Well we had an amazing Steelhead season this year.  That’s from the experts, not my personal experience as I haven’t had the opportunity to get out there, but by all accounts, it’s been the best season in recent memory.  The most productive fly was, pink, pink and purple and either of these colors with any sort of flash seemed to have been the ticket.  So far as gear fishing goes, pink worm, row ball, dew worms as well as artificial eggs with white wool.  Most of these fish were caught either by being in a pontoon or drift boat.  Some had been caught on shore, but these where folks that were out very early in the morning.  We were lucky enough to have weighed in our first Chinook of the season on April 28, 2008.  It was caught by Mr. R. Levesque.  A beautifully dressed 25 pounder.  I feel it’s now safe to say, fish are in fact in the river.  Another exciting weigh in was in the last few days, Mr. John Ingalls weighed in an amazing 49 pounder caught on the fly and a very light test line weight.  We were told it was 12lb. test.  That is certainly a record for the store.  If any of you are familiar with the Kitimat River, he hooked it at Coho Flats and landed it down by Methanex.  “Congratulations Mr. Ingalls”.  We are getting reports that they are starting on a very consistent basis down at our local pump house, as well as up river.  The average weights are very high, 29lbs to about 36lbs., further proof that this in fact is the year for the five year olds. 
They are using one of three things.  A blue scale 85 or 65 fire strip Coho lure, bar fishing rigging with spinnin glo’s, of all colors, Hootchies and of course depending on the water speed an 8 or 10 ounce either wedge or pyramid weight on a three way swivel and of course a good sturdy rod holder and lawn chair, or same rigging as above but with a pencil lead weight for just bottom bouncing.
Conditions on the Kitimat River are getting better all the time.  The cool spring has slowed down the winter run off, so the water has come down and cleaned up quite nicely.  There is just a bit of a silty color to the water, so the fish aren’t getting spooked like if it were clear water and sunny days.  The Chinook are showing up more and more every day and we believe with the higher tides more in fact will be in.  The season has begun!  With that said, a little bit of summer will be a welcome sight.  It’s been a long, cold and damp winter.   Come On summer!!!
The Douglas channel has been producing nice crab, prawns, shrimp and we’ve heard of the odd halibut caught.  We have heard that the salmon are starting to pick up.  They are being caught fairly close to home. So folks don’t have to go out to far.  That’s good because the winds lately have been pretty strong.  Two whales were spotted in the harbor along with sea lions, seals and herring balls.  Quite the sight to see.  The folks that were lucky enough to see these events got some pretty nice pictures.  We know because we had friend out from Fort St. John and they did get some nice photos.  We also had family up all the way from Tampa Florida.  My cousin Henry landed himself a 40lb Halibut.  Good on you man!  The saddest part of all of this is that neither he nor his wife, Mary likes, eats or has anything to do with fishing.  That’s fishing of any kind, not EVEN Halibut.  Oh well, my freezer was quite happy to help him with that little, (40lb.) problem.

We are taking bookings for river drifts.  You can now book directly on line through the web site.  Prime dates are filling fast, so don’t be disappointed, book now for your dream fishing trip.  We also have our rates listed on the web site as well.  If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us.  We’ll be glad to help.  Even if you have questions about what’s in season, what to bring, what the weathers been like or the condition of the river, don’t hesitate to call our toll free number or email us. 
Small side note*
The bait ban on the Kitimat river went into effect May15.  That means no roe, worms, or any scented products.
Until next time, fish safe, fish smart, limit your catch, not necessarily catch your limit and take out what you take in,