Back in the 80's and 90's the area around Nimpkish River was heavily logged with resulted in a substantial decline in steelhead numbers. The other alternative is to hike in from the road endings of the many logging roads that approach the parks boundaries. Nimpkish Lake is a scenic wonder and a prime destination for windsurfers and fishermen. A skilled angler can land several medium sized steelhead in a day out on this pretty river. Both hunting and fishing require appropriate licenses and strict observance of any special rules. There is no hatchery program here and an old mill sits down at the estuary. Its divided up into three sections and each section has its own regulations, so be sure to check carefully. In fact, Nimpkish Lake is the deepest lake on Vancouver Island, reaching a depth of nearly 1000 feet below sea level. The first of the winter run appear September to October but they stay just in the rivers mouth. Whether youre photographing the grizzly and black bears or waiting for that elusive shot of a whale breaching, well bring you right to the wildlife hot spots so you can capture all the action. You can catch fishany day of the yearon Vancouver Island, and its a steelheaders paradise. Lower Nimpkish Provincial Park is undeveloped and contains no facilities, but wilderness camping is permitted. The winter steelhead run in this river is absolutely amazing. Kayak to Robson Bight to view killer whales, or watch black bear, deer and river otter from our patio. Numerous nearby rivers like the Chemainus, Nanaimo, Little Qualicum, Englishman and Big Qualicum were very popular for winter steelhead fishing. A Hump, This looks delicious! Comox Valley It's common for this river to have the largest returns of steelhead on Vancouver Island and some anglers say you can fish for Steelhead any day of the year. LakeLubbers and LakeLubbers.com are trademarks of G & C Ventures LLC. The Stamp is a great fly fishing opportunity but once the salmon spawn occurs these steelhead wont even notice a fly. All public lands camping is primitive, with a large number of trails leading from the logging roads to the lakeshore and the surrounding mountains. Varied circular route around the Almhlsee near Gunzenhausen, Bavaria. Surrounded by scenic peaks and primarily second-growth forest, Highway 19 runs along the eastern shore on its path between Port McNeill and the little town of Woss. Hundreds of Bald Eagles are drawn to Goldstream, while a thousand may show up at the Nimpkish River, north of Campbell River on Vancouver Island. And it's stunning. The first migratory chinooks appear in late May through to August, followed by the sockeye (June to August), pinks (July to August), coho in mid July, northern coho in September, and chum salmon from late August through to October. The salmon spawning runs also attract other wildlife. The area holds a large number of black-tailed deer, black bear and a wide variety of smaller native wildlife and birds. It has good road access from highway 28 out of Campbell River and its a beautiful drive through Strathcona park. This river can flood very quickly and become quite dangerous if you dont have enough experience or know the character of this system. Unlike most Vancouver Island Steelhead rivers, this isnt a great river for fly fishing, as its too narrow in most spots until it nears the ocean. shrubs and trees along with a forested trail leading to the nearby Nimpkish River. In fact, Nimpkish Lake is the deepest lake on Vancouver Island, reaching a depth of nearly 1000 feet below sea level. Truly fabulous, nothing beats river fishing. The skilled fisherman can get 20+ steelhead in a single day. The fish in this Vancouver Island Steelhead river are known for their fight. The Nootka Marine Adventures guides are some of the most experienced and professional in the area. , flows the world famous Cowichan river. and Karmutzen Mtn. All rights reserved. Take a fully-guided fishing trip or partake in the numerous outdoor activities including; wildlife-viewing, trail walks, caving, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or excursions to the historic Friendly Cove. About 5000 resident anglers and another approximate 5000 visiting steelheaders annually catch about 35,000 steelhead. Read ourfull disclosure policy. We feature some of the most productive, yet uncrowded, fishing spots on the west coast of Vancouver Island! Summer steelhead runs populate most west coast rivers but exist in only a few east coast rivers like the The only settlement on Nimpkish Lake itself is the village of Nimpkish, with a gas station, an RV campground and a store. The water offshore from Zeballos boasts excellent saltwater sportfishing for salmon and rock cod, one of the smoothest, most tasty fish when fresh, before being doused with smoke (the usual treatment for most cod sold in BC stores.). Wilderness, walk-in or paddle-in camping are allowed but not recommended. HOOK'N THEM UP FISHING CHARTERS SPECIALIZING IN PORT MCNEILL, PORT HARDY, WINTER HARBOUR, RIVERS INLET & QUATSINO SOUND FISHING CHARTERSHook'n Them Up Fishing Charters is family owned & operated local business in Port Mcneill BC. The mythical halibut was so large it could create a rip-tide. Other popular steelheading rivers in this region include the Quinsam, Heber, Bear and Salmon. Can't say enough about the beauty of the area and the relative solitude. Lower Nimpkish Provincial Park is situated to the north of Nimpkish Lake and southeast of Port McNeill on northern Vancouver Island. A boat launch near the Nimpkish store provides the easiest access for boaters and water recreation fans. Photo: Union of BC Indian Chiefs . If the salmon arent biting, go for a halibut, lingcod, or red snapper, and put out a couple of crab and prawn pots to have the freshest seafood feast ever. Some of the deep canyons of this river are inaccessible to hikers but we have found that the most productive pools are lower down and very accessible with only a short hike. Let's face it, there's a lot we can learn and share from one another like what bait or lure is generating the best results. There is no fee for wilderness camping. Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: The Nimpkish Lake forum has been discontinued: Youre invited to join our lake-lovin community on. Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 12 of 12 Posts. Reel Obsession Sport Fishing Charters offers year-round, world-class, fully-guided BC salmon and halibut sportfishing charters on Vancouver Island on the west coast of British Columbia, fishing Zeballos, Nootka Sound, Esperanza Inlet, and Victoria. Besides the famed steelhead salmon, coho salmon, chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, Dolly Varden trout, rainbow trout, kokanee and cutthroat trout lurk along the many inlets of small creeks and can be caught year round. This is what gets you into the best fishing holes. The Nimpkish river is the largest river on Vancouver island and the legend Roderick Haig-Brown called it The Big One. Black Bear Resort in the beautiful coastal community of Port McNeill is the newest property on Northern Vancouver Island, offering elegant accommodation on the fringe of a natural forest with beautiful ocean views. Watch for eagles and wildlife on the shores of the Nimpkish River, or cast a line from a houseboat on Sproat Lake. Cowichan Even the smaller steelhead in the Nimpkish will fight like a large Steelhead of the other southern rivers. Snag a Dolly Varden in Comox Lake or a Steelhead in the Cowichan River, the Fly Fishing Capital of Canada. Theres a good salmon run on the Marble River, which lies 8 miles (13 km) west of Hwy 19 on the road to Port Alice. The park can be accessed from the north from the subdivision of Nimpkish Heights, just south of Port McNeill. This river begins at Port Renfrew and runs up the San Juan Valley and is fed by a few tributaries including the Caycuse and the Harris creek.. Whether you're fly fishing, baitcasting or spinning your chances of getting a bite here are good. Logging roads provide the primary access to the northern lakes and rivers. The campsite has a playground and a sports ground. No matter which community youre in, from Port Hardy in the north to Victoria in the south, from Campbell River on the Islands east coast to the shores of Ucluelet, youll find world-class fishing year-round. Whether you travel the network of logging roads or wander along several nature trails, the scenery of the park and surrounding wilderness is spectacular. Our favourite aresteelybeads. We offer 3-day trips out of Campbell River on Vancouver Island to the world capital for grizzly bear safaris. The Stamp river is an all year steelhead stream with large runs of summer and winter steelhead. The winter run steelhead is great here, but be sure to watch your water levels carefully. 6892 Views 10 Replies 4 Participants Last post by btree, Jan 6, 2013. . This river has seen some very hard times due to unsustainable logging practices and the steelhead counts were way way down during the 80's and 90's. Best way to experience this river ishiring a guideto do a drift. BC Fly Fishing Forums. It is carved by rugged Pacific ocean fjords and inlets and punctuated with over 2000 fish bearing lakes. This cycle way stretches some way, from Riedenberg in the south further north following the Altmuehl river. Save time using this interactive map below. Vancouver Island Steelhead rivers are some of the most unique around. This park offers opportunities for backcountry skiing, ski mountaineering and snowshoeing in areas near Tlakwa Mtn. Although they say you can catch Steelhead in this river year round the peaks are as follows: This river lies on the northern part of Vancouver Island and runs from Nimpkish Lake to the cute little town of Port McNeill. Fishermen come here much of the year. This steelheader's utopia, Vancouver Island, rests about 20 miles from the British Columbia coast and stretches 280 miles in a northwest direction. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in Nimpkish River British Columbia, Canada 4.0 (1 review) Anyone interested in fishing Nimpkish River or waters within the wider area in British Columbia, Canada should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. Winter run steelhead November to March, peaking January and February, Sockeye, Chinook, Chum, Pink and Chum Salmon, Rainbow, Dolly Varden, Cutthroat and Kokanee Trout, The Best Vancouver Island Steelhead Rivers. No picnic facilities exist within Nimpkish Provincial Park, but picnic tables and water access are available at the Western Forest Product Recreation Area and nearby Kinman Camp. "What method of angling would I prefer?" It must be the rugged northern spirit. This circular route is a small section of the popular Altmhltal Cycle Route, which follows the leisurely