Weather...

The air temperatures have been cooler than normal but still very nice. Predicted air temperatures for April are Lows +3 degrees and highs to +13 degrees Celsius.

Water conditions...

All rivers are in good shape.

Copper River (Zymoetz)...

A good number of "wintering over" Steelhead are in this river now. The upper river is closed to angling (as of December 31), just the lower river is open to angling. The Steelhead run was "very good" this year. The next run will start in July 1998.

Kalum River...

A good number of "wintering over" Steelhead are here and the spring run has started. Fishing has been slow in the last of March because the water levels were too low and too clean causing the fish to be "spooked". They were on the defensive and were not willing to bite everything that drifted by. Because of the warmer weather, the water, has started to rise, so the bite should be better in April. Everyone is waiting to hook the first Chinook of the year. The earliest we have ever hooked one was on April 5th a few years ago.

Kitimat River...

Spring Steelheading has started. Folks are catching fish in the mid to lower section by using both conventional gear and flyrods. Flyrods are especially good in this river because of the clean water. Soon the fish should be in from top to bottom. You may retain one hatchery fish per day. After taking your fish you must cease angling for the rest of the day. You may continue to angle on another river. All wild fish must be released.

Lakelse River...

A good run of "wintering over" Steelhead are in the river now plus the spring fish have arrived. Fishing in the mid to lower sections should yield a few fish.

Skeena River...

A spring run of Steelhead are coming through the lower end along with some early Chinook Salmon most of which are headed for the Kalum River.

Pix

The "season opener" Steelhead landed on the Kalum River by Allen A. Tooke (third time repeat guest). Angling Guide Gill McKean assists with the pose. It was a nice respectable, average size, Steelhead that was quickly released after the photo. The Steelhead was hooked with a Mortac 2/5 oz hammered Stilly Spoon rigged with a 2-0 Gamakatsu barbless hook. The boys say they are in paradise. (-:	Multi-repeat guest Bruce Knudson about to release his bright doe Steelhead landed on the Kalum River.

British Columbia Fishing Regulations...

Fisheries Branch
Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks
780 Blanshard Street
Victoria, B.C.
V8V 1X5

Tips

Fishing Tip...

Life is a journey, enjoy the ride!

Catch & Release Formula:

Steelhead: fork length in inches times girth squared in inches times 1.33 divided by 1000
Chinook: fork length in inches times girth squared in inches times 1.54 divided by 1000

GOOD LUCK AND GOOD FISHING - Noel

Noel F. Gyger is a guide and the General manager of NORTHWEST FISHING GUIDES. He can be reached as follows:

P.O. Box 434, Terrace, B.C. V8G 4B1, Canada
Tel/Fax: (250) 635-5295
e-mail: ngyger@kermode.net
Internet: http://www.adnet.bc.ca/nrthwest