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R V T R A V E L E R S
Babine River, Ray Loseth Photo
or weights are allowed, and to use only barb-less hooks on the fly.” Next stop: Kitimat. Located just 206 km/168 miles from Smithers, drive as far as Terrace (206 km and about 2 ½ hours away), then turn off just as you head into town. “You turn left at the weigh scales in Terrace, then just follow the signs to Kitimat for approximately a half an hour’s drive. Once in Kitimat you have a choice of either fresh water or salt water fishing.”
If you’re looking to do some fresh
water river fishing “You can pull off the road anywhere along the river (unless stated otherwise in the regs)” Ray says. “From there you just walk down the banks to the river and fish. You can fly fish off-shore or from one of the many sand bars found along the river’s edge. Different times of the year will yield different types of fish: Chinook Salmon (aka Spring Salmon) ranging from 15 to 30 pounds, 8 – 20 lb. Coho, 5- 10 lb. Dolly Varden, 15 – 25 lb. Steelhead… Man it’s good fishing!” he says, smiling broadly. “Check
www.fishbc.com for seasonal fishing recommendations.”
I’ll usually use a 10-11 foot rod with an Ambassador 7000 reel (cost around $200 - $250 new, $75 used for reel
alone). You’ll need a 20-30 lb main line with a 40 lb leader. I’ll use either a ‘Kitimat Spoon’ or ‘Spin and Glow’ lure in this particular river. You’ve got to remember that when doing any kind of salmon fishing barb-less hooks are required. Also, if you snag or ‘foul hook’ a fish, you’ve gotta ‘throw-er back’.”
Although fly fishing appeals to many, those who prefer to sit in a boat are better off seeking a guide to take them down-river by drift-boat (motors are not allowed on the Kitimat). “Though the price of a guide is never minimal,” Ray stated, “it will be less expensive than outfitting yourself from scratch. Also, depending on the season, the river can be extremely dangerous to those without adequate know-how. In these cases, a guide can be a life- saver.” With a smirk on his face that suggests run-ins of his own, Ray also warns, “Don’t forget that you’re not the only one fishing on the river; keep your eyes open for black bears!”
“When ocean fishing here - or off the coast of Prince Rupert for that matter,” Ray pauses briefly to gather his thoughts, “… you’ll first need to have yourself a sea boat that’s a
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minimum of 18 – 20 feet long, and with 2 motors on board: one that has at least 150-plus horsepower, the second can be as little as a 9 horsepower as a backup. Ocean weather and navigation can be extremely tricky. This kind of ocean fishing and boating is really better left up to the professional guides unless you’re experienced yourself. Never leave shore without proper navigational tools, GPS, a compass and radar. You’ll need a two-way boat-to-shore radio, air-horn (for foggy days), charts - and the ability to read them! Don’t forget food and water. It’s also a very good idea to have someone on-shore that has your full charted course and itinerary with your expected time of return, along with family and friend contact numbers in case of emergency”
As far as the best time to fish the Douglas Channel/Pacific Ocean area, Ray says, “It really depends on what you like and the time of year you’re fishing. There’s halibut, Chinook and coho salmon, crab, and prawns to name just a few… There are, after all,” Ray said with a wink, “a lot of fish in the sea.”
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