Fishing in the Work Channel

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Subsistence Fisherman

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Hey BC fisherman, I could really use some help. Has anyone fished at the head of Work Channel near the campsites? What, If anything could I expect to catch? I hope someone has had a little experience in that area. Thanks, Seth

May you rods always be bent!
 
Last time I fished there was about 16 years ago and didn't catch much but I was very new to salt water fishing and I am sure I would do a lot better now.We caught plenty of crab and a few small bottom fish.Don't count on any salmon but you may find a halibut or two and some other bottom fish.Watch your tides as launching and loading at low tide is not going to happen.What are you fishing out of?
Good luck!
 
quote:Originally posted by Subsistence Fisherman

Hey BC fisherman, I could really use some help. Has anyone fished at the head of Work Channel near the campsites? What, If anything could I expect to catch? I hope someone has had a little experience in that area. Thanks, Seth

May you rods always be bent!
Click to expand...

I did a bit of fishing at the mouth of Work Channel back in 1995 when I guided for Eagle Pointe Lodge. The only way I can describe the fishing there is "spectacular scenery".

We would troll across the mouth for Salmon, and drift for Halibut. I don't even recall if I ever caught a fish there or not. The bottom is great for grabbing gear. There is a rock pinacle perfectly placed that the tide running out of Work Channel will push you right over it.

The best day I had there was trolling the wall just outside the entrance when 4 Orcas came up about 50 feet behind the boat and followed me for about a mile. I did much better fishing on the other side by Wales Island. Also, look for Haystack Island and the small group of islands there. Good fishing for Chinook, Coho, Pinks and Halibut. However, if you are in the area in June, head over to Dundas Island and fish the area around Goose Bay. I saw a 70 pound Chinook come out of there, plus many up to 40 pounds.

Good luck, enjoy your trip!

Jim's Fishing Charters
www.JimsFishing.com
http://ca.youtube.com/user/Sushihunter250
 
Thanks Jim and No Limitz. It is kind of a long story, but I don’t know what kind of boat we will be fishing out of yet! It will definitely be a borrowed one of no greater length than 12 feet. We are probably worse of than you were 16 years ago regarding saltwater fishing in Canada. I guess it is fair to say that I have never done it. If you were going to advise yourself 16 years ago with what you know now, how would you prepare (e.g. what was your favourite bait, tackle, and rigs)? What kind of bottom fish would you expect to catch (e.g. rockfish, lingcod, pacific cod, and small flounder)? Can you really catch halibut near the head of the channel (I thought I would have to go all the way out to the mouth for that)? I really appreciate any advice that you can give a newbie.

quote:Originally posted by No Limitz

Last time I fished there was about 16 years ago and didn't catch much but I was very new to salt water fishing and I am sure I would do a lot better now.We caught plenty of crab and a few small bottom fish.Don't count on any salmon but you may find a halibut or two and some other bottom fish.Watch your tides as launching and loading at low tide is not going to happen.What are you fishing out of?
Good luck!
Click to expand...

Seth

May you rods always be bent!
 
I guided up there in 1996 but never fished much inside of work channel but fished the west side of the mouth of work channel a lot in june and july and it was good chinook fishing right through june to about mid july and really tapered off after that. some days were awesome in there with lots of big fish. got two over fifty in there one morning.We lost one fish there in late july was the biggest fish ive seen and I saw a few over sixty when I guided in the charlettes.That spot was probably my favorite spot on the coast to fish. tons of bait in there every day and hump back whales there everyday too.As soon as you come out of work channel turn left and fish the wall right there look for the Indian head.Don't fish in front of the mouth the tide is nasty.
 
Thanks Tyee2112, Can you tell me the most cost effective way to set things up to fish for Chinook without downriggers? Also can you remember whether the bottom fishing in that area was productive? I was hopping to stock my freezer with some of whatever taste good.
quote:Originally posted by tyee2112

I guided up there in 1996 but never fished much inside of work channel but fished the west side of the mouth of work channel a lot in june and july and it was good chinook fishing right through june to about mid july and really tapered off after that. some days were awesome in there with lots of big fish. got two over fifty in there one morning.We lost one fish there in late july was the biggest fish ive seen and I saw a few over sixty when I guided in the charlettes.That spot was probably my favorite spot on the coast to fish. tons of bait in there every day and hump back whales there everyday too.As soon as you come out of work channel turn left and fish the wall right there look for the Indian head.Don't fish in front of the mouth the tide is nasty.
Click to expand...

May you rods always be bent!
 
