Kitimat Pacific Inland Coast Fishing Guide Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada 2010-2011
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JANUARY - FEBRUARY Fishing for cutthroat and dolly varden is usually good during these months. Due to the winter weather, the river will generally be low and clear. Small lures, spinners, flies and bait are all worth trying when fishing for trout. Furthermore, trout fishing can be done throughout the year. MARCH - MAY Steelhead fishing usually begins in March on the Kitimat River. Although success can be irregular in this month, it gradually improves late in March and through April. Late April experiences good runs of steelhead entering the river, with many good-sized fish taken at this time. The run of steelhead peaks at the beginning of May and remains strong until the middle of the month. Only Hatchery steelhead fish may be kept because they are products of the Department of Fisheries & Oceans (D.F.O.) Hatchery. JUNE Although a few chinook (spring) salmon enter the river in late May, June is the best time to begin angling for these fish. Success can vary during the first two weeks of the month. Chinook fishing improves in the third week of June and usually continues until the end of the month. The river is higher now than earlier in the year and can rise very quickly with snow melt if temperatures rise. Popular chinook salmon lures include Kitimat #65 and #80 and the larger sized spin-n-glos. Large gooey-bobs are also worth trying. FRESH WATER FISHING On the Kitimat River Page 3
FRESH WATER FISHING On the Kitimat River JULY With many of the fish entering the river on each high tide, the run of chinook peaks during the first week of July. Fishing for chinook is very good throughout the month of July, but dark fish start showing up in catches after the middle of the month. Many pink and chum salmon are found in the river in July. Late in the month the occasional early coho are caught. The river will tend to be fishable during July, but is still subject to fluctuations due to snow melt or rain. AUGUST During August, the occasional straggling chinook will still be caught, although it is illegal to kill these fish after July 31. Some of these fish are very large, with a few late runners reaching sixty pounds or more. Coho fishing is staggered until the middle of the month, when the first good runs begin entering the river. Fishing improves steadily towards the end of August and the chances of catching coho are very good during the last week of August. The Kitimat River is generally low and clear throughout the month. Good rainfalls later in the month will raise the river and bring in fresh runs of coho with every high tide. The fishing will be the best when the river begins to drop and clear after a period of rain. Page 4
FRESH WATER FISHING On the Kitimat River SEPTEMBER The coho run peaks in the Kitimat River at the beginning of the month and fishing for these salmon remains excellent until the middle of September. Success is still prominent towards the end of the month, but many of the coho are starting to darken in colour. A heavy rain at the end of September will raise the water level and many of the coho will leave the main river and head up their spawning tributaries. The river is generally clear throughout most of this month. OCTOBER If the heavy fall rains have started, then coho can still be caught in the main river. Most of the coho are now dark, but the occasional silver one can still be taken. Trout fishing is still very good in October, but heavy rains will muddy the river and make fishing difficult, if not impossible. NOVEMBER - DECEMBER Trout fishing remains good during these months and throughout the entire year. There is still a slight chance to catch a coho. The river is usually fairly high and dirty. Please refer to the current issue of the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis and the current issue of the British Columbia Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Guide/Freshwater Salmon Supplement prior to any fishing activity and in regards to transporting and exporting fish. Page 5
A BAD DAY OF FISHING...is better than a good day of work. Page 6
NOTICE TO ANGLERS Angling Code of Ethics In Kitimat we are fortunate in having many points of vehicle access to the water s edge. Your cooperation and consideration is essential to ensuring the privilege continues and the fishing experience remains enjoyable. Only by showing consideration towards other anglers, and the environment can we ensure the area remains open to public use and fishing enjoyment. All vehicles are to be parked well back from the water s edge. A public area must be maintained along the shoreline. staking claim to a section of river bank for exclusive use is inconsiderate and highly unethical. Garbage and human waste should be disposed of in town or using facilities provided. Dumping of sewage from holding tanks is an offense which can result in fines. There are sani-dumps at Radley Park and Al s Esso. It is an offense under the Fisheries Act to leave a rod in the water unattended. Unattended rods will be viewed as set lines and can result in charges being laid. Eat In - Seats up to 40 - Licensed Mon-Wed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Thurs-Sat 11:00 am - 12:00 am Sundays 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm 250 639-9333 Lasagna Pick-up or Delivery 242 City Centre Kitimat, BC V8C 1T6 T - 250 639-9333 F - 250 632-7002 www.kitimatpizza.ca Portable Debit Machine Page 7
