook and do some Crabbing. The forecast was calling for "cloudy with showers". We were pleasantly surprised with calm seas, sunshine, good fishing and even better Crabbing. With honorable mention to Gail's (Noel's wife) Cookies. We hooked 6 Winter Chinook boating 3 beauties. The largest Chinook was 25lbs or better. The Stars of our fishing trip was the "E Chip" which is marketed by Pro Troll, Pro Troll's Hot Chip 11" Green Flasher and Hot Spot's Blue Green Flasher. Lure used was a Luhr Jensen Les Davis Pt. Defiance #6 Spoon. 4 of the 6 Chinook were caught with these lures. Pro Troll products are not new on the market but this was the first fishing trip that I have fished with them. I spent some time with Russell Gahagan, Pro Troll's Regional Sales Manager at the Redl Show who impressed me enough to fish these Pro Troll's products. I am sure glad we did because they sure worked great this morning and proof is in the pictures! The other 2 Chinook were hooked by Wes's favorite Winter Chinook set-up which includes Luhr Jensen Abe and Al #1 Prism Flasher with Rhys Davis Blue/Green Anchovey Teaser and a Rhys Davis Anchovy. Noel, Wes and I had a great time catching Chinook as well as harassing each other and eating Gail's cookies while watching the rods.

The "piece de resistance" of our trip was the Crabbing. The Star of the Crabbing portion of our trip was as always "Brutus" Ace Line Hauler Crab and Prawn Puller. Vartan you are a genius! We were also using Crab traps distributed by Redl Sports with an upgraded hinge design on the doors which are excellent. We were using Lead rope from Danielson which reduces the potential for getting the Crab Trap ropes into the prop. The Crab Traps used ere Traps distributed by Redl Sports. The Bait Cages were Danielson Bait Cages. The Crab Gauge is made by Gibbs/Delta. Wes fishes with the best equipment including Shimano 8' Talora rods and Charter Special 2000LD reels combined with Scotty Orca Rod Holders. Scotty Electric Downrigger. Scotty Power Grip Plus Release Clips. Reels filled with Berkley Big Game 30lb test. The leaders were Berkley Big Game 40lb test. He also used a Berkley Battery powered hook hone. The High Line was trolled with a Gibbs 12oz Slip Weight. All the Chinook were netted with Redl Sports Sea King SK5000 net. He takes all his photos with Cannon hi end digital cameras. The "Right Tools for the Job" sure makes Fishing and Crabbing a lot more enjoyable. We kept our limit of 18 Dungeness Crab (6 each) and put another 12 keepers back. Wow! Good Weather, Good Fishing and Good Crabbing with Good Friends. Life is Good!

Note: to watch the video in the highest possible quality be sure to choose the option 480p on YouTube Click here for a direct link to this video

It is also listed on the Video webpage. Title: Winter Chinook and Crab and listed in category 2010 Chinook Clips. Clip #0082. Plays for 11:52 minutes.

Noel Gyger 96 fishing video clips on YouTube

Check out Noel Gyger fishing video clips: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=noelgyger Over 500,767 uploaded views.

Fishing Regulations

2009-2011 BC tidal waters and non-tidal (Federal) Salmon fishing information: www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish Effective April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012

2009-2011 Freshwater (Provincial) Fishing Regulations Synopsis: www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish Effective April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2013 (Note: regs good for two years)

Highway Webcam – Terrace BC

Click here: http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/pub/html/www/111.html to view road conditions. This one is near Terrace BC and is located at the junction of Highway 16 and Highway 37, looking east on Highway 16. The image will update every 15 to 30 minutes. Guest Reports and Photos

*** If any of you have special fishing photos, testimonials, scenic river photos, wildlife photos or articles I would love to see them.

