Tourism Kitimat

Kitimat
British Columbia, Canada
Kitimat Chamber of Commerce
& Visitor Information
PO Box 214, 2109 Forest Avenue
Kitimat, BC Canada V8C 2G7
Tel: 250 632-6294 Fax: 250 632-4685
Toll Free 1-800-664-6554
info@visitkitimat.com
www.visitkitimat.com
www.tourismkitimat.ca
Emergency
Call 911
Police - Fire - Medical
Fishing Guide
2009-2010
VISITOR INFORMATION
Emergency
POLICE - FIRE - AMBULANCE
CALL 911
Marine Search and Rescue
1-800-567-5111
Boating Safety Infoline
1-800-267-6687
Fisheries Violation Reporting Line
1-800-465-4336
Environmental Emergency
604 666-6100
Sport Fishing Information
604 666-2828
Fisheries & Oceans Canada
250 632-4884
Weather Stations (Recorded Forecast)
250 632-7864
Conservation Officer Service
250 638-6530
Websites
Water Levels and Currents
www.waterlevels.gc.ca/cgi-bin/tide-shc.cg
Weather Channel
www.theweatherchannel.ca/weather/cities/can/Pages/
CABC0154.htm
Department of Fisheries & Oceans
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Marine Safety Website
www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/debs/obs/courses/pcoc/menu.htm
BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Guide
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish/default_e.htm
Canadian Marine Weather
www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/marine/index_e.html
Bear Safety - BC Parks - Ministry of Environment
www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/misc/bears/bearsaf.html
Boating Safety Website
www.tc.gc.ca/BoatingSafety/menu.htm
Updated July 2009
Page 19
INFORMATION
FRESH WATER FISHING
Fishing Chart
Species
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
On the Kitimat River
Sep
JANUARY - FEBRUARY
Oct
Fishing for cutthroat and dolly varden is usually good during these months.
Due to the winter weather, the river will generally be low and clear. Small
lures, spinners, flies and bait are all worth trying when fishing for trout.
Furthermore, trout fishing can be done throughout the year.
Chinook
Chum
Cod
MARCH - MAY
Coho
Crab
Thank you to the following
businesses and individuals who
generously allowed us to use their
photos in this publication:
Halibut
Pink
Snapper
Ron Wakita
Andreas Handl
Kingfish Westcoast Adventures
Trout
Peak
Available
Ariel Kuppers
Michael Herzberg
J. Rudolf
Fresh Water
Peak
Available
R.G.’s Auto Marine Ltd.
741 Enterprise Avenue, Kitimat, B.C.
RANDY GUTKNECHT
SUPPLIES, SALES
SERVICES AND REPAIRS
Page 18
Only Hatchery steelhead fish may be kept because they are products of
the Department of Fisheries & Oceans (D.F.O.) Hatchery.
Reliable Guide & Charter
Steelhead
Saltwater
Steelhead fishing usually begins in March on the Kitimat River.
Although success can be irregular in this month, it gradually improves late
in March and through April. Late April experiences good runs of steelhead
entering the river, with many good-sized fish taken at this time. The run of
steelhead peaks at the beginning of May and remains strong until the
middle of the month.
Ph: 250 632-7722
Fax: 250 632-5538
JUNE
Although a few chinook (spring) salmon enter the river in late May, June
is the best time to begin angling for these fish. Success can vary during
the first two weeks of the month. Chinook fishing improves in the third
week of June and usually continues until the end of the month. The river
is higher now than
earlier in the year and
can rise very quickly
Kingfish Westcoast Adventure Tours
with snow melt if
RIVER & OCEAN GUIDING SERVICES
temperatures rise.
Popular chinook
salmon lures include
Kitimat #65 and #80
and the larger sized
spin-n-glos. Large
gooey-bobs are also
worth trying.
