vancouver island steelhead?
 

Im heading to vancouver island in February and was thinking of trying for some steelhead. I was looking into what I would need to purchase in-terms of licensing, is there a one or two day stamp for steelhead? or is it $60 no matter what? I already have my regular bc license, and I will most likely be hitting the Cowichan. Any info would be appreciated.

if you are fishing for steel you need a steelhead conservation stamp, you can only purchase a stamp for all season.

On the Cowichan you could just fish for trout and not buy a tag, BUT if you are using anything that looks like steelhead gear you'll get burned

The tragedy of the steelheader.

Well that kind of sucks. I've read that some people do that but ill probably just end up shelling out the money for the stamp. Maybe I will have to arrange another trip back in march to make buying the stamp worth while. :acigar:

One steelhead makes the stamp worth while

You will slay them on the cow, good luck. :sign0111:

I've yet to fish for steelhead but have heard alot about them. Im pumped to get out there and give it a go, hopefully even catch a couple...

Is the Cowichan classified waters?

Whats the average size in there out of curiosity. I'll never be out that way.

Are they wild fish or are there hatcheries in place?

Both wild and hatchery fish on the cow is some beautiful browns to, my buddy caught this brown there two days ago......

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/...99099820_n.jpg
http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/...03336578_n.jpg

And the rule of thumb is if you want bigger steel you will get into them the further north you go.

Yes, both wild and hatchery in the Cowichan.


Not sure where that thumb has been.

Cowichan has big steelhead, as does the Fraser/Thompson.

Steelhead size is more regulated by the watershed size than latitude.



Cowichan Steelhead (wild) from a couple of years ago.

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...File0053-1.jpg

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...File0052-1.jpg

:happy0034:

that thumb knows everything, just ask it

i used to fish them in the sooke river by the pot holes, just wondering if they still run threw there and if your allowed to fish them there still.it was probably around 20 years ago that i fished for them, no longer live on the island

Do you have more pics of that fish? Does it have any markings on the adipose fin?

Nice shots!

My buddy says it may have even been a sea run brown as it has sea lice on it.




as for Sooke pot hole steel there are still a few steel that enter that river but most anglers that fish the potholes are in it for the big kings and chums that enter the river come september-october.