Plan your BC steelhead trip
Willie Holmes gives you a breakdown of where to go, when to go, and what you’ll need
BRITISH COLUMBIA'S steelhead fisheries are diverse, offering distinct experiences across varied and rich regions. The famed Skeena River system (including the Bulkley and Kispiox) in the north is a world-class destination for summer and fall runs. Vancouver Island provides extensive opportunities, with some rivers hosting both winter-run “unicorns” and summer steelhead. Other notable systems include the Dean River, known for its pristine summer fish, and the Vedder River near Vancouver, a popular winter hatchery-supported option with a strong stock of wild steelhead as well.
Licences
Across BC, a basic freshwater licence is required for all anglers wishing to fish for steelhead. You must also purchase a steelhead conservation surcharge stamp. Selected high-quality rivers are designated as classified waters, requiring an additional licence to fish during specific periods. Non-resident Canadians and non-resident aliens must also obtain a permit for each day they fish a classified water. Out-of-province anglers are not permitted to fish these classified waters on Saturdays or Sundays.
Where to fish
BC is divided into seven fishing regions, each managing its own freshwater fisheries under delegated federal authority. This allows conservation strategies and regulations to be tailored to the ecology and fish populations of each area.
Arguably the most famous is the Skeena System in the north. This world-class destination is best known for its summer-to-fall runs, with August to October the peak time for fishing. Early spring can also be productive, with March and April being good months to visit.
Heading south, down the coast, is the Dean River system — celebrated for its pristine and powerful summer steelhead. It fishes best in July and August.
The fall is not only stunning, but it can also be a great time to catch steelhead on some rivers.
As we near Vancouver, we reach the Vedder River — a favourite winter option that fishes from December to May. Due to its proximity to Vancouver, which makes it accessible and therefore popular, parts of the Vedder can be crowded. But don’t let that put you off — if you are willing to hike and explore the lesser-known spots, you can find quieter water. There are other rivers close to Vancouver that offer excellent sport in memorable surroundings, such as the Squamish and Chehalis.
Vancouver Island also presents a wealth of opportunities for the fisher, with its best winter runs coming between January and March, although steelhead can be caught a month on either side of this peak time. Winter fishing is generally challenging on rivers such as the Stamp and Cowichan.
In BC’s interior, the historic Thompson River fishery — once renowned worldwide for its huge wild steelhead — is sadly now largely closed due to critical population declines.
Lodge or DIY?
Like other destination fisheries, BC has many different options to consider, from all-inclusive lodges offering high-end accommodation, food, and guides, to self-organised trips at Airbnbs and motels to reduce costs. Each has pros and cons:
- Lodge trips offer expert guides, quality gear, higher success rates on challenging winter fish, plus comfortable accommodation after cold days.
- Lodge trips are more expensive and have rigid schedules, but the rewards are often worth it.
- DIY trips are cheaper, offer complete freedom to explore, and provide a more personal adventure.
- DIY trips are logistically more complex (car hire, gear, classified water licences), can have lower success rates without local knowledge. They also make it harder to arrange a plan B when challenging weather prevails compared to an organised lodge.
Don’t be caught out: trusted kit is essential in these demanding conditions.
Tackle
The following kit will get you going on your steelhead trip:
- Take a single-handed 9ft 6-7wt for smaller rivers and smaller fish. Consider the 9ft 6wt or 9ft 7wt 7X. The new 9ft and 9ft 6in 7wt Trak rods are also ideal.
- A 9-10ft 7-8wt for bigger rivers and heavier fish. Try the 10ft 7wt from Loop's Trak, ZX, or 7X series.
- Switch rods are now a big part of the BC steelhead scene, with 5-8wt models being popular. The 11ft 6in 5wt or 7wt 7X are great Switch rods. Alternatively, try the cheaper 11ft 7wt Trak rod.
- Double-handed (Spey) rods are very popular, and good all-rounders — include the 7X 13ft 7wt and 13ft 2in 8wt models. For frequent travellers, the ZT six-piece rods in these sizes will easily fit into your luggage.
- Skagit systems are favourites of many fishers, as they allow you to change tips and get your fly down for winter steelhead — a selection of different tip densities is essential. (I'll be discussing this in more detail next month)
- Some rivers in northern BC provide opportunities to use Scandi and mid-belly floating lines to swing a skated fly for aggressive surface takes.
- 12lb-20lb tippet.
- Flies should include a few Intruder patterns in blue, black, orange, red, and pink. Bring a few classic steelhead flies too. (See next month's West Coast Chronicles for more comprehensive fly advice).
Pack good waders, a waterproof coat, and warm layers. Here in BC, we are known as the wet coast, not just the west coast. (See James Carter's clothing suggestions in the main article)
What to expect
Crowding on BC steelhead rivers varies greatly, with popular, accessible systems like the Vedder River often seeing lots of anglers, while remote northern rivers like the Dean experience less pressure. Rivers closer to larger populations — like anywhere — tend to receive more pressure, but the further you travel from these areas, the fewer anglers you will encounter.
Travelling anglers are made to feel welcome, and there are stores in every region where staff will give friendly advice to help keep you on the right path.
While non-BC residents cannot fish classified waters on weekends, this management strategy is designed to reduce pressure on these special rivers.
Contacts
At Pacific Rivers Outfitting Company in Chilliwack, we — like other outfitters — are here to help get the best out of your trip, with tackle, tips, and information on river openings and closures. We also sell fishing licences and provide instruction and guiding in Regions Two and Three. We are situated less than two hours from Vancouver Airport and look forward to seeing you in store and on the banks of a BC steelhead river. Please feel free to call our Chilliwack (Vancouver) store on: +1 778 704 1481. Email: info@pacificrivers.com Web: pacificrivers.com Instagram: @pacificriversoutfitting Facebook: Pacific Rivers Outfitting Company
Useful Links for different regions
pacificrivers.com Chilliwack Vancouver — Lower Mainland robinsonsoutdoors.com Victoria — Vancouver Island nicolasdean.com Terrace — Northern BC chromersportfishing.com Squamish — Whistler steelheadbc.com Smithers — Northern BC sustutriver.com — Northern BC
PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY: JAMES CARTER/JOE EVANS/BRADLEY FUNKHOUSER/SCOTT SHERIN
