Bella coola to Shearwater
- Thread starter Matsutake
- Start date
I haven`t tried going thru the channels in a boat but I was on the ferry stopping at Shearwater, Ocean Falls, and Bella Coola. Pretty long channel, mostly remote wilderness, lots of islands..when getting close to Shearwater...there is open passage few kms north..little swells and winds in between. have fun
Most Inlets are calmest in the morning and inflow wind builds into the afternoon. I'd plan both runs early asap in the day. Also fill your tanks and keep them filled. I've been to Shearwater a couple of times when they and Bella Bella are out of gas. It comes by barge, if the barge gets delayed or the commercial fleet moves through and puts a big demand on gas, no gas for a few days. Used to be bulk salt ice at the fish plant in McLoughlin Bay good deal to get your catch home.
bigdogeh
Well-Known Member
I've been through those channels a few times, the trip your describing. It's always been fairly calm for me in the channels themselves. maybe I've just been lucky. got a bit rough outfront of shearwater (main ocean) in the afternoon, but morning was like glass. yep, bring plenty of fuel and don't let an opportunity to fill up slip by you.... beautiful scenery. saw hundreds of dolphins (large schools) in the channels on my last trip there... my boat was like a magnet to them. as soon as they'd see me they'd do a 90 and head straight for me, and follow for quite awhile till they got bored.
lots of bears also.
lots of bears also.
Last edited by a moderator:
JAC
Well-Known Member
I have made the trip 6 times morning is always best. The Burke can be a really ***** but you don't have to go down it so you will be fine. The nose where the 3 channels meet can get lump again in the morning it should be good. Be prepared this is remote area. Also make sure you have everything in your truck locked up and lock trailer to truck. The launch is best on a 3' plus tide for bigger boats it's a pretty good launch. Make sure your truck and trailer are in good shape and again go prepared wheel bearing and things.
I've made the trip a few times. Go early and don't play with the afternoon outflow winds......especially around Mesachie Nose (big cliffs at the corner of Laboucher and North Bentinck channels). It's a long stretch of water so be sure that your equipment is ready for it. The dean channel is a shorter route and usually has less wind than the Burke. It's also a long bumpy road in so spare trailer tires and bearings are a must!
Matsutake
Active Member
Thanks a ton guys. So, early departure for sure...is it a trip to do in a 16ft deep and wide Lund type? We have res on the ferry but thought it might a thrill to do it by boat and stop at the hot springs along the way.
Also, baits, lures etc to use out of Shearwater?
Thanks a ton!
Also, baits, lures etc to use out of Shearwater?
Thanks a ton!
JAC
Well-Known Member
I'm sure you would make it but I wouldn't do it. Last year we came up the Burke channel from namu, it was 30 degree in bella coola that week and the wind was blowing hard against the tide the waves were large and steep 5' to 6' straight up and down and tight . If you were in a 16' boat you would of been in a lot of trouble or worse. That's a long stretch for a 16' but people do it there is a lot of water that you will be traveling that you have no where to hide or go. The Burke is worse but if you hit the nose at the wrong time waves can hit you from a couple directions. I launched once on May long weekend with a outflow wind and it was a rough ride to the nose, once around the nose flat as a pancake for the next 40 miles.
JAC
Well-Known Member
What ever you can bring to shearwater will save you money. If you are ferrying bring everything if your boating pack light and buy there. But they have all you need just a bit more money! Fishing is pretty awesome there are 6 trips only once didn't a bring home a limit and most times a lot of c&r each day. You will be fishing in around a 22 mile radius if shearwater
Having watched two decent Coho follow my DR clip to the boat off Cheney Pt, I found anything chartreuse especially in low light of early morning overcast and fog worked good. Coyote's Everglow Flow Green, and Everglow Green Tiger were my go to's. Green Tiger being my number #1. Hootchies work good too, anything green, glow, or army truck. If you fish the kelp beds in Milbanke, small bait will attract a lot of shakers (I would not bother). Some guys do swear by large cut plugs though. Keep in mind what JAC said 22 mile radius is a 44 mile or more round trip to Milbanke or Cultus the two main hotspots. Idol Pt is about the nearest hotspot, but it is hard to stop there, the kelp beds from Cape Swain to Cheney and South are too much fun weather permitting.
I would not try it in a 16ft. I own a 17ft Harbour Craft and would not do it. Your boat will most likely be loaded in both directions. Add the unpredictable strong winds, strong tides, remoteness and distance you need to travel, you could get into a lot of trouble. It's a beautiful ride up the Dean or Burke but I think it's even better on the outside. Take the safe, stress free route.
imatreestander
New Member
its not often I have something to offer here as I learn something on the site most everyday, but I have made the trip for the past 7 seasons . As has been said the earlier you leave in the morning the better. Bigdogeh hit it bang on, the scenery is spectacular and if your lucky enough to see the dolphins its amazing interacting with them .They get sooo close You could almost touch them .We take our 1850 lund grand sport tyee and have never had an issue with weather but we always travel with 2 boats with navioniocs and vhf radios and closely watch the weather. That area is where we go specifically there because you can always find somewhere to fish in case of bad seas but I would not make the journey alone in a 16 foot boat. There is also a hospital in Bella Bella ,that is a bit of comfort in case of a medical emergency .
Mike Mitchell
Member
Just a reminder that the big BC Outdoors derby is being held July 25th weekend at Shearwater , If you have a boat you can stay on ( the hotels are sold out) it might be worth joining us
last years top prize was $1400.00 for largest Chinook and $1400.00 for largest Coho
derby entry is 75 per person all money goes back to prizes and derby is limited to 100
Saturday night burger and drink in the pub, (included in your entry) with silent auction (proceeds going to PSF, SFI and the local school)
last years top prize was $1400.00 for largest Chinook and $1400.00 for largest Coho
derby entry is 75 per person all money goes back to prizes and derby is limited to 100
Saturday night burger and drink in the pub, (included in your entry) with silent auction (proceeds going to PSF, SFI and the local school)
