DAN SIMMONS Sportsman's Quest MORE COLUMNS SPECIAL TO PVT Rick's fish Advertisement

It's summertime and the fishing is easy.

Not only is it easy, but I've found where the whoppers are, and I don't mean burgers.

As I write this I'm sitting at Rick's Lodge, in the Lakes District region of central British Columbia, having just brought in five rainbow trout, three of which go over seven pounds, the smaller ones are four pounders and I lost two even bigger - a good day's fishing.

The Lakes District is centered on Burns Lake and surrounded by such outstanding waters as the famous Morice and Babine to the North, and Francois, Tschinket, Ootsa and Eutsuk Lakes to the South.

All are excellent fisheries with rainbows up to 15 pounds and lake trout (char) up to 50 pounds. These are large deep lakes best suited for trolling with downriggers, which allow your line to come free of the weight when a fish strikes.

Our best efforts were rewarded using 12- to 15-pound test line trolling a Rapala or Apex lure in about 100 feet of water.

It felt much like salmon fishing on the coast, and the action was just as fast. When hit, the line would first strengthen as the fish dove, bending the pole and all you could do is hold on; then the line would slacken as the fish made for the surface.

This is when you would have to reel like crazy to prevent the barbless hook from being thrown. As the fish surfaced, it would do a "tail dance" or flip, as if knowing this was it's best chance to gain freedom, as it often did.

As is often said in these parts, "It doesn't get much better than this."

I met a lady who had caught her first fish near Vantine's Lodges on Eutsuk Lake. It was a 14-pound rainbow, which just proves, "life ain't always fair." She is now ruined for life; I'm sure glad catching a fish like that hasn't happened to me.

River, stream and small lake fishing opportunities are also abundant, as is wild game viewing. Daily sightings of bears, deer and moose are common. Sound like paradise? It is for those who set travel and outdoor adventure as a priority.

I often drive north for this experience with camper or trailer, but there are many lodges in the area, which offer excellent accommodations.

You will also benefit from their local knowledge of fishing patterns and they offer boat and guide services if needed.

On this trip I used my Alaska Airline Air miles to fly directly to Vancouver, B.C., and rented a car which allowed me the freedom to wander the back roads without having to drive my own the three or four days each way to get there.

My suggestion, get the Atlas and maps out, study the area around Vanderhoof and Burns Lake. Visualize the potential for fishing the many lakes, be bold, and multiply your visions by two. You won't be disappointed.

Many call this the trip of a lifetime, I'd like to think of it as a potential annual pilgrimage.

For more information, go to <a href="http://www.NorthernBCtourism.com">www.NorthernBCtourism.com</a>, or call 1-800-663- 8843. Or give Rick and Susan James a call at Noralee Resort 250-695-6399. They have a great website at <a href="mailto:info@noraleeresort.com">info@noraleeresort.com</a>.

Update

You may have noticed that the photographs and the stories in the last two columns did not match. Let's blame that on the Internet during my recent travels. You may want to buy both editions again (the PVT would appreciate that) and cut and paste. For instructions on how to do this, consult your local first or second grader. And remember, don't run with the scissors.

What's New

If you have been following this column, you'll know I like gizmos and gadgets. Well, here's one that actually works, and can be bought with the change found in the bottom of your car's ashtray.

It's called Net 'N' Buddy.

It's uniquely made of opposing magnets; one part is attached to your net handle and the other to the belly of the net. When not in use, or when scooping the hooked fish, the Net 'N' Buddy keeps the slack from the net. I put one of these on every net I have and hope the fellow who developed this becomes a millionaire; it's almost as good as peanut butter.

For more information, take a look at www.netnbuddy.com

Recipe of week

A fine table is set at Rick's Lodge; his fishing pardner Jan keeps a well-stocked gourmet kitchen, which serves a delightful surprise at each meal.

This rub is one of my favorites; it's simple, with few ingredients but it brings out the full flavor of a fresh caught trout. Please note -- this is a secret recipe, so don't share it with anyone or you will rub her the wrong way (pun intended).

Jan's Secret Trout Rub

Ingredients: A five-pound or larger Rainbow trout; brown sugar; dot of butter; salt and pepper;1 lemon; soy sauce

Directions: Butterfly fillet the trout, create a rub by lightly mixing together the butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper and soy sauce. Spread liberally on the fleshy side of the fish and drizzle with the juice from one lemon. Grill on medium heat, skin side down until the fish is moist but flaky.