Fishing for Cutthroat trout

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Fraser Valley Fishing #3 Cutthroat Candy its “Minnow Time”

By Tony Nootebos of Harrison Bay Guided Services

Cutthroat trout hold a special place to many Fraser valley fishermen, and for most fly fishers April marks the peak of the Cutthroat trout season. The spring migration of salmon fry takes place from March through June with most gravel bars along the Harrison, Fraser, Stave and Vedder Rivers literally coming alive with minnows during this time.

As the salmon fry emerge from the gravel beds the cutthroat ambush them with pure abandonment often flying out of the water in chase of the fleeing minnows. These fish are a combination of sea run and resident fish and can reach lengths up to 20 inches and 3 lbs, making for great sport on the fly rod. In the Fraser Valley we have both wild and hatchery fish, with all wild fish being catch and release only, and hatchery fish having a 2 fish limit. We recommend catch and release on all cutthroat trout!

Fly fishing can be a great way to catch cutthroat trout during the spring time, both beginner and experienced anglers having the opportunity to enjoy the warmer weather and great trout fishing available in our area. Minnow patterns in sizes 10 down to size 2 stripped at varying depths through the riffles and along the shore line is a great way to fool these hungry trout. Rolled muddler minnows in silver and gold work well, but the most durable pattern I know of is the epoxy minnow which is available in various sizes and colors from most tackle shops in the valley.

Most fly fishers use fly rods from a 5 to 7 weight with reels that will hold the equivalent line weight and 50 yards of 20lb backing. Although there are many good fly line options out there the Quad tip by Scientific Anglers allows you to fish in just about any stream or river application. Leader length will vary by the type of tip you will use (Heavy sink tip = 2 to7 ft leader, Floating line = 8 to 12 ft leader) both should be tapered down to 6lbs or lighter. Fluorocarbon tippet is expensive but it can really make a difference when conditions are tuff or the fish are spooked, it really is worth the extra money!

Cutthroat fishing is a lot like hunting, you really have to be prepared to stalk your prey. Often you have to move around just to find the fish, and when you do it can be challenging to keep up to the ever moving pod. Having a good pair of binoculars, comfortable waders, and a willingness to adapt to the ever changing locations will definitely help you become a better cutthroat fisher. The Binoculars allow you to search for splashing fish or “feeding trout” without running up and down the river aimlessly; the comfortable waders (I prefer Breathable) will allow you to move around in comfort once you have spotted the cutthroat trout, following along as the fish move chasing the salmon fry as they migrate down river towards the ocean.

There are so many great places to start your search for good cutthroat water in region 2 of British Columbia. If you are new to the area or have never fished the Fraser valley I would suggest booking a guided trip for your first time to learn some of the hot spots or at the very least drop by one of the local tackle shops and ask for information on this great fishery.

Come and enjoy what British Columbia has to offer. Book you guided fishing adventure today!

Good fishing

Tony Nootebos @ www.harrisonbay.com
Harrison Bay Guided Services
140 Esplanade Harrison Hot Springs B.C. V0M 1K0
E-mail: info@harrisonbay.com

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Fraser Valley Fishing #3 Cutthroat Candy its “Minnow Time”

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Oct 2003

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Mar 2007

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