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[rickjames_2]

Started my day by hitting up the Vedder Canal this morning. Started chucking roe, got a couple hits but couldn't hook anything. Changed up my Fluoro leader and threw on a brand new hook. Finally was able to get one to stick. Wound up with this nice little Spring. That was it for me on the river today.



Finished up my day heading out with my father to do some Kayak fishing at a local Fraser Valley lake. Forgot the fly rod, so i went with my spinning rod. Were trolling brass hammered Crocs with and orange stripe down the side. My dad got the first Rainbow of the trip, not sure the size(You are welcome to guess), was more focused on getting it back in the water quickly.



As for myself i got into 3 Rainbows, none as big as my dad's(always seems to be the case). The one in my picture(sorry about the quality) hit like a freight train(cliche, i know), and just exploded a couple feet out of the air about 40 feet behind me just in front of my dad's kayak. Unbelievable acrobatics. Netted the beauty, took a quick pic, and sent 'er back to the deep to swim another day.



Another beautiful day in B.C. Just goes to show the wonderful variety and versatility of the sportfishery we have been blessed with.

Sláinte mhaith.

[1son]

Right on buddy nice quality time with the pop's don't get better then that sounds like you had a great time man I miss those days beauty fish by the way

[Athezone]

Very nice report and Great looking fish there Rick. You are so right, we are so lucky to have such a variety to choose from, Thanks for posting !!!

[Every Day]

Those are pigs for a fraser valley lake!
Were they brood stock or do they just get that large in there.

Looks like a place I know but definitely doesn't get rainbows that size, only steelhead 

Nice report,
Cheers,
Dan

[rickjames_2]

Those are pigs for a fraser valley lake!
Were they brood stock or do they just get that large in there.

Looks like a place I know but definitely doesn't get rainbows that size, only steelhead 

Nice report,
Cheers,
Dan

Funny you should mention this cause I was wondering just the same. You might be right. This was my first time ever trying this lake. Back in March a young couple told me that the lake had very large Rainbow Trout in it. They fish it every week apparently. Either way I finally tried it and sure enough there are indeed large fish in this relatively small lake. I did wonder, though if they may in fact be Steelhead because I know the creek that runs out has steelhead return to it. so personally, I don't know if these fish are year round residents or migrant visitors.

I actually think I saw you in this area before so I think you have the right lake in mind.

Physically, how could I tell the two apart while fishing in a lake? Simply the sheer size? Coloration?(I know mine was Lighter  and more silver than my dad's)

[Athezone]

Physically, how could I tell the two apart while fishing in a lake? Simply the sheer size? Coloration?(I know mine was Lighter  and more silver than my dad's)

There are a few differences between trout and steelhead. Number one rainbows remain in the same body of water all their life even though they may have access to the open ocean. Steelhead on the other hand will only remain in fresh water for a year or a little more and then migrate out to the ocean and are therefore called "anadromous or sea run."

Because of this they have more available food sources and upon returning to fresh water are larger than the native trout. Also their physical appearance upon first arriving back is much shinier and more silver than a rainbows but over the course of time changes to where it is quite difficult to tell them apart.

When reeling in these fish you will usually notice a distinct difference in their environmental plays. An ocean steelhead is going to put up a much larger fight than a lake or stream living rainbow because of its physical difference. Think of a steelhead as a well trained athlete. It is in top physical condition due to its time in the ocean and the challenges it faces, whereas a rainbow living its life in less challenging conditions limits them from building their strength.

To put it all into perspective, whether called by the name of Steelhead Trout or Rainbow Trout, they are the same fish with different environmental
attributes.

[Every Day]

Hey rick email me (steelheadfishing@hotmail.com)... if it's the lake I have in mind then I'll for sure let you know if they are steelhead. Don't worry, I won't steal your spot, I'm on the island any ways and you might say there is slightly better fishing out here 

The first pic looks like a dead give away summer run fish to me. Steelhead will be much more slim and "tight" compared to a lake or stream dwelling rainbow. I'd expect a stream or lake dwelling rainbow that length to be much more football like (almost double the size). Also can't see, but generally rainbows have white tipped fins that are more of a darker shade (and orange/brown/etc). If it's the system I'm thinking the summers are typically around 5-6 pounds. Surprised they are still in the lake!

