DAN SIMMONS Sportsman's Quest MORE COLUMNS Advertisement

There are places in the world where sportsmen gather for the really big ones. The mouth of the Kalum where it empties into the Skeena River of northern British Columbia (B.C.) is one of them.

This is the land of the Kispiox, Morice and Babine rivers, renowned for their excellent steelhead fishing. The legendary salmon rivers, Exchamsiks, Kitamat and Kitsumkalum, are nearby.

This is also the land of mountain goats on the cliffs, big black bears, or the rare white phase of the black bear known as the kermodie, and grizzly bears on the river banks.

You are in one of the finest salmon fisheries known to man, with everything from sockeye to huge kings. The record for the river is over 80 pounds, with many in the 50-pound range; a big one is over 65 pounds, but 75-pounders are possible.

All of these rivers are along the Highway 16 corridor between Prince George and Prince Rupert. The eastern part of the highway is known as the "lakes country," and has some of the best rainbow trout fishing anywhere, while the western part from Smithers to Terrace is the place to fish for salmon and steelhead.

It doesn't end there though; if you're after saltwater adventure for salmon, giant halibut and bottom fish, Prince Rupert is the place to go. Better yet, spend a week and do it all.

Access is easy, the lodging is great and you'll meet friendly neighbors all along the way. Then there is the glass half full, or half empty situation of the economy. With gas prices up and the U.S. dollar down, it will be more expensive.

The glass half full story is that there will be fewer tourists to compete for the best fishing spots; I'll take that any day. I'll start by flying to Prince George and renting a car, then driving the fisherman's dream, focusing on the king salmon run.

When one of these kings take a lure there is no question the fight has begun. They may immediately head upstream, and all you can do is hold on and hope he stops to survey the situation and the strange morsel he has just bit into.

If he then runs down stream, which is the usual case, the chase is on, or he will "spool" your reel. It's slip and slide as you run the shoreline, often more in than out of the water, trying to keep up. You'll ease off on the reel's drag because now you are fighting the strength of the fish, and the river current.

In the case of my largest for the area, he stopped and then headed up river again, straight for me. This was even more unnerving as the line goes slack and the possibility of a thrown hook become greater. I reeled like a mad man, regaining line and trying to keep it tight as he passed. I tightened the drag and let him fight the line and the current this time.

Slowly I gained on him as he began to tire and finally he came to net, beat and on his side. It was a 40-pounder, typical for this run as was the battle.

While fishing with a friend, we saw a 74-pounder landed and it was the talk of the river for days. It was a truly large fish that seemed almost unreal. It was like seeing a wild whale or elephant for the first time -- awesome.

My favorite gear for this area is a quality spin or bait casting outfit with 30-pound test line, drifting a Spin and Glow lure, or casting a Kitamat lure.

Fishermen also come from around the world to fly fish, but that's a story (and culture) for another time.

The Keni river of Alaska is known for its big salmon, but it is also recognized for the fishermen standing shoulder to shoulder, or the many boats one has to dodge while casting.

For a really exceptional experience, give me the Kalum. I'll give it to you as a gift.

For more information, go to www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish or call the fish and wildlife office at 1-250-847-7266.

What's new

Fishing northern lakes and streams can be cold even during the summer run.

The "HEAT factory" produces a quality disposable heating pack. It's compact; just remove it from its package, give it a few shakes and place it where heat is needed.

It's great for hands, feet or in your back pocket while sitting on those cold aluminum boat seats.

Use it for continuous warmth anytime, anywhere, as it generates its own heat in minutes, but is non-toxic, odorless and air-activated. For more information go to www.heatfactory.com.

Events

* The Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn's banquet is July 12, 2008 at South Point Hotel & Casino. Doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. The auction will start at 7:30 p.m. For more information, go to the Web site, www.desertbighorn.com or call Paul Harris at 1-702- 596-6849.

* ICAST, International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, will hold 'Follow your Instincts', the world's largest sport fishing tradeshow, July 16-18 at the Las Vegas Convention center.

Recipe of week

Angelika has dedicated this recipe to her new friends, Judge Robert Lane and his wife Samantha, who is really the deserving one.

There is no doubt the judge would be proficient at catching one of these big fish, and there is also no doubt who would be preparing it for the supper table. So here's to the Lanes and to the adventure I trust they will one day have.

Personally, I'm going to give Angelika a call when I return with a chest full of salmon. The plan is to talk her into a cooking demonstration.

Angelika's Chili Salmon

(Dedicated to Judge and Mrs. Robert Lane)

Two salmon filets; 1/3 cup finely chopped pistachios; 1/3 cup chili sauce; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 finely chopped scallion; lemon juice; salt; pepper.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Sprinkle lemon juice on each salmon filet, season with salt and pepper. Put salmon in a baking dish. Mix remaining ingredients and spoon on top of salmon.

Bake in oven at 325 F for 20 minutes. Serve with garlic bread and enjoy.

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If you have an adventure, a story or a comment, give me a call at 727-9777 or e-mail dansimmons@usa.net.

The Sportsman's Quest television program appears on Channel 41 each Saturday at 9 a.m. (Spanish) and 10:30 a.m. (English).