VN #069: The Mitchel River ~ Part II
Published: March 30, 2025
The Mitchel River ~ Following the Salmon
Thanks to fishing guide and friend Doug Mooring who introduced me to this spectacular part of British Columbia, I was able to follow the salmon up the Mitchell River; deep into the rainforest of the Cariboo Mountains. I usually travelled upstream by boat, but on one occasion, Doug’s close friend and helicopter pilot, Kelly Croswell, joined us.
It wasn’t long before we hatched a plan; Kelly would take off the passenger door so I could photograph Doug as he motored upriver through dense forest.
I have never trusted a seat belt as much as I leaned out of the helicopter to photograph Doug zig-zagging upstream. It was a thrill!
Heading deep into the rainforest of the Upper Mitchell River.
Doug knew the forest as much as he knew the river. Along trails maintained by grizzly bears, we made our way through eight-foot-tall spiny branched devil’s club. If it weren’t for the bears searching for food and patrolling their territories, the trails would have been completely overgrown and impassible.
“… one of my favourite fishing holes!” Doug called out. I learned soon enough that at every corner of the river was one of his favourite fishing holes!
Every season had its beauty, from early spring to late fall.
As I photographed Doug and his clients fishing, red and green salmon circled our feet.
Stay tuned for The Mitchell River, Part III; next week. I’ll be sharing my favourite fishing images.
A special thanks to Doug Mooring of Cariboo Rivers Fishing and Wilderness Adventures. His passion for fishing and his willingness to share his favourite fishing holes opened the door for me to capture this spectacular part of British Columbia.
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