They differ in the timing of their return to the streams. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The Stamp River System, is known as the SSS. This river is situated on mid Vancouver Island by the town of, you guessed it, Gold River and it flows into the Muchadhat inlet. Some of the deep canyons of this river are inaccessible to hikers but we have found that the most productive pools are lower down and very accessible with only a short hike. Steelhead season on the stamp generally runs July to February. Although I was relatively green at fly fishing, I instinctively knew that the leaping and cartwheeling fish on the end of my line wasn’t a Coho. There is no hatchery program here and an old mill sits down at the estuary. Summer steelhead runs populate most west coast rivers but exist in only a few east coast rivers like the Campbell, the White and the Tsitika. Many popular steelhead streams are closed to angling. Lots of high teens to over 20 lb Steelhead inhabit our Vancouver Island rivers. Access to the Mahatta River is over rough logging roads from the northern town of Port Alice. Look for routes for the fish to swim upriver taking the path of least resistance and for holding lies to rest in between. Fly fishing for Steelhead on Vancouver Island in British Columbia Canada. Often you’ll share the river with Grizzly bears but enormous numbers of summer and fall steelhead, as will be the highlight of your trip. Check the Freshwater Fishing Synopsis on the specific stream you are fishing for specific closures, restrictions and open dates, which are intended to protect steelhead returns. Hatchery enhanced waters include the Stamp, Quinsam, and Quatse. The river is small but very productive. The fish in this Vancouver Island Steelhead river are known for their fight. We’re certainly relentless. WhatsApp. Catching them causes even more stress and leads to reduced populations. The upper section is everything above Stamp Falls, middle is from the Bucket to the falls and everything below the Bucket is considered the lower. We'd like to camp, not in any campgrounds but rather more secluded, and plan on moving about to get a feel for your beautiful island. The summer run of steelhead is just incredible. Steelhead Fishing Vancouver Island is some of the most incredible sportfishing on the planet. It is difficult to find reliable data regarding size of summer steelhead returns, but according to the Ecological Reserves Collection, in the early 1990’s, Vancouver Island wild summer run steelhead returns ranged from less than 50 to a maximum of 500 (per river). COWICHAN RIVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Cowichan River is located on Vancouver Island and is visited regularly both by the travelers and local anglers. Although they say you can catch Steelhead in this river year round the peaks are as follows: Sockeye, Chinook, Chum, Pink and Chum Salmon, Rainbow, Dolly Varden, Cutthroat and Kokanee Trout. This river has seen some very hard times due to unsustainable logging practices and the steelhead counts were way way down during the 80’s and 90’s. Summer-run steelhead still return in healthy numbers to the Skeena and Dean systems. My first experience catching a steelhead was on this river and it’s something I’ll never forget. These were introduced back in the 1930’s and they actually took to the system and have survived very well among this ecosystem. The winter run steelhead is great here, but be sure to watch your water levels carefully. When the water is clear enough, look for the fish or their shadows on the gravel below. You can also hike in if you know where to go or if you have a jet boat you can launch from Port Renfrew. Steelhead conservation tag required. For that reason, we must treat this fishery with the utmost respect to sustain future runs. Fly fishing is a great option here as it’s banks are wide enough to accommodate the long throws. Curtis Leyenaar - October 27, 2020. The area around the Ash/Stamp confluence was the favourite of General Noel Money for 30 years before the Kispiox had even been … The best sport is below the Bucket, where the Stamp and Sproat meet to become the Somass. Which stands for Stamp, Somass and Sproat Rivers. A steelhead trout spends two or three years in a fresh water river environment before migrating to the open ocean to feed. So because of this it is suited to great gear fishing. Hatchery enhanced waters include the Stamp, Quinsam, and Quatse rivers. We use 8wt fly rods with sinking tips while in pursuit of these spectacular fish on the fly. Stamp/Somass: Upward of 2,000 steelhead stack up in this Vancouver Island system, most of them below Stamp Falls, 16 kilometres from the Alberni Inlet. This is one of the few Vancouver Island steelhead rivers that allow powered boats. Practice “keepemwet” fishing to do your part to release fish in the best condition possible and reduce your impact on the fish. Delicate also applies in terms of approach – stealth