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Bob is only able to contribute columns on a irregular basis. We
will post notice of new columns on the community pages of www.hiway16.com.
In most of our river systems, fishing for the largest salmon,
those big chinooks, is winding down. However, now comes the season
for
the lighter tackle and the salmon sized for every angler to enjoy
and have a good chance of hookup.
Pinks
Right now the rivers are full of
pink salmon. Pinks are the smallest of the Pacific Salmon and average
2 kg. They are great fun and
put up a good fight on light tackle. A trout fly rod or spinning
rod is quite adequate. They can bite aggressively on pink or green
flies. Use a fly rod with a Type 3 sink tip. Spin anglers will
connect using Gibb’s pink crystal Krocs, Megawatts, Pixees
or Koho and Kitimat in # 32 or #45.
Pinks on their spawning journey take the avenue of least resistance.
They conserve their energy by travelling in the slower currents.
Look for then on the slow inside bends or the head of the pool
where the seam of slow and fast water will concentrate the salmon
highway. They travel in that 2-4 feet of water so it is seldom
necessary to wade more than knee deep. The lure or fly should be
light enough to swing into the shallow water as a lot of bites
will happen on the retrieve.
No respect
Pinks, just like Rodney Dangerfield, don’t get
any respect. Being the smallest of the salmon and not as good on
the
table as
the sockeye, chinook or coho, they tend to get treated roughly
by many anglers. That’s unfortunate. Any fish that can give
you the adrenaline rush of the bite and the fight deserves respect.
Handle carefully and return to the water, if releasing, as quickly
as possible. One day on the Skeena we observed an angler who was
hooking pinks instead of his intended sockeyes. He would skid the
pinks 10 feet up the beach and kick them back into the water. We
had a little discussion with him to no avail. He offered only an
overused euphemism. A talk with a DFO officer resulted in a charge
of harassment of fish and a $155 fine. Sometimes there is justice.
Coho
Coho
openings have been announced on the rivers. As of Friday August
15 we are allowed 4 coho per day but only 2 over 50 cm (20
inches) on the Bulkley River. The same applies for the Morice
River below Lamprey Creek.
The Kispiox River will be open for coho from August
30 to September 14.
(All previous issues are stored in the ARCHIVE for
your convenience)
Bob's
Weekly Fishing Report is back
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Because
upper Skeena coho stocks are still considered threatened there
are only 2 spots you can fish coho on the Skeena. Coho are open
100 meters above and below Kitwanga River and 500 meters downstream
from the Bulkley and Skeena junction (Anderson Flats).
Coho are fantastic fish and their return to our rivers
is a welcome sign. Not too long ago the coho were in poor shape.
The last couple
of years have seen some great fishing in the saltchuck for coho
with huge numbers. Now those coho are in the rivers. Quite a
few anglers have already met with Mr. Coho here on the Bulkley.
Fish coho
Coho can be fished a variety of ways. You can bottom
bounce smaller spin n glos or corkies, float fish with wool, gooey
bobs,
pink
worms, Colorado blades or cast the very popular Koho, Kitimat,
Ironhead, Pixee spoons or Mepps and Vibrax spinners. Getting more
popular and very effective are the jigs. Jigs come in a range of
colors and are fished below a float or cast and jigged back across
the pool. Fly anglers will have success with the Alaskabou series
of flies including Pixee’s Revenge, Popsicle, Showgirls,
Blue Moon, Volcano and Candy Cane. Many of the well known steelhead
flies are also good for coho.
Steelhead
Early steelhead are now making their way up our rivers.
A few have been taken; however, the index does show quite a downturn
in the numbers of previous years. The abundance of 1998-2001 will
be fond memories. Let’s hope numbers bump up in the next
couple of weeks.
Babine Sockeye
The Babine sockeye fishery ends on August 31. The run is
down this year and close to the projected numbers has already been
counted
through the gates. We have not seen many Grizzly Bears this year
and possibly better management of the enticing odors emanating
from the river have been the reason. Parks’s staff has kept
anglers aware that all fish must be taken to your vehicle immediately
and no packs and lunches down on the river. This has also helped
in the rotation of anglers allowing people opportunities on the
more crowded sections.
Fast sinking fly lines and correct technique are essential for
success on the Babine. If you are having no luck watch the successful
anglers and ask questions. Most will share their knowledge.
Let us know your thoughts. Click on discussion
group or email
me and
give us some input
Check for new photos on the Photo
page
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and past photos on the Slideshow |
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