Rick Hansen's Trip to Rivers Inlet
This article was taken from the Rick Hansen Blog and is another great story about the incredible salmon fishing in Rivers Inlet. Check out Rick's blog and website for information on the incredible work that Rick and his team are doing.
Ricks Lands a Big One in Rivers Inlet
Rick traveled to Rivers Inlet in central BC in July as the guest of Ted Walkus, the hereditary Chief of the Wuikinuxv First Nations, and Tony Allard of Good Hope Cannery Lodge. Fishing and conservation is a common bond between Rick and Canada’s First Nations communities and Chief Walkus had prayed for Rick to catch a big fish on their ocean excursion. Rick reeled in a 60.5 lb Chinook salmon and the Chief was deeply moved; that fish was the largest either of them had ever caught and they have both fished salmon on the west coast their entire lives.
Rick had been inspired to go up to Rivers Inlet by his friend and Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society founding board member Calvin Higano. Calvin has been battling lung cancer and joined Rick and Ted later on in the day.
Two longtime friends joined Rick, John McCullough of the Salmon Commission and Langara Lodge fishing buddy where the Rick Hansen Fishing Challenge is held every summer and Fred Helmer, another Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society founding board member and Fraser River guide. The night before the big one was reeled in, the guys knew it would be rare to catch a fish over 50 lbs and each committed to apply five days this year to help the Rivers Inlet Chinook be healthy and sustainable for years to come by contributing to the salmon and its ecosystem. They plan to work with village members, Ted, Tony, scientists, the Department of Fisheries & Oceans, industry and other stakeholders, and the province of British Columbia to facilitate a plan that shows the benefits to the fish, surrounding ecosystem and people.
Afterwards, Rick visited the Wuikinuxv village and signed books for the children. Rivers Inlet is an important area for salmon conservation and Rick looks forward to spending time in the area giving back to the community that has given him so much through this fish.
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