I don't think we ever fished any deeper than 60 ft there with 30-50 ft being the norm.anchovie and flasher were what we used with a 6ft-7ft leader.There were boats there that would cut plug with an 8 oz weight and a cut plug herring but most of the time it was know where near as effetive as the anchovie.even if you could get a couple of cheap hand cranks would do the trick.I was only up there one season 13 years ago so thing could of changed but I can't see that spot not producing and it was always better trolling with the tide if it was real strong I would run up and troll back with it.hope that helps. got a few nice halis just inside work channel on the slack tide but it was a pretty short window when the tide was slack.
 
Thanks Tyee2112, previously you had mentioned that there was lots of bait, is it possible to catch and use it for the salmon and halibut? Thanks again, Seth
quote:Originally posted by tyee2112

I don't think we ever fished any deeper than 60 ft there with 30-50 ft being the norm.anchovie and flasher were what we used with a 6ft-7ft leader.There were boats there that would cut plug with an 8 oz weight and a cut plug herring but most of the time it was know where near as effetive as the anchovie.even if you could get a couple of cheap hand cranks would do the trick.I was only up there one season 13 years ago so thing could of changed but I can't see that spot not producing and it was always better trolling with the tide if it was real strong I would run up and troll back with it.hope that helps. got a few nice halis just inside work channel on the slack tide but it was a pretty short window when the tide was slack.
Click to expand...

May you rods always be bent!
 
It has gotta be a 25 mile run (each way) to where the fishing is at where Work Channel meets the mouth of the Nass, not something I'd recommend in a 12 ft boat. You can only carry so much fuel and there are no amenities, and no help. You are also only 1 inlet away from the Khutzymateen and it's famous Grizzly Bears, so I'd be leary of camping unless it is in a camper.

In that area Douglas Channel might be a better bet as you can fish Springs from May into June. The only place I ever caught a Spring on a Koho spoon (lost a million of them in the river)and caught a Spring in front of the old Seaplane Ramp in a 14 ft Aluminium boat. DC is best fished at first light to mid morning then the wind picks up though, but for limited gear and a small boat at least there is some amenities and help nearby.

All the rivers are a good bet too as you can Bar Fish with minimal gear.

Work Channel is not for the inexperienced.
 
Thanks SeaWolf, in truth I have access to a camper, but not a boat yet. I was hoping to fish close to the campsite not venturing far from the head. I would be very happy just catching bottom fish like flounder, greenling , rockfish, crabs and the like … overjoyed to catch a lingcod or two. I would not mind catching a salmon but I would forgo that pleasure to stay in the protection of sheltered waters and still catch some fish. I would love to find out what I could expect to catch from the head, how to do it and what I need to do it.

I am not utterly committed to Work Channel. It was recommended to me, but any place that I can easily and cheaply catch fish that I can eat will do. Thanks for recommending Douglas Channel I will see if I can find the way to access it. If you or anyone else knows what can be caught close to the head of Work Channel it would be a big help to me. Thanks,
Seth

quote:Originally posted by SeaWolf

It has gotta be a 25 mile run (each way) to where the fishing is at where Work Channel meets the mouth of the Nass, not something I'd recommend in a 12 ft boat. You can only carry so much fuel and there are no amenities, and no help. You are also only 1 inlet away from the Khutzymateen and it's famous Grizzly Bears, so I'd be leary of camping unless it is in a camper.

In that area Douglas Channel might be a better bet as you can fish Springs from May into June. The only place I ever caught a Spring on a Koho spoon (lost a million of them in the river)and caught a Spring in front of the old Seaplane Ramp in a 14 ft Aluminium boat. DC is best fished at first light to mid morning then the wind picks up though, but for limited gear and a small boat at least there is some amenities and help nearby.

All the rivers are a good bet too as you can Bar Fish with minimal gear.

Work Channel is not for the inexperienced.
Click to expand...
 
