The photo of the week shows guests of pro angling guide Gill McKean of Westcoast Fishing
Adventures with a beautiful, bright “northern” Coho (Silver) Salmon. Photo by Gill McKean
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Noel Gyger – Guided Fishing Adventures and Weekly Fishing Report
4012 Best Street, Terrace BC V8G 5R8, Canada
Tel/Fax: (250) 635-2568
Cell: (250) 631-2678
E-mail: noel@noelgyger.ca
Home Page: www.noelgyger.ca
Fishing Reports: www.noelgyger.ca/past-fishing-reports.htm
RECORD SALMON & STEELHEAD Spin or fly-fishing
RIVER, LAKE, STREAM or OCEAN!!!
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Home Page: www.noelgyger.ca
Noel Gyger - WEEKLY FISHING REPORT dated October 4 – October 11, 2009
(Number 144)
Dear Fishing Friends:
SUMMARY: Weather was good all week and all rivers are in good shape. Some would say in
too good of shape and too low. I’ve had some reports of “excellent” Steelhead fishing in the
upper Skeena River, section 4. The lower end, China Bar area, is still fishing “fair” for summerrun Steelhead and fall Coho (Silver) Salmon. Fall-run Steelhead are in the river now. Some of
these fish would be heading for the Kalum River. The Skeena tribs and isolated Coastal Rivers
are fishing “excellent” for Coho. The runs are peaking and some of the fish are starting to get into
their spawning colours. The “northerns” are here! We’ve had a very good run of Coho this year.
To learn more, check past fishing reports http://www.noelgyger.ca/past-fishing-reports.htm. Both
spin, conventional, spey fly fishing and single hand fly fishing are working well. The Kitimat Coho
run is slowing down but still good catches can happen if you know where the fish are holding
upriver. Cutthroat Trout fishing on the Kitimat River is really starting to pick up. For all of the fine
details and photos on the Kitimat River and Douglas Channel please check out the Ron Wakita
report below. The Zymoetz (Copper) River is clean and fishing “good” for Steelhead. I’ve had
some “excellent” reports. The Kalum is fishing only “fair” for Steelhead but “excellent” for Coho.
Check out the video clip I shot yesterday while Coho fishing with Ron Wakita. I think it is a good
idea to release all dark Coho and keep only the bright ones. Another good idea, for conservation,
would be to keep only males. Fishing for Coho closes on October 31st. The Boiseboys are having
a ball spey fly fishing for Steelhead, check out their latest video clip below.
October 11, 2009 One "New" clip posted on Video Clips
Ron Wakita and I were fishing on a Skeena River Trib Saturday, October 10, 2009. We were
fishing for Coho with Trophy XL spinning rods using "quality" marabou jigs. The rods are
distributed by Redl Sports www.redlsports.com These 7 foot graphite rods were made
specifically for jig fishing. Model #TG270C. Marabou Mauler Line Class 8-14lb. WOW we had a
great day! We hooked many Coho...three of them on our first casts....now that is what I call
GREAT FISHING. This happens when you use the right gear and fish it properly...and oh yes,
you need the fish. Cast here for a direct link to the video. It is also listed in Video Clips (Title:
Coho on First Cast and is 2009 Coho Video Clip #0013)
NOTICE Cast to http://noelgyger.ca/special-guided.htm to view open dates for the guides and
lodges. Their seasons are running short and there are not many open dates left.
LIST OF “New” ITEMS POSTED ON THE WEBSITE THIS WEEK:
- One New video posted on "Video Clips" Oct 11/09
- One New item posted on "Conservation" Oct 6/09
- One New item posted on "Special Guided Fishing Trips" Oct 5/09
NOW BOOKING: 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. Cast here http://noelgyger.ca/special-guided.htm to read more of what I
have to offer.
Many people book three trips per year to our area; one trip in the spring (March-April-May),
one trip in the summer (June-July-August) and one trip in the fall (September-OctoberNovember). They love having the same guide but fishing for different fish in different
areas.
Be sure to check out my website at www.noelgyger.ca for news bulletins, mid week fishing
updates, conservation, my history, quality waters strategy, special guided fishing trips, video clips,
podcasts, scenic river photos, wildlife photos and others, comments from past guests,
informational articles, archived fishing reports from 1996 through 2002 and a sportfishing market
place. I hope it meets with your entire satisfaction. I am at your service.
FISHING GUIDE REPORTS FOR THIS WEEK ARE FROM:
Ron Wakita, Gill McKean, April Vokey, Ariel Kuppers and Todd Haynes
CURRENT REPORT and summary for Skeena and Tributaries:
TYPE OF FISH CAUGHT: Coho, Steelhead, Trout and Dolly Varden Char for river. Salmon,
Halibut, Bottom Fish and Dungeness Crab for ocean.
Thank you for using barbless hooks!
