Your weekly online magazine for
Fishing and Outdoor Recreation
in northern British Columbia, Canada

Published each Week

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It was in the fall, the height of the fishing season, a couple of years ago, when a native angler came in to tell me a story. He was excited, still vibrating “Bob, I just caught the biggest steelhead I’ve ever seen.”

“ How big do you think it was?”
“ As you know, I have seen lots of steelhead. This one was over 40 pounds, maybe 42.”
“ Hell of a fish.” Hesitant to ask but wanting an answer, I braced myself. “What did you do with it?”
“ I released it.”
“ You released it?”
“ Yes, I released it.”
“ Well, good for you. Congratulations. That is the fish of a lifetime.”

“ Yeah, it probably was. I used to kill them like many of my brothers, but that changed last year. I was out fishing and had caught and killed some steelhead, as we are allowed to do. Then I had to stop into our native craft shop and it was full of visiting anglers and tourists. They were all buying jewelry, crafts, and art to take back home. And, they had bought some of my work. On the way upriver I saw rental cars, trucks trailing boats, and anglers on the river. In town, it must have been changeover day because the pub/restaurant was full of visiting anglers just arriving or leaving."

"In the tackle shop there were about a dozen anglers picking up gear and licences. I started to think about the effect of the tourist dollar here in the valley. I thought of the airlines, travel agents, and the guides, eating places, car rentals, sport shops, gift shops and all of the spin-offs. And, I thought also of myself, as they had bought my art. Then it hit me. What the hell am I doing killing a fish that brings so many visitors to this beautiful place? I promised myself to never kill another steelhead. I am trying to talk my brothers into doing the same thing.”

Sometimes words are hard to come by, and are probably inadequate in certain situations. But I tell you; it is a unique experience to look into a man’s eyes when the light comes on.

I often repeat this special true story to all those that want to hear. I also think a story can have many endings. Here are two possible endings to this story.

Version 1.
The boy sat cross-legged on the floor thumbing through an old fishing magazine. He stopped as a picture caught his eye. “Dad, did you ever catch a steelhead?”
“ Yes, I did son.”

(All previous issues are stored in the ARCHIVE for your convenience)

Bob's Weekly Fishing Report is back

"How come we can’t catch them now?”
“ Well son. We didn’t take very good care of them. Because of overfishing, commercial interception and ocean survival, they are just not around any more.”
“ Gee Dad, they look beautiful. I would like to catch one.”
“ Sorry son.”

Version 2
The boy cradled the beautiful steelhead in his wet hands. Tears welled up in his eyes. It was his first. It was a moment he and his father would never forget.
“ Dad. Did you ever kill a steelhead?”
“ Yes son, years ago we were allowed to kill steelhead. We thought there were enough that we could take a few. Then for many years steelhead were very hard to catch. We finally realized that if we wanted any around for our kids, we had to take better care of them. Steelhead became catch and release only. Did you know they are the only trout that can spawn and live to go back to the ocean to return once more?”
The boy nodded.

The steelhead was recovering. The tail beat became stronger, more urgent. She had a job to do. A particular patch of gravel upstream was waiting for her to lay her eggs. The future of the next generations depended upon her.
The boy released his grip and she surged into the stream.
Wiping a tear he turned to his father.
“ Thanks dad.”
“ Thank you son.”

Rain

Last weeks rain really brought the river up. The whole Skeena system had a fresh jolt. The rain was needed as things were getting pretty dry. Rivers are dropping and returning from a coffee with cream color scheme.

Openings

On Wednesday June 16 the Kispiox, Babine, Bulkley, Morice and Fulton open for angling. Rivers should be in good condition by then. Some of the early Morice River Chinook have already passed into the Bulkley. Ocean fishing has started to get hot and anglers are catching on the lower Skeena. All forecasts point to a great salmon year about to start. Are you ready?

Let us know your thoughts. Email me and give us some input.

Check for new photos on the Photo page .