Cutthroat on the Beach

Spring Cutthroat on the Beach

Sea Run Cutthroat, estuaries and beaches go together at this time of year. As the pink and chum fry leave the rivers and migrate to the sea, Cutthroat trout follow: feasting on them as they go. Not only do these young fry have to run the gauntlet on their river journey, they must avoid the large sea run cutthroat who have wintered over in the ocean.

What a great fishing opportunity! In the spring, cutthroat trout forage river estuaries and shallow rocky beaches. About mid April, they take readily to flies and small spoons that imitate the fry. As the season progresses and the fry move on, they key in on small stickleback minnows and tiny krill.

Nile creek estuary and the beach on either side of the river mouth are well worth a visit. Thanks to the efforts of the Nile Creek Enhancement Society, this area is coming back to life in an amazing way. The Society has been very successful with their salmon enhancement program and as a result, cutthroat numbers are responding.

The beach at Nile Creek offers ideal foraging conditions for the trout. Early morning on an incoming tide, while the light is still low, is when the larger fish can be caught. Like most fish, they are vulnerable to predators. For this reason they are most comfortable in the low light conditions of early morning, late evening as well as overcast skies. During these times the fish can be taken in knee-deep water, so try to avoid the urge to wade out a long way. I have seen fish caught when casting between the shore and wading fishers.

As for gear, a good 9’ to 10’ long fly rod size 5 or 6 will work perfectly. You should have a slow intermediate sink, weight forward fly line. One that will allow you to retrieve over shallows without hanging up on the bottom, or forcing you to retrieve too quickly is best. Both clear and coloured lines available. Add to the line a flourocarbon tapered leader and tippet of 9’. Support this with ample backing between the reel and line and you are good to go.

As for flies, a Rolled Muddler is a must have. This fly was designed by Tom Murray, a local fisher, specifically for sea run cutthroat.

Other flies to try are the old stand by minnow patterns like the egg n eye, and shrimp patterns such as, Art Limber’s Pink Candy. There are local tiers who supply cutthroat flies to shops in the area; just stop in and ask. While you are there, browse through the number of books on the subject; many written by local authors/experts.

Above all enjoy your day fishing, and practice catch and release.

Note: Be sure to have a valid saltwater fishing license which is available on the federal government website at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish/licensing/default_e.htm