Altmhl River from Gunzenhausen to Kelheim through the Altmhltal Nature Park for 166 kilometers. As can be seen, it's a good-size stream, even in late summer. Blackfish Sound is productive for salmon fishing, offering feeder chinooks throughout the year. This scenic route leads around the Baldeneysee. . Commercial firms along the coast arrange for ocean-going activities such as whale-watching, sea fishing and boat tours to nearby islands containing ecological preserves. The Nimpkish Lake, 25 kilometres in length, attracts canoeists, kayakers and hikers and is popular for recreational fishing. There is plenty of room, the river isnt crowded with anglers and youre surrounded by the tall trees that the west coast is famous for and its surrounded by a quiet hiking trail. Visit the LakeLubbers shop for fun, fresh designs you can customize! Halibut around the 100 lb mark are brought in regularly, with monsters of over 200 lbs caught occasionally. Winter runs peak late December to late January, but this does vary slightly from year to year depending on conditions. We make available only the highest quality fly fishing gear at deep discounted prices such as fly fishing rods, fly boxes, waders or wading boots, fly fishing reels, flies, and tackle. They will help ensure that you have both a memorable as well as a highly-productive angling experience aboard comfortable, covered 28-foot boats. Fortunately the Nimpkish Resource Management Board is changing that and returns are increasing again. Accessed by gravel road from Port Hardy via Holberg, the remote fishing village of Winter Harbour offers lodging, a marina, protected deep-water moorage, boat launch, fuel dock, general store, fishing charters, and campground and RV facilities. Fishing is a way of life for these communities, whether it be commercial or sport, saltwater or freshwater. Those who prefer hot showers and restaurant menus will find plenty to chose from in the area near the coastline. Theme by Solostream.. The intimate sport fishing resort is one of the most pristine and highly-praised fishing lodges in Kyuquot Sound with large luxury boats and internationally renowned salt-water fishing guaranteed to provide an unforgettable salmon and halibut fishing experience. It is shallow in incline, dropping only 280 m over its course, most of that before woss lake. Theres the ocean as far as the eye can see, and tidal pools teeming with ocean life. The Steelhead tend to range anywhere from about 5 to 20lbs, and the winter run tends to be bigger. Having an exciting weekend of adventure with our O, A picture is worth a thousand words See more he, An incredible thing to experience up close! Several fishing outfitters in the area arrange fishing expeditions to the current hotspots both within the lake and along the Upper and Lower Nimpkish River. The majority of the lakes and rivers experience very light fishing pressure due to the isolated nature of the region. However, in the last few years there has been a dramatic decline in winter steelhead returning to east coast rivers for reasons unknown. Launch or charter out of Port Hardy for fishing trips in Queen Charlotte Sound, Gordon Channel and the headlands and islands off Goletas Channel. 0.1 cubic ft. (340 photographs in 1 volume) Photograph album documenting the survey of the Nimpkish River on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, possibly for the lumber industry, circa 1937-1940. Vancouver Island Fisheries Branch Located on the pristine west coast of Vancouver Island, Moutcha Bay Resort is situated at the mouth of the picturesque Conuma River and only a 40 minute drive from Gold River. Listed as one of BCs top steelhead rivers byBC Outdoor magazine, its definitely one of my favorite Vancouver Island Steelhead Rivers. Significant progress was made in the Lower Avatar Grove [], Central Walbran Valley Logging Conflict Escalates A logging permit for the first of eight proposed cutblocks in the Central Walbran Valley was issued in September by the government of British [], Vancouver Island is located in the temperate rainforest biome, with the mild climate and high rainfall combining to produce groves of massive old-growth trees. However, due to logjam, launch just west of Kaipit Creek. Hidden Cove Lodge has 8 fully-accommodated rooms, a licensed dining room, and 2 self-contained oceanview cottages for those seeking complete privacy. The North Island Region, including Queen Charlotte Strait inlets on the mainland of British Columbia, is an area of deep contrast. With nearly 10,000 lakes on the Island, freshwater fishing is practically within casting distance all the time. If you like to fish, you will be in heaven at Kyuquot! In this region it is possible to have successful steelheading every single day of the year. No lodgings are found along Nimpkish Lakes shoreline. Fly fishing is a great option here as its banks are wide enough to accommodate the long throws. During past years the highest producing Vancouver Island steelhead streams usually include the following rivers; Stamp, Somass, Quinsam, Quatse, Much of the land area is under the control of Western Forest Products, a logging and lumber firm. So grab your favorite fly fishing rod and reel, and head out to Nimpkish River. Popular, quiet hiking trail near Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia. Fishery continues 00:01 hours March 15, 2020 until further notice to commercial fishing for Dungeness and Red Rock crab by ring net, dip net, and trap in the following Pacific Fishery Management Areas: Areas 11, 15, 21, 22, 26, and 27. The Nimpkish Lake, 25 kilometres in length, attracts canoeists, kayakers and hikers and is popular for recreational fishing. