Thursday 9/27 /  by Barry Cox

Yesterday morning we had a minor set back. The boat sunk overnight. We had the boat anchored in about 1 1/2 feet of water. After inspection we spotted the right rear corner had a one inch split that was letting water in. We hit a rock but did not realize there was a hole in the hull. We had to load the boat onto the trailer and take to a metal shop and have it aluminum welded. After four phone calls to find a welding shop that would do the repair quickly we found a custom aluminum boat builder 5 minutes away! We were back on the water fishing at 10:30. It is just about impossible to not hit rocks. The locals are saying that this is the lowest water level in 20 years. Yet, this can change quickly if a big storm comes in.

We did not catch and steelhead that day. It rained of and on all day.

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Wednesday 9/26 /  by Barry Cox

John, Nya and I headed out for another day at 7:30. It was a beautiful sunrise. We fishED unit about noon and then headed back to camp for lunch. After lunch we drove to Smithers for some supplies: Boat Gas, Propane, Ice, Beer and Groceries. Smithers has a “nordic” theme which they try to promote….

We got flagged down on the river by some fellow Telkwa campers that said the police we looking fo us at our camp site. Apparently I butt dialed 911. I don’t even know how that happened.

We headed back out for an evening fish at about 5 PM. l caught a nice one on one of my custom hand tied flies! Back in camp we had some Moscow Mules to celebrate. John is a Moscow Mule fan.

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Tuesday 9/25 /  by Barry Cox

Today we fished most for the day. I caught one really nice “buck”, male steelhead. John did a great job with the net. We both had strikes and misses. There are fish around but not as much as we would like. The low water level makes jet boating a little sketchy. We hit the jet drive several times.

We fished pretty hard and were both pretty tired. We had a nice spaghetti dinner in camp which we ate ate our camp fire. It has been pretty warm during the day and not too cold at night. We are getting ready for another attempt today.

9/24 - Arrived in Telkway /  by Barry Cox

After driving more than 1,400 miles we have arrived in Telkwa, BC. We got here on Sunday afternoon. We have set up camp and we launched the boat. We are ready to set out early on Monday morning. Last night we had a great dinner outside and a camp fire.

We have been talking to some other anglers with not that great of reports of catching steelhead. The river we will be fishing is the Bulkley River. The water level is at least two feet lower than normal. There is enough flow to boat and fish but it is a little dicey navigating around rocks.

10/20 /  by Barry Cox

I drove back to the Morice River for another try.  I decided to leave the dory at the campground because I really could not use it there.  This is a rive that you really need a jet boat for.  It is difficult to walk to areas because of limited access from the logging roads.  I had one strike but that was it.  Not so good. 

The weather has been surprisingly mild, mid 40s in the afternoon.   I am trying to decide if I want to stay and fish today or just start heading back to the USA.  In the Smithers area only Canadian residents can fish on Saturday and Sunday.....  I am not going to sit around Smithers for two days. 

10/19 Wednesday /  by Barry Cox

Pretty morning here and not to cold.  It was supposed to rain but really only rained for a little while.  Today I drove to a new river, the Morice River.  Actually, I fished this river about 14 years ago on a guided trip with Blake Clark, Dennis Clark, Jim Fleming, Bob Moore and me.  I started the day by going into THE fly store, Oscars.  I had to buy a special license to fish on the Morice - $20.00 Canadian.  While I was talking to the fly shop employee, Tony, he asked where I was from and I told him JH and he said he know some brothers who owned a hardware stone in JH.  I then realized he was talking about Blake and Dennis Clark. Tony was our guide on the Morice 14 years ago....   Tony also reminded me that there are "some bears up there so be sure the bring along some bear spray".   I spent the entire time looking over my shoulders for BEARS. 

The road off of the highway up to the Morice is a forest service road but it is also a logging road.   Totally insane.  The speed limit on a this dirt, MUD, road is 50 KMH but the trucks drive much faster.  My truck and boat were COVERED in mud, see photo.  I finally caught a really nice "hen" a female steel head.  Males are called "bucks".  Don't ask me why. 

I did not use the dory as there are no shuttles and I was really just checking out the area and river.  The hen I caught, and released unharmed, was more than 30" long and she put up a 15 minute fight!!! 

I took some photos of the campground, the mud and the fish.

October 17 & 18 /  by Barry Cox

Fished two days on the Babine River with Nya.   A ton of fishing but not much catching.  Finally found an RV campground, Telkaw RV,  with internet, electricity, showers, and a toilet, all big items.   The locals here at the campground are all steelhead anglers and a pretty hard core group.   They all seem to know where to go and how to fish with the best gear including jet boats to go up or down the rivers, no shuttle required.  I saw my neighbor loading up to go to his jet boat, his "sled", with four spey rods.   I am sure they were all slightly different depending on the situation....  Pretty much an older crowd of dudes.  When I came back this evening my neighbors were smoking a little pot. 

Pretty much done with the Babine river, pretty tricky fishing with not a lot of success.  I am planning to try the Morise River tomorrow. 

I got a pretty great sleep last night and I am feeling more normal after the long drive.  It is amazing how much stuff there is to do when you are alone.  I am headed for my first shower since leaving Cody.  Pretty crazy considering I usually take at least one shower every day.

The Drive 10/15 & 10/16 /  by Barry Cox

Canada is really BIG.  I feel like I drove to the moon.   You really need to plan out your gas because there are places where there is nothing but trees for 200 miles. If it looks like there are no towns on the map then there is nothing out there.  The border guys were bored so they sent me into their inspection building for a 30 minute inspection. 7 guys and 1 woman officer looked in everything while Nya and waited in the inspection room.   Very official.  Once they were satisfied I had no guns, pepper stay, alcohol, or cigarettes I was invited back and it became much friendlier... where Nya was the star, again!

Ready, set, go! /  by Barry Cox

Stocked up on food today! $140.00 worth at Albertsons in Cody!!! Lots of good meals and snacks! Nya got a new bed and we are ready to go tomorrow!!! 

Fridge is full

Fridge is full

Nyas new bed! 

Nyas new bed! 

Dry food storage

Dry food storage

Happy Birthday! /  by Barry Cox

Dear Dad,  

Sending you off on your #epicfishingjourney with lots of love and luck. May you be safe, have fun, and catch many fish. And don't forget to write posts on your blog! #barrygoesnorth

xoxo, 

Leah

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