FLY FISHING: Steelhead

[John Pierce]

Following are combined from several sources, GRR Member Dave Larson:

CALENDAR

• December 26: Season "kicks off" on Boxing Day with Steelhead returning to rivers from ocean. Best fishing in Estuaries.
• February: Spawning up river.
• March: Post spawn, those that haven't died are called Kelts and return down rivers to ocean.
• April: Kelts all back in ocean, season ends.

LOCATIONS

• Cowichan Estuary & River: Early in season fish the lower portion of the river, ie the portion of the fishing trail just above the Duncan Fish & Game Club.
• Stamp Estuary & River

METHODS

• Flies: Early in season use large (expensive to make) "Intruder" type flies, so-called as imitate Steelhead's natural food in ocean. Intruder's are either a "Tube Fly", or on a shank with a trailing "stinger hook". The later being probably the best.
• Rig: Use a sinking head and about 30"+/- of 12-15 lb tippet.
• Casting: As large fly, cast normally two handed.
• Catching: Pound for pound best fighting fish vs salmon, catch and release though in BC rivers.

[John Pierce]

Steelhead "Intruder" Flies at Robinson's Outdoor Store Victoria

[John Pierce]

HBFFA Barry Stokes Steelhead Flies (as bought by Wingkee Chan)