Cheers,
Dan

[rickjames_2]

There are a few differences between trout and steelhead. Number one rainbows remain in the same body of water all their life even though they may have access to the open ocean. Steelhead on the other hand will only remain in fresh water for a year or a little more and then migrate out to the ocean and are therefore called "anadromous or sea run."

Because of this they have more available food sources and upon returning to fresh water are larger than the native trout. Also their physical appearance upon first arriving back is much shinier and more silver than a rainbows but over the course of time changes to where it is quite difficult to tell them apart.

When reeling in these fish you will usually notice a distinct difference inI their environmental plays. An ocean steelhead is going to put up a much larger fight than a lake or stream living rainbow because of its physical difference. Think of a steelhead as a well trained athlete. It is in top physical condition due to its time in the ocean and the challenges it faces, whereas a rainbow living its life in less challenging conditions limits them from building their strength.

To put it all into perspective, whether called by the name of Steelhead Trout or Rainbow Trout, they are the same fish with different environmental
attributes.

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I am quite familiar with steelies say, in the Vedder or Chehalis, and well aware of the anadromous nature and typical physical differences there, but again, had never encountered them in a lake before. As to the athlete analogy, I would say you are spot on. I have caught Rainbows in, Irish lake that were comparable in size, but only put up half the fight.

[rickjames_2]

Hey rick email me (steelheadfishing@hotmail.com)... if it's the lake I have in mind then I'll for sure let you know if they are steelhead. Don't worry, I won't steal your spot, I'm on the island any ways and you might say there is slightly better fishing out here 

The first pic looks like a dead give away summer run fish to me. Steelhead will be much more slim and "tight" compared to a lake or stream dwelling rainbow. I'd expect a stream or lake dwelling rainbow that length to be much more football like (almost double the size). Also can't see, but generally rainbows have white tipped fins that are more of a darker shade (and orange/brown/etc). If it's the system I'm thinking the summers are typically around 5-6 pounds. Surprised they are still in the lake!

Cheers,
Dan

No prob, will shoot you an email. As for tightness of fish these fish were streamlined, like 50. Cal bullets, so definitely not football's. I have caught some football's in the Cariboo and Just thought they grew that shape because of how much the gorge on food being stocked Triploid fish.

All signs are pointing to Steelhead I would say. Thanks for the correction.

[Sterling C]

Every Day nailed it, although from what I can tell he's quite familiar with the area. These fish are summer steelhead that have run the high gradient creek downstream of this lake during the warmwater summer months. From here they will overwinter in the lake and next spring they will ascend the creek feeding into this lake to spawn. It's a fairly well known fishery that some choose not to partake in due to the vulnerability of this small run. I personally don't participate in this fishery but that is more to do with pre-occupation elsewhere rather than any feeling of moral wrongdoing.

In any case, thanks for the report Rick. Those fish truely are special.

[lucky]

Beautiful fish! And yes they are steelhead.  Contrary to what biff says this is NOT a very well known fishery and thankfully does not receive loads of pressure.  Defiantly one of the spots that should remain on the down low.

[Rantalot]

Thank you lucky!!! Black out the background way too easy to tell which lake that is and it really does not need the attention.

[rickjames_2]

Sorry guys, thought it was enough to not name the lake or where it's near. Certainly wasn't going to name it online. Rodney or whoever is welcome to take the thread down(not that my permission is required for that anyways lol).

[colin6101]

I don't think you have anything to apologize for. The people who can recognize that spot from the few pictures you posted were probably already aware that there was steelhead that stage there (myself included). Also it's the beginning of salmon season so I doubt you will see people hunting down your spot. But still kudos for not posting the name of the lake or even the exact area. Fisheries like these are special and are a reward for those willing to put in the effort.

[Sandman]

A completely catch and release fishery here, but with known violations in the past.   Those fish will hang out in that lake after they spawn too and I have hit them at just about  all times of the year.  In early summer they have the distinct appearance of a kelt.  The ones I have caught were super spotty too where I thought they may have been huge sea run cutthroat until I took a closer look.