Hey Seth,
I cannot stress enough for you to be careful if you are going out in a 12 footer.Fishing out of a 12' boat is not much fun as there is not much free board and they are very prone to tipping.If you can I would suggest borrowing a zodiac.Even a 10' zodiac would be much safer than a 12' tin boat.A deeper 14' boat would also be okay.Even in a small zodiac do not venture out too far and if all you are looking for are small bottom fish and crab you really don't need to go far.
If I remember we caught our crab on the right side of the bay at the head.I think there might have been a creek coming in there.You want to set your crab pot at anywhere from 40 to 80 feet.Pay attention to you tides when setting your pot,make sure you have at least 100' of ,sinking,line.If the crab are there you won't have to wait long,2-3 hours is plenty.For crab bait anything goes,small bottom fish,chicken,canned fish flavored cat food but the best bait is salmon heads.If you find yourself in Prince Rupert go to Oceans seafood as they sometimes have crab bait for sale.
As far as bottom fish just play around right at the head.Start in aroung 70' and work you way out to 300'.Again pay attention to the tide and if you have a falling tide let it drift you out and if you have a rising tide let it drift you in.The key is moving fairly slow so if the tide and the wind are pushing you you may be moving too fast.For small bottom fish use small jigs from a couple ounces right up to 12 oz.For Halibut my favorite rig is a spreader bar with a 10 oz -2 lb ball baitted it up with large to extra large herring.Hopefully there will be a halibut or two lurking around.I would guess that there wouldn't be much as far as Lingcod and same for salmon.
Good luck out there and be safe.
 
quote:Originally posted by No Limitz

Hey Seth,
I cannot stress enough for you to be careful if you are going out in a 12 footer.Fishing out of a 12' boat is not much fun as there is not much free board and they are very prone to tipping.If you can I would suggest borrowing a zodiac.Even a 10' zodiac would be much safer than a 12' tin boat.A deeper 14' boat would also be okay.Even in a small zodiac do not venture out too far and if all you are looking for are small bottom fish and crab you really don't need to go far.
If I remember we caught our crab on the right side of the bay at the head.I think there might have been a creek coming in there.You want to set your crab pot at anywhere from 40 to 80 feet.Pay attention to you tides when setting your pot,make sure you have at least 100' of ,sinking,line.If the crab are there you won't have to wait long,2-3 hours is plenty.For crab bait anything goes,small bottom fish,chicken,canned fish flavored cat food but the best bait is salmon heads.If you find yourself in Prince Rupert go to Oceans seafood as they sometimes have crab bait for sale.
As far as bottom fish just play around right at the head.Start in aroung 70' and work you way out to 300'.Again pay attention to the tide and if you have a falling tide let it drift you out and if you have a rising tide let it drift you in.The key is moving fairly slow so if the tide and the wind are pushing you you may be moving too fast.For small bottom fish use small jigs from a couple ounces right up to 12 oz.For Halibut my favorite rig is a spreader bar with a 10 oz -2 lb ball baitted it up with large to extra large herring.Hopefully there will be a halibut or two lurking around.I would guess that there wouldn't be much as far as Lingcod and same for salmon.
Good luck out there and be safe.
Click to expand...

May you rods always be bent!
 
Thanks No Limitz, I had posted a response to your last post and quoted you, all that appeared was your post. As this is all quite new to me I would have to assume that it was my error. Regardless, thank you for the help.

A Zodiac works out better for me and it is easier to obtain and manage. I will stay well within the channel and try to buddy up with someone at the campsite for added success and safety. Also I have talked with one of the conservation officers who patrol the channel, he is the one who suggested searching the forums, and he made it clear that it was ok to contact him as I may need; I will, regarding safety this time. I really appreciate the help and advice that I have received from you and the others on this forum; thank you!

I suppose that the small jigs you had mentioned will work for the rock fish, if I were to target flounder and greenling as well, what would you recommend regarding rigs, bait, tackle etc. Is it possible to catch your own bait from the head? If you or anyone else knows and can pass the knowledge along to me that would be great.

Fish Tails, a tackle/bait shop in Terrace, was recommended to me. Other than what you have already mentioned, do you, or does anyone have further suggestions for my shopping list regarding bait, tackle, traps or whatever? Cheers, Seth
quote:Originally posted by No Limitz

Hey Seth,
I cannot stress enough for you to be careful if you are going out in a 12 footer.Fishing out of a 12' boat is not much fun as there is not much free board and they are very prone to tipping.If you can I would suggest borrowing a zodiac.Even a 10' zodiac would be much safer than a 12' tin boat.A deeper 14' boat would also be okay.Even in a small zodiac do not venture out too far and if all you are looking for are small bottom fish and crab you really don't need to go far.
If I remember we caught our crab on the right side of the bay at the head.I think there might have been a creek coming in there.You want to set your crab pot at anywhere from 40 to 80 feet.Pay attention to you tides when setting your pot,make sure you have at least 100' of ,sinking,line.If the crab are there you won't have to wait long,2-3 hours is plenty.For crab bait anything goes,small bottom fish,chicken,canned fish flavored cat food but the best bait is salmon heads.If you find yourself in Prince Rupert go to Oceans seafood as they sometimes have crab bait for sale.
As far as bottom fish just play around right at the head.Start in aroung 70' and work you way out to 300'.Again pay attention to the tide and if you have a falling tide let it drift you out and if you have a rising tide let it drift you in.The key is moving fairly slow so if the tide and the wind are pushing you you may be moving too fast.For small bottom fish use small jigs from a couple ounces right up to 12 oz.For Halibut my favorite rig is a spreader bar with a 10 oz -2 lb ball baitted it up with large to extra large herring.Hopefully there will be a halibut or two lurking around.I would guess that there wouldn't be much as far as Lingcod and same for salmon.
Good luck out there and be safe.
Click to expand...

