[jockomontana]

Ok. Its time to check one off the bucket list... I'm planning a road trip from Alaska to BC chasing fall steelhead in mid-October through late November.

As of now, I'm thinking of taking the AMH ferry from Whittier, AK to Prince Rupert, BC... fishing POW Island, Skeena, and elsewhere. Exact destinations will reveal themselves in time... what I'm looking for here are some ideas, suggestions, and hopefully some contacts for future fishing buddies.

I've worked in AK as a saltwater halibut/salmon guide for the past six summers. In the fall, I usually drop off the radar and go trout bumming on the Kenai and the occasional trip to Bristol Bay waters. This year, I want to take my old dog for what might be our last great road trip together... I've got the gear, the truck and camper, and possibly a pontoon boat or inflatable kayak. I'm a USCG licensed mariner, class V boater, and wilderness savvy. I'm just looking for some natural beauty, quality fishing, and good company.

thanks and tight lines, everyone!

 

[fredaevans]

Sounds like a cool trip. Just one tiny favor if I may. If you take the Ferry waive to Ocean Falls as you float by. I lived there as a kid.

 

[Pat AV]

Ok. Its time to check one off the bucket list... I'm planning a road trip from Alaska to BC chasing fall steelhead in mid-October through late November.

As of now, I'm thinking of taking the AMH ferry from Whittier, AK to Prince Rupert, BC... fishing POW Island, Skeena, and elsewhere. Exact destinations will reveal themselves in time... what I'm looking for here are some ideas, suggestions, and hopefully some contacts for future fishing buddies.

I've worked in AK as a saltwater halibut/salmon guide for the past six summers. In the fall, I usually drop off the radar and go trout bumming on the Kenai and the occasional trip to Bristol Bay waters. This year, I want to take my old dog for what might be our last great road trip together... I've got the gear, the truck and camper, and possibly a pontoon boat or inflatable kayak. I'm a USCG licensed mariner, class V boater, and wilderness savvy. I'm just looking for some natural beauty, quality fishing, and good company.

thanks and tight lines, everyone!

I will be doing a similar trip, but driving down from the Yukon, hopefully last week of October, first 2 weeks of November.

I know the Skeena well, be happy to meet up for some fishing.

Cheers,

Pat

 

[sixrivers]

Should be good fun

October weather in the Gulf might even put a roll to the decks of those ferrys:hihi:
I'm not positive but most of the steelhead runs in southeast are happening right now - actually April and the Cohos are going to be getting pretty red by late Sept so if only to check off Prince of Wales from the list, you may want to pass that up for more time on the Skeena drainages. The other option that may make more sense is to stop in Yakutat as their fall run on the Situk can be tremendous.

 

[Hardyreels]

I have to concur with Sixrivers here,

I've spent quite a few fall trips on the Islands and weather can be a challenge to say the least. Taking port at Yakutat might be a good call however I have not fished that far south. When I say Islands I'm talking Kodiak & Afognak and there have been times when I wanted to leave almost a week ahead of pick up time but had to tough out the storms. For late run silver salmon the Islands get late fish but the most predictable late silver fishing is in South Central right on the Kenai from Slilak Lake down. Fish are entering the river right through November and there are plenty of big trout / steelhead, hanging around too.

If you know this part of the Kenai you know it's motor boat tripping but you can hike in from the outflow trail on lower Skilak Lake and fish from shore very well also. I have done both but if I elect to take the truck instead of the motorcycle I also haul a jet boat with. This part of the river gets pressure in late fall but it's big and you can always find a hold somewhere where you will get hooked up with some silvers. I have said all of this because if you are after silvers and steelhead, fishing the lower Kenai Peninsula may be a good bet. Not as adventurous as a ferry trip through PW Sound but some decent fishing especially on week days.

If you want to chat about this drop me a PM,

Ard

 

[PGK]

Probably in your best interests not to reveal 'exact locations' .... that is if you want any help. Pat, we may have to have a jam session about that trip, I'm going to have a lot of holidays to burn around that time

 

[jockomontana]

thnx!

Thanks for the replies here...
Fishing to me is all about the adventure... I've fished ever since I was a wee tot and now its become my livelihood... as well as a lifestyle. I guide for halibut, cohos, and kings here in the Gulf of AK; I'm very familiar with the fall Kenai run of cohos and have caught chromers as late as January; I am fortunate enough to live less than an hour from some incredible fall fishing for 'bows, dollies, and cohos...

I have an opportunity to embark on a road trip next fall that could potentially lead me to some fabulous steelhead waters... I realize some SE runs are primarily spring runs but the fall numbers are not to be underestimated; weather is always a factor and sometimes makes the reward that much sweeter.

As a guide, I've found that some of the most memorable days on the water are not about the numbers (or size) of fish but the sheer enjoyment of company and the exploration of new waters... hopefully, this forum will help me connect with members who share my passion and willing to show me around some pretty special places.. or can at least provide some insight on logistical possibilities and waters of interest at that time of year.

cheers!

 

[jockomontana]

boat options...

If you were me and had a few weeks to fish BC waters for trout/char/steelhead in October... how would you do it? I'll be cruising in my truck/camper but I'm thinking of of picking up some sort of watercraft... canoe, pontoon, or even a small river sled for short-term use.

I dont want to haul a boat/trailer for a few thousand miles so I might just pick one up when I get to BC and try to sell before I leave... any good resources to look into for used boats? Is having a small power boat worth it or should I focus more on road-access float stretches and walk-in areas...?? Where can I find info on regs/restrictions for power boats?

thanks again!

 

[RileyS]

Pontoon boat and a bicycle/thumb is the way I would (do) do it.

 

[jockomontana]

Ok... my charter season is rapidly coming to an end here... and I'm gearing up for the next few months of trout and steelhead fishing... traveling in a small pick-up with camper, dog, pontoon boat, and a quiver of rods: spey, switch, spin, and drift...

I'll be fishing the Kenai occasionally for the next few weeks, getting warmed up for my trip out West to the Naknek and Kvichak rivers the first week of October. Then to BC for a few weeks... was originally thinking of taking the Marine Hwy Ferry from Whittier to POW, then off to Prince Rupert, but now I'm thinking of taking the interior route down the Cassiar Hwy... most likely fishing any fresh waters along the way for trout and lakers... then posting up in the Smithers/Terrace region for a couple weeks of exploring the Skeena!

Are there any particular waters, tribs, or access points I should consider while I'm en route... and hopefully get away from the crowds. Is it possible to catch rides up river and drift down? I'm not looking to piss in any locals honey holes... I'm just going fishing; I respect the resource and the locals and hoping to make a few more fishing buddies along the way. Thanks for any info you would share publicly or in a PM; happy to return the favor when you come to AK!

cheers!

 

[fredaevans]

Another option?

Pontoon boat and a bicycle/thumb is the way I would (do) do it.

Buy a small used (good shape) motor bike and a strong chain/lock to pin same to a tree. Stake at your 'take out' and drive up and launch. (Bring rod tube(s) and bungie cords to break down/stow your expensive 'Ooooo! Lookie what I found gear:saevilw:') Putt-putt back up, bike onto back/side of camper, and wizz back down to get your boat.

Thoughts?:hihi:
fae