Fishing Magical Vancouver Island

Spring is a magic time of year on Vancouver Island. The rivers come alive with young salmon fry returning to the ocean, and local lakes shake off the doldrums of winter.
For the fisherman it is a time, once again, to connect with nature. Time to spend on the trails, lakes and beaches of this magnificent island.


In spring, Cutthroat enters the rivers to feed on the young fry. Cutties, as they are called, take readily to a fly, especially one that imitates the minnows they are seeking. Flies like the Muddler Minnow or Rolled Muddler are good bets. The trick is to get the fly down to where the fish are feeding so use a weighted fly, a short 3 to 4 foot leader and/or a sink tip line. Light rods from 3 to 5 weight are ideal. Though a 22inch Cutthroat on a 3 weight rod can present an exciting challenge to the uninitiated.


Muddler Minnow

Bait is also a possibility if the regs allow and remember that hooks must be barbless on all rivers in BC. I actually prefer barbless hooks as they allow for quick, less harmful release when returning the fish to the water.

Rolled Muddler

Practice catch and release, let your catch go to fight another day.