is an asset. Unlike most Vancouver Island Steelhead rivers, this isn’t a great river for fly fishing, as it’s too narrow in most spots until it nears the ocean. The highway follows this sparkling and fishy river course, through the high peaks of the Vancouver Island Mountain range alongside elk meadows and small lakes, to meet the Heber River, the Gold River's premier summer steelhead tributary. To the north, the Skeena River steelhead summer run is estimated to be just over 15,000, which is less than half of that stock’s long-term average. Arguably the hottest summer steelhead on the planet, straight from the ocean be sure to have a strong rod, a quality reel with good drag and lots of backing, get ready to run. The main practical difference is that winter runs are notorious for hanging tough near the bottom. So if you’re a fly fisherman or woman make sure to get to the stamp before October, otherwise you might get skunked. It’s divided up into three sections and each section has it’s own regulations, so be sure to check carefully. Many of the same water types that hold summer steelhead will hold winters. These Vancouver Island steelhead fishing trips focus on targeting steelhead on Vancouver Islands’s northern region, including the Nimpkish River, the Salmon River and a variety of others lesser known but equally impressive BC steelhead systems. Known as the fish of a thousand casts for good reason, steelhead are not a fish you can expect to catch day after day. Hatchery enhanced waters include the Stamp, Quinsam, and Quatse rivers. rivers. Watch for wildlife here too, as the bears and elk are abundant in the area. This river is very beautiful, flowing green with great riffles and is perfectly suited for sports fishing. All of the 200 plus rivers on Vancouver island are with a day’s drive from anywhere on the island, this makes steelheading on vancouver island very convenient for the locals, but people from all over the world travel here every year to experience the wild rugged west coast and the feisty fish that come with it. Its seems there is a little confusion over summer and winter run steelhead and it’s thought there is now a combination of summer and winter runs in November and December. This is a remote river and for that reason it's my second favorite Vancouver Island Steelhead Rivers. Stop and do one of their many amazing hikes if you have the time and desire. Part of the appeal of this fishery to me is the element of surprise – my first summer steelhead was caught on the Stamp River while fly fishing for Coho. Sockeye, Chinook, Pink, Coho, and Chum salmon are all found in the rivers surrounding Vancouver, making Vancouver steelhead fishing just the icing on a delicious cake. Many anglers will be pulled to the river by the first fish which typically arrive in June, with good opportunity to chase Summer Steelhead through September and into October. Gear fishing is very productive from October to December, best with egg patterns. The Gordon has its origins high in the hills south of the West Basin of Cowichan Lake. Steelhead abundance plummets to all time lows. They typically weigh in a range from 1.8 to 4.5 kilograms (four to ten pounds). All of these Vancouver Island Steelhead rivers listed have their own character and need a little time and practice to get to know. It boasts easy access and lots of steelhead. And we’re definitely addicted to being out on the flow, chasing the fulfillment of the tug after a solid bobber down. we are focusing virtually all our guide efforts on winter-run steelhead. It must be the rugged northern spirit. The first of the winter run appear September to October but they stay just in the river’s mouth. Vancouver Island is home to some of the best winter steelhead fishing in British Columbia. In Region 1. all wild steelhead are catch and release only. Gear fishing is very productive from October to December, best with egg patterns. Our favourite are steelybeads. With year round guided fishing trips for salmon, steelhead and trout, no matter what time of year you choose to visit we have an adventure of a lifetime waiting for you. Babine River Upper Skeena tributary. Summer steelhead are most often found on the west coast rivers of Vancouver Island (most notably Gold River), however they are also present in a few select east coast island rivers. You are allowed to anchor and fish one of the many great spots. Summer steelhead are most often found on the west coast rivers of Vancouver Island (most notably Gold River), however they are also present in a few select east coast island rivers. The winter steelhead run in this river is absolutely amazing. Even the smaller steelhead in the Nimpkish will fight like a large Steelhead of the other southern rivers. Naturally, small, dark flies and lighter tippet usually present better in low and pressured waters, although some days steelheading means that nothing you tie on the end of your line will be right. We can provide light