WINTER STEELHEAD
 

Winter Steelheading on the Queen Charlotte Islands

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Amid the quiet haven of the Old Growth forests runs the mighty Yakoun River, famous for winter steelhead fishing. This is the perfect getaway for the angler who longs to fish in the winter but has had his fill of drilling holes.

The winter steelhead run on the Yakoun typically goes from January to April, and is considered to be one of the finest in the world. This is a trip of a lifetime, though many dedicated anglers return year after year to partake in this amazing adventure.

River steelhead fishing is unlike any other kind of angling. The excitement these fish generate will remain with you for years to come. Their size, strength and beauty are unmatched, and deserve the respect they command.

The Yakoun River on the Queen Charlotte Islands is the largest river on the Islands. Fly fishers generally fish the upper part of the river. There, one can find both rapids and slow pools.

Come prepared to battle big fish. The steelhead of the Yakoun can weigh as much as 25 pounds. Normally, females run 8 to 16 pounds and males 12-25 pounds. These are no delicate beauties. Make sure you've got the gear to make the most of your trip. Especially in high water or after a rain, heavier gear is recommended here. Always carry a back up, keep your hooks and knives sharp, and keep a repair kit handy.

Cory Koenig of Webflyz BC, says that your favourite lures should work well here. Try Koho Illusion spoons in sizes 35-55 and small spinners. "The ever popular 4-8 inch long pink worm works great anywhere there are steelhead."

Koenig's specialty is fly fishing, and he ties various flies for steelhead. "Spey and single-handed fly fishing is very popular, and the use of Popsicles, Intruders and Bunnybous will get the wariest steelhead interested, missiling towards your fly."

Koenig notes that there are dolly varden, cutthroat trout, coho and pink salmon in the Yakoun as well. He suggests minnow, leech, flesh flies and egg patterns for the trout.

His choices for pink salmon would be pink flies, spoons and blue fox spinners.

"Coho will also take pink flies and lures, but traditional colours are green, blue, black, purple for flies, spoons and spinners. A black or blue Egg-Sukin Leechabou will attract any species, and is a favourite of Coho and Steelhead, and should always be in your box in BC waters."

Koenig builds custom flies for any fly fishing situation and has a wonderful selection of flies for any species. Check out his flies at www.webflyz.com.

There are several accommodation options on the Queen Charlotte Islands, many of which specialize in guided steelhead trips. Langara Fishing Adventures operates Kumdis River Lodge and Alaska View Lodge on Graham Island. Call 1-800-557-4217 to book your trip, and visit Kumdis River Lodge for details.

Another popular outfit is Escott Sportfishing. Their lodge is on Delkatla Inlet and they offer guided steelhead adventures. Contact them at 604-818-5106, and visit their website at www.escottsportfishing.com.

Map Markers

The mouth and headwaters of the Yakoun River are identified by blue baloons on the Googlemap below. Three separate river crossings are shown with red balloons. If you are exploring this area without a guide, we suggest you buy a copy of the Northern BC Backroad Mapbook to help you navigate this rugged wilderness.