B.C. Steelhead

[James Buice]

Back from the 2006 Fall Steelhead Freaky Rock and Roll Circus & Wild West Show. Better than some years, worse than others. British Columbia is always beautiful, especially in the fall. We fished for eight days, swinging flies for big steelhead. Largest was 38" and a tad over 20lbs; a few more in the 15-20lb range. While the large fish was the prime photo-op, there was a chrome bright hen of I'd say 12-15lbs that jumped several times, dogged about a long run, and simply would not come to the hand that really kept my mind going on the plane ride home. Sometimes it is the ones that get away that steal the show.

The best part of the trip was my two handed casting improved (8hrs a day for over a week will either make or break ya). The best part of the trip was watching my buddy "Smitty" who'd never fished for steelhead before or cast a spey rod learn the art of swinging flies for the greatest gamefish in the world. By the end of the week, his speycasting was improving, but the fish were stubborn. Fewer fish due to a late run and tough water conditions made for an, at times, frustrating time for my southern Georgia friend. He still had a blast and managed to cure his bear 'phobia'.

Ah, back in GA but not for much longer ;-) There are still a few BC steelhead with my name on them!

-J

[fishmonger]

Cool report James, steelhead are just amazing. I wish I had caught more on the Spey rod, that is a very cool fishing tool.

Post some pics if you can!

FM

[S.Trutta]

Oh yeah, nothing compares to a fresh steelie. I caught my first one about 3 years ago when my parents moved to Michigan, and I havent stopped thinking about them since!!!!! I'll be up there at peak of the fall run this year in November, probably floating the Muskegon or maybe a wade trip to the PM flies only, cant wait!!!!!!!


Rich