HELLO MEMBERS AND GUESTS, THIS PAGE IS A RUN DOWN OF WHATS HAPPENING. IT WILL BE UPDATED FROM TIME TO TIME. Whats UP? Let me know how the fly fishing is now where you are.

July 18 / 2008

Yes I know it has been awhile since I was last on, but hey!, its Chinook time and I must but up some Winter fish. Chinook season has only about three weeks left. Like most of you I am looking forward to Steelhead season, but until then I have a mission. Here is a picture of me with a Kispiox Chinook, as you will notice Big Red is fit and leaner, although maybe the hair is a little whiter, ok ! a lot whiter, but I can still handle a fish or two. I will add a lot more in line with river reports once the season gets a little closer. In the mean time tight lines and keep the e-mails coming, It may take me a little while to answer, but I promise I will get back to you. Till later Big Red



The regulations allow the retention of one Chinook a month on the Kispiox River. The season ends for Chinooks August 1.


Fall is a great time for strong Syeelhead on the Kispiox River, but it can get very crowded.



















June 12 / 2008

Reports that the Chinook have entered the Skeena system and are in the Bulkley River. Water conditions are not ideal yet but are improving. There are some significant changes to the river, all these changes won't be really known until I scout the river in August. I do predict a good Steelhead season this year, not excellent but good.

It has not been really good for the last few years but with the Steelhead on their upward cycle things can only get better. One can not predict what mother nature will throw at us from year to year, but when she allows I will always be on a river somewhere. I look forward to meeting up with old friends and meeting new ones. Fly fishing brings friends from all over the world closer, and the thought of another up coming Steelhead season fast approaching, I can't help but be thankful and feel fortunate that I live so close to some of the best Steelhead fishing in the world.

It is really true British Columbia is the best place on earth. till later ( Big Red )


May 25 / 2008

Well just a little hello to say that I am still around. The rivers are in full runoff right now. Hot weather is melting the snow fast, and at the present rate we will have more flooding this year. The Bulkley is being re-born again as are most rivers, what I mean by being re-born is that the rivers are moving gravel around forming new channels, filling in some holes and dredging new ones. I will be out scouting for channels the Steelhead will hold in as well as the travelling lanes, some time around the middle of August. I am optimistic that this Steelhead season will be better then last.

I think I may take my pontoon boat to a local lake and fish for some Rainbows in a week or so, I am not really into fishing for trout but the fresh air and relaxing solitude will be good for my soul. Till later. ( Big Red )



May 18 / 2008

Well I guess some of you were wondering how we made out on the Kitimat River. Not so good, Steelhead fishing was going great on the 13th, and the rivers were clear, but when we arrived on Friday the 16th, the Kitimat was in full Spring run off. For many past years the river has been low and clean around the middle of May, but not this year. A heavy snow pack and a hot spell greeted our arrival. We also heard that a second log jam had formed on the Kitimat River and blocked the whole width of the river. The boats were never unloaded, as it was even to rough for a sight-seeing float.

We camped over night and I stayed for lunch the next day and headed home stopping at a couple of feeder creeks to the Skeena River. The Skeena River was well into Spring run off but there were a few feeder creeks that were very clean. I was hoping to find some Steelhead at these feeder creeks but not so. I did hook a lot of trout in these creeks, which in it's self was fun. Black Bears were spotted frequently around these creeks.

I have settled in to tying flies again, and look forward to a good Chinook season starting around the end of June.

For your information I have not and will not be around for live voice chat, and if you need to talk at me, please e-mail me. I will be available on Skype near the end of June. Tight lines everyone. Till later.




April 14 / 2008

I don't know about you but I am already excited about the up coming fall Steelhead fishing. After suffering from a bad flu bug this Spring and a stay at the local hospital, I am up and running again. I got way behind in fly tying, which I have to make up.
One of our members ( Sandy ) stopped by to pick up some flies on his way to fly fish the Kallum, and Copper Rivers.
Some time this year Sandy should send me some pictures of his trip, which I will post. Good luck Sandy.

Reports are the fishing is good, and it does not appear that the numbers of Steelhead showing indicates any real abnormal weakness in the runs. The lower numbers over the last couple of years still appears to be part of the Steelhead's, natural, normal cycle, and for now I think the doom and gloom fishers should keep their mouths shut. I really get annoyed listening to these guys crying because they can not catch and kill Steelhead. Plenty of Salmon if thats their only interest.

Once I get some strength back, and some flies tied, I plan to make a couple of trips to the coast myself. The rivers are starting to flow and in most places the rivers are open with ice still on the shore line, which will start to move when the rivers rise. Most rivers will be in full runoff by the end of May. Till later ( BIg Red )

++++ NOTE +++++ a number of quality water meeting have taken place and there will be changes to the 2010 - 2011 fishing regulations. Here are some web sites that will help you understand what is going on presently. www.gottrout.com - - http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/ske/qws/ and download Skeena Watershed Angling Data Summary.

For information, public meeting dates and Working Group nomination forms, visit the Skeena Quality Waters Strategy website http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/ske/qws/ or contact:

Ministry Of Environment
PO Box 5000, 3726 Alfred Avenue
Smithers, B.C. Canada VOJ 2NO
Telephone ( 250 ) 847-7260

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



March 2 / 2008


Well Winter is all but over, the snow has been melting for two weeks now and bare ground and grass are starting to appear. Some rivers will show signs of Spring run off, other will be finished by the end of the month, and will show signs of Steelhead staging to spawn. My first trip will probably be around the end of March to around the middle of April.

The rivers are all closed inland until the middle of June, but the Steelhead do not show here until the middle of August. On the coast you can fly fish for both Winter and Summer run Steelhead all year that the rivers stay free of ice. Travelling to the coast to fly fish will cost more this year with gas prices on the rise again. I will be more active on the blog from August to the end of December again, but I will report any fly fishing activities I undertake. Till later ( Big Red )



January 6 / 2008

Hi to all, I hope everyone had a great holiday. I am very busy at the bench tying and looking forward to the 2008 Steelhead season. It would be nice to see members getting more involved with the site. I am sure that most of you have a lot to offer. Although it is the middle of Winter here and flyfishing is not possible, I know that a lot of you are enjoying warmer weather with the opportunity to get out and toss a fly or two. I would be nice to hear how you are doing. Thanks to all that submitted flies for the contest, a lot of great art work and practical working flies were received. Till later ( Big Red )

December 31 / 2007

Well friends the Bulkley is now froze over, and I have cleaned my fly rods and lines and treated them, and put them away for the Winter. I like to think that with extra care my equipment will continue to do the job for me when needed the most. It has been a great year, meeting lots of fly fishers from all over the world. I have made a lot of new friends and want to wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. Till 2008 ( Big Red )



December 24 / 2007

Yesterday and today I managed to get on the river. Yesterday I hooked and landed two nice Steelhead Bucks. A cold wind chill did not make it safe to take the fish out of the water as I released them. Today I tried to fish but a slush on the water prevented the fly from sinking, so hopefully I may get another chance before the end of December, when the rivers will be closed for the season. A strong wind made it difficult to cast, but it did open up a slot along the ice as you can see. Here are a few pictures from today on the river. Since this may be my last bog for the year, all the best to each and everyone of you, and your families. I will be adding some thing to the site over the Winter, when I take a break now and again away from the bench. ( Big Red )





It is hard to believe you can get days like this on the Bulkley River near the end of
December, but in fact it has always been a tradition for me to fly fish around Christmas.


The Old Man Winter does not always agree but it is nice to have the it available.



Besides just being out there is reward enough.

















There was not very much water along the ice and casting to water the Steelhead were holding in was fine, but the line stayed on top of the slush.


Yeasterday on the 23rd the slush was not there.








Till later ( BIg Red )








December 8 / 2007


The deep freeze continues here in Telkwa, it does not look good for wetting a line this month, but I still keep my fly rod handy and hope. It is a good time for those members who have not yet customized their profiles to do so now. It adds a little more class to the site. I was promised a lot of pictures and I have only received a few to date. If any body is fly fishing, why not let us know how your days are going. Till later ( Big Red )

December 1 / 2007

It was very cold last night, at -23c, a little disheartening seeing the ice building up on the river. Well it is what it is, and if it warms up enough some time this month to get a couple of days on the river it would be a bonus. In the mean time I continue to stock my fly bench and have started tying for the Winter.





As you can see my bench is a mess, but it will probably be this way or even worse until Spring.


I still have stock coming in so things will not get any better as I try to find some place to put every thing and yet remember where everything is, and still keep it handy.


I have received a number of flies for the contest ending this month, unfortunately they do not qualify. To qualify for the contest they must be tied on at least a 1/0 hook.

You still have time to get your flies in, so act soon.


