Blog

2011 Hooked on Yukon Fishing Events July 1st Long Weekend

2011-06-26T17:01:17Z

Join in Hooked on Yukon Fishing Program events taking place near you. Sponsored by the Department of Environment and Yukon Fish and Game Association, these family friendly events will introduce you to the fishing in the Yukon.

This year’s events are being held at the Tatchun Lake Campground, Whitehorse Fish Ladder and Hidden Lakes and in Teslin. Learn about live release, fishing techniques, pike filleting and more!

For more information visit the HOY Fishing web page.

Fly Fishing Film Festival April 7th at the Beringia Centre - get your tickets at Coast Mountain.

2011-03-30T23:49:48Z

Check out the new fly fishing film festival coming to town. Get your tickets at the Whitehorse Coast Mountain Sports. Show is at the Beringia Centre April 7, 2011. For more information check out http://flyfilmfest.com/IF4/.

Fishing Instructors Required

2011-03-24T04:54:44Z

There will be a fishing demo March 26th 12pm at the Canada Games Centre. YFGA is putting it on and they need a couple of additional instructors. If you want to donate some time and teach people to fish (cast), email Murray at .

Stepping up to Administrate the Yukon Fishing Forums

2010-12-01T14:42:38Z

It has been a long time coming, but I am finally ready to start administrating the Yukon Fishing Forums online.

Call it…life, procrastination, intimidation and spam, or whatever, but something has kept me from writing in general and administrating this new forum function.

I think there is great potential for like-minded Yukon anglers like yourselves to participate and share what you know about Yukon and Southeast Alaska fishing.

I know from the emails, pictures and encounters on the street that there are many of you who fish a great deal more that I. I hope we can harness that energy and have some meaningful two-way communication.

Try it out and share something on the forums.

At the moment it is broken down in a variety of different categories: Location Reports, Yukon Fly Fishing, Family Fishing, Ice Fishing, Events, News, etc.. I am open to any suggestions you may have.

I hope you enjoy and participate in the Yukon Fishing Forums.

Fall Fishing Tips for the Chilkat River, Haines Alaska

2010-10-12T11:20:49Z

If you passed on the thanksgiving rush for silvers in Haines you may still be in for some good fishing. The majority of Yukoners like to hit silvers in Haines from end of September through to mid-October. Truth is, some of the cleanest and best fishing can occur into early November.

You will have avoided the crowds, the water is lower and clear, and the fished are less stressed. The silver’s keep running so while you may get into pockets of those that have been spawning in the system; there will be some fresh ones too.

Gear Choice and Tactics:

Gear choice would be the same but with lower and clearer water you have to exercise a bit more stealth. You may be sneaking up on a group of fish in a small visible channel or pocket. A couple, clunky casts or some sloppy footwork in the water could end up spooking the fish.

Don’t be scared of casting strategically into small, small pools. These pools would have not even crossed your mind in the early fall when hundreds of anglers were there and the water was higher. In the late fall, fish will migrate a little deeper into the myriad of the Chilkat Valley Delta and might be sitting undisturbed in a small pocket of water. Get your cast right and you might get a quick hook-up as the fish will not have been immune to spoons or flies.

When I approach a nice pool or large back-eddy this time of year, I usually make a large pass around the water and try not to push through it. I examine it with polarized glasses and try to make out the channels or lies within that pool. There is usually a deeper part. I cast my fly or lure outside of this area and then try to reel or strip it through to get a quick instinctive strike.

On a few occasions I have been blown away at the number of fish that these pools have held in the late fall.

Clothing

It may be icy, damp cold or even full blown snowing. Wear multiple thermal layers under your waders. Also try fingerless gloves that give you the ability to keep the majority of your hand exposed. I’ve found that I can’t fish with gloves. I lose the ability to sense a strike through the line, but I wear a hoodie if I can and keep my hands in periodically like a Green Bay quarterback. Your hands will get beat up with the cold water and the weather but you will need them to clear out the guides (frost and ice will build up) and maybe even the line.

