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As I was leaving for work the other morning I heard a snuffling
sound below the window. It turned out to be fat and glossy coated
2-3 year old black bear. He had obviously wintered well. When I
whispered hello he glanced upward with a mouthful of green spring
grass, decided I was no threat and went back to grazing.
Above
him a pileated woodpecker was hammering out some grubs. On the
lakeshore the big poplar was the scene of a harassment suit by
a raven objecting to the bald eagle, who screeched back obscenities
of his own to the black trickster. Loons were echoing the strains
of the loony chorus and the geese on the lawn threw in a few notes
of their own.
Ruffed Grouse
In the woods the ruffed grouse drum song faded away
but I knew in two minutes he would repeat. This grouse was earning
the name ‘Old Faithful’ because for the last three
weeks he had played his lonesome love song 24/7. Occasional nocturnal
trips to the washroom had me timing his drum solo. Two minutes
apart, all night, all day. When did he eat or sleep? I hope he
finds a girlfriend soon because he is beating himself to death.
Spring
Just
another beautiful spring day in the Bulkley. Most trees are leafed
out, dandelions are desperately trying to overtake the grass,
the morel mushrooms are peeking out through the leaf litter and
the air is sweet with the smell of renewal. Snow is disappearing
from the south facing slopes and anglers are rushing their ‘honey-do’ lists
to get ready for the new season.
DFO
DFO predicts a season as good
as or better than last year for the Chinook and Coho Salmon. Last
year ocean fishing was great for
these two species, although we couldn’t take advantage here,
as a result of the high water. Snow pack last year at May 1 was
120% of average, but this year is 82% of average. It has all indications
of being a fantastic season.
Lakes
Local trout lakes are really starting
to turn on. Slowly warming waters are getting the hatches going
and anglers are reporting
some great fishing. Fly fishers are concentrating on chironomids
as this makes up to 60 % of the trout’s spring diet. Leeches,
damsel and dragonflies, and scuds can always be counted on for
strikes but it is the chironomids that should be first on your
hit list.
(All previous issues are stored in the ARCHIVE for
your convenience)
Bob's
Weekly Fishing Report is back
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Trolling
Those
trolling for trout should try the Triple Teaser, Needlefish, Wedding
Bands and small Crocodiles. No need to troll deep, as most fish
are in the top 10-15 feet where their food is. Points, creek mouths
and shoal areas that warm up quicker, contain the most feeding
activity.
Rainbow Alley/ Babine Lake
In Rainbow Alley the trout are gorging
on the fry and epoxy minnows, and beadhead nymphs are the best
bet. Char
fishing has been fairly good. A derby at Uncha Lake produced three
winners over 10 kg. (22 pounds). Babine Lake has given up char
mostly in the 1.5-4kg. Range. As usual best lures are the Rapala,
Williams Wabler and Apex. Again, you do not need to go deep for
these fish, as their food is in the warmer shallower areas of the
lake.
Sonar
Many anglers are concerned that they are not
marking fish with the sonar right beneath the boat. That is normal,
as
your
transducer cone angle doesn’t cover a big area at close range.
Your boat is a predator and fish will move away from the boat.
That is why you should troll in lazy ‘S’ curves to
cover a wider area. The fish are there and mostly in the top 10-20
feet. Coating your lure with scent will definitely give you an
advantage.
Runoff
Last weeks warm weather brought the Skeena up about
1.5 meters. It would be wise before heading out to the Terrace
area to get
an up
to date river level and fishing report. Some early Springs showing
in the Kitimat River and Steelhead fishing is winding down. The
Kalum is open to catch and release fishing for the Springs. All
Skeena
drainage waters above Cedarvale do not open until June 16.
Licences
Remember
before heading out on your first trip this year to buy your
new licence, salmon and steelhead stamp, and classified waters
tag
if needed. Now is a good time to replenish lost tackle, replace
line and get repairs done to avoid the rush.
Next week
Next week a discussion
on the sockeye fishery on the Babine and suggestions on achieving
a more civilized, ethical way of
enjoying
this popular
fishery. We would enjoy your input on this issue with comments
to be forwarded to Parks and Fishery staff. Please join
us next week
and post your opinion.
Check for new photos on the Photo
page
....................
and past photos on the Slideshow
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