Hi Noel: I attached a picture of a Rooster Fish I caught in Mexico last week. It was a beauty and took me three trips to get! Best regards, Ben Yarish

Feedback

We here at noelgyger.ca are always looking for ways to improve our fishing report. Please send us your ideas, suggestions, comments and critiques. Thank you. Cast here to send 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

Rod Days For Sale

50 Skeena River, section 2, classified rod-days for $2000. These rod-days come without the license. Without license means they can be sold only to guides that already own Skeena 2 rod-days. Contact Noel Gyger for more info. Commercial Recreation Tenure #740801 For Sale

Hi Noel, Kori and I have tenure up for sale. The area is from the upper Skeena and Bulkley from the bridge just above the Suskwa down stream on the Bulkley and then from there down stream to Prince Rupert taking in most of the tribs: Copper, Kalum, Lakelse, Zimacord, Exstew, Kasiks, Khyex plus over to the Kwinamass. Great for Rafting, Bear and other Wildlife viewing, River boat rides, Plus all the First Nations villages between Hazelton and Prince Rupert. If you are interested Call me Stan Doll 250-635-4686 or cell 250-638-2893 or e-mail at [email protected]

Fishing Vehicle For Sale

2003 Nissan Xterra 110,000 km. Excellent condition, very well maintained Discounted from $15,500 to $12,500. For more info. please email Mike: [email protected] Trailer and Motorbike For Sale

Want to fish in style. 2007 Harley Davidson Road King like new, many upgrades, many extra's, and trailer to haul your gear and fish. Be bold and venture forth into the wild. $18,500.00 Reduced to $17,500.00. 250-635-6753 [email protected] P.S. spey rods will fit.

Wanted to Buy

Notice to Fishing Guides who own Classified Rod-Days: I know of someone who is looking to purchase rod-days and license for Skeena 2, Zymoetz (Copper), Ecstall, Kalum and or Gitnadoix Rivers. Contact Noel Gyger and I will put you in touch.

To sign-up to receive these fishing reports to your personal e-mail in-box click here: http://www.noelgyger.ca/subscribers_form.htm

It is NOT too late to book a guided river or ocean fishing trip

RIVER FISHING Lots of lodge or day bookings still available on classified or non-classified waters. Guiding fly or spin fishermen with raft, drift-boat or jet-boat. Contact Noel to book NOW!

OCEAN FISHING Chinook Salmon, Bottom Fish and Crab in Prince Rupert or Kitimat Douglas Channel has started. To book warm, covered charter boat please contact Noel Gyger anytime. Phone: 250-635-2568 E-mail: [email protected]

NOW BOOKING for 2011: Let me know if I can be of service to book you with the "best" fishing guide and/or fishing lodges for both river and ocean. There are NO extra charges to book through me, just a lot of free information and advice from a person with years and years of fishing and fish guiding experience. It is like hiring two guides for the price of one. I will promptly answer your questions and concerns. Contact Noel Gyger to book NOW Real Estate

Beautiful Log home right next to the famous Kitimat River

Kitimat BC A True Fisherman or Wilderness Lovers Dream Home. 2 minutes to Kitimat River Boat Launch. 3 Bedroom 2 full bathrooms, 2 Levels 1000sq/ft each plus 500sq/ft loft. 1000sq/ft detached heated shop with games room, plus second storage shed on extremely private tree'd lot. Beautiful cozy log cabin style home. Heated floors, many updates, New spa- steam-shower-tub, plus separate stand up shower in main floor bathroom. Loads of potential. Western Red and Yellow Cedar logs, 12"-20"" round. Unique Home. Asking $350,000. Please contact Noel Gyger for more information

Terrace, BC 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 For Sale: Beautiful one level 4600 sq. ft. home on Skeena River Front 22km East of Terrace, BC

4.92 acres, fenced/landscaped around home. Click here to watch a 14 second video clip that shows the best gravel bar fishing for Salmon and Steelhead just out your door with stunning mountain views. Fruit trees, flowers, lawn. House was built in 1994 and has 4 bedrooms (so spacious, it could be 6 or more), 3 bathrooms, jacuzzi tub, fireplace, security system, double garage, tool-shed, storage buildings. The kitchen and dining room are open to one another and adjoins the family room where all the windows draw you in to look out over the Skeena River. The properties adjoining both sides of this home belong to the crown, so your privacy is assured. Suitable as a private home, B&B, lodge, or a private conference centre. Appraised at $640,000 discounted to $475,000 (fully furnished) for quick sale. Contact Noel Gyger for more info New! Oct 27/10 For Sale: Ocean Front Property

