We have recently had groups fishing Kalum River Lodge for the past three weeks as the run of Steelhead and Silvers push through the Skeena River. Here is a report from Allan Shephard the Brands and Marketing Manager at SPORTFISH.
Report from Kalum Lodge B.C. Canada
I first met Andrew Rushton (owner of Kalum River Lodge) and his charming wife Deanna last January at the Sportfish store here in Reading and was immediately impressed by his energetic and infectious enthusiasm for the fishing on offer in this truly amazing place. Kalum lodge sits close to the Kalum River, a short drive from Terrace, in a clearing surrounded by ancient pine forest. It is well and truly off the beaten track and has that lovely ‘away from it all’ feel – this place is good for the soul! The lodge is very comfortable with all the facilities needed for a great weeks fishing. Deanna’s home cooking is to die for and very welcome after a day working the water.
We fished on the lower Skeena River. Andrew refers to this as his summer fishery and we were targeting steelhead and coho primarily and hooking the occasional chum, pink and sockeye salmon as bonus fish. Travel to the fishing area was quick and efficient – the daily routine was to leave the lodge early each morning, launch the jet-boat and travel quickly to a favoured spot. We were guided each day by either Al or Andrew himself. Both knew the river intimately and had learned the best areas to intercept running fish from many years of experience. Fish tend to run close to the bank and distance casting is not required, the fishing is based on good line management and having a feel for where your fly is in relation to the riverbed. The extra length of a double-handed rod is a big help with this and you would certainly be at a disadvantage fishing single-handed rods. I think this is an ideal place for newcomers to fishing with Spey rods and those who want to really learn how to control expertly how their flies swing across the river. You will fish the river 100 x better on your last day than on your first – I will guarantee that! The fishing can be as technical as you like, but everyone will catch some amazing fish regardless of the length of their fly fishing CV.
Steelhead are the fish everyone wants to catch – we caught bright silver specimens fresh from the Pacific Ocean. The biggest I saw caught was a 25lb buck – what a fish! Steelies punch way above their weight and are a truly formidable adversary. I hooked one fish that powered off upstream against the full forced of the current dragging a skagit fly line and lots of backing. Sadly the hook pulled – I was gutted at losing such a special fish. As a general rule they can out fight any Atlantic salmon pound for pound.
Don’t forget the pacific salmon though! All these fish are great fun and fight really hard, I hooked a big chum salmon on the last day that fought like a tiger and ran me 500m down the back – eventually the line give way – a shame it would have been the weeks biggest fish. Andrew announced that the chum had ‘kicked my ass’ and left me to recover my breath and take the walk of shame back my fishing position. Funny how the fish you loose haunt you long after landed fish are forgotten!
Tackle & Clothing
I used the new Loop Cross S1 6-piece 13’6” 9 weight and I have to say was really impressed. At last a quality spey rod that fits in a suitcase! Perfect for the Skeena. I used a couple of reels – make sure they have lots of backing (250 yds+) to cope with powerful fish. My preference would be for a large arbor so you can recover line quickly as fish turn and run towards you.
Lines – I used the Speyworks 3volution 9/10, again ideal. We used 12’– 15’ tungsten impregnated tips from T14 to T17 weight.
Leaders – 20-25lb BS
Flies – a range of steelhead flies (intruders/string leaches) plus wool flies. Please note that only single totally barbless hooks are allowed on this fishery. Take pliers rather than forceps for de-barbing.
Pack clothes for all eventualities – it was hot (25C+) for us but you need to prepare for rain and cooler temperatures. You will need chest waders, wading jacket, cap and sunglasses too.
We stock everything you will need at Sportfish HYPERLINK "http://www.sportfish.co.uk" www.sportfish.co.uk
Would you go back? Yes in a heartbeat! This area offers everything I am looking for from a fishing holiday and I will return next autumn. If you would like to join me please call either myself 0118 930 3860 or Mat at Fly Odyssey. I am happy to give you some tips if you are fishing in this area too.
Tight lines
Allan
allan@sportfish.co.uk
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