NORTH COAST
Wir sprechen Deutsch
921 Kuldo Blvd.
Kitimat, BC
Canada V8C 1W1
Phone: 250-632-3530
Phone: 250-632-3530
t
t
Website: www.kingfishwestcoastadventuretours.com
Website: Kingfishwestcoastadventuretours.com
Page 3
FRESH WATER FISHING
“THE TWO BEST TIMES TO FISH IS
On the Kitimat River
...when it’s rainin’ and when it ain’t.”
JULY
With many of the fish entering the river on
each high tide, the run of chinook peaks during
the first week of July. Fishing for chinook is
very good throughout the month of July, but
dark fish start showing up in catches after the
middle of the month. Many pink and chum
salmon are found in the river in July. Late in
the month the occasional early coho are
caught. The river will tend to be fishable
during July, but is still subject to fluctuations
due to snow melt or rain.
R&J Bed & Breakfast
49 Oolichan Ave. Kitimat, BC V8C 2K6
Our
Our
Our
Our
phone number - 250 632-6949
fax number - 250 632-6942
e-mail - valandjoanne@rjbedandbreakfast.com
website - www.rjbedandbreakfast.com
AUGUST
During August, the occasional straggling
chinook will still be caught, although it is illegal
to kill these fish after July 31. Some of these
fish are very large, with a few late runners
reaching sixty pounds or more. Coho fishing is
staggered until the middle of the month, when
the first good runs begin entering the river.
Fishing improves steadily towards the end of
August and the chances of catching coho are
very good during the last week of August.
The Kitimat River is generally low and clear
throughout the month. Good rainfalls later in
the month will raise the river and bring in fresh
runs of coho with every high tide. The fishing
will be the best when the river begins to drop
and clear after a period of rain.
Open 7 Days a
Week!
8AM to 9PM
202 CITY CENTRE MALL, KITIMAT
10% OFF
10%
OFF ANY BOOK PURCHASE
30%
OFF CURRENT BEST SELLERS
30% OFF
wakita@telus.net
Page 4
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
ENTERTAINING MINDS IS OUR BUSINESS
Page 17
ANGLING ETHICS
FRESH WATER FISHING
Salt Water and Fresh Water
Maximize the angling experience.
Consider the style of fishing, and the size of fish you hope to catch.
Respect fish and treat them humanely.
Releasing fish is heartily supported by both Fisheries managers and sport
anglers. Use all possible care and a minimal amount of handling, keeping the fish
in the water whenever possible, to ensure that the fish you release will live to
spawn and/or be caught again. Before handling any fish that you are not going to
keep, you should wet your hands first. Then revive the fish by facing it upstream
moving it back and forth gently until you feel the strength of the fish returning.
Never beach a fish, you do not intend on keeping!
Protect the environment.
Refrain from littering, take refuse to a proper disposal area. Leave the fishing site
in the same, or better condition than you found it. Recycle engine oil. Retrieve
any marine debris you happen to see.
Be courteous to your fellow anglers.
Leave room for others to fish. If someone has hooked into a fish, reel in your line
and step back. Then after the fish has been released or landed, go back to your
original spot to continue fishing. Disturb the fish as little as possible.
Be co-operative and understanding.
Be compatible with other outdoor enthusiasts.
Lakes, streams and their surrounding environment are used for a variety of
recreational activities.
On the Kitimat River
SEPTEMBER
The coho run peaks in the Kitimat River at the beginning of the month
and fishing for these salmon remains excellent until the middle of
September. Success is still prominent towards the end of the month, but
many of the coho are starting to darken in colour. A heavy rain at the end
of September will raise the water level and many of the coho will leave the
main river and head up their spawning tributaries. The river is generally
clear throughout most of this month.
OCTOBER
If the heavy fall rains have started, then coho can still be caught in the
main river. Most of the coho are now dark, but the occasional silver one
can still be taken. Trout fishing is still very good in October, but heavy
rains will muddy the river and make fishing difficult, if not impossible.
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
Trout fishing remains good during these months and throughout the entire
year. There is still a slight chance to catch a coho. The river is usually
fairly high and dirty.