Till later ( Big Red )





























November 29 / 2007

I don't know about you but I would sure love to be fishing. It remains cold and I remain at the bench. Its so cold out side that one would certainly freeze ones oysters. lol I still hope to get out in December if it warms up. We do usually get some warm weather in December, just hope the river is still open. If I do get out I will add it to my blog. If any of you are getting in some fly fishing would love to hear from you. It would certainly help me keep my sanity over the Winter. Till later ( Big Red )

November 18 / 2007

A light dusting of snow this morning. The morning temperature was -3c, so I watched and waited to see the temperature rise to 0c. I was then off to the river. I had only a few hours before it started to get dark. The first run produced a nice bright hen about 26 inches. I worked the water fast looking for any aggressive fish. At the tail out I thought I would get into another but nothing. I quickly jumped in my truck and headed for another run. It was 4pm now and I was down to my last few casts. I cold feel the air getting cooler and my line was now hanging straight down after what I said would be my last cast. To get every thing out of it and keep my fly in the water as long as possible, I lightly danced the fly when it was taken hard. A hen flew out of the water, jumping three times, it wasn't very big but lots of energy. I released her at my leg, she may have been a 24 inch Steelhead. The air felt really cool now so I headed home. We are to get a cold snap for the coming days, so I will be back when it warms. I could fish in -3 or 4c but it is difficult always chipping the ice of the eyes of the rod, also brittle rods could end up in a break. Most of my Winter fly tying materials are in, so the time off will give me a chance to get my bench in order and fully stocked for January. Till later ( Big Red )

November 17 / 2007

I did drop a line in the water today, from noon until about 4pm. It was a nice day, +3c and the water temperature was sitting at 37.1 F. The clarity of the water is very good.



All the conditions were there to indicate that I would hook into some Steelhead today, but I never touched a fish.

I am not going to second guess what the problem was today, thats just Steelheading. Some days are like the one I had today. I have had many days where I have not touched a fish and other days when I hook and loose fish, and then there are the great days when you can get into many fish.

I had a good outing today and enjoyed the wildlife seeing lots of ducks , 4 Bald Eagles and one Mule Deer Buck. The Mule Deer should still be in the rut right now.

Being on the river is not just about hooking into Steelhead, although it would have been nice, maybe tomorrow.

Its all part of the game. Till Later ( Big Red )





November 13 / 2007

I was biting at the bit to get back on the river, and today was going to be the day, that is according to the weather forecast. My plan would be to get my wife two cups of coffee in bed, and then hope she would get up and dig the truck out of the snow, and if I was really lucky see may even warm it up for me. It was all coming together as I suited up in the basement, and I was off, love you I shouted as I closed the door behind me. For once the weather forecast was right on after a cold night at -4c.

It was a clear day, and the temperature outside was around +3, anything above or at 0c was perfect for this time of year. Lots of Mallard Ducks were fling up and down the river, in one flock there had to be over 100, and for a moment I thought back 30 years when I used to hunt these great birds. A couple of Bald Headed Eagles were spotted hoping to get lucky.
My attention was quickly brought back to the chore at hand as I felt a tug on the line. It was a fish for sure as I was using an intermediate sink tip and have fished this run long enough to know that my fly was not on bottom.

The clarity of the river had improved some, but it was still not what I would like it to be. The water may look blue in the picture mostly from the reflection. I could see the bottom in about three feet of water.

I ran into a friend of mine, who asked if I wanted to go for a ride as he was just launching his Zodiac, I thought why not.
The first run we stopped at Bruce waded in and I walked up river to fish the bottom of a ripple that deepened with large structure. Tap, tap, then nothing. A few casts and 25 feet down river I cast out and brought the fly into the deeper water between some large sunken rocks, as I was retrieving the fly the line suddenly tightened but there was hit, it was like the fly was caught on the bottom, but i knew better and I struck. Yes fish on, as it moved slowly away, it then stopped and shook its head a couple of times and was gone. &^&&%$$ 1 for 12, not doing well, not my fault I thought, I know it is very difficult to get a good hook set when they just suck in the fly. It will take a little for water clarity to get good strikes, and with the colder night this will come soon enough. I took the water temperature, which read 35.9 F, no wonder I thought these fish are a little lethargic with this cold water and it will take them a while to adapt. We they do I will be on them. Till later ( Big Red )


November 9 / 2007

Well mother nature was in a foul mood last night dumping more snow on us. I was on the river while it continued to snow. It is warm enough to start melting again. The clarity of the river is down again, but I managed to hit two Steelhead today.


I did not hit any fish on the run shown here, but later in the day on an other run. The water clarity makes you present the fly almost straight down river to the fish.

The result being very soft takes, and generally they pick the fly up and then let go. You feel the line get heavy, at which time you have to strike hard and hope the hook finds its mark. Out of the last nine Steelhead I have hooked this week I have only landed one.

I plan on giving the river a few days to rest and hope that the weather will get colder, so that the river will clear up a little. Most of you are probably taking in the rays and walking around in tee shirts, but a dedicated Steelheader like myself gets to enjoy the river without the pressures of fishing runs that are fished on a daily basis, like during the month of September. As soon as the river clears a little the Steelhead will be able to see the fly from a distance and the hard hits will return. So check in once in awhile, and I will report when I return to the river, in the mean why not find a page on the site and contribute a little, I would love to see something from the members. Now I think its time to curl up by a warm fire with the dog and just take in some r&r. Till later. ( Big Red )

November 7 / 2007

Today the weather was much better,and yesterdays rain had reduced the clarity of the river. Since the Steelhead could not see a fly vary far away, the fly presentation had to be much slower. I found 4 fish today, only getting some head shakes from them, none of them however broke the surface. I fished from 11:00 am until 2pm. Tomorrow I am off to do some town stuff, but will be back on the water Friday. It is going to be colder tonight which should bring the river back to what it was the other day. Even with the latest snow fall melt and the rain, the Bulkley river continues to drop.

Check in Friday evening for an update on how we make out Friday. I sure would like to see some of your pictures and a little story about your trip to B.C. Till later ( Big Red )
November 6 / 2007

Most of the snow we received has gone from the warm weather and rain that followed. The river remains high but with good clarity. I gave my wife a ride to her meeting at 1pm and was on the water by 1:30. It was raining lightly. After about 10 minutes I continued to cast a fly to wards the shore line at structure that I knew was there and may be holding Steelhead. The first hit I had was as the fly drifted down stream and away from the shore.

In the middle of the picture you can see an old log that had wedged its self on the bank under an old Cottonwood, the butt end that was in the water, was wedged up against two medicine ball size rocks.
The rocks usually held a Steelhead or two, but with this extra structure causing a surface ripple there could be more.
My cast landed above this log and sank and drifted down river. I didn't have to mend down river as there was a good current. The Demon Dancer was now hanging straight down when all hell broke loose. It was a small Buck for sure as it held its ground and thrashed at the top of the water, only to come free after a few moments.

It was exciting for sure, as I carried on down river without a touch. The Steelhead were hungry and they were hitting the fly hard, so it was just a matter of hanging on.

As I approached a full set of rocks near shore that normally made them selves visible were now under the water. High water fishing is the most exciting Steelhead fishing you will find. This can not be possible if you are determined to cast out into the river as far as you can. A light sink tip or dry line is the only way to present a fly properly to Steelhead that are holding in a foot of water. I didn't pick up anything in the normal spot, but a cast to a rock just off shore produced another nice Buck that took off down river only to stop before taking any backing. He trashed and rolled and he too came loose.

I was sure that I was hooking these fish in the nose, and like many times before it is very difficult to keep a barb less hook in their nose when they thrash and roll.


This picture shows the rock that this guy was holding behind. My fly was presented to this guy down the little seam between the rock and shore.

A little further down river a Steelhead
boiled the top of the water as it took off from behind a smaller rock, guess I was a little to close and he had seen me.

So far as I continued to fish down river I had made only about a dozen cast out into the river to about 10 o'clock. I had noticed that it was not raining when I had hit both these fish.

As I neared the tailout the river was high enough to run over and to the outside of a gravel bar creating a nice faster sleeve on the outside of it. On this cast I laid a 40' cast out into the river and brought the fly into this sleeve, as I did so, it was time for a smoke break. I had just lit it when the fly was slammed so hard it almost ripped the rod out of my right hand. The reel screamed as I tried unintentionally to slow it down by banging my hand against the reel handle, as this caused to much instant pain I stopped, and so did this Buck. He was down playing the same game thrashing and rolling in one spot, he was big, at least in the very high 30 inch maybe 40, and had already taken me into my backing. I could see some pink, but lots of silver, this was a bright fish and big. I tried to do everything right but after 10 minutes he too was gone. It was just one of those days, I sure would have liked to get a picture of that one. It started raining harder now and it was 4pm, and as well a light fog was rolling in. Enough for today. If the river holds with this rain, tomorrow is another day. Till later ( Big Red )



November 5 / 2007

We received a little more snow last night, and its still snowing now.
Does this mean that the Steelhead season is over? No the river remains open and in fact it should clear up even more. Access to the river may be a little harder, but as long as it stays warm, that is 0 or above fishing will be good. Today is out, as my wife has yet to shovel the driveway and dig out the truck. This means fishing for the day is on hold, maybe tomorrow I can get out, after all my wife Jaqui does not like to be pressured.

This picture was taken off my back porch. Talk to you tomorrow. Till later ( Big Red )

November 4 / 2007

It is a great day, sun is out and the snow we got last night is about 1 inch, and roads are clear. After church today, ( wink, wink ) I decided not to fish, but to take some time off and watch the world PBR World Finals. Get my gear ready for tomorrow. The river has dropped a little more and is clearer, so a gear change is required, lighter lines and brighter flies for tomorrow if the conditions stay the same. Ruby's Rage should be a good choice or the Scarlet Dancer can work it majic tomorrow. Till later ( Big Red )

November 3 / 2007

I got up this morning and noticed thru half opened eyes that it was snowing, it was wet snow and had not accumulated on the ground. I decided to have coffee and breakfast before heading out. I arrived at a local run, to find one fly fisher there, he was casting a spey. I was already dressed so I grabbed my rod and stepped in up river well behind him. I didn't know if he had fished the water or not.

