Learning from Others About Yukon Fishing

August 07, 2008 at 9:33 pm

This summer I have been fortunate enough to be assisting with the Hooked on Yukon Fishing Program.  Yesterday, as part of that program we organized a fish-talk at the Whitehorse Fish Ladder.  The topic was Fishing with the Family and Glenn Babala from Sports North was going to demo the kind of gear you need to fish in the Yukon.  Glenn brought rods, reels and tackle for fishing most species in the Yukon. This included: powerbait set-ups for Rainbow, trolling for Lake Trout, surface lures for Pike, spinners for Grayling and a whole bunch more. 

While attendance was on the low side, the discussion around the table with this small group of people was incredible. I sat and listened for two hours as a number of passionate anglers chatted about Yukon fishing.  About 50 per cent of the discussion revolved around how to catch fish, the other 50 per cent was about how to protect and minimize stress and impact as we fish.  I thought I knew a few things about fishing but it turns out that I have a great deal to learn. 

What was incredibly interesting was the historical knowledge provided by Glenn, Susan and a few other veterans in the fish and fishing business. Among other things, they talked about the incredible runs of the past, the way Lakers used to be caught in the old days, the spring Grayling runs that were virtually wiped out. They talked of the conservation efforts of the past to try to go single barbless, to protect spawning fish. I learned that while catching Lake Trout in the fall while they spawn and taking the big ones out, what is worst is catching the females in August. We talked a great deal about the diameter of of treble hooks and the benefits of fishing with smaller single hooks.  Overall, I learned a ton and realized how much I still have to learn.  Thanks to the individuals who turned up yesterday to share their thoughts.  I know I am a more responsible angler for it.

By the way, the first Yukon River Salmon came through yesterday. Go forth and spawn you resilient, magnificent creature.

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