Events 
Places 
Fish 
Research 
Sign in 
New Catch Log 
New Trip Log 
7A_gillie
Member since September 2017Recent Activity
The upper sections of the Pine River between Mount Murray and Lemoray have had excellent early summer conditions. Optimal flow levels have created excellent pocket water and all-day wading conditions. Grayling have been concentrating in graveled slack water and will strike on perfectly drifted dry flies. High floating stonefly and mahogany dun patterns in sizes 12 through 8 have yielded nice results. Some portions of the river are suffering from ignorant human influence. Over two outings lots of trash was removed from the banks including snagged treble hook and barbed lures.
An early June outing to Tacheeda yielded countless fish, but none of them keepers. Turquoise water of 57-59F was obviously turning over with the presence of vegetative debris throughout the water column. Bait balls were noted at 50’ but individual fish were scattered. A strong southern wind of 7kts made trolling in small boats difficult, so anglers had more success fishing shallower sheltered bays. The top water troll produced fish almost instantly with conditions often becoming annoying for the angler in search of a meal. The usual suspects of high flash jewelry attracted most fish, but the use of a snubber and “something special” on the hook were absolutely essential to land them. Ultimately, this gorgeous lake provided a few hours of fun, but this angler will have to figure out the secret to bigger fish before they return.
A group of ambitious anglers made the trek in to Carp Lake this earlier this month in search of the illustrious Burbot. The 30km sled ride through untouched powder was a great way to start the trip. However, the lack of tracks heading in was an ominous reminder of the conditions about to be faced. Even after bouts of frigid temperatures, Carp Lake still suffered from a layer of thick slush beneath a blanket of powdery snow. This created a hazard for the group wanting to access their “usual spot” as sleds could easily and very quickly become semi-permanent fixtures of the frozen landscape. To embrace adversity is often wise, and often leads to bent rods. However, this time around stalwart tactics were not as bountiful as anticipated. Even after 2.5 days of soaking, baited set lines produced nothing. On the bright side, hungry Trout were cruising in schools creating waves of exciting fishing. Tenacious Pikeminnow were a constant source of much needed distraction for the weary anglers who anxiously waited for the next time they would check a Burbot line. Several brightly fleshed Rainbow Trout measuring over 35cm were happily retained. Simple baited jigs were suspended in shallower reaches of the lake and constantly saw takes “on the drop”. Overall, success was not measured in pounds of meat but in laughter and storytelling. Carp Lake has continually maintained a mythical status for large and tasty Burbot. Alas, this time they just weren’t hungry.
It has been another good season for fishing on Morfee. Large Lake Trout with bright orange flesh were taken from shallow areas and ice shelves in early spring using larger spoons cast and retrieved slowly. Spawning Rainbow Trout in shallow gravely areas were readily striking small casting lures of any type as well as suspended bait like dough or single eggs. May and June provided fantastic fishing unencumbered by sport boaters and jet skiers. This spring the stocked Rainbow Trout were very thermocline dependant, rarely rising more than 10’ for a strike. Gang trolls with inline weight sunk to roughly 15’ (below surface) were consistently producing fish no greater than 36cm in length. Summer gave way to busy sun filled days on Morfee where anglers would often struggle against the waves and noise generated by other recreators. However persistence was often rewarded by larger “summer weight” Rainbow Trout caught just below the surface in any part of the lake. It was discovered that short lines and s-pattern trolling was the most efficient means of landing fish. The water temperature becomes increasingly warm in the late summer months, so oversize gear is recommended if the angler is practicing catch and release. This year, fishing was notably slower on overcast or windy days. Due to high creek discharge last year, third beach has a considerably larger gravel area that has once again become a popular spot for a pit-stop. As a result, lots of trash had to be cleaned up throughout the year.
Fishing has been notably slower this summer on stretches of river near the HWY 97 Bridge. Bull trout have been favouring natural coloured streamers and jigs that imitate Sculpin, Skein, or other coarse fish. Brightly coloured “coho jigs” and silvery spoons have proven successful in larger pools and runs where water is moving fast. Calmer runs of water have been host to many smaller boils and jumps that provide a good opportunity to the proficient fly caster in low water conditions. Casts of over 75’ are desirable to place flies no greater than size 14. For Whitefish and Grayling. As with every summer, more trash and treble-hooked lures are washing up on shore. Bull Trout in this system are predatory and aggressive so there is no need for anything more than a large single barbless hook.
As of 20-Aug-2017 (upstream from the bridge) water conditions are low creating some concentrations of resident fish and good spots for slowly drifting large terrestrial dries, sedges, and mayfly patterns. Pockets of turbulent water are ideal for pheasant tail nymphs fished without indicator. Typical fish measuring 17-30cm and rare encounters with >35cm specimens. Bull trout have been noted in lower sections of the river closer to Williston Lake, but none caught so far. Please remember to pick up your beer cans and practice good fishing ethics on this sensitive creek.
The Lake Trout are staging in the Wicked River channel and readily taking large bodied plugs of blue and pink over heavy spoons. Trolled at 2km/h down the centre of the channel with no more than 2 oz. of inline weight provided the best results. The Kokanee are in full spawning dress and are being chased by large and angry Bull Trout. Smaller species like Grayling and Rainbow Trout were witnessed and could definitely be had by casting smaller spoons or dry flies. Access is tough with wind and waves. Boats making the trip should be >16' in length.