I watched him cast, as he stood waist deep in the water. He was casting a good spey, doing the best he could to throw it as far as he could. 3/4 the way thru each drift he was on the bottom, so he would reload and go thru the whole process again. I watched as he worked down river about thirty feet from shore. He never once threw a fly to any holding fish, in fact he was walking right thru them. I had seen enough, I reeled in my line and decided to try another run.

He had said this was his l9th season fishing Steelhead here, I bit my lip and did not say what I thought, and that was 19 years and you have learnt nothing.

The next run I stopped at was vacant, and I enjoyed smacking into two nice fish. Both fish were small Bucks and did not really challenge me at all. It snowed most of the time, but I was dressed extra warm. I called it an early day again. The river was clearer, and reports are that the Morice was clear. A day or two more the Skeena should be fishable and thats were I may find some big fish. It is snowing hard and heavy right now, so we'll see what it looks like in the morning. Till later ( Big Red )




November 2 / 2007

This morning I got up had my two cups of coffee and pack of smokes, breakfast of champions. It was snowing lightly and there was a thin blanket of snow on the ground. The air temperature was +2 c. I was meeting Ruben from the fly shop to fish a few hours before he went into work. While Ruben was still putting on his waders I was into a nice Buck that hit hard and took me about 30 yards into my backing. I was using the same hook up as yesterday. I had cast into the shore and mended the line down river and as the fly settled straight down I danced the fly a little as I retrieved and it was taken hard, I quickly fed the line back that I had taken in, really not much of a choice, and as soon as I was on the reel I set the hook. The big Buck didn't like that one bit and quickly took more line. Ruben took a couple of pictures and with a tape the Buck was 35", not a bad start to the day.


It was still snowing a little, but it was wet and the thin blanket of snow that was on the ground this morning was already gone. A little cold on the hands handling the fish, but well worth any pain.

Ruben was ready to fish and stepped in and was casting a spey, I noticed he had chosen the wrong line as he was hung up on the bottom a lot. This is a very common mistake, and a waste of time, which I kindly pointed out to him. I carried on down river and minutes later a cast towards shore again produced a couple of bumps I knew were not involved with the bottom. I stopped moving down river and repeated several casts in the same location and received no response. A stubborn Scot I continued to work the water in the general area that I knew now contained a fish. I danced and retrieved until I received another hard hit and with a quick hook set produced a bright hen that exploded out of the water making her presence know. From up river I heard Ruben say something in my direction, something that went like this, ^%$ - *&$^%# - *(&%#. Since this is a clean site, I can't repeat the words.

A few minutes later a smaller Hen posed for these pictures.




Ruben was not having much success and I let him use one of my rods with a type 3 sink tip, but it was time for him to head out to the fly shop.

I continued on down river after he left and I did not hit anything the rest of the run. I fished it quickly as I was going to call it a day soon.



I carried on to the next run, I laid a cast out into the river about 60' and let the fly swing into the slower water.

There was a bump, then nothing, I danced and retrieved the fly towards me when it stopped, instantly I hooked the fish and it was off with a couple of good cartwheels.

I had played this game before without success, but I held on. I got the bright Hen close and had the leader and was trying to get a picture of her in the water, but I got this and then nothing as she returned the Demon Dancer back to me unharmed.



It was 2pm now and these old, cold, bones had had enough for the day.


I know some how tomorrow morning I will drag my fat %^$# out of bed have my breakfast of champions and be back on the water.

It is a hard life for an old retired Scot, but I will grin and bare it as best I can. LOL


Take care, tight lines. ( Big Red )
















November 1 / 2007

Well it has been a couple of weeks of itching to get back in the water. After the heavy rains and the melting snow, the rivers are starting to come back. Yesterday I fished two hours and hooked one small 24" Buck. The clarity was one foot. Today, the clarity was two and a half feet with the water temperature at 39.9 f. I fished about three hours today before the winds came up and I stopped. I am going to take a dinner break and then I will be back with some pictures and details on how the day went. See you in a couple of hours. Time is 16:47 ( Big Red )

Well back to you, I didn't hit the river until 10:30 this morning, a rather slow start to the day, but there is nobody out on the river except for a couple of fly fishers here and there. Since I could see about 21/2 feet into the river I waded out to my waist so that I could face down stream and cast too 10 and 2 o'clock. I was using a type 4 sink tip at a sink rate of 4.25 ips and a 3/0 Demon Dancer tied on a Bartleet Traditional hook. I thought that this would put the fly about one too two feet above the bottom and easily seen by the now very hungry Steelhead.

The water was not very clear, but this fly has proven to be very successful in these conditions, and the Steelhead are certainly not shy when it comes to attacking a large fly.

Some of you will know the run I was fishing by the picture below.
I had fished the run early in the year, but had not gone back because of the fishing pressure it received through September and October.

The run had fished well during high water right through. It is again loaded with fish and as the water clears it will do even better. I expect to find fish in all my favorite runs if the weather holds and the river continues to drop and clear.



As you can see there is not much in the way of green and the river is swollen but full of very hungry and aggressive Steelhead, and the best part of it all. I am mostly alone on the runs.

I have at least two months of fishing in the upper waters before it closes for the season.


I can not predict what mother nature will throw at us here, but we take what we get and like it, or not.

I met a fellow from Vancouver on the river today, he said it was his second day and has a week left to fish. He is one of the lucky ones as the fly fishers that have been here over the last two weeks have had it very difficult if not impossible to find fish.



I had not been fishing very long as I made a cast towards the bank, mended down river and executed the butterfly, as the fly was hanging straight down river off the bottom a bow appeared in my fly line just in front of the tip of my rod. I watched as it started to carry my line out into deeper water until it reached my fly, which had now drifted out into deeper water also, then with a sudden pull on my trigger finger a fish broke the surface and was off across the river with the reel screaming
as it smacked my knuckle a couple of times to remind me to stay clear of it.
It was a Hen for sure as she cleared the water by at least three feet with another run to follow. She jump three more times and threw in a cart wheel, trying to throw the hook.

After about fifteen minutes I had her reeled in close enough to get a hold on my 10' tippet, but thought I would get a picture while she was still in the water, she was a bright fish about 30" I estimated, but I got a little bit of her shown here. but that was the last I saw of her. I quietly thanked her as I prepared to cast again.



She appears only in the top corner of this picture.

I fished down the run and reached the tail out. I laid a cast above some structure I had spotted when the water was lower and as the Demon drifted by the line got heavy and I stuck hard. The water boiled and a Buck held its ground and thrashed the water with power, as we played tug a war for a few minutes, but he let go. I don't' think I had really hooked him, he just held on until he decided it was not worth the trouble.

I finished fishing the tail out and carried on to the next run. It fished well at high water in early September, but not in lower water. My first cast swung over the ripples and into about 5 feet of water, bump, bump, then nothing, and nothing on the retrieve. I knew there was nothing that the fly should have hit going through that part of the run, so the run through the same water was called for. About half way through the drift, I decided to strip in a little line and give the Demon a little dancing action hoping it would produce a strike, just then a fish hit the fly hard, I struck hard, not once but twice, this time I was going to make sure it felt the sting. She did, and she let me know right away with a tail walking jump and a cart wheel, oh &*%$ no she was still there as the reel screamed once again. It took my about twenty minutes to bring her in close. A 33" hen, slim but fit and very strong. The wind was coming up, so I decided to call it a day, but I will be on the river tomorrow, as we are back in business. These last pictures are of the 33" Hen, a great day back on the river for sure.


Its Great to be back. Till Later ( Big Red )







October 24 / 2007
Sad but true, all the rivers are out because of the resent storm. The Bulkley is up 3 feet and is muddy. I will report when the Bulkley is again fishable. till later ( Big Red )

October 23 / 2007

Things are a lot different then the picture below shows. Heavy rains followed by a sudden snow storm have put fly fishing on hold. Swollen creeks as the snow melts make fly fishing more difficult. Hopes are that things will get back to normal. I expect the snow to melt, the weather to get colder and the rivers will clear and drop. It is getting harder to predict what mother nature will throw at us next. This snow storm is not normal. If I ever get back to the rivers, and expect that I will you will get an update on the conditions. till later ( Big Red )

October 21 / 2007

The fishing in the Bulkley has started to pick up, the river temperature is 43.9f which is a good temperature for the river. The Skeena river is a little colder at 43.2f. Both rivers are still on the high side, but dropping. The clarity of both rivers has improved over the last three days. The Steelhead taken by me over the last few days are on the small side at around 25 to 27 inches. The weather is reasonable for late October.



We should get into some nice Steelhead if the weather continues to hold and the rivers stay clear.

The river is no longer crowded with fly fishers and this may be part of the reason fewer fly fishers are now starting to take more fish.

All indications are the Bulkley run Stealhead are continuing to enter the river, and the next few weeks will tell us if the numbers are up, down or about average.






Till later ( Big Red )






October 18 / 2007

This morning Peter and I took his jet boat to the Morice River. As we launched there was a very light frost on the ground.



I only live a short 45 minute drive from the Morice River but this was only my second time there in 20 years. Why?, well first off the Skeena and Bulkley are much better and easier rivers to fish and access is much easier also.

It is not to say that the Morice is not a good river to fish because it is. The river is spectacular, and wild. I find the river to be absent of structure for fish to hold in compared to other rivers. The Morice is usually crystal clear, and has what looks like excellent runs, but these runs are absent of big rocks.

