Good Hope Cannery

Help is often needed with big fish....

We’re speaking with hereditary Chief of the Wuikinuxv (Owikeeno) and Good Hope Cannery lodge manager, Ted Walkus about the value of Wannock Chinook salmon and further development of a catch and release sport fishery.

Q: Ted – What are your thoughts about sport fishing within Rivers Inlet? “My whole life I’ve been interested in the marine environment and I’ve been sport fishing for close to 30 years.  We’ve enjoyed an abundance of fish within this region and Angler’s continue to come and go boasting of legendary catches.  These days, we’re seeing good returns of Chinook salmon and these must be maintained. Opportunities similar to Rivers Inlet’s Trophy Area are rare.”

Q: Ted – What about Catch and Release fishing?  “First I should clarify something -  there are generous limits in place for those who would like to retain Salmon. Coho, Pink, Chum are all available and Chinook may also be retained.  Should someone wish to keep a Trophy they're certainly allowed to.! The catch and release of larger Chinook returning to Rivers Inlet is appreciated as we’re trying desperately to maintain the genetic diversity and gene pool of these fish.  We’re also trying to maintain the opportunity for Angler’s to experience them. By releasing a trophy fish, Anglers can do their part in maintaining these values”.

Q: Ted –Are there issues with survival?  “Sure, these fish do become stressed an there are ways of minimizing this. I’m not an advocate for light line angling or the use of fly rods for Wannock Chinook. It’s important to respect these fish and handle them with the utmost care – not exhaust them beyond reason. You need the right equipment – heavier than most areas. Years ago we’d see Anglers netting fish, holding them up and taking pictures for an extended period. I’d like to see them looked after a little better. We suggest keeping the fish out of any landing net as this practice can wipe the protective slime off the fish and from my understanding this is a protective layer – part of the immune system. We also suggest holding the fish close to the water for photographs and prefer not to lift it entirely out of the water. Reel it in, do a quick measurement for size verification, get the hooks out. let it go and start bragging! The exhaustion of the fish can also be an issue. We like to ensure it ‘kicks’ out of our grasp and often this takes a little while to accomplish. Holding the fish loosely by the tail wrist and pumping back and forth in the water improves oxygen flow and recovery. 

Q: Ted – What about tackle you mentioned earlier? “We’re fishing 10-20 feet deep and heavy weights, attractors and downriggers aren’t necessary.  We recommend using 30lb mainline, 40lb leaders, 4/0 barbless hooks and heavy ‘mooching’ style rods. It’s ideal to use sliding weights capable of sinking off the line when a fish breaks off. 

Q: Ted – What do you envision further assisting Rivers Inlet / Wannock River Chinook? “I see education, awareness, research, angler participation and science based enhancement work being critical. As anglers, we can be sharing and celebrating these fish worldwide and helping to raise funds for research. I understand age class and male to female ratios play a role in annual escapements. Could anglers help establish this base information by collecting DNA samples for analysis by our Department of Fisheries and Oceans?  Funding will always be an issue and Good Hope Cannery guests donate directly through our booking process. This funding effort is greatly appreciated. 

Q: Ted – What about the community?  “The Wuikinuxv want to be involved in every aspect of our territory and our annual participation in enhancement work is a meaningful event. Jobs related to fish are important to us also. We’ve been here for thousands of years and are part of the environment. It’s critical these fish keep coming back”.

Tight Lines  The Good Hope Team