Finally, be very cautious about driving. Things may be looking great in the valley below but the Haines pass might be blown up or snowed in. Either drive a truck or car with good snow tires and possibly even chains to get through the thick stuff. It is a short stretch but it has turned around more than one Yukoner.

Fishing Through Transition

2010-10-11T13:08:15Z

Like a boat abandoned on shore, I have largely been inactive on the fishing and writing fronts for the past three months. Truth is I am in the midst of a significant move and some serious transition. I have all of my fishing stuff packed throughout a 10X30 foot container and virtually impossible to access.

Fishing is incredibly important to me and to not have cast a line in a while is a real challenge. Especially given the time of year with the Chilkat and Chilkoot boiling with Silvers. I was fortunate to get out a bunch of times including a stellar sockeye trip on the Kenai, but nowhere near to the fishing I usually do.

I’ve heard report after report of people catching fish or having a blast trying to hook into them. It has been good for me a my ego to wish all the best fishing and genuinely enjoy fishing through the experiences of others. I think it might be a test of my character and real growth opportunity.

All of my transition should be over by next summer with a house built and a place to sort and organize all my stuff. I plan to get out in force and make up for the time lost this year fishing.

There is also always ice-fishing. I can keep that pretty simple and don’t need a bunch of stuff.

With my life in a bit of chaos right now why not try the new fishing forums. At least if you can’t depend on me to report on what’s going on you can do it yourself.

Photo credit: howzey under Flickr creative commons.

Getting a Little Jiggy With It

2010-07-23T05:00:41Z

I just wrote a story for Whats Up Yukon on fishing Pine Lake and they featured the “Jumbo Jelly Tube and Jig Kit”.

I picked them up based on a recommendation from Glen at Sports North. I was looking to mix it up a bit and try something a little different.

He suggested these jigs. I know some great anglers who swear by jigging. I’ve seen them catch Coho in Valdez, Coho in Haines, Lake Trout in the Northwest Territories.

Frankly I should be doing more of it. I like the change-up from trolling and the ability to quickly sense a take from the fish.

Glen mentioned that some customers have been catching nice Lake Trout in deep Lakes.

This time of year we have to get deep to get Lakers; so with 2 ounce jigs like this one can comfortably and quickly fish 60-80 feet of water no problem.

I tried the white ones, but they come in yellow, green, and bright translucent green as well.

Go see Glen and give them a try…then tell me about it.

Hooked on Yukon Fishing - Family Fishing Weekend and Tatchun Lake Family Fishing Weekend Information

2010-06-29T03:11:03Z

HOOKED ON YUKON FISHING

Yukon residents may fish without a Yukon angling license during the annual Family Fishing Weekend Friday, July 2 to Monday, July 5.

Anglers must comply with all fishing regulations, including catch and possession limits, and must be able to produce proof of residency if asked by a Conservation or Fishery Officer. Pick up the 2010 -2011 Yukon Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for details.

New This Year Tatchun Lake Family Fishing Weekend Hosted by Conservation Officer Services

Live Release talk at the Tatchun Lake cook shack. Friday, July 2nd – 7:30 pm
Discussions, video and demonstration on why and how to practice live release fishing.

Kids fish with a Conservation Officer on Tatchun Lake. Saturday, July 3rd – 8:30 am – 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Learn fishing skills & conservation tips. Boat and gear provided.

Pike filleting demonstration and fish fry. 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
At the Tatchun Lake cook shack. Bring your own plate/cutlery.

Learn to fly fish – 7:30 pm
Casting and fly tying lessons.

More kids fishing on Tatchun Lake – Sunday, July 4th
8:30 am – 12:30 pm

For more information or to sign kids up early, please call the Dawson Conservation Officers at (867) 993-5492

Yukon Residents Cautioned Against Harvesting Shellfish in Juneau and Haines

2010-06-29T03:00:21Z

For those of us heading to Haines or Juneau for some fishing and setting some crab or shrimp traps along the way…stick to the fishing.
http://www.gov.yk.ca/news/2010/10-121.html

Friends of Mcintyre Creek Open House and Fly-Fishing

2010-06-15T04:37:14Z

This past weekend I volunteered with the Yukon Fish and Game Association to assist with the Friends of McIntyre Creek Open House.

