Smithers BC Fishing Report

John Fennelly wrote a book back in 1963 that let the word out of the incredible Steelhead fishing to be found in the waters of the Skeena drainage. The book was titled "Steelhead Paradise". It told the world of the many rivers that have now become the promised land for the world's biggest Steelhead and her passionate lovers. Wherever Steelheaders gather, they will talk with reverent tones about the Skeena, Kalum, Copper(Zymoetz), Kispiox, Sustat, Babine, Suskwa, Bulkley and Morice. For here, lie some of the best Steelhead fishing in the world with relatively easy access. True, that probably many locals, wish that nobody knew but them, but that is evolution. Secrets don't stay secrets for very long. Much like those Montanans who wish "A River Runs Through it" had never been brought to the big screen, we in the Northwest of BC like to guard our secret. But the word is out, we have to live with it.

 

Steelheading has seen some lows and highs over the years. Habitat destruction, mismanagement, ocean survival, overfishing, commercial interception and the catch all phrase "Global Warming and Climate Change" can be the obvious excuses for low numbers. When we have good numbers returning they can simply say it is "Ocean Survival". I think, that it is most likely a crap shoot, and they don't really know for sure until the run is in. Much like the Fraser River Sockeye and the many stories of the imminent end of that run, lo and behold, this year they are talking about the best return in 100 years. Go figure. I guess what they are saying is, that it is a guess.

 

This year the Tyee Index for Steelhead show a roughly 75% increase over the decade average, and about equal to the bonanza years of 1998-2002. Now as we know nothing is written in stone when it comes to predictions, but it certainly looks good. Even in the bad years we have had visiting anglers come here and speak fondly of the fish, the scenery, the beautiful rivers and the friends they have met on the river.

 

Sometimes we just don't appreciate what we have. Many times I have asked a local angler if he needs his fall Steelhead tag, to be told "No way I'm going to buy a Steelhead Tag if I can't kill one", only to find the next guy in line has planed and saved for years, for his dream trip to BC in the hopes of catching a Wild Steelhead which he then promptly and with great care must now release.

 

Steelhead, are by coincidence, or a master plan, also found in the most beautiful places on the planet. It just wouldn't be the same if Steelhead were found out in the plains or desert somewhere. Snow capped mountains, fall colors, eagles, bears both black and Grizzly, spent salmon, rainbows, fog, rain or snow, and postcard days are as much apart of Steelheading as are the fish.

 

The Skeena and its watershed have yielded Steelhead that only dreams are made of. Each year Steelhead are released, as they must be in BC, in the +48" range. Although the average fish is in the 10-12 pound mark, make no mistake, there be monsters here. Some days, we would work hard for a couple of takes, other days it was just too easy and we would limit ourselves to a couple of fish and move on, or

try for that one unforgettable photo shot. As anglers, the next cast holds a lot of promise, but in Steelheading that next cast keeps us going long past when most anglers just have to take a break. A brief pause, a momentary rest and back to the cast, working the pool, keyed to the slight hesitation of the drift which may or may not have been a take. Senses are focused, you can't be thinking of other problems

when you are on the river. It is just you and the fish.

 

Summer runs of Steelhead can be found in the Skeena in early July but in the upper reaches above Terrace the season starts about mid-August. Rivers are lower than normal for this time of the year and water is in great shape. Terrace, the Hazelton’s, Smithers and Houston are the main outfitting posts with accommodations, meals and guides available. Guides have an allotment of rod days and are usually booked in advance. Most guides are not available for one day trips as these are filled with anglers for 5-7 days at a time.

 

Although most visiting anglers and a large majority of local anglers pursue Steelhead with the fly they can be fished with spoons, spinners, bottom bouncing, pulling plugs, jigs or float fishing. A lot of our rivers are Wild Steelhead catch and release and single barbless hook only. Great care should be taken to bring the fish in quickly, release only when fish have fully recovered. Fish should be kept in the water and not skidded up on shore. If taking photos, plan the picture ahead of time and fish should only be out of the water for a few seconds. Enjoy your last August weekend. September is just a few days away.

 

Prince Rupert Excellent Coho out of Rupert with the Northerns showing up. Lots of Halibut following the salmon runs in.

 

Kispiox River Finally we have got some rain! River has come up and has dirtied a little but is still fishable. Fishing has done well for some. Coho, Sockeye, and Steelhead.

 

Bulkley River The rain has not affected the river too much. It is still nice and clear and fishing well. Lots of Pinks, and Coho and Steelheading has done pretty good as well.

 

Morice River The Morice is still a designated area on evacuation alert and people are not allowed up there for recreational means. As far as I understand, no fishing access on the Morice at this time.

 

Please call Ministry of Forests for more information: 250-692-2200