Steelhead season on the Morice River is not to be missed. This river attracts anglers from all over the world, providing exceptional adventure in spectacular surroundings.
Try fishing dry flies with a waking technique. The objective is to create a "wake", or a "V" pattern, behind the fly for the steelhead to cue on. The trailing wake needs to be big enough so that it can be seen by the fish.
In slow moving, clear water a smaller wake will work, but as the turbulence and turbidity increase, the size of the wake needs to be larger in order to be seen by feeding fish.
This works best in shady areas, or before the sun is fully up. Try fishing areas where there is a distinctive drop-off, such as around rocks. Put a bit of bend on the line and cast across on a 45 degree angle.
Keep the salmon openings in mind when you venture out. Coho are open from September 1 to October 31, and one section of the river is open to chinook only until the end of August.
A great way to make the most of your trip is to hire a guide. A professional guide is an excellent way for beginners who may be intimidated by river fishing, and for more experienced anglers who are looking to take their trips to the next level.
If you're out on your own, remember to keep your gear in top shape, and always have backups.
Before heading out to fish this wild river, remember that special regulations apply to this fishery. There are two sets of regulations that must be consulted--the BCFreshwater Fishing Regulations, produced by the Province of BC, and the Freshwater Salmon Supplement, produced by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
ABOUT THE RIVER
The Morice River emerges from the north end of Morice Lake, and runs for more than 80 kilometres to the confluence of the Bulkley River, near Houston.
Five species of salmon are known to inhabit this system, including chinook, pink, chum, sockeye, coho and steelhead. The chinook salmon are the top producers in this system, responsible for an estimated 30% of the total Skeena escapements of this species.
While the Morice River is known for its excellent salmon fishing, it is also home to trout, including rainbow, cutthroat and dolly varden.
RIVER ACCESS
From Terrace head east along Highway 16 to the town of Houston. Turn right (south)onto the Morice River Forest Service Road (FSR), which winds along the Morice River for nearly its entire length.
There are several recreation sites located along the forestry road, and offer several locations to fish, or put in a pontoon boat. See map for general location of recreation sites.
Download Map: http://www.mapjungle.com/geoproduct/download/1465232?widgetID=18
Find and download hundreds of fishing maps from BC on The Citizen's fishing page.
http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/section/princegeorge02&template=fishing_maps
Copyright 2011 by The Angler's Atlas
