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Fish Tales from Nicholas Dean Lodge April 16th


Hello Anglers, As we slowly emerge from the depths of Winter and into our Spring Steelhead season, all of us here at Nicholas Dean Lodge are ecstatic to be out on the water again for another great season ahead! We've had a great start already, with many clients hooking into fish in the 8 to 20 lb range on the Skeena, Kalum, Copper and some of our 'signature rivers' off the remote BC coast. Please see the individual sections below for more information specifically on weather and river conditions, fish, flies and equipment of the week. In the past few years, we have paid attention to the exponentially growing pace of social media and the benefits it holds for both businesses and individuals. The reality is that a lot of people are looking for real time, up to date information and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter make this incredibly easy. So, if you want to see what's going on at Nicholas Dean and in the lower Skeena region near Terrace - including the latest photo albums of fish we've been catching, river conditions, promotions and more - I encourage you to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. I've already posted a number of photos on our Facebook page, including a few others from last week - be sure to check it out! Lastly, we have big plans to upgrade the content, style and feel of our Fishing Reports and we want to ask you - our clients and readers - exactly what it is you'd like to see! Whether it's photos with big fish or those classic scenic shots that make you 'want to be there,' river conditions, promotions, conservation issues etc, we want to tailor the report to maximize your enjoyment. There's a bonus for participating too. If you submit your suggestions and requests, we'll enter your name into a draw for a free Nicholas Dean Lodge toque (winter hat) and stainless steel water bottle! The draw will take place in two weeks, on Thursday May 5, 2011. It's great to be back in the 'swing' of things again, and we look forward to another fun and and enjoyable season in Steelhead and Salmon paradise! Best regards and tight lines, Chad Black ________________________________________ WEATHER AND RIVER CONDITIONS: With temperatures dropping down below or close to freezing on most nights and with very little precipitation during the past few weeks, rivers are low and clean. In most years, warming trends begin in mid February and early March, which result in higher water levels and reduced snow packs; this Spring has been marked by cool weather and much of the precipitation is still falling as snow up high in the mountains. Consequently, snowpack estimates are in the region 105% to 120% compared to average years - slightly more than usual. Weather forecasts for next week are for warming temperatures ranging from 3 to 17 degrees C. See the Terrace Weather Forecast for updated weather conditions, and real time water river flows on the Skeena River. _______________________________________________________ FISH, FLIES AND EQUIPMENT OF THE WEEK: On his first day with guide Dustin Kovacvich on the Skeena, Bob Budd hooked into a large, very bright Steelhead on the dangle. Before the fish threw the hook, Bob and Dustin saw the flanks of a hen that was well over 20 lbs. George Widener of Whitefish, Montana landed the largest of the week, an 18 lb chrome bright buck that is this week's report photo. As a reminder, check out our Facebook Page for many more photos! Best flies this week are three to five inch Intruder style flies in various shades of pink, including: cerise, shrimp pink and light pink. We're using type 3 and type 6 RIO sink tips for most runs on the Skeena, and type 8 and T-14 tips in the deepest pools. For rods, we're using spey rods 12.5 to 14 ft in length, switch rods in the 10.5 to 11 ft range and also 9 ft 7 weight single hand rods.
Fishing Conditions

The chart above provides an overview on the current river fishing conditions by fish species: Fresh Spring Steelhead continue to enter the Skeena system and, because of low, clean water conditions, seem to be holding moreso in the big river than the smaller tributary rivers. Once the forest and alpine snowpack starts to provide further influence and rivers rise, Steelhead will likely move into tributary rivers en masse. While the snowpack has made it difficult to access all of our favourite coastal rivers, a few of them have been fishing exceptionally well. There are rumours that Spring Chinook have been caught on the Lower Skeena and in one tributary river near Terrace; they are exceptionally strong and aggressive fish that are great sport, particularly on the fly. We'll likely start seeing more Chinook as the Spring freshet starts. With water temperatures warming up, Salmon fry are now in the middle of their downstream migration, and because bull trout, dolly varden, cutthroat and rainbow trout all key in on this abundant food source, swinging a fry pattern down and across has been very productive.