IS YOUR FISH CODED WIRE TAGGED? Salmonid Head Recovery Program The Department of Fisheries and Ocean s Salmonid Head Recovery Program is responsible to recover and decipher tiny coded wire tags from the nose cartilage of marked salmonids. A clipped adipose fin signals the presence of a coded wire tag in these fish. Coded wire tagging is a technique used by Fisheries biologists to determine stock movement and survival. Tag data, along with catch information, are used to evaluate different hatchery techniques and enhancement programs. We rely on sport fishermen to check their catch for adipose fin clipped salmon and bring tagged heads to a program depot. When you catch a salmon or trout, check to see if it is missing its ADIPOSE fin. If so, please: 1. Cut off the fish head. (Do not try to locate or remove the tag.) 2. Bring the head to one of over 275 Head Depots in B.C. To find the depot nearest you, refer to the current issue of the British Columbia Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Guide/Freshwater Salmon Supplement or phone 1-866-483-9994. 3. Fill out a catch information/return label at the depot and attach it to your fish head. It is important that the date, location and method of capture is included with your name and address. You can tear off the perforated receipt at the bottom of the label. for your own reference. All participating sport fishermen will receive information on the origin of their tagged fish, as well as a Head Recovery label and a program newsletter. For more information, contact the Kitimat River Fish Hatchery at 250 639-9888. Page 8
PLEASE, HELP ME SEE THE DAY WHEN...I catch the one that got away! Page Page 9
HOT SPOTS Along the Kitimat River Page 10
HOT SPOTS Along the Kitimat River 1. LOWER DIKE Turn left onto the gravel dike road at the Riverlodge Recreation Centre. Follow this road until you come to the end, then turn right. This will take you to the river. The second road is very rough, especially at the beginning and is not recommended for cars. 2. PUMP HOUSE POOL Take the second turn-off to your left after passing Radley Park heading south. This dirt road will bring you right to the river. This is a very popular fishing location. There is also a wheelchair accessible fishing spot in this area. 3. FISHERMAN S TRAIL Turn right off of Haisla Boulevard just before you come to the Haisla Bridge heading west. This will take you to the Rod & Gun Club. Park in the gravel parking lot, and you will find a trail at the north end of the lot. The first pool is not bad for fishing, but farther along the trail is a large pool near some cliffs. This pool and the long straight run below it are both good fishing stretches. 4. COHO FLATS The trail to Coho Flats begins in a vacant lot on Baxter Street. There is a sign marked Trail to Coho Flats. Follow this trail for approximately 40-50 minutes and you will end up at the river. The rock bluff to your right as you come to the river is a very popular spot. 5. POWERLINES Drive north on Highway 37, just past the large snowflake where the power lines cross the highway. Turn left here and follow the road to the river. This road can be difficult to travel after heavy rain. A four wheel drive vehicle is recommended. 6. WEDEENE Just north of the power lines fishing spot is an old road that turns off to the left. The entrance to the old road has been dug out, so you must park your car here and follow the road and trail to the river. It will take about half an hour. 7. OLD SAWMILL Just north of the Nalbeelah Creek Bridge there is a gravel road on your left. Follow this road for 500 feet. It will lead you to the river. 8. CLAY BANKS Just north of the first washout you will see two roads; one on the left and one on the right of the highway. Turn left here and follow the road, then walk the old channel down to the river. It will take about 20 minutes. 9. 18 MILE HOLE Just south of the 18 mile bridge you will see a large rock jutting out into a good fishing pool. Page 11
THE DOUGLAS CHANNEL On the Douglas Channel Page 12
SALT WATER FISHING On the Douglas Channel JANUARY - MARCH The Douglas Channel and the immediate waters of our area are frequented by north off-shore winds during this period. Although the winter fishing for spring salmon is quite good, the sportsman is restricted to remain close to the head of the inlet. This is due to the possibility that the water does not always remain as calm in winter. The winter feeding spring salmons range in weight from three to twelve pounds. MARCH - JUNE March starts our busy season as the winter northerlies have now swung to southerlies. The winter spring salmon are now fairly abundant and mixed with the incoming seasonal spring spawners and are heading for some six spawning rivers. Our spring salmon spawners are adult mature returning fish with a weight range of up to seventy-five pounds. JUNE - SEPTEMBER During these months our fishing spots are broken up as we are now fishing in the waters adjacent to the spawning rivers of the spring, pink, chum, and coho salmon. At times our sportsmen will venture anywhere within a 135 km radius of Kitimat s three marinas. With the coming of coho salmon, each year around the beginning of July you will find the fishing enthusiast working the outer coast. As these silver beauties work their way in towards