Winter Steelhead fish of 1,000 casts, I think not!

**delvachio** · February 14th, 2010, 11:44 PM

This has been my first season targeting winter steelhead and I've heard the saying that they are the fish of 1,000 casts. I don't think this saying is entirely true and feel it should be adjusted to the fish of 10,000 paces. On my days out my legs are always way more sore from hiking than my arms are from excessive casting.

So what do you think, fish of 1,000 casts or 10,000 paces?

**btree** · February 15th, 2010, 09:34 AM

so far both for me, but I think I'm getting up near 10,000 casts. Still searching for one of those 10,000 places at the end of 10,000 paces.

**Ruger** · February 15th, 2010, 11:40 AM

i gonna say both. but times about 100. i've chase them for 4 years without a hook up. i don't think they exist.

**Dave** · February 15th, 2010, 02:00 PM

I'm going out this weekend for my first day of my third season. The first year we booked into the Pitt only to have the river blow out on us. That said one person in our group of three landed one. The second year we went up to the Yakoun where the guide said it was the worst he'd seen it in 25 years. We fished that river for three days from tip to tail in clear, low water without seeing a fish. Last year I took a pass as there was a new baby in the house. So off to the Vedder for another try. Whenever I get down about Steelhead I just visit Bukwas' page and start plotting my move up North.

**ded heron** · February 15th, 2010, 04:10 PM

They're sure not easy some times. Other times, they will hunt you fly down to kill it. Part of the allure I guess. There's going to be some pretty awesome conditions on the "Chedder". Later on the week, we're going to have temps. in the mid teens, so now is the time.

**newsteelyman** · February 15th, 2010, 08:29 PM

I agree with ruger and btree. I am into my 3rd season trying and have come to the conclusion that you just gotta put in alot of time on the water. I was starting to think that more remote guided trips would be the fastest route but as Dave pointed out, there are no sure things. I went to the vedder last weekend but after being low holed by bait chuckers at least 3 times, I think the next best plan will be a 7 to 10 day trip to the Morice/Bulkley rivers.

**Salty** · February 15th, 2010, 09:04 PM

First year fly hunting the buggers and no glory yet here either but the big times are just around the corner. I can feel it !! I think . lol

**flyfishforfun** · March 7th, 2010, 11:50 PM

Unfortunately, I have just about lost my will to steelhead. I had some early success, then I spent 15 days on the river last year- mostly on upper Van Isle- Salmon, nimpkish, quatse etc and a few days on the Vedder. In 15 FULL days, I hooked one, lasted about 8 seconds til it was gone. I realize you need to put your time in etc etc blah blah, but really? That much time is too much for me. I enjoyed just about every one of those days, but I can chase trout and get some success and enjoy the day more.

Having said that I spent a few hours on the Vedder today (1st time there this year) and I enjoyed it. Needless to say, no luck. It is always the gear guys winning the battle. But i'll keep trying, just maybe with a bit less enthusiasm than before.

Good luck to you all, you will need it!

**flyfishforfun** · March 7th, 2010, 11:55 PM

P.s. if anyone is out on the Vedder tuesday (9th march) and want some company let me know! I figure i should increase my effort!

**SalaR** · March 9th, 2010, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by flyfishforfun

Unfortunately, I have just about lost my will to steelhead. I had some early success, then I spent 15 days on the river last year- mostly on upper Van Isle- Salmon, nimpkish, quatse etc and a few days on the Vedder. In 15 FULL days, I hooked one, lasted about 8 seconds til it was gone. I realize you need to put your time in etc etc blah blah, but really? That much time is too much for me. I enjoyed just about every one of those days, but I can chase trout and get some success and enjoy the day more.

Having said that I spent a few hours on the Vedder today (1st time there this year) and I enjoyed it. Needless to say, no luck. It is always the gear guys winning the battle. But i'll keep trying, just maybe with a bit less enthusiasm than before.

Good luck to you all, you will need it!

Oh I know your battle.....but for me it was about not making it a battle but about being more selective about timing and location...just yesterday I was drifting a remote Island River with a friend and we came upon evidence of someone that had killed a Steelhead and left the entrals and skeen just laying there as if they didn't care...they had a dog with tracks all around..I can't understand how anyone can do this in this day and age of protected species and few fish. That said it did leave an impact on me and I am more determined to turn these people over to the law...wouldn't it be nice to put their pictures in the newspapers for all to see these scum! Opppssss off topic
Colour,size depth,action moon,temperature ,structure are all so related to these wonderful fish that the stars sometimes have to be in line for many of these factors! ANd likely one of the most important things that we Steelheaders have had to learn is PATIENCE>...all good things come to those with PATIENCE!!
C