tackle spinning gear as well for those who request it. Pinterest. As with all Vancouver Island Steelhead Rivers, it’s very important to be up to date on regulations for this river as it is considered one of the most confusing regulated rivers, so ask for help and then check for yourself to ensure accuracy. Given the general downward trend in anadromous fish returns, we can only assume that the run size has not increased. On Vancouver Island, summer run steelhead are present either May through August or July through September, with earlier runs the further north you go. Summer run steelhead, on Vancouver Island, July 1 − 7. It does get float plane service if you’re into that sort of thing. The run is from early June until late July. The fish in this Vancouver Island Steelhead river are known for their fight. The Ash, which flows into the Stamp, has proved very productive for me, especially in February. future runs. This article highlights the prevalence, characteristics, and persistence of the Steelhead Trout, otherwise known as the "fish of a thousand casts," in Northern California. Most Island river have runs of winter steelhead. Vancouver Island Steelhead rivers are some of the most unique around. Steelhead sizes range from 4 to 30 pounds with the average being 8 pounds. View all posts by Kristy V. Webster. Unlike Pacific salmon, steelhead trout do not die after spawning. Fly fishing for smallmouth bass, Island Angler June 2017, page 7, Beach Fly Fishing For Pink Salmon, Island Angler August 2017, page 6, Backroads, Backpacks & Fly Rods, BC Outdoors Magazine, Nov/Dec 2020. Besides the river is filled with tourists tubing every summer anyway, also not great for fish stress unfortunately. Even the smaller steelhead in the Nimpkish will fight like a large Steelhead of the other southern rivers. Someone experienced with this system can get you into the great spots instead of wasting your time in the non-producing areas. The possibilities are infinite – drifting a dry fly such as Roderick Haig Brown’s steelhead bee; skating a Grantham sedge cross stream; swinging a soft hackle wet-fly; traditional grease lining broadside with a Blue Charm; or dead drift nymphing a Kaufman stonefly, worm or later in the summer, egg pattern. Ghosts of summer, an alias of the summer steelhead, seems a fitting nickname for a species with declining numbers. 3. There are summer-run steelhead found in other river systems in British Columbia, including the south coast of BC and Vancouver Island but these runs are generally small and guiding services for them are minimal. With wild runs of both Summer and Winter Steelhead, and some numbers of hatchery fish the North Umpqua has earned its reputation as a Steelhead destination. So if you’re a fly fisherman or woman make sure to get to the stamp before October, otherwise you might get skunked. Finding information on the steelhead holding spots can prove a little tough on the Nimpkish, as locals are extremely tight lipped. Keep wild fish wet and remember NO GLOVES. Although I was relatively green at fly fishing, I instinctively knew that the. And for those who seek a connection with our dinosaur predecessors, there’s always chasing the giant White Sturgeon, found most predominately in the local Fraser River. To be honest, I’ve never gone out of my way to target summer steelhead, but when the time has been right, I’ve been fortunate enough to be in the right place. Over 120 of Vancouver Island’s streams are known to hold steelhead. Understanding that this is a bit of a fragile system is important to help get the steelhead numbers back up. Dancing water, walking pace currents, tail outs, rocks to hold behind/in front of and river bottom depressions are all prime steelhead lies. Most gear anglers don’t see fly fishing as the most effective way to fish, yet in the shallow, clear conditions of summer, the fly fisherman has a distinct advantage. Obviously, in high, fast conditions for winter steelies, sinking lines are the most effective. Some say we’re crazy. Chasing Chrome: Vancouver Island Steelhead. There are various access options that accommodate all levels of anglers. The steelhead fishing is highly productive right up until February, though it usually peaks in January. It boasts easy access and lots of steelhead. Practice “keepemwet” fishing to do your part to release fish in the best condition possible and reduce your impact on the fish. Vancouver Island has so much to offer when it comes to fishing. Steelhead is a sea run rainbow trout and can vary from 1-30 pounds. But that one day when the stars align, the conditions are right, fish are in the system (and cooperative) and your presentation is on, reminds you that there is little that can exceed standing in a remote, pristine river, without a soul in sight, fly casting into crystal clear waters for wild and willing sea run trout. Summer; Fall; Winter; Stamp River Winter Steelhead Winter Steelhead are a distinct run of Steelhead that