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January – February
Fishing for cutthroat and dolly varden is usually good during these months. Due to the winter weather, the river will generally be low and clear. Small lures, spinners, flies and bait are all worth trying when fishing for trout. Furthermore, trout fishing can be done throughout the year.
March – May
Steelhead fishing usually begins in March on the Kitimat River. Although success can be irregular in this month, it gradually improves late in March and through April. Late April experiences good runs of steelhead entering the river, with many good-sized fish taken at this time. The run of steelhead peaks at the beginning of May and remains strong until the middle of the month. Only Hatchery steelhead fish may be kept because they are products of the Department of Fisheries & Oceans (D.F.O.) Hatchery.
June
Although a few chinook (spring) salmon enter the river in late May, June is the best time to begin angling for these fish. Success can vary during the first two weeks of the month. Chinook fishing improves in the third week of June and usually continues until the end of the month. The river is higher now than earlier in the year and can rise very quickly with snow melt if temperatures rise. Popular chinook salmon lures include Kitimat #65 and #80 and the larger sized spin-n-glos. Large gooey-bobs are also worth trying.
July
With many of the fish entering the river on each high tide, the run of chinook peaks during the first week of July. Fishing for chinook is very good throughout the month of July, but dark fish start showing up in catches after the middle of the month. Many pink and chum salmon are found in the river in July. Late in the month the occasional early coho are caught. The river will tend to be fishable during July, but is still subject to fluctuations due to snow melt or rain.
August
During August, the occasional straggling chinook will still be caught, although it is illegal to kill these fish after July 31. Some of these fish are very large, with a few late runners reaching sixty pounds or more. Coho fishing is staggered until the middle of the month, when the first good runs begin entering the river. Fishing improves steadily towards the end of August and the chances of catching coho are very good during the last week of August. The Kitimat River is generally low and clear throughout the month. Good rainfalls later in the month will raise the river and bring in fresh runs of coho with every high tide. The fishing will be the best when the river begins to drop and clear after a period of rain.
September
The coho run peaks in the Kitimat River at the beginning of the month and fishing for these salmon remains excellent until the middle of September. Success is still prominent towards the end of the month, but many of the coho are starting to darken in colour. A heavy rain at the end of September will raise the water level and many of the coho will leave the main river and head up their spawning tributaries. The river is generally clear throughout most of this month.
October
If the heavy fall rains have started, then coho can still be caught in the main river. Most of the coho are now dark, but the occasional silver one can still be taken. Trout fishing is still very good in October, but heavy rains will muddy the river and make fishing difficult, if not impossible.
November – December
Trout fishing remains good during these months and throughout the entire year. There is still a slight chance to catch a coho. The river is usually fairly high and dirty.
Please refer to the current issue of the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis and the current issue of the British Columbia Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Guide/Freshwater Salmon Supplement prior to any fishing activity and in regards to transporting and exporting fish.
Lower Dike
Turn left onto the gravel dike road at the Riverlodge Recreation Centre. Follow this road until you come to the end, then turn right. This will take you to the river. The second road is very rough, especially at the beginning and is not recommended for cars.
Pump House Pool
Take the second turn-off to your left after passing Radley Park heading south. This dirt road will bring you right to the river. This is a very popular fishing location. There is also a wheelchair accessible fishing spot in this area.
Fisherman’s Trail
Turn right off of Haisla Boulevard just before you come to the Haisla Bridge heading west. This will take you to the Rod & Gun Club. Park in the gravel parking lot, and you will find a trail at the north end of the lot. The first pool is not bad for fishing, but farther along the trail is a large pool near some cliffs. This pool and the long straight run below it are both good fishing stretches.
Coho Flats
The trail to Coho Flats begins in a vacant lot on Baxter Street. There is a sign marked “Trail to Coho Flats”. Follow this trail for approximately 40 – 50 minutes and you will end up at the river. The rock bluff to your right as you come to the river is a very popular spot.
Powerlines
Drive north on Highway 37, just past the large snowflake where the power lines cross the highway. Turn left here and follow the road to the river. This road can be difficult to travel after heavy rain. A four wheel drive vehicle is recommended.
Wedeene
Just north of the power lines fishing spot is an old road that turns off to the left. The entrance to the old road has been dug out, so you must park your car here and follow the road and trail to the river. It will take about half an hour.
Old Sawmill
Just north of the Nalbeelah Creek Bridge there is a gravel road on your left. Follow this road for 500 feet. It will lead you to the river.
Clay Banks
Just north of the first washout you will see two roads; one on the left and one on the right of the highway. Turn left here and follow the road, then walk the old channel down to the river. It will take about 20 minutes.
18 Mile Hole
Just south of the 18 mile bridge you will see a large rock jutting out into a good fishing pool.
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