our rivers to spawn, the anglers will do the same. Pink and chum salmon are basically a commercially caught salmon. Coho salmon are a very active, hard fighting salmon with a weight range from three to thirty pounds. SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER After September and as the weather cools and the winter winds start, we again move into a time when our saltwater sportsmen tend to work the head end of the Douglas Channel for winter spring salmon as our area is one of the west coast s prime feeding areas. Jumbo prawn fishing is a nice alternative during most winter months. Please refer to the current issue of the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis and the current issue of the British Columbia Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Guide/Freshwater Salmon Supplement prior to any fishing activity and in regards to transporting/exporting fish. Page 13
NOTHING MAKES A FISH BIGGER...than almost being caught. 202 CITY CENTRE MALL, KITIMAT 10% OFF ANY BOOK PURCHASE 30% OFF CURRENT BEST SELLERS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK ENTERTAINING MINDS IS OUR BUSINESS Page 14
BOATING SAFETY Monitoring the Weather Understanding weather and water conditions is a key aspect of boating safety. Boaters need to know how to obtain current, relevant information before they head out. They also need to know how to get updates while out on the water, which requires the knowledge and skill to use a marine radio. A receiver for continuous marine weather forecasts is also available and it is distributed through marine supply outlets. When you get to the water, make sure the conditions you see match those predicted. Once under way, remember to keep your eye on the sky. If the sky looks dark and cloudy and conditions are changing rapidly, head for shore (check your charts in advance to know where to seek shelter). Summer thunderstorms can strike quickly and unexpectedly. Other good indications of approaching bad weather are falling barometric pressure, increasing winds and changes in wind direction, which generally lead to increased wave action. Page 15
ANGLING ETHICS Salt Water and Fresh Water Maximize the angling experience. Consider the style of fishing, and the size of fish you hope to catch. Respect fish and treat them humanely. Releasing fish is heartily supported by both Fisheries managers and sport anglers. Use all possible care and a minimal amount of handling, keeping the fish in the water whenever possible, to ensure that the fish you release will live to spawn and/or be caught again. Before handling any fish that you are not going to keep, you should wet your hands first. Then revive the fish by facing it upstream moving it back and forth gently until you feel the strength of the fish returning. Never beach a fish, you do not intend on keeping! Protect the environment. Refrain from littering, take refuse to a proper disposal area. Leave the fishing site in the same, or better condition than you found it. Recycle engine oil. Retrieve any marine debris you happen to see. Be courteous to your fellow anglers. Leave room for others to fish. If someone has hooked into a fish, reel in your line and step back. Then after the fish has been released or landed, go back to your original spot to continue fishing. Disturb the fish as little as possible. Be co-operative and understanding. Be compatible with other outdoor enthusiasts. Lakes, streams and their surrounding environment are used for a variety of recreational activities. Support fishing regulations and obey the law. Acquaint yourself with daily quotas, size and possession limits, tackle and bait restrictions, and seasonal closures. Respect public and private property. Fishing & Sightseeing Charters Jim & Laurie Gunning P.O. Box 97 Kitimat, BC V8C 2G7 Telephone: 250 812-3235 info@captainjims.ca www.captianjims.ca Page 16
THE TWO BEST TIMES TO FISH IS...when it s rainin and when it ain t. Page 17
INFORMATION Fishing Chart Species May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Chinook Chum Cod Coho Crab Halibut Pink Snapper Steelhead Trout Saltwater Peak Available Fresh Water Peak Available Thank you to the following businesses and individuals who generously allowed us to use their photos in this publication: Ron Wakita Reliable Guide & Charter Andreas Handl Kingfish Westcoast Adventures Tracey Hittle Kitimat Adventures Ariel Kuppers Marli Penner Michele Parsons Page 18
VISITOR INFORMATION Emergency POLICE - FIRE - AMBULANCE CALL 911 Marine Search and Rescue 1-800-567-5111 Environmental Emergency 1-800-663-3456 Fisheries & Oceans Canada 1-866-431-3474 Environment Canada (Recorded Forecast) 250 632-7864 Conservation Officer Service 250-638-6530 Websites Water Levels and Currents www.waterlevels.gc. Weather www.theweathernetwork.com Department of Fisheries & Oceans www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca Marine Safety www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety Canadian Marine Weather www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/marine Boating Safety Website www.tc.gc.ca/boatingsafety/menu.htm District of Kitimat www.kitimat.ca Tourism Kitimat www.tourismkitimat.ca Updated July 2010 Page 19
Emergency Call 911 Police - Fire - Medical Kitimat Visitor Centre PO Box 214, 2109 Forest Avenue Kitimat, BC Canada V8C 2G7 T 250-632-6294 F 250-632-4685 Toll Free 1-800-664-6554 kitimatchamber@telus.net www.tourismkitimat.ca