Common Fishing Methods and Tips

Flies

For the fly fisher chironomid activity usually occurs from late April to early July, then from late September through October.

Mayflies emerge from mid-May through late July, caddis flies from mid-June through July, damsel flies from mid-June to early August, and dragonflies from mid-June to late August.

Another important period is during water boatman "falls" (egg-laying periods) from early September until late October.

Fly fishers traditionally favour 5- to 7-weight tackle, but lighter outfits are also popular.

Rods should be long enough to ensure ease of casting while seated in a small boat or "belly boat".

The most productive fly patterns represent chironomids, damsel flies, dragonflies and caddis in their pupal, larval and emergent stages, plus freshwater shrimp, leeches and back swimmers.

Lures

Popular "searching patterns" include Doc Spratley, Anderson's Stonefly Nymph, a Werner Shrimp or Woolly Bugger in olive to medium green, and the Carey Special in red, green or brown.

Whether targeting rainbows, brook trout or kokanee, anglers using spinning outfits should consider a lightweight rod loaded with a maximum of 3.6 kg (8 lb) test line.

Popular lures include Dick Nite spoons in silver, Flatfish, Hot Shot and Kwikfish in orange and black, silver and black, frog, and silver, plus various weighted spinners like Rooster Tail, Mepps, Blue Fox and Panther Martin.

Trollers generally favour rods with a slightly stiffer action and level-wind reels. Such outfits are suitable for handling gang troll and worm combinations to single spinners trailing a small lure or fly.

A popular setup for kokanee is a small willow leaf gang troll ahead of a No. 12 or 14 Spin 'n' Glo. Although fly-fishing for steelhead, chinook and coho salmon enjoys great popularity, many anglers use spinning or casting tackle. Rods of at least three metres in length are preferred, and reels should hold a minimum of 200 metres (218 yards) of line.

Open-faced spinning reels are preferred by some, but by far the most popular are level-wind casting models. Some anglers prefer single-action casting reels like the Hardy Silex.

These require practice to master, but are fun to use and efficient, especially when fishing with large floats fashioned from cork, wood, or foam plastic.

Fly fishers generally favour 8-weight rods, single-action reels with enough capacity to handle the line and 200 metres (218 yards) of backing.

If exceptionally large fish are being targeted, anglers may opt for a 9- or 10-weight outfit. Rod lengths vary from three metres to Spey rods of up to five metres (15 feet).

When planning trips to remote destinations, experienced steelheaders know the wisdom of staying at established lodges or resorts, and fishing with local guides. This is especially important on large rivers requiring the use of boats for fishing or transportation.