FISHING THIS WEEK:
POOR
FAIR
GOOD
☺
EXCELLENT
LARGEST FISH OF THE WEEK: River: Noel Gyger 12-pound Coho Ocean: Shawn O’Driscoll
60-pound Halibut down the Douglas Channel
WEATHER: A mix of sun and cloud. Windy. High 7. Sunrise 7:55 AM Sunset 6:47 PM. Today’s
yearly average temperatures: Maximum 11 degrees. Minimum 4 degrees.
WEATHER REPORTS VIA TELEPHONE: Terrace 250-635-4192 Kitimat 250-632-7864 Prince
Rupert 250-627-1155 Smithers 250-847-1958.
SKEENA RIVER: is clean enough to fish. This is a good time to fish for Coho and summer-run
“wild” Steelhead with both spin and fly rods. The larger “northern” Coho are here now and
heading to their tributary rivers.
Skeena River height: http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/fullgraph.asp
Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO): Tyee Test Fishery for the Skeena River.
KALUM RIVER: Fishing for Steelhead is “only” fair. Fishing for Coho (Silver) Salmon is
“excellent”. The water has been dropping all week. There is lots of food for the wildlife this year.
The banks are littered with carcasses of dead spawned-out Chinook and Pinks.
KASIKS RIVER: is in good shape. This is prime time to fish for Coho (Silver) Salmon. The water
is dropping quickly so please be very careful when running with your jet-boat.
EXCHAMSIKS RIVER: is in good shape. This is prime time to fish for Coho (Silver) Salmon.
EXSTEW RIVER: is fishable. This is prime time to fish for Coho (Silver) Salmon. If Coho are
there you can usually see them rolling.
ZYMOETZ (COPPER) RIVER: The water is in good shape. This is “prime time” to fish for
Steelhead using Spey, Single hand fly rods and conventional gear.
Fishing Report from: Ron Wakita of Reliable Guide and Charters
Cast on link below to view flyer:
http://www.noelgyger.ca/ads/Instore_Flyer_July_2009.pdf
KITIMAT RIVER: The Kitimat River continued to drop to unbelievably low river levels this week
because of the lower temperatures in the mountains. There is also some new snow in the higher
elevations and with nice clear days created low water conditions. It is interesting however that
the Kitimat River level bumped up 8 inches on Wednesday due to the warmer temperatures
melting some of the recent snow we received. To have the river level influenced by snow melt in
October is not common.
I would like to once again recognize Mike Herzberg for posting his video showing the hazards in
the Nalabila Stretch. Mike Herzberg's video may have prevented other boaters from an incident
and I think that this unselfish and creative act deserves some additional recognition.
Oct 4 Ariel fishing with Doug Bullock landed 4 Coho and 13 Trout on a drift of the Kitimat River.
Doug said that he had an awesome experience drifting the Kitimat River with Ariel. Well done
Guys.
Oct 7 Ariel out fishing for pan size Trout with his Ultra Lite Spin rod and 4 lb test. Ariel was in his
Belly boat in the Goose Creek ponds paddling around catching a bunch of these little guys.
Variety is also the spice of life in the fishing world. A change of pace from hooking Northern
Coho in the high teens or 20lbs plus. Well done Ariel and very creative.
Oct 9 Dennis Hoverland from Stony Plain Alberta caught two Coho in the upper Kitimat. One
was a jack Coho below 50cms. Dennis also reports catching some fresh Coho earlier in the week
that were bigger and brighter. Thank You to Dennis for sharing the photo and info.
Oct 10 Kelly Marsh, a local Kitimat resident was in our Tackle Store and reports catching a bright,
fresh Coho in the upper Kitimat. Kelly did not say exactly where but Ariel said that it sounded
like he was going back to the same spot to look for more.
The majority of Coho on the Kitimat River are transforming into their spawning colours. There will
still be a few bright, fresh Coho migrating into the Kitimat River but the majority of the Coho on
the Kitimat River have some colour. Anglers are reporting seeing lots of Coho in the Kitimat River
because the river is so low and clear there is literally no where the fish can hide. The problem
some anglers expressed was that it was difficult to catch any because they were spooked by any
movement. Anglers float fishing roe have had good success with the Coho. Fishing in the
morning and evening also has been more productive.
The nice, sunny weather has provided excellent fishing conditions and many anglers have
changed their focus to fishing for Trout, especially our Cutthroat Trout on the Kitimat. It is
common to see anglers carrying a Trout rod and reel and a Coho rod and reel while fishing the
Kitimat this time of year.
Flies, worm and lures have been productive for Trout. Minnow and egg patterns are the more
popular flies for Trout. The Koho Copper 35 and the Sil Hex 3/16 Croc is the more productive
lures. Float fishing a worm is always the standard method fishing for Trout on the Kitimat River.
The other issue fishing the Kitimat this time of year is that anglers are competing with the bears
for the fishing holes.