May you rods always be bent!
 
Crabbing is great by the campsite. We usualy go deeper as the season goes on (up to 250'). If the weather is good I would head to the Quatoon inlet for halibut, but there was a 90 pound fish caught just out from the campsite one labour day weekend when I was there. We've also caught pinks trolling around the mouth of the Quatoon when we didn't whant to go all the way out to the mouth for other species. One word of caution - we did have a hard time once chasing a Grizzly of the boat launch who came down after we launched but before my fishing partner had returned from parking the truck. A lot of people clean fish on the rocks which leaves lots of guts lying around as the tide goes down.

Kev.
 
Great stuff Kev, thanks! I didn’t think one could catch halibut within the channel. This is really encouraging and worth the price of bear bells, bear spray and firecrackers. Have you seen any rockfish, lingcod, greenling or flounder taken close to the head? I have a 13 year old boy that would be happy catching bait if there was lots of action. I would appreciate any other information that you may have.
Cheers, Seth
quote:Originally posted by Kev

Crabbing is great by the campsite. We usualy go deeper as the season goes on (up to 250'). If the weather is good I would head to the Quatoon inlet for halibut, but there was a 90 pound fish caught just out from the campsite one labour day weekend when I was there. We've also caught pinks trolling around the mouth of the Quatoon when we didn't whant to go all the way out to the mouth for other species. One word of caution - we did have a hard time once chasing a Grizzly of the boat launch who came down after we launched but before my fishing partner had returned from parking the truck. A lot of people clean fish on the rocks which leaves lots of guts lying around as the tide goes down.

Kev.
Click to expand...

May you rods always be bent!
 
My family and I have fished the work channel for the past 10 or so years, Quontoon inlet is well within reach if the weather is good and many a halibut have come from there. If you fish about 1 mile into the inlet you'll find a shelf around 300' deep in the middle of the inlet that has produced a lot of good size fish in the 100lb range. You can also continue down towards the narrows and there is a bunch of good snapper holes. If you want to carry on further there is a really pretty waterfall that's worth seeing with good crabbing (if the commercial boys haven't been in yet) on the sandy flats right at the mouth of the river and yes the bears have been seen there frequently. Watch the tides 20'+ is the norm and more than one truck has been stuck with the tide coming in and no place to go
 
Thanks papg5860, Wow! I am very grateful that this forum was recommended to me because I am clearly unknowledgeable and unprepared in every area. Preparing myself for the conditions I will be facing would be a better first step; I will contact the conservation officer to see what recourses he recommends for preparation and of course any recourses the forum members can offer will be thoroughly utilized.

It would be great if I could buddy up with some one who is planning a camping/fishing trip to the work channel; more or less someone who let follow them around a little, advise me, point out a few sights and call the authorities when I am over due.

Man, this thread has really evolved; so much for self-sufficiency! My head is spinning; ideas anybody? I know that most of you are thinking: “I don’t want to be the last person to respond to this idiot prior to him drowning, washing up on shore and getting eaten by a bear!” I promise you won’t be, I plan to talk to the conservation officer just prior to launching.

Cheers,
Seth
quote:Originally posted by papg5860

My family and I have fished the work channel for the past 10 or so years, Quontoon inlet is well within reach if the weather is good and many a halibut have come from there. If you fish about 1 mile into the inlet you'll find a shelf around 300' deep in the middle of the inlet that has produced a lot of good size fish in the 100lb range. You can also continue down towards the narrows and there is a bunch of good snapper holes. If you want to carry on further there is a really pretty waterfall that's worth seeing with good crabbing (if the commercial boys haven't been in yet) on the sandy flats right at the mouth of the river and yes the bears have been seen there frequently. Watch the tides 20'+ is the norm and more than one truck has been stuck with the tide coming in and no place to go
Click to expand...

May you rods always be bent!
 
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