Big Mike
By Matt Foy
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Who is Big Mike
Mike Whelpley was one of those rare people whose impact reached far beyond the rivers he worked on. A former banker turned fisheries technician, he spent decades helping conserve Pacific salmon while becoming a trusted friend to communities, colleagues, and the wild places of northern British Columbia.
Mike began his career in commercial banking before deciding to leave it all behind in pursuit of a life outdoors. His curiosity, love of nature, and willingness to learn eventually led him to the Salmonid Enhancement Program (SEP), where he became an indispensable part of salmon conservation efforts throughout the Skeena watershed.
Learning the Rivers
Matt Foy recalls meeting Mike during the summer of 1981 on the Zymoetz (Copper) River.
This was Matt’s first experience working on northern rivers, collecting Chinook salmon broodstock and learning the realities of fisheries work. Mike’s calm confidence, endless patience, and obvious passion for the job immediately stood out.
“He was in his element.”
Helping Restore Chinook Salmon
The work on the Zymoetz River was about far more than collecting fish.
The enhancement program helped restore declining Chinook populations while contributing valuable coded-wire tagging data that later became critical during negotiations surrounding the Pacific Salmon Treaty between Canada and the United States.
Mike played an important role in this work for decades.
A Passion for Bears
Outside of fisheries work, Mike spent countless hours photographing bears throughout the Great Bear Rainforest.
He wasn’t hunting them with a rifle, but with a camera.
Friends often joked that Mike understood bears better than most people. When curious grizzlies wandered too close, he’d calmly speak to them—or even eat grass alongside them—to show he wasn’t a threat.
Standing Up for Others
Matt only remembers seeing Mike truly angry once.
When someone began speaking disrespectfully about First Nations communities, Mike quietly but firmly made it clear those attitudes had no place around him. It reflected the respect he’d built through years of working alongside Indigenous communities throughout the North Coast.
A Legacy of Service
For nearly 30 years, Mike supported community salmon hatcheries across northern British Columbia, helping solve problems large and small—often at a moment’s notice.
Whether repairing frozen water lines, assisting volunteers, or mentoring new staff, Mike was always willing to lend a hand.
