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Vedder River
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Are you still dreaming of the one that got away? You know, that impressive, beautiful, shiny and strong opponent who just wouldn't come home with you? Well you're in luck because there is still time to get out there and try again! February is one of the best times of year for Steelhead fishing in BC. The BRMB team is here to school you with some pointers for the top five rivers in BC to drop a line.
Dean River
This remote and beautiful river is legendary for its strong steelhead population. Access to the river is difficult, requiring a boat or floatplane/chopper ride followed by a lengthy hike, but that keeps the fishing pressure very low and makes for an unforgettable wilderness experience. There are lodges in the area, specializing in steelhead fishing, for those willing to spend a few (or a bunch of) extra bucks. The Dean flows through towering mountains and thick untouched forest, emptying directly into the ocean. With plenty of boulders and long shallow sections, the Dean is perfect for fly-fishing and offers some of the best winter steelhead fishing opportunities anywhere in the world.
Skeena River
This Northern BC river and its many tributaries are world famous for their winter steelhead run. Set among towering snow-capped mountains and sprawling old-growth forests, the Skeena feeds the Bulkley, Kispiox and Copper Rivers, making your opportunities for winter steelhead fishing virtually endless along this massive river system. While all of the Skeena’s branches offer excellent fishing opportunities, the Kispiox, in particular, is known for its large-sized steelhead. During inclement weather, however, the Bulkley is your best bet, as it is least affected by rainfall – keeping an eye on the weather is a must in this temperamental northern climate. The cities of Hazelton, Terrace and Smithers offer all required amenities within a few hours’ drive of these rivers.
Vedder River
Conveniently located within an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Vancouver, this river’s most inviting feature is its easy access. Although this does result in heavy fishing pressure, an extensive stocking program keeps the steelhead population at a healthy level here. The river is actually divided into two parts, with the section below Chilliwack labeled as the Vedder River and the upstream section known as the Chilliwack River. The lower section is wider and slower, with plenty of pools where steelhead love to hang out. For beginner steelhead fishers, the Vedder is the perfect place to throw your first casts.
Squamish River
Like the Vedder, the Squamish River offers excellent winter steelhead fishing within an easy drive from the major urban center of Vancouver. Running through a deep, lush valley amid the breathtaking Coast Mountains, the Squamish River is a popular destination for those looking to escape the city and take in some nature – the winter steelhead fishery is just an added bonus. Although extensive logging along the river’s upper reaches has destabilized spawning grounds and negatively affected the steelhead population, spending a few days on the river will likely result with a nice catch. Anglers can also cast into one of the river’s many tributaries.
Cowichan River
This Vancouver Island river, in addition to steelhead, supports a healthy salmon population and is one of the few rivers in BC that offers brown trout, so your options for angling are plenty. This crystal clear river has plenty of shallow sections where steelhead success can be very high. A drift boat can give you a huge advantage on the Cowichan, and contacting a local fishing guide is worth considering if you have a bit of money to spare.
To get the edge on BC’s top steelhead hotspots this winter, check out our Fishing Mapbooks, Backroad Mapbooks, and Backroad GPS Maps. With information on species, access, stocking and more, our full range of products cater to beginner and expert anglers alike.
Originally published here.