I had the chance to speak with Dorothy about the Friends organization as well as teach her some fly-fishing. It was great on both accounts.

I am in the process of moving (over the next year and a half) from Copper Ridge to Takhini North. I have been engaged in the McLean Lake concrete batch plant issue and will now be in the McIntyre Creek area. The wetland and drainage is very important for wildlife and fish. As we know there are Grayling, Rainbow, Char, Lake Trout and more fish in these waters.

I joined the organization and look forward to getting involved in protecting the area.

Dirty Loser Anglers

2010-06-09T03:55:13Z

I was fishing at Hidden #1 the other day and came across a mess of fresh garbage left by some anglers. I know most of us pack out what we bring and some even pick up more garbage on the way out. What angers me about this mess was it was all freshly purchased gear in two bags. They must have spent $50-75 that day picking out all kinds of spinners and small lures for casting into the lake. The promptly walked with the bags to the lake, took all of the lures out of their packaging and left it all scattered on the ground (with a couple of beer bottles and a cigarette pack).

My thinking is that these are new anglers, given they had to buy all of this gear. I am big on new people trying to fish, but please be responsible!

My only hope is that they were as big of losers at fishing as they were at packing out their stuff. Maybe karma kicked in and not a Rainbow took their line, they left frustrated and won’t return.

Rod Demo Days on the Yukon River a Big Hit

2010-05-17T11:48:41Z

This past Sunday, we were blessed with great weather and no wind. Myself and a couple of other trout bum buddies offered to help Steve from H2O Troutfitter with his rod demo days.

I was most excited to try out my new switch rod on the mighty Yukon River. It is a big sweeping rod that you can cast both overhand regular or spey style.

There were a number of people that came by and tried fly-fishing first hand and checked out some of the rods Steve sells. Steve’s got a small shop in his basement that has a vast array of fly-fishing gear and fly-tying material.

Remember to shop local! Whether it is Sports North or H2OTroutfitter you will be surprised at the quality and price of the gear we have in town.

Fly Fishing Events Coming Up

2010-05-13T13:42:25Z

There are some fly-tying and fishing events Friday and this weekend you may want to take advantage of.

Fly-Tying Night Friday, May 14th 7-9pm, at Starbucks on Main Street

Contact to confirm a seat.

Chironomid Tying Course Saturday, May 15th 10am - 12 pm, 16 Hart Crescent, Riverdale

Contact to confirm a seat.

Fly Rod Demo Days Sunday, May 16th 8 am - 3pm, Boat Launch, Rotary Park

Contact to confirm a seat.

* Drop-in Events All Day

Remember that First Fish?

2010-05-04T02:03:42Z

Remember when you hooked into your first fish under the ice? The feeling of awe and wonder, watching that beautiful wriggly thing pulled out through the hole. This was her first fish and she made sure to land it…and cook it. Way to go!

That first fish never leaves your memory. Etched in there like stone. A connection at that age that usually leads to a healthy respect for all living things and a comfort and enjoyment of the outdoors.

First Fish of the Season (kind-of)

2010-05-03T03:50:37Z

My buddy purchased a new boat this spring and was dying to get it out on the water. Our plans were to grab our boys and head out to the Marsh Lake Bridge, launch, and search for some early season Pike.

I know Pike are still a little sleepy and need light and warmth to get them feeding, but it was still worth a shot. We made it to the boat launch only to find the water crazy low and too difficult for a launch.

Given we can only count a handful of local, ice-free waters this time of year, we chose the easy to navigate and figure out Schwatka Lake. Not known for crazy fishing action I expected it to be more of a get out and boat day than a fish day.

I have been successful catching Grayling in this river but with the clunky Pike gear I had…there was not a chance I was going to catch a fish.

I did fire up the rod and let out a bunch of casts, including my new double-haul. All winter I have been working on it indoors getting the technique down. It was feeling good and I have to think I have added at least 10-15 feet to my cast. Whether it will catch me fish or not remains to be seen.