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

fly fishing for brown trout cowichan river

 fly fishing for brown trout cowichan river

Cowichan River fishing boasts steelhead and 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.

The Cowichan river fishing is open to fly fishing in the upper portion from the weir on the Lake Cowichan to the Mile 66 Trestle. Be warned the rules and regulations for this river change from time to time!

Cowichan River brown trout

 Cowichan River brown trout

The Cowichan is considered one of the best trout streams in the province. Holding three species of trout; brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout, it is the brown trout that get the most attention. It is common to catch browns in the 2.5 kg (5 pound) weight range, with stories of fish three times that size being landed! The Cowichan River Footpath provides good access to over 20 kilometres of this river and can be picked up at Skutz Falls or at the Cowichan Fish and Game Clubhouse on Robertson Road. Drift fishing is also a popular method on the Cowichan for all species.