Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Steelhead And Winter Ice Fishing In And Around Houston British Columbia (12 - Pictures)


Above Photo: Fulton river which flows into Babine Lake, British Columbia's 
longest natural lake at Granisle, B.C.. New Year's Day, January 1, 2016.

Houston, British Columbia is known around the world for a good number of things, such as Canada’s largest fly fishing rod (Canada's Largest Fly Fishing Rod

and one of two grizzly bears that were killing cattle around Hungry Hill. 

Also we have the “beautiful” Steelhead Park which runs along Highway 16 through Houston. 


Above Photo: Winter scene on the Walcott Forest Services road outside 
Houston, British Columbia. Pictures taken in December 2015.

In the park there is the Steelhead Fountain where you can sit peacefully enjoying the day.

Another popular attraction is the Wolf Totem Pole which is in the park.

In summer there are numerous beds of blooming flowers of different types and well manicured grass. The park is truly Houston’s well known gem.

There is also the Houston Community Forest where volunteers from the Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club care for 45 kilometres (28 miles) of challenging and beginner trails around Silverthorne Lake. 


Above Photo: Winter scene on the Walcott Forest Services road outside 
Houston, British Columbia. Pictures taken in December 2015.

The cross country skiing is the best, but the one that stands out is fishing for Steelhead on the Morice and Bulkley Rivers. People from all around the world descend on Houston with rod in hand ready for the cold river water adventure and amazing experience of a lifetime. 

Make sure you have your Freshwater Fishing License for British Columbia which you can purchase on line at: http://www.fishing.gov.bc.ca/

Before you head out on the rivers, pick up your Freshwater Fishing Regulations - Province of British Columbia: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/regulations/

As for all your fishing needs, Countrywide Sports in Houston, British Columbia has everything you would ever need and so much more. You can find Countrywide Sports at their Facebook page: 



The Steelhead fishing here is excellent, these cold water fish put up an amazing fight as I know first hand. I have fished the rivers and lakes all throughout the area since moving to Houston in 1981 and I have never, ever been disappointed. 


Above Photo: Just one of the excellent Steelhead rivers in British Columbia,
the Morice river in Houston.

You can head out on our own, or make arrangements to have a guide take 
you to the best fishing holes. 

Here is a list of a few guides you can contact:

Frontier Farwest Lodge:

Maxwell Steelhead Guides:


Above Photo: Winter scene on the Walcott Forest Services road outside 
Houston, British Columbia. Pictures taken in December 2015.

Steelhead Excursions:

Chromer Sport Fishing - Bulkley River Steelhead Fishing British Columbia:

The Bulkley River Lodge:


Above Photo: Winter scene on the Walcott Forest Services road outside 
Houston, British Columbia. Pictures taken in December 2015.

Now to ice fishing. All throughout the Houston, B.C. area and beyond, there are great ice fishing lakes to pick from. For most lakes in winter, you will need a snowmobile or snowshoes to access the lakes as most are not plowed in winter, but you can drive pretty close to them. 

Here are some of the things needed for ice fishing. First and most important are, warm clothing such as a good winter jacket, a warm pair of boots and gloves to keep your hands warm, and a toque is a good idea as well. The main thing is, always be prepared for cold temperatures.


Above Photo: Ice fishing on New Year's Day, January 1, 2016 at 
Timber Lake, Granisle, British Columbia.

You are going to need a ice auger 6-to-8-inch range to drill a hole. Chances are you will be drilling more than one hole if the fishing is slow in one area. Also needed is a ice fishing rod, hooks, weights, bait and lures. Everything you would need can be purchased at Countrywide Sports.


Above Photo: Ice fishing hut on New Year's Day, January 1, 2016 at 
Timber Lake, Granisle, British Columbia.

On really cold days with a wind blowing, and you still want to get onto the ice, an Ice Hut is ideal and can make your day of ice fishing comfortable. 

You can have a small heater in the hut, along with chairs, from there sit back with a hot cup of coffee and bite to eat waiting for that fish to strike, and all in comfort. 


Above Photo: Fulton river which flows into Babine Lake, British Columbia's 
longest natural lake at Granisle, B.C.. Picture taken on New Year's Day, January 1, 2016.

Another important fact to having an ice hut is that it blocks out the light and  gives you have a great view into the hole you drilled.  And don’t drop your cell phone down the hole like my son did.

Listed below are just a few of the lakes that can produce some excellent fishing through the ice.





Above Photo: Winter scene on the Walcott Forest Services road outside 
Houston, British Columbia. Picture taken in December 2015.






Above Photo: Tugboats sitting idle waiting for the Spring thaw on Babine Lake, Granisle, British Columbia. Picture taken New Year's Day, January 1, 2016.

As I mentioned above, Houston has a lot to offer and I have just touched on a small fraction of what you can do and see here. 

If you have any questions about Houston, British Columbia, the folks at the Visitors Centre will be more than happy to answer them for you. 

Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Centre Houston, British Columbia.

Also if you would like information about fishing Babine Lake and Granisle, British Columbia, please contact the good folks at the Granisle Visitors Center and they
will be able to answer all your questions.

Granisle, British Columbia Visitors Center.


Above Photo: A thick coating of frost on the small trees along the North road close to Granisle, British Columbia. Picture taken New Year's Day, January 1, 2016.

If you have a picture or story you would like to share on the Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike blog, please contact me at b_vike@telus.net

Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike.

Travel Houston, British Columbia with Brian Vike.

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