You can waste a lot of time fishing dead water. There are little pockets of structure you must look for and when you find them you will contact Steelhead very quickly.


It is an excellent river to drift, but there are some tricky little canyons, and some very dangerous ones as well. It is best you do this with someone that has drifted it or get info from them.

As we headed up river from 27k although cold, it was going to be a beautiful day weather wise.



Navigating this river with a jet boat should not be done by the inexperienced. The river splits into many back channels and may be blocked by a fallen tree, even the main channel can be blocked.

Trees are the most common hazard when navigating the Morice with a jet boat.

Caution should also be used when walking in the area of the river while fishing. The Morice has a large population of Grizzly Bears, especially when they are feeding on Salmon.

There is an abundant population of wildlife, including Moose, Deer, wolves, as well as the small critters.







Peter an I hooked into a few Steelhead and Bull Trout, but with high water it was difficult to find many of the pockets that were holding fish. The Morice like all the rivers this year had changed considerably because of the extreme run off this last Summer. It was more of a scouting expedition while we waited for the other rivers to drop and clear up a bit.


Over all it was a good day to be on the river, although I consider it a good day anytime I get a chance to be on the river and catching fish is just a bonus.

It may be awhile before I get back on the Morice again, maybe next year, but when I do I will always enjoy doing so with a good fishing buddy.

The Morice Steelhead pass through the Skeena River and Bulkley on their way home, and arrive there in numbers by the end of September.

It is a river that must be seen if you are in the area, as beautiful and spectacular as it is, it still has not made my list as one of the best Steelhead Rivers, just because of the absent of good structure for Steelhead.
There are many that may disagree with my comments and do very well fishing Steelhead on the Morice, but they should spend a day or two with me on the Bulkley or my favorite of all time the Skeena.

Till later ( Big Red )




October 17 / 2007


Although I have not been fishing since the 13th, I thought I would let you know that I will be fishing on the Morice tomorrow and will report on that trip shortly after. I would like to again thank you all for the e-mails it was great meeting some new fly fishers. The season is far from over here if the weather holds. The Skeena, and Kispiox were out because of rain, and the Bulkley lower was not looking that great. We need some colder weather so the rivers will clear up and drop. Check out the new page at the bottom of the Navigation Search on this site, maybe you have pictures and a story to add. Till later ( Big Red )

October 13 / 2007

Thanks for sending in this picture Mr Baker, what a great fish.

Randy and I explored some Skeena River runs today. It rained on and off all morning until heavy winds forced us to stop fishing.

I hooked onto a monster but the excitement was short lived as the reel stopped screaming and the line went slack. We had worn out our welcome anyway, and the piles of Grizzly Bear scat lined up along the gravel bar like fence posts daring us to cross, served as a warning that this was private property.
Osprey and Bald Eagles were seen ripping Chum Salmon apart on the gravel bar another sign winter was not far off.
The clarity of the river had deteriorated over night as heavy rain had turned some creeks muddy and the Skeena was now showing it.
The Skeena River had undergone some big changes during the summer flood, and some new interesting runs will challenge us if the river clears up and all the leaves are off the trees and not a distraction for the Steelhead. It will be at that time that a well presented fly will be attacked at high impact by Steelhead, but for now, it is time to take some time away from the river and get things buttoned up around the yard for the oncoming Winter.

I will be back at the blog as soon as that day comes, but before I go I want to thank all my old friends and new friends for all the great days on the river. Some friends were missed this year but we will always stay in touch and exchange some interesting stories until we meet again. A special thanks for the Two Rivers Lodge's Jane and Lawrence for inviting me to their BQ's where I always enjoy meeting new friends and reuniting with old ones. To Neil for a great day on the river, you toss a nice fly, maybe next time round I will have more time to fish a few more days with you. Thanks to all the fly fishers that picked up BRFB Flies, I hope you have enjoyed and had the success I have with them.

Also to the wild bunch Peter, Paul and Mary, lol seriously, Matt, Paul, Peter, and Mike, you have left your mark on Telkwa, as well as Highway all the way from Telkwa to Smithers, lol and I enjoyed meeting you and your passion for fly fishing for Steelhead, thanks until we meet again on the river. I hope your gals enjoy the gifts.

Remember members, this site is for you to use and enjoy, so I hope to see some interesting things over the Winter. Check in from time to time, cause I don't think I can stay away from the rivers for very long. Thanks again, till later ( Big Red )


October 12 / 2007

As some of you may already know the Bulkley has been slow, but had you fished the upper Bulkley three weeks ago you would have found fish. The Morice run moved up river early because of high water, and they are now in the Morice and it is fishing good, except the river is higher then normal for this time of year. If you want the Morice fish then head up there, but if you are interested in bright hard hitting Steelhead then fish the lower Bulkley, and the Skeena River. I have not had any reports from the Babine or Kispiox, but I am sure for the amount of fly fishers they are fair.

I fished the Skeena today and plan on being there again tomorrow. We touched two Steelhead today, and some good 3 to 4 pound Dolly Varden. The Skeena is clearing up after the heavy rains early in the week. It is still higher then normal as are all the rivers. If you are fishing the Skeena look for Steelhead close to shore, in one to three feet of water. Here are some pictures of the Skeena. Till later ( Big Red )


October 11 / 2007

For any of you that are fishing the Bulkley River you know how tough the fishing has been. The river today had cleared up, and the river is also dropping. I fished the river hard today, and managed to touch only two fish. The Bulkley is fishing a little better on the lower end, as the Bulkley run has not yet taken a strong hold on the middle and upper Bulkley. I have time to wait them out but those of you that have travelled a long way may not. My advise is to fish the lower Bulkley. The rivers banks are lined with fly fishers from all over the world some with guides but most without. I am going to check out the Skeena river tomorrow, just maybe there will be some Steelhead there. The Bulkley is virtually dead right now, and it the same every year, some times the gap between the Morice run and run are not as distinct as this year, mostly do the high water during the Morice run. You just have to love the fall colours, the wild life and just plain fresh air. It has been windy and wet as the trees drop their leaves. The leaves are a problem and may spook fish as they sink and tumble along the bottom and sometimes mid current. I hear lots of thoughts as to why the fishing is really slow, but plain and simple the Steelhead are just not here. I will take some pictures of the Skeena and some of the runs we do tomorrow and with any luck maybe a fish or two.. Till later ( Big Red )

October 9 / 2007

I got back on the river today after a day off. It rained all day, river is up a little but clarity still ok. I never touched anything today, but that certainly isn't news. If the rains continue the Bulkley and other rivers may get a little dirty, but lets hope not. Lower Bulkley has been producing some bright fish but it is still spotty. I am going to be off again tomorrow, and see if I can get some reports from fly fishers. The Bulkley Steelhead are moving up river and should be showing around Smithers soon. As long as the river stays high the fishing is going to be tough. Although I hate to say it, you may have to get deeper with your fly, or fish the shore line. Till later ( Big Red )

October 7 / 2007

It rained hard last night and most of the creeks feeding the Bulkley came up a little and ran some muddy water into the Bulkley River. The clarity was still very good. Things picked up a little to with the showing of some new Steelhead. Some Chrome Hens have been taken in the last two days, as well as some bigger Bulkley Bucks. `

Even I was blessed with a nice Chrome Bulkley Hen about 10 pounds, and I almost got a picture of her. I was leading her with about two feet of tippet from the fly and as I slid her around in front of me I scrambled to get my digital camera out and turned on when she spun around a couple of time and the hook slid out, she hesitates for a moment, then realized she was free and in a shot she was gone. These Chrome Hens just absolutely slam the fly, heeeeeeeha! I had a couple of other interesting jabs taken at my fly but didn't hook up any more.
It was very windy in the morning so I managed to put in an afternoon shift. A cool breeze came up on and off during late afternoon. The mountains had received a little more new snow over night. The Ski runs already showing white in the left hand side of the picture. Here are two of the runs I fished this afternoon and evening.


Plans are, that I will check out a little more river in the am.
Weather forecast is for some light rain and dropping to around -1c overnight.

I will spent most of the next two weeks fishing with friends, and just maybe we will be lucky enough to get a few good pictures of some bright Steelhead, but then don't you just enjoy the scenery pic. lol


The next picture is a hole so now named 9 hole, referred to by some friends, so I thought it was fitting to refer to hit from now on as 9 Hole.

So if you are now fishing or you are planning to shorty it is looking a lot better then it has for the last two weeks.




This was the last run for the day, and it is where I picked up the nice hen and a couple of other interested parties.
All for now, I will try to up date you as often as I can. Till later ( Big Red )

















October 6 / 2007

It was warmer this morning as we set out again. The water temperature was 43.6 a degree cooler then yesterday. No reports of any Bulkley Steelhead showing yet. We continue to pick up small Morice fish like this small Hen.

