| The pristine water shed of BC's Central Coast and | | | | too, enjoy this natural feast. |
| the Bella Coola Valley has been a popular destination | | | | Year round, Cutthroat and Rainbow trout, Rocky |
| for avid anglers for decades -- those seeking the | | | | Mountain whitefish, Dolly Varden, and even Steelhead |
| fight of the wild Pacific Salmon. Foundational to the | | | | provide anglers with a reason to enjoy getting out |
| Bella Coola Valley's rich eco system, all five species of | | | | into the Great Bear Rainforest. It is important to |
| Pacific Salmon return to the Valley's rivers to spawn. | | | | note that Steelhead are a protected species in the |
| Beginning in the early spring with the arrival of -- | | | | Bella Coola watershed and must be released |
| what else -- the Springs. Also known as Tyee, | | | | immediately if accidently caught. |
| Chinook or King, these fish are the first to arrive, | | | | Whether using gear or flies, when to fish will depend |
| making their way up the Bella Coola River to the | | | | on what fish you want to catch and how skilled you |
| Atnarko River in Tweedsmuir Park. A sport | | | | are at fishing. Springs and Sockeye have long been |
| fisherman's dream, the Spring can grow to weigh | | | | the favourite for sport fishermen. I often |
| over 100lbs/45kg with the world record standing at | | | | recommend parents with young children just learning |
| 126lb/57kg. | | | | to fish bring them in August. It's almost impossible |
| By mid July the Pinks (Humpies) are arriving. In | | | | NOT to catch a satisfyingly large salmon at that time. |
| August the Coho (Silvers) & the Chum (Dog) | | | | Practical Notes: |
| salmon are in full spawn. The feisty Sockeye are the | | | | - Local guides are available for drift or riverside fishing |
| last to arrive, beginning in late August. As they make | | | | and are a good way to learn the rivers and best |
| their way up to the channels, the earlier fish are | | | | fishing spots. |
| either leaving or dying out. The Grizzly and Black | | | | - Licenses, gear and fly tying material can purchased |
| bears are a treat to watch as they wade into the | | | | locally. |
| swift water and effortlessly dip a paw or snout, | | | | - Rain is possible year round. Dress in layers. |
| coming up dripping with a prize catch. The bald Eagles | | | | |