arrive to their home rivers during the months of December, January, February, March and leave during April. It’s named from the color of the water because it definitely has a golden hue to it, some say it’s from the cedar sediment in the water. Given the general downward trend in anadromous fish returns, we can only assume that the run size has not increased. The best thing about the Cowichan is actually the unique species of brown trout. With the heavy flows of winter, one often wonders how a steelhead can hold so easily in such strong currents. Steelhead conservation tag required. This is a remote river and for that reason it's my second favorite Vancouver Island Steelhead Rivers. Dan Thomson with a beautiful Island steelhead, photo courtesy of Jenna Pollock . Unlike winter run steelhead, whose single minded pursuit is spawning, the smaller summer run fish are more apt to rise up to take a fly, moving into freshwater when they are still immature to hold until spawning. In Region 1, all wild steelhead are catch and release only. day after day. The Mahatta River flows westwards from O’Connell lake into Quatsino Sound on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. wasn’t a Coho. In the Keogh River, on Vancouver Island, smolt-to-adult steelhead survival sits at four per cent, down from 15 per cent before 1990. Winter run steelhead November to March, peaking January and February, iGuideBC2043 Mable RdShawnigan Lake BCiguidebc@gmail.com250.508.1079. It didn’t take long to realize that I had the catch of a lifetime on, a coveted chromer, and it was going to be a wild ride. Naturally, small, dark flies and lighter tippet usually present better in low and pressured waters, although some days steelheading means that nothing you tie on the end of your line will be right. On the other hand, during the thin waters of summer, floating lines reign supreme. Freshwater fishing has been closed in this area for several summers in a row for this reason. The Cowichan sees steelhead, salmon, and trout returning back to its clear flows. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! By. There a few ways to fish this river, and the best way, in my opinion, is by drift boat. Old rumours say that an Orca made Muchadhat inlet home and ate all the steelhead but they’ve since recovered. Season:Although they say you can catch Steelhead in this river year round the peaks are as follows: This river lies on the northern part of Vancouver Island and runs from Nimpkish Lake to the cute little town of Port McNeill. Don’t neglect the shallows – fish the water before stepping into it. Listed as one of BC’s top steelhead rivers by, , it’s definitely one of my favorite Vancouver Island Steelhead Rivers. Despite of the difference in return times, both summer and winter steelhead usually spawn around the same time, which is late winter or early spring. It’s also changing regularly and different sections are opening and closing all the time. The steelhead aren’t as large as some of the main land rivers, averaging in the 10-15lb range for winter run, but there a few bigger ones lurking around! Steelhead migrate to spawn during the summer months and the winter months. The fish are typically in the seven-pound range, though double-digit steelies are here as well. Even now, twenty-five years after Earl and I had our great day, not many people fish the river and very few know it well. Or do they generally scatter themselves throughout the river system? Delicate also applies in terms of approach – stealth is an asset. Steelhead returns are declining virtually everywhere across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. To be honest, I’ve never gone out of my way to target summer steelhead, but when the time has been right, I’ve been fortunate enough to be in the right place. The Cowichan is considered an urban river, however you’d never know it. There is a certain trepidation toward disclosing too much classified intel. The water is generally clear, unless it’s flooding. Facebook. Delicate, accurate presentation is usually more important than any specific fly pattern. Vancouver Island is a haven for anglers who seek the thrill of catching wild steelhead! One of the hardest things for me is patience, seeing the fish in action, but resisting the urge to act and set the hook, instead letting it take the fly and turn away, hooking itself solidly in the side of the mouth in the process. Winter runs peak late December to late January, but this does vary slightly from year to year depending on conditions. You’ll need the help of a local or a guide for access points as they’re well hidden and very difficult to find. One being a summer-run of fish from July to October, and the other being a winter-run of fish from December to April. Some are wide and slow moving and many are steep, fast and deep. A skilled angler can land several medium sized steelhead in a day out on this pretty river. It’s hard to say what is more satisfying, the