Zymoetz River Steelhead: Summary of Current Data and Status Review, 1997

The Zymoetz River arises in a chain of headwater lakes (McDonell, Dennis, and Aldrich lakes) 29 km southwest of Smithers, and flows 109 km to the confluence with the Skeena River. The river has two major tributaries; the Clore River and the Kitnayakwa River. The primary human activities in the Zymoetz River watershed are recreation, forest harvesting, mining, and linear development (electric transmission lines and gas pipelines). Forest harvesting began in the late 1950s with the construction of a mainline forestry road up the river, and continues today. This report reviews the existing literature and file data concerning the life history, biology and fishery for steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the Zymoetz River. Known locally asthe Copper River, the Zymoetz lies 8 km northeast of Terrace, B.C. and provides sport fishing opportunities for B.C. residents and visitors.