Reports from all over are somewhat pessimistic. I don't know what the fly fishers expect, it has always been slow at this time of year, but always picks up closer to the middle of October. I am a little concerned that the numbers may be down this year, but we will know a little more by the end of October. I was fishing a subsurface fly today, and a Herring Gull spotted it while flying past and swooped down and plucked my fly from the water. I took it from the gull about five times until I reeled my line in and held the fly until the gull left, stupid bird I thought.
Very few fish are being hooked along the Bulkley, maybe the rains tonight will change things up. I remain optimistic that the Steelhead will show later this month. After a few days this week I plan on a trip to the Skeena, maybe things will look better there. It is too bad that some fly fishers that have travelled from great distances to fish these Steelhead rivers are finding the fishing tough, but thats part of Steelhead fishing and most of them know and expect this. Till later ( Big Red )


October 5 / 2007

Again this morning we had a light frost on the windshield of the truck. The skies were overcast with a forecast of a mix of weather. It didn't rain in the Valley but a light, gusting, North Wind impeded some casts. We had more Steelhead pecking at the fly on occasions, probably Bucks which by now outnumber any hard hitting aggressive Hens. I hope soon I can report an exceptional day, but today was not bad at all. It was great exercise, and the colours are spectacular at this time of year. We saw a Buck Mule deer break out of the bush across the river in a panic like his tail was on fire, but more then likely was eluding a wood be hunter. We saw Bald Eagles and an Osprey. To complete another great day on the river, John landed a nice little Buck on the articulated Luis' Popsicle Clown. It will be nice tomorrow if the North Winds die down as I think my nose took in a little frost bite today.




Taking a closer look at this fish, somehow from the time it was hooked until it was landed the hook appears to have changed positions, as if the hook came out and then re-hooked again under the eye. This guy must have really been pissed at this fly.

This Steelhead was released quickly and took off with as much power as he had arrived, with no harm done other then a little scratch on his cheek and maybe on his ego.
Nice fish John.

Till later ( Big Red )







October 4 / 2007

Well it has been a couple of days since I last updated this page. I did not fish the 2 as I was totally bagged. Fishing is very tough. Although we have been finding some fish they have eluded capture. The run of Steelhead going through to the Morice has thinned out. I hope that it is only a pause in the run. Wed. the weather was good, a light frost welcomed us in the morning. Matt, Steve and I hit about a half dozen Steelhead that day, reels screaming, yet only one broke the surface, but all dropped the fly.
I know it is only a matter of time before we find some fish that we can manage to hang onto, but right now it very tough to even find fish. I could guess as to why they have suddenly disappeared, but I really don't have an answer. There are a number of possibilities. I know from past years this has happened before on a regular basis. My advise is just keep doing every thing right and they will come. If the weather holds we still have three months of Steelheading in the Bulkley valley. The rivers are choked with fly fishers and that may be the biggest problem that will diminish with colder weather.


This morning we hit the river at 8am, it had rained all night, but we were surprised to find the river was still clear although it did rise an inch or two. It rained off and on through out the day. By noon I gave up, I had not toughed a fish. I left Matt and Steve to thrash the river.
I will be back and try again, maybe checking out a few more places that may have a few fish that have not been attacked by the hoards of fly fishermen.

The reports that I have been getting from the different rivers does not differ much from what is happening on the Bulkley. There are Steelhead being found but not many.

I will continue to update this page, but it may not be on a daily basis if I am away. So keep your chin up, enjoy the outdoors, it is not all about hooking Steelhead every day, although in a perfect world it would suit us all just fine. Tight lines, till later ( Big Red )



October 1 / 2007

I woke at 6am to BEEP!BEEP!BEEP!BEEP! bloody hell, what's that? It was my alarm clock. I usually wake up before the alarm goes off when I am heading out on the river, but not this morning. At about 0745 I headed out to my first stop which is only 5 minutes from my place. There was a cold breeze coming from the North. I arrived to find the boys from Michigan already spaced out on the run. They had just stopped to fish an hour before picking up the rental drift boat at Mcbikes and doing a drift for the day. I decided to finish my coffee and watch and chat it up with them as we had done on and off for a few days. Paul second from the lead hit a small doe that took off across the river in a couple of early morning jumps. They stopped for a few minutes before heading out, Paul, Mat, Mike and Peter all avid fly fishers seemed like very decent lads, although they seemed to have their wild moments.

After they left I started at the top of the run, and was very thankful when the sun rose at my back, the chilly wind coming from the North was coming off the Hudson Bay Mountain that was now covered in a new blanket of snow. I picked up two small hens myself before moving on to another run. I did not touch a fish and decided to call it another early day, and try my luck tomorrow. It is the first time that this much snow has shown on the mountain, hope thats's not a bad sign.





September 30 / 2007

After a day off I checked out the water shown behind Allen's picture shown below on the 28th, on the other side of the river. My partner hit one on the second cast but just did not strike at it. I lost one also. I just fished a couple of hours, the water temperature was recorded at 48.8 just right for the Steelhead to be active. There were a lot of fly fishers drifting pontoon boats, and most are hitting a fish or two. The Bulkley River is higher then normal but it is clear. There are more fish showing this week compared to last week. I may fish a half day starting in the am. I have a lot of fishing yet to do this season, so I will get on the score board soon. The Kallum, Copper, and Kipiox have been doing well, except for the days that they have been out because of rain. October is here and with the water temperature falling, I hope to see a lot more action, especially with visiting friends hooking some good fish. Tight lines, till later ( Big Red )

September 28 / 2007
Today was do or die for Allen and John, as it is their last day. Cool this morning, just right for Steelhead. I noticed that the Telkwa was out because of rains over night, so the plan was to fish some runs up river. I took the river temperature, and it was at 47.7, now were talking. This is the temperature I have been waiting for. Allen struck the first blow with a nice Morice River Hen.


With the water temperatures falling and the fall colours alive with browns, reds, yellows it is definitely Steelhead time. Although we are still weeks away from the peak season, it looks a lot brighter now. I carried on down river still not able to touch a fish, but I was not worried or sad, it was just really great to be on the river enjoying the fall, and Allen and Johns companionship on the river.

It is Allen's first season with the Spey, and he was doing a very good job. It is always a sad day for me when I see a traditional single hand man go to the Spey. I guess if you can't catch them on a single hand it is time to go Spey, lol, may just as well pull out the spoons. lol. A little further down river it was Johns turn, as he hooked in to a small Morice River Buck.
A well earned fish for a great Spey guy.



A little nick on the nose for this fish but a little band aid and off he went. It was a perfect day, no wind, mostly sunny and the water temperature was excellent to get these Steelhead more aggressive. The Telkwa River coloured up from last nights rains brought more fish through to the cleaner water above it.

As we continued down river Big Red continued to bump fish but still had no takers.

John was following Allen down the run and noticed he had almost overtaken Allen who had stopped on the run as if glued to the bottom.
Allen had stopped and had his eyes on a rock and repeatedly cast beyond it. It appeared he was intent on hooking a fish there. It was a excellent place to find one.

All in an instant Allen felt a tug and again, hook set, and the surface below the rock exploded as a heavy Steelhead put a strain on the big stick. It was a great looking fish, and by the colours it appeared to be a big buck.





I tried to get a clear picture of this big boy while he was still fighting but he was having nothing to do with posing for the camera.
The Spey rod was being strained as the big buck would have nothing to do with being lead to the shallow water.

The big buck tried to use all his power, as well as the power of a fast flowing Bulkley River to stay away from the camera and shallow water.

After about ten minutes or so Allen was able to grab his leader with Johns help. It was a great looking fish.


It was a great fish Allen, and well earned as well. Great job bud, ( Big Red ) bows to the king of the day.

Allen with a 35" Bulkley River Buck.

As far as it went for me, I had a great day, and shortly after Allen released this buck, I hit and hooked my only fish for the day, but it quickly parted company. I light wind came up, but that didn't really matter, we had all made one cast to many and called it a day, said good by till next year. Thanks guys I really enjoyed fishing a couple of days on the Bulkley with you. I will patch the hole on my waders that appeared after thrashing through the bush, and then I will be back on the river, and maybe the next time I may get into the action myself. Till later, tight lines ( Big Red )





September 27 / 2007

I fished today, in winds that gusted between 30 and 40, and it was hell ducking flies. I think I got in 4 nice casts, and touched fish on three of them. Big Red is in a slump, but I am sure it will not last long. I have had friends here and I have done my best to see that they enjoyed themselves and found some fish. River looks good. The Copper, and the Kispiox coloured up because of rain. River temperature was 52.9, still to warm for my liking. ( Big Red )

September 26 / 2007
I did not fish today. ( Big Red )


September 25 / 2007

I was up early this morning, and hit a local run. Nobody there including the fish. I drove west of Smithers and hit the run that I fished Sunday. I had better luck there, hooking three Steelhead and one Coho, and a couple of bull trout. I was standing nearly in the middle of the river, and ended up touching the tippet on two of the Steelhead, and lost the third after ten minutes on its third jump. Two were Hens and one was a Buck that would have gone at least 16lbs. The Syeelhead really slammed the fly today. Water temperature waas recorded at 50.5f. It is very difficult to get some great pictures when fishing by myself, I'll try and do better next time. The winds came up so I called it a day. Will up date you on my next time out, but there is no doubt that the Steelhead are in. Till later ( Big Red )

September 24 / 2007
Just let everyone know, I did not fish today. It was windy and as a single hand ducking flies can be hazardous to ones health. I did finish painting our deck, and a lot of the retaining wall. So as a reward for browny points earned, I will be on the river in the am. While I do this I would like to remind you all, when you visit pages on the site, your comments are welcomed at the bottom of each page, and if you have any questions, that is a great place to ask them. Tight lines everyone, tune in tomorrow night for an up date on What's happening. Till later, ( Big Red )

September 23 / 2007

Today the skies were clear, and I thought it looks like a good day to finish painting the deck, but my evil side said no, lets go fishing. So off I went. I first stopped by a run, some of you may know of, in behind the cement plant in Telkwa, normally it is fished heavy, or someone is already there. I do stop by there on a regular basis, not always to fish, but to see if anyone needs flies. To my surprise there was nobody there, so I geared up using a 9 and 1/2 foot 8 weight Redington, and a type 4 sink tip, and I choose the 2/0 Ruby's Rage as it was a bright morning and the river was clear, and I noticed it had also dropped another 6" or so.

