Spring Fish are Jumping in the Region’s Rivers and Lakes
Let the games begin, ye old anglers. The long awaited spring fishing season is finally upon us. Will it be a King Salmon for your first catch of the season? Or perhaps a Steelhead for a catch and release?
After chatting with a few of our local fishing guides, the consensus is that 2011 is going to be a great fishing summer. Even though the water is high, numbers have been climbing with opportunities to target some very healthy species in the Nass, Copper, Zymacord, Kasiks and Skeena Rivers.
For many in the Northwest region fishing is a way of life. It’s been passed on from generation to generation so it runs in the blood. There’s something about the overwhelming appeal of the entire experience that creates such fanatical fishermen and women. From relaxing on the river banks with a cold one and your best buddy to the thrill of the fight and the anticipation of seeing what’s on the end of the rod to the healthy and delicious taste of a wild salmon cooked over an open fire.
Cooking Salmon & Maximizing Flavour:
Fresh salmon tastes awesome especially when prepared to moist perfection. If you are cooking your salmon whole, a general rule of thumb is 8 minutes for each half pound of fish. Fillets and steaks should be cooked six minutes for each half inch of thickness. Another great method is poaching. Simmer for five minutes for each half inch of thickness and if you are poaching the salmon whole leave the head and tail intact to keep the salmon’s natural juices with the fish.
Ready to swim with the big boys?
Get set to catch the fish of your life this summer! There are many guide outfits and lodges that offer day charters or all-inclusive packages. These professional fishing guides are not only technically skillful anglers who know the right times and places to enjoy good fishing but they can also teach you how to improve your skills and knowledge.
And for those interested in the Salmon Run on land, check out Kitsumkalum’s Annual Salmon Run Sunday June 26th, 2011. Walk, run, push a buggy or cheer on your comrades in either the 5km or 10km category. Enjoy a salmon BBQ at noon. For more information click here.
Local Faves for Tackle & Licenses:
• Fish Tales Tackle Shop – 4640 Keith Ave.
• Misty River Tackle – 5008 Agar Ave.
• North Coast Anglers – 3217 Kalum St.
• Copper River Motel - 4113 Hwy 16 East
• Canadian Tire - 5100 Hwy 16 West
• BC Access Centre (licenses only) - 3220 Eby St.
Drop by the Visitor Centre to pick up:
- The Angler’s Atlas: Skeena Fishing
- Northwest BC Fishing Guide 2011