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. Click for a Map of North Vancouver Island. A ten-pound Coho's a nice fish, but it's not thatbig. Located at the northeast corner of Vancouver Island, Nimpkish Lake forms a wide and extremely deep spot along 14 miles of the Nimpkish River. It has many pristine watersheds with wild populations of steelhead which rarely see an angler or a visitor. Snag a Dolly Varden in Comox Lake or a Steelhead in the Cowichan River, the Fly Fishing Capital of Canada. Conservationists Measure Near Record-Size Cedar in the Endangered Central Walbran Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia Conservationists with the Ancient Forest Alliance have located and measured two huge western red [], A new Sierra Club map of B.C.s southern coastal rainforest shows why the Walbran rainforest on Vancouver Island matters, and what we stand to lose for species, carbon and beauty, [], The Ancient Forest Alliance on Vancouver Island is building a boardwalk at the Avatar Grove near Port Renfrew in British Columbia. If fishing is your element, youre going to love Vancouver Island. Gold River The Namgis call the river Gwani. Port Hardy Bears gather at more remote rivers to fatten up for their winter sleep. From this bustling metropolis of Victoria to the fishing, mining, and logging community of Nimpkish Lake is a scenic wonder and a prime destination for windsurfers and fishermen. When the rain comes it enables them to migrate up the river to spawn. Access is great for this river as many great fishing holes are literally a 15 minute drive from Port Alberni. For the steelheader Vancouver Island offers unbelievable and unlimited trophy angling opportunity. Logging roads are the only access to most of the shore. Walters Cove Resort makes BC saltwater fishing an exhilarating, affordable and challenging experience, no matter your skill level. Winter chinook end off the year by passing through toward the end of December. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Youll find large salmon, halibut, ling cod, and more! This river has seen some very hard times due to unsustainable logging practices and the steelhead counts were way way down during the 80s and 90s. The undeveloped natural hot mineral spring [], Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park, on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island, is home to some of the world's largest spruce trees. Experience one of the famed salmon runs and enjoy the natural landscape that British Columbia is protecting and restoring. Read Campbell River Visitor Map by Landmark Media on Issuu and browse thousands of other publications on our platform. Haig-Brown was born in Lancing, Sussex, England.His father, Alan Haig-Brown, was a teacher and a prolific writer, the author of hundreds of articles and poems on sports, the military, and educational issues in various periodicals.Alan was also an officer in the British Army during World War I. Get close to the action with our privileged access to special Grizzly Bear viewing stands. Steelhead sizes range from 4 to 30 pounds with the average being 8 pounds. TheCowichanis considered an urban river, however youd never know it. There are no private homes nearby. Wherever the tide takes you, Vancouver Island has incredible saltwater fishing for everyone. Its also changing regularly and different sections are opening and closing all the time. , responsible for rearing and stocking most Vancouver Island rivers and lakes, is situated in Duncan. Interest: Mountain biking, hiking, nature photography, astronomy, music For the best viewing experience please update your browser to, British Columbia - Vancouver Island Hiking, Park Closures, Avalanche Advisories, Road Reports, Hiking with man's best friend (Dog trails & talk). Steelhead rivers in this area include the largest river on Vancouver Island, the Nimpkish River, supported by good steelheading on the Cluxewe, Keogh, Quatse and Nahwitti Rivers, plus numerous other smaller streams. The paved road to the north of Vancouver Island travels through some stunning scenery en route to Port McNeill and Port Hardy, the best launch points for anglers fishing the northern half of Vancouver Island. The range of Salmon fishing in Blackfish Sound extends from the eastern tip of Malcolm Island (Donegal Head), north of Plumper Islands and Hanson Island through Blackney Passage and into Baronet Passage. (250) 746-1425 In 1918 he was killed in action in France. Open water depths of 200 to 400 feet are most productive. Vancouver Island offers two distinct races of steelhead, summer run steelhead and winter run steelhead. The North Central Island Region covers a vast area of Vancouver Island and centres around the communities of the Located within the traditional lands of the NamgisKeep scrolling to read more. The dense underbrush in the forest provides little or no area to set up tents. Except as noted, Copyright 2005 - 2023 G&C Ventures LLC. No actual vehicle access to the park exists; visitors must arrive by boat from the boat landing at the Western Forest Product Recreation area near the Nimpkish gas station.