Bob Melrose's Tips of the Week
September Seduction
There is a magic in September. A promise of things to come, not really rivaled by any other month. During the spring and summer we know the days will get longer, the weather will get hotter, the bugs will get more annoying, there will be more people, and it is time to get a Chinook in the freezer. However, in September there is a feeling in the air. True, we still have fish to outwit, the remains of the Pink run are present, the Coho run is just starting, most of the Sockeye are coloured up, but those are fish for the table.
So why is September so seductive to so many anglers? Well, it is their passion for Steelhead. The other salmon species spawn and die, Steelhead may spawn and head back out to the ocean up to 3 times, to return bigger and stronger for each trip. And why do we spend so much time and/or money pursuing a fish that we have to release? That question is easily answered by any angler who has ever been embraced by the Steelhead God.
My first Steelhead on the Thompson 44 years ago stirred those feelings and the love has never diminished, in fact, it burns even brighter. I have seen many anglers smitten by this beauty and many return year after year to chase her. A summer guiding on the Dean River and her beautiful summer runs, saw many first timers go completely head over heels in love with Steelhead and Steelhead Country. For many years later both fishing and selling tackle I have seen the effect Steelhead have had on her suitors.
It’s hard to explain, there are so many parts to the Steelhead puzzle. Maybe it is just being close to the river, the pull of the current, the reading of the water, or just trying to keep the waders above the waterline. Perhaps it is the scenery, the bears, eagles, kingfishers, mergansers, the mountains or changing weather. Possibly, the memories of a previous trip where you saw/hooked/lost or had seen another angler hookup in that very pool or run. It is hard to pin down what Steelheading is all about but we don’t want to over analyse we just want to do it.
In September we know that more and more Steelhead will show up every day. We know that there will be those incredible “Indian Summer” days, there will be no bugs, nights will be cool, rain will come down, and the colours of fall will take your breath away. We will see fish. Lose fish, land a few, take some spills, tie some “wind knots”, and meet new friends. Above all this there is a constant level of high expectation.
It is present in all the fishing season but heightened in September. Early and heavy rains may blow some rivers, although there will always be places to fish, they may just be more crowded. An early and heavy snow can really put a dent in the season.
So, the best time to go Steelheading is whenever you can. The best day is today. It looks like a great run coming in.
Enjoy your Holiday weekend, stay safe, watch out for bears, and be careful with fires.
Some rain expected in Terrace and Smithers area for the weekend but it isn’t forecast to be heavy.
Kitimat River
Annual Kitimat Coho Derby this weekend. With recent rains and high tides it has brought more fish into the river. Conditions should be excellent with the good returns expected. Anglers are pulling plugs, bouncing Spin-N-Glos, casting Gibbs Koho spoons or fly fishing,
Kitimat Harbour
Fishing good if the winds don’t get you. Most anglers using anchovies in holders or hoochies. Lots more Coho to come in. Will just get better as runs build.
Douglas Channel
Excellent Coho fishing in the Douglas. Anchovies, hoochies, Apex and Coyote Spoons. Good Halibut bottom bouncing with jigs and bait.
Terrace area
Rain has improved all the rivers and brought more fish in. Coho are steadily building in intensity in all Skeena waters. The Steelhead run may be the best in ten years and we are looking for some great catches and releases. Please keep fish in the water until you release them and please don’t skid those Steelhead up on the shore.
Prince Rupert
Excellent Coho fishing all around Rupert and lots of Coho in Hecate Strait waiting to come in. Big Coho and Monster Halibut. Good time to be close to the ocean.
Kispiox River
Some rain has bumped up the river but water is fishable. Steelhead run has been pretty good so far, Coho has been tough.
Bulkley River
Some rain has caused the Telkwa to be a bit coloured, but the Bulkley hasn’t been effected to much by it. Above Telkwa is crystal clear, and below has a touch of colour. Lots of Pinks being caught. Coho fishing has been a bit tough while Steelheading has been prosperous.
Morice River
Access is now allowed “at your own risk”. Fires are still burning/smoldering in the area so be careful. Fishing has done well. Lots of fish in the river.