Cowichan River Brown Trout

Cowichan River Brown Trout

The Cowichan Brown Trout are a very special species of fish. They are not native to the Cowichan river, but unlike many habitat introduction experiments of days passed, these hardy fish have not only survived, but thrived. They were originally introduced to Canada in 1883 and to the Cowichan river in the 1930s. Almost a hundred years later, we have no ill effects of the introduction of their new home.

These trout are typically pretty small, with an average of a couple of pounds and about 16 inches long. This is not the fish for the angler looking for the big one. Rather these are the fish you come prepared to catch over and over. It's fun filled day, great for kids and the passionate angler looking to check this species of the list quite possibly the most beautiful setting possible.

Cowichan River fishing

 Cowichan River fishing

Cowichan River fishing boasts Steelheadand trout, including brown trout. Some say it’s  the finest trout stream on Vancouver Island and one of the best in the whole province of British Columbia, and we agree! This is due to the unique ecosystem and abundant insects and crustaceans. While summer water levels and temperatures usually don't allow for Cowichan River fishing in July and August, you wouldn't want to fight the tubers floating down the river in the summer anyway. Thankfully, the other three seasons are fruitful for both the recreational angler and the hard core passionate anglers! You don't have to be an expert to enjoy Cowichan River fishing, but we recommend a hiring a guide that knows the river extremely well, as the Cowichan River has it's secrets.

Vancouver Island brown trout

 Vancouver Island brown trout

The brown trout is closely related to the salmon with the same long, narrow, compressed body and long head. Torpedo shaped and meant for speed. A rounded snout and a pronounced hook develop on the lower jaw in mature males.

In-stream populations, the back, upper sides, and the top of the head are brown becoming silvery on the sides with pronounced black spots and rusty colored spots on the sides. In large lakes or the sea, the body is silver and most of the spots are concealed. The fins, except for the adipose fin which is a deep orange color, are smokey, opaque, and sometimes yellowish with some spots on the fins.

These trout are native to Europe and Western Asia. They were first introduced into Canadian waters in Quebec in 1890. Since then, they have established themselves in all provinces, except Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories.

The brown trout is a cold water species that was introduced mainly into the stream and river habitats in Canada. The habitat of the brown trout is clear, cool, well-oxygenated streams and lakes.

Brown trout spawn in late fall to early winter, from mid-October to January depending on location. The usual spawning site is in shallow, gravelly headwaters of streams or gravelly shallows of lakes.

The Lake Cowichan River and lake system have a strong population of Brown Trout, some of these fish can reach up to 7 kilos in weight, the river is quite long with a great section on the lower end where drift fishing is the best way to fish these lunkers. There have been many of the top fishing shows that have done a story on this fishery.

Vancouver island brown trout

 Vancouver island brown trout

The best fly fishing can be found in the Cowichan River, which is home to rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout and steelhead. Trout are best from March through to June, and there’s a healthy steelhead run from December to March. The river is also famous for its trophy-sized browns that average in size from 16 to 18 inches. The best flies for most trout are caddis, mayfly and stonefly patterns. Brown trout are particularly fond of streamers and, if you’re going for steelhead, stick with marabou streamers. The Cowichan is a heavily regulated river, so be sure to check for in-season closures