Coho fishing in the Kitimat River BC

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Coho Fishing in the Kitimat River System

by Justin Gyger

Coho begin entering the river during early August . These early fish are typically smaller than the later fall run although as in fishing ,this is not always the case. While guiding a client from Italy this past summer we lost what was potentially a world record silver . A very skilled fly angler this person had already landed a 25lb. coho early in the morning as well as numerous other coho including a 20lb. chum, so we are not talking rookie material here. He was using one of our patented blue marabou coho flies on a 12 ft. long 12lb.test leader ( water clarity dictated small diameter line ) with a full floating Cortland fly line.

This fish hit like a freight train catapulting out of the water end over end easily a half dozen times tearing line of Robertos reel faster than Ben Johnson on steroids, peeled off 150 yards of expensive fly line and backing in a matter of seconds, busting off at the end with a loud bang, which sounded like a rifle shot ,sending Roberto ass over tea kettle; and landing in a heap all the time hollering, "That Was The Fight Of My Life". It was the best entertainment money can buy!

Tips and Tricks

One of the most successful techniques we use is the something that bass fishermen have been using for years , we have adapted the jig ,.to salmon fishing. Over 90% of our conventionally caught coho are caught using marabou jigs which we make ourselves. The coho absolutely hate these things, we have spotted coho chasing jigs from clear across the other side of the river only to miss then turn around and hit them again after another cast. Its sounds crazy but we have never seen another method catch so many fish. We have had clients catch and release coho literally until their arms are ready to fall off. Although an assortment of jigs make up most of our coho fishing on the Kitimat (other than fly fishing) It's a good idea to bring a few spoons or floats in the unlikely case that the coho aren't turned on by the jigs. If you are a spoon fisherman try lighter copper or silver plated spoons such as Nortach's wobblers. People make the mistake of fishing spoons to fast and erratic, try slowing your retrieve down and you will pick up more fish. For the float fisherman there are some fantastic runs for floating roe or wool patterns through, that will produce silvers for you as well. ( caution ) Be sure to check your regulations before using roe, as there are times when it is prohibited.

From white water rapids suitable for the experienced oarsman or slow moving drifts the Kitimat River can accommodate any boater. The upper drifts are for the professional while the neophyte can navigate the lower drift with little risk.

With large runs of good clean silvers entering the river well into October, the Kitimat River can produce some of the best coho fishing in the world. There is no shortage of fish here. As well as excellent salmon fishing the Kitimat has a world class cutthroat trout fishery with fish exceeding the 5lb. mark caught every fall. On light tackle or fly gear, fisherman can have a ball with these colorful acrobatic fish.

A stop of interest after a beautiful day on the river is the Giant Spruce Park, home of the worlds largest Sitka Spruce standing over 200 ft. tall with a circumference of over 35ft. This a true giant.

With lots of different water to cover, coupled with fantastic scenery the Kitimat River has something to please everyone.

Justin Gyger
Westcoast Fishing Adventures
Send mail to General Information: info@westcoastfishing.ca

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Fly Fishing for Coho

Flyfishing, Salmon

Aug 2007

Coho

Salmon

Mar 2007