There have many sightings of Black and Grizzly bears on the banks of the Kitimat which is
common this time of year. Anglers should beware!
DOUGLAS CHANNEL: Shawn O' Driscoll, a local resident reports catching a 60lb Halibut down
the Douglas Channel. Shawn and his group also boated some smaller Halibut. We were hoping
to have photos for this report but have not received them yet.
With the nice weather other boaters are heading down the Douglas Channel to do some bottom
fishing for Halibut and Crabbing. The scenery down the Douglas Channel can be breathtaking
this time of year especially with the sunny autumn weather. Fishing the Douglas Channel is
always dependant on the weather and this year we are having some outstanding weather.
Oct 10 Special Report "The Kalum Twitch" I had the privilege of fishing with Mr. Noel Gyger on
the Kalum River for Coho yesterday. I consider Noel "The Authority" regarding fishing in the
North West and also an awesome angler. I really enjoyed being schooled by the "Best of the
Best". Noel shared a technique for jigging Coho that was amazing. I call it the Kalum Twitch. We
had many first cast hook ups in a lot of the pools. I believe Noel pioneered Jigs in the North West
and it was obvious why. Noel also shared his history and knowledge of fishing the Kalum that I
do not believe anyone else possesses. We shared an amazing day of fishing that I will never
forget. Thank You for a Great Day Noel!
Hope everyone enjoys this Fishing Report!
Thank You to everyone for providing info and photos for this report.
Tight Lines!
Sincerely, Ron
PS We have River drift boat dates available as well as Saltwater Charter dates. Please contact
Noel Gyger to book.
Fishing Report from: April Vokey – Fly Gal Ventures
Fishing in BC has been incredible! The Pink salmon were in full throttle last week and anglers of
all sorts are on the Fraser River (and tributaries) with bent rods. Chum and Chinook are on their
way up close behind them!
Trout fishing has also been promising, as many of the trout follow the salmon up river feeding on
their eggs and flesh.
Stillwater trout have also been on fire, as they eagerly stock up on available food sources in
preparation of the coming Winter.
I'll be making my way up to the Terrace region next week and am excited to see how the fishing
has been up North!
Tight lines,
April.
Fishing Report from: Westcoast Fishing Adventures
Hello All, it seems to be cooling down this week and the water is on the drop however, the
Steelhead and Coho are still coming in Big & Chrome, not to mention the trout fishing that can be
overlooked at this time of the year.
The scenery this time of the year is a real neck twister with fall upon us with yellows and reds
lighting up the skies as the sun sets.
I am looking forward to a break with sadness knowing another year of fishing has drifted by but
looking forward to my personal favorite Spring Steelhead to arrive !
Happy Thanksgiving to all !
Gill McKean
Fishing Report from: Nautical West Sport Fishing Charter & Guiding
Todd Haynes called and said he was sorry that he did not have time to type out a report and send
a pic or two. He asked me to mention he is taking reservations for next year for both ocean and
river. The rivers start off with Steelhead in March. Call Noel and BOOK EARLY before March
and save some money.
AREA RIVER RECORDS: Chinook Salmon: Skeena River, 92.5-pounds; Kalum River, 85pounds; Kitimat River, 74-pounds; Steelhead: Skeena River, 45-pounds; Coho Salmon: Skeena
River, 27-pounds.
FISHING REGULATIONS WEBSITES:
2009-2011 BC tidal waters and non-tidal (Federal) Salmon fishing information:
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish
Effective April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2011
2009-2011 Freshwater (Provincial) Fishing Regulations Synopsis:
www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish
Effective April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2011 (Note regs good for two years)
GUEST FISHING PHOTOS:
*** If any of you have special fishing photos, testimonials, scenic river photos, wildlife
photos or articles I would love to see them.
Noel we have another video for your fans some nice steelhead action
the Boise Boys love your weekly fishing report and appreciate you putting our short film
clips in there
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHL_R5GX7qo
THE BOISE BOYS LAND SEVERAL HUGE STEELHEAD AROUND 40
INCHES...A MUST SEE FOR STEELHEAD FISHERMAN
THE BOISE BOYS CATCH SEVERAL STEELHEAD AROUND 40 INCHES IN
LENGTH....A MUST SEE FOR ALL STEELHEAD FISHERMAN. HUGE
STEELHEAD ON FLY RODS
Catch & Release formula:
- Chinook: girth squared x length x 1.54 divided by 1000 (inches)
- Steelhead: girth squared x length x 1.33 divided by 1000 (inches)
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e-mail address to: Noel Gyger noel@noelgyger.ca
The following are Sponsors of this fishing report. Please check out their websites at your
convenience. Thank you.
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Cast here to check out some super deals for Halibut tackle from Halibut.net
GOOD LUCK and GOOD FISHING!
Yours sincerely,
Noel F. Gyger
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