Approximately 70 acres of untouched forest on the ocean, only boat accessible, situated between Prince Rupert, British Columbia and Ketchikan, Alaska. Surrounded by wilderness and wildlife. Some of the world's best salt water fishing right off the beach. This piece of property maximizes ocean frontage per acreage. Its waters are sheltered from the brunt of the weather by Bernie Island. The property is covered with old growth and second growth cedar and Sitka spruce, and has a creek running through the middle. Ideal for a fisherman's holiday home or lodge, or nature lover's private retreat, on the last piece of private property before Alaska. Great investment! $248,900 Contact Noel Gyger for more information. 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

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. Monthly average: over 600,000 server requests handled. View current postings

Hi Noel, I have a client/friend that I’ve been fishing with in the Terrace and Smithers area for the past 10 years. We have been looking recently at land in order to put up a small fishing cabin but we’ve noticed that most land listings in the Terrace area are for large plots. I was wondering if you know of anyone that has a larger plot of land on the Skeena (around Usk would be perfect) that would be interested in subdividing out a section of about 1 or 2 acres. Walking access to Skeena would be nice but not necessary.

I would be able to handle the legal work and associated costs to subdivide, so I just need someone who might be interested in selling off a small piece of their land that they aren’t using. Also, it would need to have vehicle access which we could do by registered right of way across sellers prop if unavailable otherwise. Contact Noel Gyger if you have such property and I will put you in contact with the buyer.

Buy, sell, trade or swap your item or items by posting 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, 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 Website Sponsors

Redl Sports www.redlsports.com Scotty www.scotty.com Normark www.rapala.ca Bubba’s Bait Barn www.bubbasbaitbarn.com Simms www.simmsfishing.com Gibb-Delta www.gibbsfishing.com Tuf Line www.tuf-line.com Shimano http://fish.shimano.com Baitrix www.baitrix.com Power Pro http://powerpro.com Pure Fishing www.purefishing.com G.Loomis www.gloomis.com Ace Line Hauler www.acelinehauler.com Kitimat Lodge www.kitimatlodge.com Islander Reels www.islander.com Breck’s www.brecksinc.com Lyman Lures www.lymanlures.com Pro Troll www.protroll.com Dolly’s Fish Market www.dollysfishmarket.com Great Pacific Salmon Lodge www.greatpacificsalmonlodge.com

Contact information

GOOD LUCK and GOOD FISHING!

Yours sincerely, Noel F. Gyger

Guided Fishing Adventures and Weekly Fishing Report E-mail: [email protected] Home Page: www.noelgyger.ca Fishing Reports: www.noelgyger.ca/past-fishing-reports.htm Sign-up for Weekly Fishing Report: www.noelgyger.ca/subscribers_form.htm for Smithers, Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert and Meziadin North RECORD SALMON & STEELHEAD Spin or fly-fishing RIVER, LAKE, STREAM or OCEAN!!! RSS feed News Bulletin RSS feed Itunes Podcast 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

It is NOT too late to book a guided river or ocean fishing trip

RIVER FISHING Lots of lodge or day bookings still available on classified or non-classified waters. Guiding fly or spin fishermen with raft, drift-boat or jet-boat. Contact Noel to book NOW!

OCEAN FISHING Chinook Salmon, Bottom Fish and Crab in Prince Rupert or Kitimat Douglas Channel has started. To book warm, covered charter boat please contact Noel Gyger anytime. Phone: 250-635-2568 E-mail: [email protected]

NOW BOOKING for 2011: Let me know if I can be of service to book you with the "best" fishing guide and/or fishing lodges for both river and ocean. There are NO extra charges to book through me, just a lot of free information and advice from a person with years and years of fishing and fish guiding experience. It is like hiring two guides for the price of one. I will promptly answer your questions and concerns. Contact Noel Gyger to book NOW