Kitimat River
The Kitimat River has been producing Trout for most of this Spring. This week there have been many reports of Steelhead caught in addition to the good Trout fishing..
Steelhead season has finally arrived after one of the most grueling winters in recent history. Many anglers are venturing out to catch the elusive Kitimat River Steelhead and to cure the "Cabin fever" created by the long winter.
There is still a lot of snow along the Kitimat River but most of the runs are accessible to walk in.
April 15
Justin Lowes, Matt Thompson, Chris Matos and Colin McCormick drifted the upper Kitimat with pontoon boats. They hooked 4 Steelehad and landed 2. They also caught a bunch of Trout. This group are very hardcore and also very talentied.anglers. Congratulations on a Great day. A Great Day of fishing with Good friends and wonderful weather. Wow. Good for you guys!
Summary
Steelhead fishing will continue to get better with each incoming tide. The Hacthery run and lower Kitimat runs are starting to show the tidal influence. Steelhead are an awesome fish to catch. As most Steelheaders will attest to, Steelheading is an art form. It is challenging, frustrating and gratifying.
The early signs of this season are looking very good.:) Stay tuned!
Douglas Channel
Saltwater boaters are also shedding the effects of "Cabin Fever" and are heading out to harvest the stock abundance of the Douglas Channel. Halibut, Bottom fish, Prawns, Dungeness Crab, King Crab and the odd winter Chinook are the targets this time of year.
April 14th
I had the pleasure of fishing with my good friend Dale Barge. We landed 2 Halibut, one was 55lbs and the other was just over 60lbs. I was using a Gibbs spreader bar and Dale was using a 5" Buzz Bomb. Dale has perfected a technique that is unique and effective. Well done Dale and Thanks for sharing an awesome day on the Douglas Channel.
Mother Nature provided us with flat calm water, blue sky and sunshine. The Fish gods smiled on us with 2 Halibut and we harvested a bunch of Dungeness Crab. Wow!
We are truly blessed to live in the Northwest..
April 14th,15th
My neighbor, Dean Melo fishing with his good friend Nelson Peirera harvested 8 King Crab on the weekend. Dean commented that " it took a while to find them but once we got dialed in, we caught a bunch". Dean also said "there were lots of small ones and one huge one that fell off the hoop right at the boat". Well done Dean and Nelson. Congratulations!
Summary
Many boaters will be heading out for their first feed of Crab. Dungeness or King Crab. Prawns, Halibut and Bottomfish will also be the target species with the odd opportunity for winter chinook. What ever your pleasure the Douglas Channel can provide. In addition to the awesome fishing the Douglas Channel offer spectacular scenery especially with good weather. The Douglas Channel can provide an experience of a life time.
Thank You to everyone for providing info and photos to this Fishing Report.
Any anglers wishing to book a Kitimat Driftboat trip, a Saltwater Charter or a Jetboat Trip.
Reliable Guide and Charters is offering a Special rate for this weekend for Saltwater Charters, Please contact Ron Wakita
wakita@telus.net 250 632 1275 for details.
Good health and Good Fishing!