Northern British Columbia
S N O W B I
R D S
58
R V T R A V E L E R S
RAY LOSETH’S NORTH COUNTRY FISHING
Hotspots #2 by Darci Berezan
When you find that you’ve had your fill (or reached your limit) in Kitimat, you’ll head another 73 km/45 miles back the way you came, to the town of Terrace. Besides the magnificent snow- topped mountain ranges that surround you, there are plenty of other ‘touristy’ things to see in this picturesque place. In addition to being known for its native arts shops, museums, galleries and, of course, its fishing, Terrace also happens to be the best place to buy yourself authentic mukluks and moccasins (I’ve been wearing the same pair since 1989!).
After driving through Terrace on Hwy 16, you’ll come to see a row of motels and campgrounds on your right, with railroad tracks and the Skeena River on your left. If you seek river fishing here, a good place to stay is at one such motel - the Rainbow Inn Motel and Campground (1-250-635-
6465). Here you simply have to walk across the highway, over the tracks and down the bank to the river! One of my first fishing memories concerns the time my dad reeled in a 61-pound Chinook salmon from the river bank. I had never seen a fish that size – I was just 9 years old and it stood taller and weighed more than I did!
Another good campground in the Terrace area is the Native-owned Kitsumkalum RV Park and Boat Launch (1-250-635-6177), and for tourism information or fishing regulations call (1-877-635-4944).
If you drive down the highway a few kilometres more, you will find yet another great spot. Here the Skeena and Kalum Rivers meet. “Using the Ambassadeur 7000 reel with a 8-9 lb rod,” says Ray, “you should have a 40lb
test line. Use a three-way-swivel and add a one-foot drop line on 20lb test, ending at a 6-12 lb weight (make sure you use enough weight to sink your bait to the bottom and stay). As a lure, at the end of your first (and main) line, a spin-and- glow is the trick,” Loseth confided. “By having your weight on a separate line, if you catch a fish and the line breaks, you’ll lose only your weight - not your lure or the fish! Now, if the river water is muddy, use a spin-and-glow lure about the size of a golf ball; if the water is clear, use a smaller version. Be sure to first check the local regulations: at certain times you’re also allowed to use roe (fish eggs) as bait. One thing you’ll need to have if you’re river fishing from shore, is a rod holder. Use a 1 ½ inch plastic pipe – about a foot long - and attach it to either a three foot piece of ¾ inch angle iron or three foot piece of ½ inch rebar using two, two inch hose clamps to join them together. Make
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