I started the run half way down, leaving room up top of the run in case anyone showed up. The first half hour was uneventful, then a tug on the retrieve, then a fish slammed the fly, it took me 75 yards into my backing in no time, then it started across the river, and I could feel it building for a jump, and what a jump it was, this time it came 6 feet out of the water, maybe even more, I think I let out a big yeh! hah!, as it was the best fish I had hooked so far this year, easily in the high 30" range. Just as quickly as this big Steelhead was there it was gone, and I think I just stood there with my mouth open for a minute or two gathering up a new mayfly hatch, and a few other tasty bugs.

I carried on down the run hooking two more small Steelhead landing only one. Tom came in and offered him the water below me, which he excepted with a big thank you Don. It was the least I could do, as he has not hooked many fish.

I stopped for an early lunch, a Coke Classic and a pack of smokes, and wolfed down a can of smoked oysters. I changed flies to an articulated Luis' Popsicle Clown, with a 1/0 stinger and decided to head west of Smithers and fish a run on the bottom end of the Bulkley.
Notice the snow in the distant mountains. Some of run I was now fishing was in the shadows of a late afternoon sun. I picked up a small hen on about my fourth cast, and took this quick picture before releasing her. She looked down at what had stung her, but only her pride was hurt.
On my very next cast I hooked another, and snapped a really quick picture as the hook came loose and she to was off without injury.

I hooked 4 more before 5pm, and had at least a half dozen more hits. There was a lot more fishing daylight left but I was done. I did prove to myself that a lot of Stelhead are moving up the Bulkley and by going down river to find them was the best showing so far, and much better then the upper Bulkley. Of course that will all change soon, and they should be strong throughout the river. I ended the day hooking nine Steelhead and only landed three, but I can honestly tell you I don't complain when I don't find any fish, and I certainly was not complaing today. Tight lines. till later ( Big Red )


September 22 / 2007

Today I was on the river by 830 as the sun came up over the trees. It was warm and the water temperature was recorded at 50.4. Being late Sept. and the water temperature just right for tossing a dry fly, I decided to go with a light sink tip, and continued again today with a Demon Dancer 2/0.
I noticed some small Salmon and probably Steelhead coming to the surface taking what looked like small Nat's. There was no need to toss a fly in that direction, if they felt that safe, there were no Steelhead close by. I quickly moved down river closer to the tail out and faster water.

I fished for about an hour when I felt a little hesitation in the fly while retrieving it, then bam! a Steelhead broke the surface as the reel screamed, and then I felt nothing. I stripped my line in fast hoping to catch up and feel a tight line again, but it was not to be.
I checked out the fly and found it to be all good so I carried on down the run. My fly was now dancing over some structure and and then it was hanging straight down again. As I retrieved the fly slowly, tap, tap, I could feel a fish nipping at the heel of the fly. My line felt heavy and I set the hook on what turned out to be a 6lb bright Hen, which I released at my leg. I fished until noon, but never felt another fish.
As I was leaving I ran into Tom and Ron and we exchanged tails, and they both had found only one fish today so far. We determined we did not have any answers as to why it is so slow, but shrugged it off knowing we would be back. I headed home calling it a day. If the rain held off I may get some deck stained and then after a good rest will find me on the river in the morning.
By talking with other friends the Copper, Kallum, Skeena, and the Kispiox have all been slow, with only a few fish being taken, and everyone is asking the same question, is it a very weak run, or are the Steelhead just late, like the Kings, Pinks and Coho were? Time will tell, as I have always found October to be a better month for Steelhead on all the rivers.
Till later ( Big Red )













September 20 / 2007

I spent a couple of hours on the river today, water temperature was recored at 49.6f, certainly getting better. I saw a lot of Pinks floating down river, their spawning cycle now complete. Any strikes now will be almost all Steelhead. I however did not touch a fish this morning, but Tom pictured here fishing the run ahead of me and picked up two.


There was no sign of frost today, and the air temperature was +7c. The winds came up shortly after I had arrived on the river. Tossing a skater was out of the question, although the water temperature and the clarity of the water tells me its time. The Steelhead have not shown up in any numbers yet. I have been expecting the numbers to increase, and they are, but slowly. I have not had an aggressive take because of the warm water temperatures, but the ones I have hooked, put on a strong show. If the numbers increase this weekend and the water temperature gets down to 48f I expect more aggressive takes, and more Steelhead rising for a dry fly. The Skeena River will do better next week, I expect, but there are still plenty of Coho around, and when they have completed their spawning cycle the rivers will be pure with wild Steelhead. Tight lines, till later. ( Big Red )

September 19 / 2007

This morning I got up and put the coffee on and looked outside, and noticed a little frost had formed over night, the temperature read 0c. I brought my now frozen neoprene's in to thaw while I had coffee. I hit the river at 9am, no need to be to early for Steelhead. It stayed overcast most of the day, but warmed up. The river temperature was 50.2, starting to look and feel much better. I ran into a new friend Tom, and we enjoyed the day fishing, I touched two Steelhead before releasing a small 8 lb Buck. Tom touched a couple of fish also but, in two days has yet to hook up. The Steelhead were just nipping lightly at the flies. I never got a picture of the buck as I released it by my leg while standing almost in the middle of the river. Tom said from up river he saw it jump at least 6 feet out of the water, another fish story, I would say three feet anyway. I don't want to bore you with more pics today, but will have some to add tomorrow, maybe fish maybe just some great pics of the river. Talk on the river is there were more hook ups in the last two days then before, all good, another frost would help. Tight lines, till later ( Big Red )


September 18 / 2007

Well it was great to get back on the river after getting a few chores done around the yard. It started out as a nice crisp day. The water temperature today was 50.8, a lot better then the high +50's the river had been. There was a light breeze that gusted occasionally rippling the top of the water.
I arrived at one run to find a fellow fly fisher tossing a dry, and I thought to myself he had made a poor choice with the water being rippled by the wind. The fellow had waded to his waist and was ignoring the water between him and shore. I concentrated my casts toward shore knowing there to be two to three feet of water and some nice structure, and hoped that fishing the fly just under the surface was a good choice.
I hit a nice hen that took line fast before breaking the surface with a head shake and then again with a cart wheel before I got her close. The first picture was all I could take while by myself, as she was just to rowdy and I certainly did not what to hurt her in any way. The fellow down river looked around when he heard the splashing and reel singing. As we worked farther down the run again I hit a fish behind him and just off shore, this time the fish exploded out of the water and was gone just as quickly.
At the tail out of the run the fellow walked out of the water, and sat on a rock, as I moved down to spot he stepped out, I was retrieving the Demon Dancer slowly after it had settled straight below me when I felt a slight tug, and all at once after setting the hook a fish broke the surface and took off across the river. Three more jumps, wow! what a nice fish. I landed the chrome hen being careful not to take her out of the water and took the following picture.


I talked with the fellow awhile and he was convinced that he had made a poor choice to start out with and insisted on buying a few Demon Dancers, which I thought was a very good choice. Tight lines, till later ( Big Red )


September 15 / 2007

This morning there was a light rain falling as I approached the river. The winds were calm and the river although still high compared to most years, was in excellent shape. I have decide to use my 10' 7/8 weight Redington with an 8 weight dry line, with a 10' 15Lb tippet, and the yellow back T.K. Mouse.

After a few casts I had now waded out and was standing in three feet of water 20 feet from the bank, which was on my left. My casts were down stream and towards the bank. As I worked my way down river, I could see Pinks making there way up river only about two feet from shore, sometimes just one, and then 6, 7 and then another wave of 5. I had several of the Pinks come and nose the Mouse as it swung from the bank, and then a Bull Trout darted out and took the Mouse, I set the hook and knew right away that it was not a Steelhead, but it was a nice 2lb trout.

I continued down river and spotted a pair of eyes in the bushes next to the river 25 feet away, it was a Mule Deer Buck, and as soon as our eyes met he bolted and was gone with just a quick movement of the brush. I approached a slight left hand bend in the river with a little riffle into a deeper bowl, with a tree shadowing it. The T.k. Mouse landed 50ft away right at the top of the riffle and right at the base of a basket ball size rock mostly on shore. The Mouse drifted and started to skate across the riffle and across the bowl and had barely made it 5 feet when the water erupted beneath it, I could not see the Mouse or what had caused the eruption, but I knew from the reel handle smashing my knuckle and the screaming from the reel as the line was quickly peeled from the spool, that I had hooked a Steelhead. After taking out about 25yds of line it bolted from the water with a spectacular cartwheel, and then there was silence once again.
Besides hooking two more Pinks and one immature Steelhead that took the Mouse, my moments with a great fish was all that broke the silence and sounds of nature along the Bulkley River, which I enjoy each day that I get to be there. * NOTE* It is early for the Steelhead in the Bulkley, they should be showing in numbers very soon. One only has to look at the number of fresh Pinks in the river, the water Temperature, High water, and the trees that are just now beginning to lose there leaves and turn the fall colours. Everything including the Steelhead are running about two weeks late. There are Steelhead to be found but stealth and focus on the shore line are key to finding those few easily spooked fish. Tight lines. till later ( Big Red )

Here is a picture of the run I fished today, taken on a nice sunny day earlier this week, do you know it?