Please refer to the current issue of the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis
and the current issue of the British Columbia Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Guide/
Freshwater Salmon Supplement prior to any fishing activity and in regards to
transporting/exporting fish.
Support fishing
regulations and obey
the law.
Acquaint yourself with
daily quotas, size and
possession limits, tackle
and bait restrictions, and
seasonal closures.
Respect public and
private property.
Page 16
380 City Centre
Kitimat, BC
V8C 1T6
River Drift Boat Trips
Saltwater & Jet Boat Charters
Half Day & Full Day Packages
Business: 250 632-3522
Cell: 250 632-1275
wakita@telus.net
www.kitimatfishingguideandcharters.com
Page 5
“A BAD DAY OF FISHING
BOATING SAFETY
Monitoring the Weather
...is better than a good day of work.”
C O M P L E T E M A R IN E S U P P L Y
S A L E S A N D R E P A IR S E R V IC E
F IS H IN G S U P P L IE S
F r e s h w a te r & S a l tw a t e r
4 2 4 I n d u s tr i a l A v e . K i ti m a t, B .C .
C anada V 8C 2E9
P h o n e : (2 5 0 ) 6 3 2 - 6 6 7 6
M E R C U R Y IN FL A T A B L E S
1 -8 8 8 -9 0 2 -6 2 2 2
F a x : (2 5 0 ) 6 3 2 - 7 5 7 5
V H F C h. 74 and 1 6
E -m a il: c o m m a n d m a r in e @ u n is e r v e .c o m
V O LV O
S TE R N D R IV E S / IN B O A R D S
Eat In - Seats up to 40 - Licensed
Mon-Wed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Thurs-Sat 11:00 am - 12:00 am
Sundays 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Lasagna
250 639-9333
242 City Centre
Kitimat, BC V8C 1T6
Understanding weather and water conditions is a key aspect of boating
safety. Boaters need to know how to obtain current, relevant information
before they head out. They also need to know how to get updates while
out on the water, which requires the knowledge and skill to use a marine
radio. A receiver for continuous marine weather forecasts is also available
and it is distributed through marine supply outlets. When you get to the
water, make sure the conditions you see match those predicted.
Once under way, remember to “keep your eye on the sky.” If the sky looks
dark and cloudy and conditions are changing rapidly, head for shore
(check your charts in advance to know where to seek shelter). Summer
thunderstorms can strike quickly and unexpectedly.
Other good indications of approaching bad weather are falling barometric
pressure, increasing winds and changes in wind direction, which generally
lead to increased wave action.
Kitimat Lodge
656 Dadook Ave
Kitimat, BC V8C 2K5
Phone: 250 632-6677
T - 250 639-9333
F - 250 632-7002
www.kitimatpizza.ca
Portable Debit Machine
Guided Fishing Tours
18 Private Suites
Full Hook-up RV Sites
Water, Power, Sewer, Cable & Internet
Kitimat Husky
884 Lahakas Boulevard
Kitimat, BC V8C 2H9
Tel: 250 632-4626 Fax: 250 632-4622
www.kitimatlodge.com
www.kitimatadventures.ca
Page 6
“Fishing provides that connection with the whole living
world. It gives you the opportunity of being totally
immersed, turning back into yourself in a good way.
A form of meditation, some form of communion with
levels of yourself that are deeper than the ordinary self. “
Ted Hughes
Page 15
“NOTHING MAKES A FISH BIGGER
NOTICE TO ANGLERS
...than almost being caught.”
Angling Code of Ethics
In Kitimat we are fortunate in having many points of vehicle
access to the water’s edge. Your cooperation and consideration
is essential to ensuring the privilege continues and the fishing
experience remains enjoyable.
Modern, spacious suites
Remote cable TV
Fully equipped kitchens
Non-smoking rooms
Downtown location
Only by showing consideration towards other anglers, and the
environment can we ensure the area remains open to public
use and fishing enjoyment.
