Catch and Release

Measuring up to a metre in length, weighing up to 9-kg (20-lbs) or more, and carrying a reputation as a fierce fighter, British Columbia’s steelhead (a migratory sea-run rainbow trout) is among the most desirable trophy fish species. Steelheads migrate through the Sea to Sky Corridor’s rivers during the late winter, from mid-February to mid-May.

Owner of Whistler Flyfishing, guide, and Spey casting instructor, Brian Niska is well known as Whistler’s “go-to” guy for fly-fishing tips and gear. “Aside from their photogenic looks and size,” Niska says, “the big attraction with VWHHOkHDG LV UHDOOy WkH ZDy WkHy WDnH WkH IOy qXLWH DJJUHVVLYHOy.´ 6WHHOkHDG can be caught in Pemberton, throughout the Lillooet River system, and in PDQy RI 6qXDPLVk’V ULYHUV. 1LVnD WySLFDOOy JXLGHV kLV FOLHQWV RQ WkH PDLQ VWHP RI WkH 6qXDPLVk, DV ZHOO DV WkH &kHDnDPXV, $VkOX DQG 0DPqXDP ULYHUV, recommending a two-handed Spey rod as the best tool for steelhead fishing. A shallow-water fish, steelhead can be caught from close to shore.

All wild steelhead fishing in BC is catch and release. Anglers must use a single barbless hook with no bait, and must purchase a steelhead stamp for their fishing license. For more information, visit www.whistlerflyfishing.com; to purchase a fishing license, go to www.fishing.gov.bc.ca.