September 14 / 2007
I scouted out a couple of Steelhead runs today. I fished them hard and managed 6 Pinks and a couple of Bull trout. The Pinks were in pretty good shape for mid Sept. this is not normal, and clearly the Pink run was at least two weeks late. I noticed a couple of Steelhead moving as I waded down stream. The river is clear and the water temperature was 54 degrees f or 12.2c a little warm for my liking. I have talked with a number of fly fishers and it remains slow although clearly there are Steelhead moving up river. Based on my records and what I have witnessed, the Steelhead are not yet moving up in any numbers. I am sure things will pick up when the water temperature drops and the pinks are finished spawning. I do not think it's worth flogging the water all day to find one fish, so it is a good time to get some things in order around the yard before winter. I can get some more flies tied and my deck painted before hitting the water again. I will however fish in the am to confirm what I have just told you. If I do not hit any Steelhead in the am, I'll give them a few more days. The test fishery at the mouth of the Skeena shows Steelhead in numbers are moving up from there. The Skeena is full of Coho and the odd Steelhead has been taken on the fly. All for now, tight lines, till later. ( Big Red )


September 13 / 2007

Hi all. I can report that the weather is great and the fishing is slow, but starting to pick up. The Bulkley River's water temperature was at 51f. I fished the Skeena but did not turn a fish except for some Pinks and Bull Trout. It was more of a scouting trip to check out new and old runs. I will be on the Bulkley tonight and tomorrow morning so I will update you then. Here is a picture of a run on the Skeena and the jet boat we ran with. Andy and Gordy were great company on the Skeena, but at times I thought that I was fishing with Bill Dance. Till later ( Big Red )




September 9 / 2007

Another great day weather wise, but still very slow for Steelhead. Still lots of Pinks around and they are willing to take a fly. Besides the great weather, my only other bright spot was hooking a tagged Coho, it seems that all the tagged fish I hook or see are dead or will die soon. I think the tagging process stresses the fish and may even injure them to a point of a high mortality rate. This Coho took the articulated Scarlet Dancer hard.

Well I am taking the day off tomorrow to do town stuff. Till later ( Big Red )

September 8 / 2007

Hooked one Steelhead early am, but the rest of the day drew blanks. The weather was clear and sunny, and it was nice to get out. ( Big Red )


September 7 / 2007

I hit the Bulkley today and found it very difficult to get a fly past the now spawning Pinks. Somewhere in this river there had to be some Steelhead willing to take my fly. I saw Coho and a few Gray Ghosts pass by, and then it happened, wham! a nice little bright hen flew out of the water like it was swimming in the air. I landed one of four today. Gord a friend snapped a picture, as I had left my camera at home. I will remember one day to post it when I get it. I am out again in the am, hopefully I may be lucky and get into one or two more. The river is looking better each and every day. In a few days, maybe next week, we'll take the sled and give the Skeena another go, as it will not take very long to clear up again. Till later. ( Big Red )


September 6 / 2007

Well I can tell you our trip to the Skeena was a bust. We arrived boat in tow, and found the river was dirty, because of heavy rains the nite before, dirtied the Kispiox, which was out as well. We backed track to the lower Bulkley and found a boat at every turn. I did manage to tag one , but that was it for the day. Till later ( Big Red )

September 5 / 2007

I decided to check out a couple more Steelhead runs on the Bulkley today. It is a new river indeed. There are Steelhead runs where there was only gravel last year. As I waded down stream I watched Pinks swimming by, every once in a while a Coho would turn and go up stream on the deeper side. I saw Pinks on spawning beds, good news. I watched the water carefully for signs of Steelhead, as another Pink took the fly. I continued on down the river and then I saw it, a Grey Ghost, a Steelhead out side the Pinks and in the fast lane. It posed briefly as to check me out and then moved quickly out of site. It was a Buck about 12 to 14lb, as its hard to determine the actual size looking down through the water. The Steelhead are in, but will take a few days to settle down before taking a fly. I am off to the Skeena in the am, so I will check out the Bulkley Friday or Saturday. The leaves on the trees are starting to turn brown now, it can only mean on thing to the fly fishers, its Steelhead time. Till later ( Big Red )

September 4 / 2007
Isn't it great the screaming little #^%&# have gone back to school. lol Well fly fishers, I took the day off fishing in hopes of getting some chores done around the yard. I welcome. Mark, John, Dave to the area, it was nice of you to call when you arrived in town, good luck fishing, and see you on the river. Well the Pinks are spawning and the Coho have been seen porpoising, so the Coho run seems strong, but where are the Steelhead? Well they should be here any day now. I have only hooked three in a week and a half. So I am off to the Skeena to hook a few there and chase them up to the Bulkley. Stay tunned. Till later ( BIg Red )

September 1 / 2007

Today after seeing Dek, and Dave off on their Dean River 7 day float, I hit the river for a couple of hours. The Bulkley is looking good but still full of Pinks. I have only hit three Steelhead, a couple of Bull trout and Pink after Pink. It looks like I will have to go to the Skeena River and try for Steelhead while waiting for them to get up the Bulkley. The Pinks have just started to spawn and their eggs should bring in more Steelhead. It is early for Steelhead in the Bulkley although there are a few in now. Fly fishers that have arrived early will find it very tough to connect with any Steelhead right now. I worked this run today, and it looks good for when the Steelhead are in. All the runs so far are completely different from last year, like fishing a brand new river.

I fished this fly all day. The Articulated Scarlet Dancer on a 2/0 Gammy.



The Scarlet Dancer works well with the Streamer flies but I decided to give this fly a good work out for a few days. The Pinks do not seem to like this fly as well as some other Steelhad flies.
The river is not to busy, as only a handful of fly fishers are here, but I expect next week to pick up a bit.

I have no other choice but to be patient scout out runs, and take what the river has to offer.
Till later ( Big Red )












August 30 / 2007


Today I took and friend and his family to the Skeena, object being to get his son into a bunch of Pinks. Jake hooked a Pink every 5 minutes, almost every cast. I spotted a couple of Coho rolling, but only managed Pinks myself. On my way home I stopped and fished a run on the Bulkley, same results, just Pinks. The Pinks are stagging on spawning beds now so more Steelhead should start to show any day now. It rained heavy in the pass and the Telkwa river and other streams brought the Bulkley up and muddied it a bit. By late after noon today the river had dropped and is clearing up again. I will let you know how my next days goes, so stay tuned. Here is a picture of the Skeena today. Dek and his son Jake fishing Pinks.




August 28 / 2007

Hi all, I have not been on the water today, and will not get out again until Wed. evening or Thursday. The river continues to drop, and I have had reports of Coho and Steelhead taking a fly in the Skeena. Large schools of Pinks are hard to get a good fly by. I welcome all the new members and long standing members as well. Check out the new additions to the articulated flies. Till later ( Big Red )


August 26 / 2007

Today I fished another Steelhead run and found schools of Pink Salmon heading up river. I hooked a number of them willing to take a fly. No Steelhead and no bull trout today. Some of you may recognize this run, if so here is a look at it.

The river is high, but is quite fishable for clarity. A big Pink run continues, so the Steelhead are not far behind. Here one last look at the run. Till later

( Big Red )

August 24 / 2007


Well hello again. I have a little better news to share with you this time. I fished a run today that looks a lot better then in past years. I hooked one Steelhead on my second cast, and later a couple of Pink Salmon. I really liked the looks of the run this year, and know that it will produce a lot of Steelhead when the main run is on. All the rivers although still high compared to previous years continue to drop. The clarity of the water is such right now, that a fly can be presented and sighted by fish. I will get in the water again over the next week and add a few pictures as well. Things are certainly looking much better, and the Steelhead are into the system and the run will get strong daily. till later ( Big Red )

August 22/ 2007
I managed to toss a line in the Bulkley today, and check out a couple of Steelhead runs. Good news is the river continues to drop fast, the clarity is about two feet. I did not touch a fish in two hours of fishing, but I was not disappointed. It is early so very few Steelhead have made it up this far. They are definitely in the system now and any day now we will see some early fish. I plan on wetting a line again Friday, so things may have changed for the better. The runs I checked out look like they will fish very well this year, the changes in the runs by sustained high water have improved them a great deal. Till later ( Big Red )


August 20 / 2007
Well time sure flys. I have been very busy tying flies, and getting other stuff done. I checked out the river again today, and it looks a lot better then last week. I have my gear all set and will be on the river this week. I have had a lot of inquiries about the rivers and what the forecast is for the Steelhead run. I will let you know a little more as soon as I have hit the river and scouted out the new runs made by the extended high water. There is no doubt in my mind that the run is late, by at least a week maybe more, but not much more. So check my blog out this weekend for an update. Also check out the fly pattern page for the new addition of Big Red Fly Box articulated flies in the same pattern as some of the streamer flies. I have a few to add, they are not there yet, but soon. Tight lines to all, see you on the river. Till later ( Big Red )


August 6 / 2007
Yes it has been awhile, but I have not been idle, doing yard chores, and fly fishing classes, and getting ready for those Steelhead. Rivers have continued to drop and are looking much better. I hope to wet a line next week in the Bulkley. Since I am very busy I will get back to you as soon as I wet a line. till later ( Big Red )

July 25/ 2007 Adding to my last entry, I should also point out that it may be possible to take Steelhead in the Bulkley River mid August, on a dry fly. The earliest I have taken them was on the 10th, and the latest on the 21st, according to past records. I will check out the rivers again tomorrow.
Till later Big Red

July 25 / 2007
The rivers are dropping fast. An overnight temp. of 0c has held what ever snow pack was felt, and the rains have eased off. It is very possible now, that the River Sockeye fishing will peak mid August. High water is still likely, but the clarity should be good. Tight lines. ( Big Red )


June 11 / 2007
Well another trip to Kitimat and it started out alright, hooked a pink on the fly and a nice little Chinook about 10lbs. The next morning the river was up and dirty from the hot days melting the snow pack.. The river is still up and is only in fair condition. All the other rivers are extremely high and muddy. Well its back to the bench in hopes that the rivers will be in better shape for the Steelhead due to arrive in August. ( Big Red )

July 6 / 2007

Back from the Kitimat River, time now to dry out and plan the next trip. One can say that this last trip was rained out. The rain and wind made it impossible to fly fish, and the river had come up 2 feet. Travelling 3 hours to the coast is always a take what you get affair. Hopefully the next trip will be better. Sorry I don't have any pics of fish but here is a little of the weather and my rv on the river.


