Steelhead, the very word evokes images of cold frosty mornings and the excitement that lies ahead, as you dawn your waders, and proceed to the rivers edge in hopes of an encounter with British Columbia’s premier game fish. On B.C.’s South coast, die hard steelheaders are known to endure the most inclimate weather conditions for the chance of only a brief battle with the “grey ghost”. Successful steelheaders find themselves plying their favourite waters for uncountable hours in all river conditions and have solved the puzzle to consistently hooking steelhead.

These fish are surrounded with mystery and are known to be very elusive to the river angler, but once the Steelheader has spent many days in pursuit of these obscure fish he will be rewarded with a shimmering catch that will leave him wanting more. Winter Steelhead start their spawning migration to their natal rivers as early as November and will continue to migrate right into the spring, however the spawning ritual will begin in the warmer months of May and July. So let’s unravel the mystery behind the “Steelhead” and see what makes them tick.