Prime Time
Spring Steelhead/Springer Chinook Season (Mar 23 to May 17) Is when we guide on many wild and scenic rivers filled with Large Wild Steelhead. In addition to the Steelhead, half way through the season Aggressive Springer Chinooks (Kings) start to show up. This is classic Northwest Spring Steelheading at its best. Saltwater/Freshwater Chinook (King) and Halibut Trips (June 8 to July 12) Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Northwestern BC's wild rivers while battling huge Chinooks. Then spend a day fishing the ocean for Halibut and other ground fish aboard a specially equipped 32 foot cabin cruiser. Skeena Chinook (King) Season (July 13 to Aug 2) Is one of our most popular times of year. Expect sore arms after doing battle with the Giant Kings of the Skeena System (average 20 to 50 pounds and up 100 pounds). By the way, the catch and release world record Chinook (99.15 pound) was caught on the Skeena. We offer Full Service Packages and Day Bookings. Please contact us right away to reserve your spot. Skeena Camp Package (July 13 to Sept 13) The Skeena River is a Super Highway for Salmon and Steelhead since numerous highly productive rivers flow into the Skeena above our Camp. The fish must pass by us at the Camp on their migration to their spawning grounds. The Skeena System has abundant runs of Chinook, Steelhead, Coho, Sockeye, Chums and Pinks through out the summer and fall. We offer a Camp on the Skeena to take full advantage of this wonderful fishery and also to help us offer Quality Fishing at a Reasonable Price for family adventures. Summer Steelhead Season (Aug 3 to Aug 30) Is when the meanest, hottest, chromest, sea-lice covered Monster Steelhead (average 8 to 15 pounds, 20 pounds isn't uncommon and there is even a chance at a world record) are available in the Lower Skeena River and Tributaries. These are the kind of Steelhead that have led to their reputation of being the worlds ultimate Trout. It is normal for average fish to go on unstoppable runs, leaping all the way then tossing the hook leaving you with shaking hands and wanting more. There is also the added bonus of being able to catch all 5 species of pacific salmon during this time period. Fall Steelhead Season (Aug 31 to Oct 31) This is what has made the Skeena Watershed justifiably famous. Fish wild rivers for Huge Steelhead that can be readily taken on the surface with waking and dry flies. This season books very fast so to insure your spot please contact us as soon as possible. Trophy Coho (Silvers) Season (Sept 1 to Oct 31) Is when Coho over 10 pounds are the norm, fish over 20 aren't uncommon and the chance of a 30 plus pound world record is always there. Many of our Coho rivers also have Steelhead fishing available this time of year. We fish some of the most beautiful wilderness rivers in the world during Trophy Coho Season. Towering snow capped mountains rising over 4000 feet above meandering wilderness streams surrounded in the orange, red and green of coastal fall colors. This is an experience that will never be forgotten. Early Winter Steelhead Season (Nov 1 to Nov 21) This is what has made Steelheaders the legendary anglers that they are. Non-Steelheaders think it is insanity to step out into a 30 degree Fahrenheit morning and wade into a freezing wild river. We know better though because pools full of large wild steelhead await any angler brave enough to face the chilling elements. A few casts, a solid strike, a savage battle, and it all comes together as we look down on at the shimmering broad shoulders of a large Buck Steelhead in the shallow water at our feet. If this is what you live for, than our Early Winter Steelhead Season is for you. Booking a Trip If you are interested in booking a trip please e-mail me at chadblack@nicholasdean.com or call me at 250-635-5295. Prime time spaces are limited and book up fast so don't delay.
Nicholas Dean Lodge...where every cast is an adventure 591 Kalum Lake Dr. PO Box 434 Terrace, British Columbia V8G 4B1 Canada Email - Website
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