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We are spoilt here in British Columbia when it comes to freshwater fishing. We have five species of Salmon which enter our river systems from June to December, Steelhead which come late November to April and a Summer 'run' in May / June plus Resident Rainbow, Bull, Cutthroat and Brown trout, Mountain Whitefish and Dolly Varden to fish for year round, plus Sturgeon up to 500 lbs. That's just the rivers, we also have numerous lakes which contain Rainbows, Lake Trout, Cutthroats and Kokanee. Most of the best freshwater fishing is found in the Fraser Valley which is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from our home.

The Fraser River is the main river that runs through the Lower Mainland of British Columbia and the four main tributaries being the Chehalis, The Vedder, the Harrison and the Stave rivers give you lots of choice for some of the best Salmon fishing in the world. Going North towards Whistler, there are the Squamish and Mamquam rivers that have large runs of Pink and Chum salmon. Closer to home (15 minutes drive) is the Capilano River which has a Coho hatchery program and has good numbers (but smaller size) of returning fish.

I have been fishing since I was about eight years old, and first tried Fly Fishing when I came to live in Canada and was amazed at how much more you could feel the fish fight on a thin flexible rod and how exciting to see your reel spinning with that wonderful sound. When the Pinks and Chum Salmon are running in good numbers it is possible to catch 30 - 40 in a full days fly fishing which leaves you with an aching rod arm and great memories. These species actually take a fly more readily than gear fishing. The other species of Salmon can prove more of a challenge to the Fly Fisher.

The average sizes that follow are a general guide for the average fish you should expect. Pink- 4lbs, Coho- 8lb, Chum- 12lb, Sockeye- 8lb, Chinook- 18lb. The Chinooks in the Vedder can go up to 50lbs, and a couple of seasons ago I hooked a 40 pounder in the tail which took me for a nice walk down the river up to the top of my waders.

When is the best time to come for fishing ?

• Pink Salmon late July to first week of September every odd numbered year
  
• Coho Salmon November to early December
  
• Chum Salmon November to early December
  
• Chinook (Spring or King) Salmon July to November
  
• Sockeye Salmon July - September
  
• Steelhead December to April / Summer Run May to June
  
• Trout Fishing in lakes Spring and Fall months
  

What tackle should I use ?

Fly Fishing for Salmon and Steelhead

• 8 or 9 weight Rod
• A fly Reel with plenty of backing and a good disc drag (salmon fight hard !)
• A 15-20 ft sink tip fly line that sinks at 8" per second (or multi tip line)
• For Coho you will also need a clear tip line
• 8-12 lb leader material (Maxima ultragreen is Great) and a selection of flies
• Don't forget chest waders and boots, a good rain jacket and a hat

  Fly Fishing For Trout

• Float Tube (if you have the space) plus fins and chest waders
• 5 or 6 weight rod
• Disc drag reel
• Sinking and floating lines
• 2-4lb tippet
• Trout flies
• Don't forget the rain jacket and hat

  Gear Fishing for Salmon and Steelhead

• A sensitive Rod 9-12 foot
• Center Pin or Bait casting Reel
• 8-12lb line (maxima ultragreen is great)
• Large Floats, Pencil leads and hooks sizes 6-2
• Flurocarbon Leader 8 - 14 lbs
• Colored wool, Jensen Eggs and Colorado Spoons catch a lot of fish
• Chest waders and boots
• Don't forget the rain jacket and hat.