Winter Run Steelhead

ORVIS · #1 10-01-2024, 04:14 PM

Has anyone made the trip to B.C. to target winter Run Steelhead? planning on heading out in mid January-February with the Skagit Set Up.

walking buffalo · #2 10-02-2024, 02:57 PM

Yes, Many times to the Charlottes and Vancouver Island.

Being flexible to different waters and conditions greatly increased catch rates.

Where are you going?

Glas Ó Cairealláin · #3 10-02-2024, 06:42 PM

I lived in Vancouver half my life and have fished for steelhead the whole time, and was a member of the now defunct Steelhead Society of BC. So if I count the years, I've fished steelies for 40 years at least...
It comes over you every year, just like a hunting season. It's very much the same too, wearing neutral colours that don't scare off the fish, being painfully quiet, water temperatures, weather, rain, a whole bunch of things come into play. I was pretty good at it but I would get some raised eyebrows because I was a lone female. Guys were not used to seeing gals on the rivers. Last time I went was xmas 15 years ago to show my prairie boy husband the places I've fished in my youth. Took him to a spot on a rock, and a HUGE 20+ lb fish rose from the depths to take a look at my husband, a very rewarding and validating experience. Now the hubs family takes me seriously when I tell them my solo fishing adventures as a young lady.
I drift fished for them as well as fly fished.

ORVIS · #4 10-03-2024, 04:05 PM

I’m torn between the Vedder or the Skeena/Bulkey System.
For wild steelhead without a doubt the Skeena is best but for numbers the Vedder may be the winner. I’m just looking to tie into my first steelhead for this trip.

britman101 · #5 10-03-2024, 06:58 PM

If you are trying for your first steelhead on the fly I would say go to the Skeena or Bulkley River. Sportfishing on The Fly did an episode on fishing the Skeena for Steelhead and you should be able to bring it up on their website. They basically show you the runs they were fishing and their setup on the spey rods.
As for the Vedder River, I have fished that river a number of times. The steelhead numbers are way down and the gear and centerpin fisherman will push you out of the good runs. And let's not go there when it comes to the snaggers. Go North you will enjoy it more.

Dennis

Mr Flyguy · #6 10-10-2024, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by britman101

If you are trying for your first steelhead on the fly I would say go to the Skeena or Bulkley River. Sportfishing on The Fly did an episode on fishing the Skeena for Steelhead and you should be able to bring it up on their website. They basically show you the runs they were fishing and their setup on the spey rods.
As for the Vedder River, I have fished that river a number of times. The steelhead numbers are way down and the gear and centerpin fisherman will push you out of the good runs. And let's not go there when it comes to the snaggers. Go North you will enjoy it more.

Dennis

I agree, go North. The crowded conditions on the Vedder do not make enjoyable days with the fly rod.

ALBTUFF · #7 10-11-2024, 01:41 PM

I have never been, but it is on the list to go. Please share trip report and photos when you return.

Esox · #8 10-15-2024, 05:59 PM

If you are looking at going in Jan/Feb, do not waste your time with the skeena area. The vedder is combat (shoulder to shoulder) fishing, so I would skip it. Youre better off to hit Vancouver Island. Haida Gwaii is good at that time of year as well BUT it is tough fishing and secluded. The rivers there can be very technical and tightly lined with trees. If you arent wanting to go as far as the island, go to the Vedder or even the Squamish but be prepared for mass amounts of people. I'd look to hire a guide even for a day.

fishpro · #9 10-17-2024, 10:35 PM

I've seen a few comments mention the Bulkley - just a heads up that the Bulkley is closed in the winter.

Bigwoodsman · #10 10-18-2024, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esox

If you are looking at going in Jan/Feb, do not waste your time with the skeena area. The vedder is combat (shoulder to shoulder) fishing, so I would skip it. Youre better off to hit Vancouver Island. Haida Gwaii is good at that time of year as well BUT it is tough fishing and secluded. The rivers there can be very technical and tightly lined with trees. If you arent wanting to go as far as the island, go to the Vedder or even the Squamish but be prepared for mass amounts of people. I'd look to hire a guide even for a day.

Which rivers would you recommend on Vancouver Island. I just started making trips to the island 3-4 times a years. February is a month we go for a few days wouldn't mind trying for steelheads.

Have family in Comox and have fished the Puntledge, Oyster, Quinsam and Campbell rivers so far. Was out there a few weeks backed missed the pinks on the Quinsam and left at the start of the coho. Got into several sea run cuts on the Oyster as we were camped within walking distance so fished it daily. TIA.

BW

Mumbles · #11 10-31-2024, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishpro

I've seen a few comments mention the Bulkley - just a heads up that the Bulkley is closed in the winter.

Certainly is NOT closed in the winter.

walking buffalo · #12 11-03-2024, 01:19 PM

Its been a few years, but I used to go to the Charlottes every winter/spring for Steelhead.

Fly into Sandspit, rent a house that is mainly used as a summer rental...
2-4 in the group, everyone gets their own bedroom, cheap.
Rent a 4x4 from the same operation.

Drive to and fish up to 7-8 different rivers in a week.
Everybody caught fish every day.
Some days the numbers were in the dozens.
Big, small, stained, clear.... steelhead up to 20 pounds caught in all of them.
Bigger fish were definitely hooked....

Six trips, six weeks of fishing, NEVER saw another fisherman other than those in my group.

Fishing a small crystal clear river for chrome lice laden Steelies in a 1000 year old forest... priceless.

britman101 · #13 11-05-2024, 10:49 AM

With regards to the old Queen Charlotte Islands, now that it has changed to Haida Gwaii, things have tightened up with regards to rental cars. If you rent a car now, you have to stay to the main roads. If you go off on a gravel road you will be levied a hefty penalty fee by the rental car company. Also there are really no fishing stores on the island. So depending on your stay you will have to bring plenty of tackle and a back up rod ( just in case). If you choose to drive, there is a ferry ride but it is about seven hours from Prince Rupert to the island. And you have to book well in advance. There are guiding operations on the island and that may be the way to go if time is only going to be a week or so for fishing.

fishpro · #14 11-06-2024, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mumbles

Certainly is NOT closed in the winter.

From the regional regulations for the Skeena system on page 50:

"No fishing: in any stream in the watersheds
of the Skeena River upstream of Cedarvale
or Nass River upstream of Kitsault Bridge,
Jan 1-June 15 (NOTE: Nass River mainstem
is EXEMPT and Skeena River mainstem
upstream of Cedarvale is only closed Jan 1-
May 31). See tables for other exceptions."