I spent at least 10 hours sitting under the tarp bar fishing.
I always say that any day on the river is a good day regardless if the fish bite or not, but I was rethinking that one for a while. Its true though, I enjoy ever minute rain or shine.

Rising water was not all that bad, the little back pool seen in the middle left of the picture kept delivering fire wood, and with a little dry ceder from a fallen tree near buy I was able to keep a little fire going, which made sitting in the rain a little more enjoyable.


So the fly fisherman was reduced to bar fishing on the Kitimat River. Till later ( Big Red )


July 4 / 2007

Well gang I am off to fish the Kitimat River once again. My personal record for a Chinook on a single hand fly rod is 42lbs, which I am going to attempt to break this trip. It is not a sure thing as I was spooled last trip, fly line and backing cost $100, and I hope not to repeat that expense. There are a number of Chinooks moving up the river in excess of 50lbs, its landing them that is the problem. These strong fish are just hours for the ocean, and when hooked they do not like it a bit. Everyone have a good week, and I'll try and get some pics posted as soon as I can after getting home. As well Big Andy just returned from an Alaska fly fishing trip for Chinooks, and I am sure he will provide us with some pics as well. I look forward to anyone else sending in some pics of their trips as well. Till later ( Big Red )


June 29 / 2007

I just returned from a few days on the Kitimat River. The fishing was fair, river conditions were very good. We hooked 6 Chinook on a fly, but they were to strong. We decided we wanted to take some fish home so we attacked them with some heavier gear. The Chinook run is good, and gaining strength. Now is the tine to hit this river for big Chinook. Here are a few pics. Till later ( Big Red )







































June 26 / 2007

Well the month is just about over. A new picture is needed for the home page. E-mail me one of your best pictures, and if chosen it will be on the home page for the month. Include a little information explaining the pic. ( Big Red )

June 24 / 2007

Check out the new page about Sugar Creek Ranch under water fish cam, about Trophy Rainbow Trout and the other about fly fishing for Trophy Rainbow Trout at Sugar Creek Ranch. Page is located just under the world record rainbow. Big Red


June 20 / 2007

I posted a new page called World Record Rainbow. Although this Rainbow was not taken on a fly, it is a World Record all the same. Check it out on the page World Record Rainbow. A real football. Thanks to Ken for sending in these photo's. ( Big Red )

June 19 / 2007

It has been awhile since I was last here. Most of the members have been very quiet, maybe someone visiting this site and reading this note, will have some comments or can contribute to this site. A number of members still have not customized their profiles, and as a result I don't know who they are. The rivers in my area have just opened for the season. The flooding is mostly over, and the rivers continues to drop with a decreasing snow melt and cooler weather. The Chinooks have been taken on the fly in the river mouths and the ocean. Most rivers are still to muddy to take on a fly while the Chinooks move up river. We are all praying for lower and clear water by July, we'll just have to wait and see. I have fly fished clear water in June for Chinooks, but this is not going to be one of those years, maybe next year. I have accepted the fact that June is out for this year.

Have any of you fished for Chinook on a fly? If so what river or rivers did you fish, got any pics for the site?
Partridge of Reditch has published the Skeena and Bulkley Speacials, on their web site under fly on the month, two new flies that have been added to the fly box this year, recipes are included. While you are there you can get the recipes for a few of the other streamers like Scarlet Dancer - Bulkley Grizzly - and others like Ruby's Rage all flies from the Big Red Fly Box. Till later ( Big Red )


Affective June 15 / 2007 members and visitors will find out the latest contributions to the site, and other updated fly fishing information. ( Big Red)

June 6 / 2007

As many of you have probably seen on tv the rivers in the central interior are going crazy. It is unlikely that the rivers will recede in time for good Chinook fishing in July. Time will only tell as to how this high water will effect the Steelheading this fall. All in all it does not look good at all.
( Big Red )

May 29 / 2007

Well friends thought I would let you know that the rivers here are not fish-able because of the snow melt. If anyone is doing any fishing we would like to here from you. I will get back to you as soon as I get the chance to get out when conditions improve. In the mean time have a good summer. tight lines. ( Big Red )

May 16 / 2007
We friends not much to add, it is late in the Spring Steelhead season and I have yet to wet a line. I have been so busy tying flies and getting caught up on yard work that i just have not got away. Believe me, I want to and hope you get some good stories and interesting pictures soon. The fishing however has been really good on the coastal rivers. Till later ( Big Red )

April 19 / 2007
Thought you all may want to have a look at this, http://www.sportfishingbc.com/articles/freshwater_fishing/kalum.htm
A little thank you from Andy for sending me the link. It is just another small taste of the Steelhead fly fishing available in the area. Presently on the Kallum River Steelhead and Chinook from 10 to 30lbs are available on the fly.
As for me, busy doing a little yard work, now that spring has arrived. I have cancelled a few trips now, but as soon as I get caught up I will be heading to the rivers. If you are fly fishing let us know where and what you are getting into. Till later ( Big Red )

April 11 / 2007
Well its a nice Spring day here, the river is rising fast, and with 30' of snow in the mountains we are in for a big, big run off. One of our members ( speyguy ) stopped in for coffee today on his way thru to fish the Copper River and Kitimat. He bought some flies and in return I gave him some directions to a few flyfishing runs on these rivers. Nice guy, would have loved to have packed up and gone with him. I am heading that way soon just couldn't get away today. Hope we hear from him when he returns home with some good stories and pics.

April 5 / 2007
Well Happy Easter to all. It has been snowing most of the day, wet but snow never the less. I am thinking of delaying my fishing trip next week until the following week. Weather is a factor, and with the late Spring it may be the best bet. I am certainly ready to loss a fly or two after a long Winter. I hope some of you have been fly fishing this season already, and look forward to seeing some good pictures. I have been doing this blog backwards so I am starting April off on the right track. back to the bench. Have a great weekend. ( Big Red )





Today I continued to tie flies, filling up my fly boxes as well.

March 8 / 2007
Mild again today, and snow continues to melt. The days are like October weather, but I am still at the bench, wanting to re-tune my fly gear for my first trip of the year. If I lived in Terrace I would have been out dozens of time already. Oh well we can't be everywhere. ( Big Red )

March 9 / 2007
I find it difficult to sit at the bench or on the site and hear that steelhead are being taken closer to the coast. Reports are that the fishing is good, but it will get better.
I have all my camping gear ready to go, just a few food items to add. Tied up some new tippets, 15lb 10' and 15lb 6' today. Back to the bench. Not many entries to the fly contest yet, but there is lots of time. ( Big Red )

March 10 / 2007

I can't believe that it has been snowing all day. The mountains are getting lots of snow. I don't expect it to last, but the rivers are looking good. It has been freezing over night and slowing the melting down. The rivers are opening up in the middle. another two weeks and it will be time to toss a fly or two. ( Big Red )

March 11 / 2007
Turned the clocks ahead last night. We received 4" of new snow last night, but its all melted away today. I stayed busy at the bench and wondered if it is every going to be spring. ( Big red )

March 19 / 2007
I woke this morning to notice it had been snowing. It is still snowing now and it becoming very annoying. It looks more like winter then spring. Old man winter is holding on very tight. Still have three feet of snow on the ground. Nothing much to do but put out more flies. ( Big Red )

March 28 / 2007
Well today, I finished putting new felts on my wading boots. Packed a few things on my list for my first fishing trip of the season. Need to pick up a new fishing licence this week. Lots still to do prior to the trip. One day at a time. I know lots of you have already been fly fishing this year, hope you have been doing well. Nothing is being said by members or guests, if I kept quiet this site would not be here for you to enjoy. Just a thought. There is going to be lots of material added this year once the season gets well under way. ( Big Red )

March 29 / 2007
It snowed all day and thru the night. It all melted today with a warm March sun. I have been spending a lot of time at the bench, as I am packed and ready for my trip in a couple of weeks. ( Big Red )

March 31 / 2007
Last day of March and it snowed again. The mountains are laden with snow, and a big run off is expected. The fly fishing in th Copper and Kitimat rivers is very good. My fly tying vise finally gave up the ghost to day, after 35 years and was quickly replaced with a new one. Well back to the bench. ( Big Red )