Steelhead Fishing Adventures
Since the early sport fishing adventurers arrived in British Columbia, Steelhead has been high on their list of quarry to target. Many have been blessed with astounding hooked fish and impressive fights. Today our fisheries are a bit different but the essence is still there. Coastal rivers with large chrome fish are still as inviting today, as they were a hundred years ago, the landscape is a bit different the fish are the same as they were then. Today we are graced with technology and mobility and the quest for these silver ghosts becomes easier, we have more than a dozen rivers that we fish steelheads on and each has a unique flair and ecosystem that when seen is sure to impress.
We fish for steelhead using conventional fishing tackle and the iconic B.C float fishing technique. This is a fishing style that is perfected right here in the west coast of our province and we are masters of this deadly method of presenting a bait. In essence it is simply presenting a bait at a dead drift using a float. It is pure and simple although there are some very key points that must be done correctly or you will be simply drifting a float. During a steelheads migration it will also stop and hold for a short period of time and also feed on small organisms in the river ecosystem. This is one of the key reasons steelhead fishing is so effective. They also begin to develop a territorial trait where they will attack anything that is annoying and comes too close. These factors are all part of the enjoyments of steelheading, if you do it right and the fish is there – they will eat it. Simple
We also target winter and summer run steelhead with a fly rod. We would use different styles depending on which rivers we are fishing. In small rivers we use single handed rods and in bigger rivers we would use double handed rods or Spey rods. This is perhaps one of my favorite ways to fish these magnificent fish. There is a drawback though, to catch a steelhead on the fly takes dedication, diligence and a willing fish. If you put all these aspects together it will be the most amazing thing you can do in a pair of waders. The bite is often jarring and unexpected, the first few seconds involve a few good head shakes followed with a jump and then a long run to the other side of a river. Usually to be repeated a handful of times as the fisherman is trying to remain calm enough not to fall as they chase their prize down river. We will take a couple of quick pictures and then release these chrome torpedoes back to the river. Then a few second to ponder what just happened as the adrenaline slowly starts to subside.
Regardless of which type of fishing method you prefer we can tailor a trip to ensure you have a great time on the water. We will advise you on whether we will be fishing from a boat or a raft during your adventure and which river we will be fishing. Most of our trips will be raft adventures. You are welcome to bring your own fishing gear if you prefer but it is not necessary as we usually provide everything for our clients. During your fishing day we also provide a lunch that is either hot or cold, we will also have a thermos of coffee or tea with us for your enjoyment. Please specify at booking which you prefer. If you are local within the Fraser valley and would like to learn how to fish for steelheads we also offer a two different courses for steelhead fishing. One is a fly-fishing course, the other is a drift fishing course. Take a few minutes to check out our classes and courses page.
Since the early sport fishing adventurers arrived in British Columbia, Steelhead has been high on their list of quarry to target. Many have been blessed with astounding hooked fish and impressive fights. Today our fisheries are a bit different but the essence is still there. Coastal rivers with large chrome fish are still as inviting today, as they were a hundred years ago, the landscape is a bit different the fish are the same as they were then. Today we are graced with technology and mobility and the quest for these silver ghosts becomes easier, we have more than a dozen rivers that we fish steelheads on and each has a unique flair and ecosystem that when seen is sure to impress.
We fish for steelhead using conventional fishing tackle and the iconic B.C float fishing technique. This is a fishing style that is perfected right here in the west coast of our province and we are masters of this deadly method of presenting a bait. In essence it is simply presenting a bait at a dead drift using a float. It is pure and simple although there are some very key points that must be done correctly or you will be simply drifting a float. During a steelheads migration it will also stop and hold for a short period of time and also feed on small organisms in the river ecosystem. This is one of the key reasons steelhead fishing is so effective. They also begin to develop a territorial trait where they will attack anything that is annoying and comes too close. These factors are all part of the enjoyments of steelheading, if you do it right and the fish is there – they will eat it. Simple
We also target winter and summer run steelhead with a fly rod. We would use different styles depending on which rivers we are fishing. In small rivers we use single handed rods and in bigger rivers we would use double handed rods or Spey rods. This is perhaps one of my favorite ways to fish these magnificent fish. There is a drawback though, to catch a steelhead on the fly takes dedication, diligence and a willing fish. If you put all these aspects together it will be the most amazing thing you can do in a pair of waders. The bite is often jarring and unexpected, the first few seconds involve a few good head shakes followed with a jump and then a long run to the other side of a river. Usually to be repeated a handful of times as the fisherman is trying to remain calm enough not to fall as they chase their prize down river. We will take a couple of quick pictures and then release these chrome torpedoes back to the river. Then a few second to ponder what just happened as the adrenaline slowly starts to subside.
Regardless of which type of fishing method you prefer we can tailor a trip to ensure you have a great time on the water. We will advise you on whether we will be fishing from a boat or a raft during your adventure and which river we will be fishing. Most of our trips will be raft adventures. You are welcome to bring your own fishing gear if you prefer but it is not necessary as we usually provide everything for our clients. During your fishing day we also provide a lunch that is either hot or cold, we will also have a thermos of coffee or tea with us for your enjoyment. Please specify at booking which you prefer. If you are local within the Fraser valley and would like to learn how to fish for steelheads we also offer a two different courses for steelhead fishing. One is a fly-fishing course, the other is a drift fishing course. Take a few minutes to check out our classes and courses page.