anticipation of watching the steelhead rise, sip the fly and explode into full on beast mode or the actual experience of a fish, hell-bent on escape, on the end of my line. In the Summer water levels are too low and temperatures too high, creating too much stress on the fish already. Winter-run Vancouver Island Steelhead range in size from 5 pounds to 25 pounds. These trophy rainbow trout enter rivers in December through April. These egg hunters have their noses down continually in search of their next tasty meal. Best way to experience this river is hiring a guide to do a drift. They return to their natal streams to spawn with timing that is unique to each location. But that one day when the stars align, the conditions are right, fish are in the system (and cooperative) and your presentation is on, reminds you that there is little that can exceed standing in a remote, pristine river, without a soul in sight, fly casting into crystal clear waters for wild and willing sea run trout. Please practice every ethical measure when fishing this river. The Stamp is a great fly fishing opportunity but once the salmon spawn occurs these steelhead won’t even notice a fly. Spawning anytime from March through May, summer-run steelhead typically enter rivers from June through October. When you’re standing in the river, you wouldn’t realize you’re close to a town. There are two different runs of Steelhead in the Vancouver Island area. It's common for this river to have the largest returns of steelhead on Vancouver Island and some anglers say you can fish for Steelhead any day of the year. You’ll need the help of a local or, The Stamp is a great fly fishing opportunity but once the salmon spawn occurs these steelhead won’t even notice a fly. Summer-run Steelhead range in size from 3 pounds to 15 pounds, and have a very explosive nature. To find the ghosts of summer takes blisters and bushwhacking, time spent, sweat shed and miles tread. 9. There is plenty of room, the river isn’t crowded with anglers and you’re surrounded by the tall trees that the west coast is famous for and it’s surrounded by a quiet hiking trail. The variety of species you can target is colossal, and there is no such thing as an off-season – it simply does not exist. My question is, do winter steelhead tend to stack up in the lower reaches before scooting up to the spawning grounds in spring? It must be the rugged northern spirit. The girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Vancouver Island in early July, for summer run steelhead. Seasons: Winter and Early Spring are the best time to fish this river. This is what gets you into the best fishing holes. The skilled fisherman can get 20+ steelhead in a single day. BC’s steelhead fly fishers have long used “buggy” looking flies for steelhead, and for good reason: as juveniles in fresh water, steelhead eat the same sort of food items as resident rainbows, and mayfly, stonefly and caddis fly nymphs are often on the menu. Very aggressive, they will actively chase down a swung fly or small lure, even rising to a dry fly, making them an excellent fish on the fly. This river begins at Port Renfrew and runs up the San Juan Valley and is fed by a few tributaries including the Caycuse and the Harris creek.. presentation is usually more important than any specific fly pattern. 8. Summer steelhead return in summer and fall, while winter steelhead return in winter and spring. The Fish of a Thousand Casts. Ghosts of summer, an alias of the summer steelhead, seems a fitting nickname for a species with declining numbers. All of the 200 plus rivers on Vancouver island are with a day’s drive from anywhere on the island, this makes steelheading on vancouver island very convenient for the locals, but people from all over the world travel here every year to experience the wild rugged west coast and the feisty fish that come with it. When the rain comes it enables them to migrate up the river to spawn. During the winter months (Dec.-Apr.) Many of these water ways have both summer and winter run strains of these large sea rearing rainbow trout that make for year round angling opportunity. In these waters, fish spook easily, bolting at the slightest splash. Access is great for this river as many great fishing holes are literally a 15 minute drive from Port Alberni. Listed as one of BC’s top steelhead rivers by BC Outdoor magazine, it’s definitely one of my favorite Vancouver Island Steelhead Rivers. It is difficult to find reliable data regarding size of summer steelhead returns, but according to the Ecological Reserves Collection, in the early 1990’s, Vancouver Island wild summer run steelhead returns ranged from less than 50 to a maximum of 500 (per river). It didn’t take long to realize that I had the catch of a lifetime on, a coveted chromer, and it was going to be a wild ride. The best holding spots in this river are actually only about 10 to 15 feet wide. 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