|
April 6, 2004
 This week has been very productive on the local streams, as the cold
weather has kept the river low. Our guests, Bob Budd and the Hutchinson
pair were into tight lines. Bob, an avid Speycaster and a summer run
specialist spent his first trip in Skeena region for Spring Steelhead.
Having spent many trips on the Upper Skeena reaches in October his
experience as an avid Steelheader paid off. We averaged two hook-ups per
day and landed a fish per day. Bob landed a 16.2lb male, 16.8lb male
and a gorgeous 12lb female, dime bright all on a similar fly he ties
himself. Having fish in this size range, and fresh from the ocean was a real treat for Bob. The big male he landed was a real fight, as they all were, having this
fish jump out of the water 7 times before a long tug of war and a
rewarding kiss off including some real nice camera shots.
During Bob's stay we fished our unclassified section of river and traffic
was minimal, one boat in three days, so we had it all to ourselves. We hit one of our fish in a fast pool that was full of big Chinook last season, so when we approached it I knew it looked fishy.  When we entered the run I told Bob how the pool should be played, it was the 2nd cast that he looked back at me, "I just had a touch!” I was concentrating on his
line the entire time and I could see the line get stiff for a split
second. The next cast was a clone of the first, perfectly presented, which
resulted in a hard pull, Fish On! From the small pool exploded this
colored, aggressive male. The fish ran up and down the run in a flurry, jumping
like a Steelhead does. Bob having landed many big summer runs was calm,
cool and careful with this fine specimen. I considered getting the boat ready for the chase, as the fish darted towards the fast flowing rapids. The 14ft. rod was bent in half and Bob put on a little pressure and pulled him back into the deep pool for a rest. The rest was for the both of them, which lasted a few split seconds, and into the current it went, the reel singing a beautiful song. Persistence paid off and a beauty was digitized. We fished another popular run that I really do not have a name for, and
thanx to Bob it is now called the Black and Blue, because that was how
he felt after a great battle. This run plays quite well as it is a
resting spot for Steelhead just above a set of rapids, very typical for
Steelhead to hold.
Bob enjoyed his stay at the Upper Kalum Lodge and commented on its
serene beauty, quiet setting, and beautiful starry nights that seem they
are at your fingertips. Having a full moon during his stay we were
welcomed to frosty mornings and clear evenings, some rain and wind.
Having a client who can cast a Speyrod properly and into a heavy wind is
a real treat for me to guide as the chances of a hook-up are increased
immensely. Fly-fishing is all about presentation and consistency, once
you have those things you will have success.
 Our second group was the father/son combo from Whitecourt, Alberta.
These guys were into catching Steelhead on the fly. As we hooked into a
couple landing them was another story. The weather here had turned to
beautiful summer conditions and the spring runoff had brought us high
dirty water, making for difficulties with the fly rod. The pools we
fished days before were fast and not fishy looking. I knew we had a
challenge coming our way. Jim and Kevin landed five fish the first day,
Cutthroat and Dollies all on the fly. This type of fishing, the swing fly technique
was all new and these fellas caught on quick, doing the double haul by
days end and presenting the fly like a pro, which produced results. Jim
commented that as we fished each day that the trees were getting greener before
his eyes. Yes indeed, as we have a short growing season here in the
beautiful north coast. The weather stayed warm and hot and water
temperatures moved from 38f to 40f by mid afternoon. You could tell, by
the action on the surface as the Cuttys were on a feeding frenzy.
The next four weeks are going to be peak season as the Steelhead Rivers
will be in full spawn. Numbers on the lower stretches are very good and
we look forward to having our guests at the Upper Kalum Lodge.
Tracey John Hittel
Kitimat BC Canada
250 632-9880
250 639-4277
|