All major credit cards accepted
CITY CENTRE MOTEL
480 City Centre
Kitimat, B.C. Canada
V8C 1T6
TOLL FREE RESERVATIONS
1-800-663-3391
Ph: 250-632-4848
Fax: 250-632-5300
All vehicles are to be parked well back from the water’s edge.
A public area must be maintained along the shoreline.
“Staking claim” to a section of river bank for exclusive use is
inconsiderate and highly unethical.
 Garbage and human waste should be disposed of in town or
using facilities provided.
 Dumping of sewage from holding tanks is an offense which can
result in fines. There are sani-dumps at Radley Park and Al’s
Esso.
 It is an offense under the Fisheries Act to leave a rod in the
water unattended. Unattended rods will be viewed as “set lines”
and can result in charges being laid.

H a lf d a y , F u ll d a y , a n d O v e r n ig h t
W h a t’s y o u r P le a s u re ?
M ig h ty S p r in g S a lm o n ,
C o h o S a lm o n o r H a lib u t
D a n O ’N e ill
P r a ir ie D a w n I I is a 1 9 9 6
O w n e r /S k ip p e r
2 4 f o o t fu lly - e q u ip p e d B a y lin e r
(2 5 0 ) 6 3 2 - 7 0 7 2 o r ( 2 5 0 ) 6 3 9 - 3 8 1 2 (c e ll )
W e b s it e : w w w .r is in g s u n fis h in g c h a r t e r s .c o m
E m a il: d a n @ r is in g s u n fis h in g c h a r t e r s .c o m
DON PEARSON
250 632-7555
PLEASURE & INDUSTRIAL
MOORAGE
CRANE & BULKHEAD SERVICE
LAND STORAGE CAMPING
RENTALS
Page 14
Tours on the Douglas Channel to enjoy with
family, friends, guests from out of town
P.O. Box 196
Kitimat, B.C.
V8G 2G7
250 632-1541
Page 7
IS YOUR FISH CODED WIRE TAGGED?
SALT WATER FISHING
On the Douglas Channel
Salmonid Head Recovery Program
The Department of Fisheries and Ocean’s Salmonid Head Recovery
Program is responsible to recover and decipher tiny coded wire tags from the
nose cartilage of marked salmonids. A clipped adipose fin signals the presence
of a coded wire tag in these fish.
Coded wire tagging is a technique used by Fisheries biologists to determine stock
movement and survival. Tag data, along with catch information, are used to
evaluate different hatchery techniques and enhancement programs. We rely on
sport fishermen to check their catch for adipose fin clipped salmon and bring
tagged heads to a program depot. When you catch a salmon or trout, check to
see if it is missing its ADIPOSE fin.
If so, please:
1. Cut off the fish head. (Do not try to locate or remove the tag.)
2. Bring the head to one of over 275 “Head Depots” in B.C. To find the depot
nearest you, refer to the current issue of the British Columbia Tidal Waters
Sport Fishing Guide/Freshwater Salmon Supplement or phone
1-866-483-9994.
3. Fill out a catch information/return label at
the depot and attach it to your fish head.
It is important that the date, location and
method of capture is included with your
name and address. You can tear off the
perforated receipt at the bottom of the label.
NORTH COAST TAXIDERM Y
TOURS
&
WILDLIFE MUSEUM
189 RAINBOW BLV.KITIMAT BC V8C 2K6
Phone: 250-632-3530
Cell: 250-279-0353
Jan Sorge
Fax: 250-632-3537
Email: northcoast@citywest.ca
www.northcoasttaxidermy.net
Page 8
All participating sport
fishermen will receive
information on the
origin of their tagged
fish, as well as a
Head Recovery label
and a program
newsletter.
For more information,
contact the Kitimat
River Fish Hatchery
at 250 639-9888.
JANUARY - MARCH
The Douglas Channel and the immediate waters of our area are frequented by
north off-shore winds during this period. Although the winter fishing for spring
salmon is quite good, the sportsman is restricted to remain close to the head of
the inlet. This is due to the possibility that the water does not always remain as
calm in winter. The winter feeding spring salmons range in weight from three to
twelve pounds.
MARCH - JUNE
March starts our busy season as the winter northerlies have now swung to
southerlies. The winter spring salmon are now fairly abundant and mixed with the
incoming seasonal spring spawners and are heading for some six spawning
rivers. Our spring salmon spawners are adult mature returning fish with a weight
range of up to seventy-five pounds.
JUNE - SEPTEMBER
During these months our fishing spots are broken up as we are now fishing in the
waters adjacent to the spawning rivers of the spring, pink, chum, and coho
salmon. At times our sportsmen will venture anywhere within a 135 km radius of
Kitimat’s three marinas. With the coming of coho salmon, each year around the
beginning of July you will find the fishing enthusiast working the outer coast. As
these silver beauties work their way in towards our rivers to spawn, the anglers
will do the same. Pink and chum salmon are basically a commercially caught
salmon. Coho salmon are a very active, hard fighting salmon with a weight range
from three to thirty pounds.
SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER
After September and as the weather cools and the winter winds start, we again
move into a time when our saltwater sportsmen tend to work the head end of the
Douglas Channel for winter spring salmon as our area is one of the west coast’s
prime feeding areas. Jumbo prawn fishing is a nice alternative during most winter
months.
Please refer to the current issue of the Freshwater Fishing Regulations
Synopsis and the current issue of the British Columbia Tidal Waters Sport Fishing
Guide/Freshwater Salmon Supplement prior to any fishing activity and in regards
to transporting/exporting fish.
Page 13
THE DOUGLAS CHANNEL
On the Douglas Channel
“PLEASE, HELP ME SEE THE DAY WHEN
...I catch the one that got away!”
Page
Page 12
Page 9
HOT SPOTS
Along the Kitimat River
HOT SPOTS
Along the Kitimat River
1. LOWER DIKE Turn left onto the gravel dike road at the Riverlodge
Recreation Centre. Follow this road until you come to the end, then turn right.
This will take you to the river. The second road is very rough, especially at
the beginning and is not recommended for cars.
2. PUMP HOUSE POOL Take the second turn-off to your left after passing
Radley Park heading south. This dirt road will bring you right to the river.
This is a very popular fishing location. There is also a wheelchair accessible
fishing spot in this area.
3. FISHERMAN’S TRAIL Turn right off of Haisla Boulevard just before you
come to the Haisla Bridge heading west. This will take you to the Rod & Gun
Club. Park in the gravel parking lot, and you will find a trail at the north end of
the lot. The first pool is not bad for fishing, but farther along the trail is a large
pool near some cliffs. This pool and the long straight run below it are both
good fishing stretches.
4. COHO FLATS The trail to Coho Flats begins in a vacant lot on Baxter
Street. There is a sign marked “Trail to Coho Flats”. Follow this trail for
approximately 40 - 50 minutes and you will end up at the river. The rock
bluff to your right as you come to the river is a very popular spot.
5. POWERLINES Drive north on Highway 37, just past the large snowflake
where the power lines cross the highway. Turn left here and follow the road
to the river. This road can be difficult to travel after heavy rain. A four wheel
drive vehicle is recommended.
6. WEDEENE Just north of the power lines fishing spot is an old road that turns
off to the left. The entrance to the old road has been dug out, so you must
park your car here and follow the road and trail to the river. It will take about
half an hour.
7. OLD SAWMILL Just north of the Nalbeelah Creek Bridge there is a gravel
road on your left. Follow this road for 500 feet. It will lead you to the river.
8. CLAY BANKS Just north of the first washout you will see two roads; one on
the left and one on the right of the highway. Turn left here and follow the
road, then walk the old channel down to the river. It will take about 20
minutes.
9. 18 MILE HOLE Just south of the 18 mile bridge you will see a large rock
jutting out into a good fishing pool.
Page 10
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