fishpro

Thanks for the info everyone!! I ended up getting a killer deal on a 12'6" 6wt Z Axis. Might be at the heavy end of what's needed, but should be good for getting some big streamer rigs out there.

Sure! I'm just trying to see what weights most people use.

What weight rod is everyone using for swinging streamers on the Bow? I'm thinking of getting a lighter spey for trout fishing.

How's the lot at Mac? Is it accessible for a car? Will just be using a pontoon.

Also check out the PLBs from ACR Electronics. They're made as an emergency use only unit, but you purchase once and don't have to pay for a subscription.

A 5126 just got listed on Speypages

By no means am I an expert, but I was in your position a year ago. An 8 or 9 weight will be a good all around rod for steelhead. As for lines, I used the Rio Skagit Flight and found it was good, stick with any skagit as it will turn over heavy tips and flies better. With either Rio or Airflo, you can go online and view a chart for recommendations for line weight for your rod. I used the heavy end of that guide and it worked well (Rio gives a range of weights). My biggest piece of advise is to take a lesson, with private lessons being the best. I did just a two hour lesson and it helped me a ton, then I did some practice on the water 4 or 5 times, and was able to cast effectively after that. You don't need to be a fantastic caster to catch fish.

LOL nope, 9 weight...

Thanks everyone! And I've cleaned out my inbox.

Just a thread to talk about steelhead we've caught and share some pictures. I'll start. Last summer I took a trip up to the Skeena region to hit the salmon runs and then hopefully get into an early steelhead or two. Throughout my trip in late July and the first half of August I mostly fished the Kitimat for chums, but spent 4 days or portions there of on the lower Skeena hoping to get into a steelhead. Of these 4 days, three of them were completely fishless, while one produced a small dolly and a pink salmon. The chum were getting moldy down on the Kitimat and the coho weren't coming in strong yet, and I hadn't landed a steelhead yet, so I decided to dedicate the last 3.5 days of my trip to changing that. I went into one of the local tackle shops for some tips and a license, and soon was on my way to a run on the Copper River. I spent much of that first afternoon and evening without a hit. I had however lost about ten flies due to snags (too heavy of a sink tip). It was almost dark, and after one snag that I just barely got free I had a hit and I made a solid hook set knowing I most likely had my first steelhead ever on the line. However it only lasted a couple seconds and my 20lb leader broke (weakened on the snag). Go to shore, re-rig, then back into the run where I was. A few casts later I get another hit, and I managed another solid hookset, but after the last break off I didn't fight the fish hard enough and lost it shortly after. I fished another 20 minutes until it was dark then headed back to my van. Somehow I was able to sleep that night with my mind racing through every almost every emotion a fisherman can experience - frustration, determination, excitement, wondering how tomorrow will turn out. So the next morning I got up and headed to the same pool. It was a little after 7:30 that I waded into the head of the run under a thick fog. I started the rhythm that any steelhead angler knows - cast, swing, step, repeat. Within a couple minutes I had a hit and got a solid hookset. This one stayed on, so I yelled out "fish on" as there was another angler fishing the bottom of the pool. He made his way up to where I was as I fought this fish, knowing it was most likely a steelhead. The fight was unlike any I'd had before, everything seemed to be happening in high speed - the runs were fast, then I'd retrieve quickly as the fish made its way towards me, and then would run again straight into the middle of the river just as fast as before, not to mention my heart was absolutely pounding. As I got the fish close I could see it was a very good fish, and the guy who was there kept saying "holy s*** that's a good fish". He said he would let me tail it myself, cause that way I would have no one to blame but myself if I lost it. I asked if he'd be able to take a picture once I landed it, and he told me to not even talk about pictures yet as I was yet to land it. Did I mention my heart was pounding? After a few more minutes of fighting the fish closer in, I managed to barely get my hand around it's tail. I had done it, I landed my first steelhead. After a few quick pictures I let this incredible creature continue its journey, and I made my way back to shore to sit down and calm my nerves. I checked the time, it wasn't even 8:00 yet and my day had already been made.

It may still be meaningful, as it would likely be a criminal charge.

I'll second that recommendation, extremely good socks, very warm and comfortable.

It won't work with your waist pack, but if you ever carry a backpack go get one with the special laptop compartment. It holds nets perfectly with the handle sticking up and ready to grab.

I've never been, but it's on my list for sure. For easier travel and tons of big rainbows check out Jurassic Lake - I've been once and it's unreal!!

I'd have to say either Calgary or Terrace. The salmon and steelhead fishing up in Northern BC can be insane and there's good fishing almost every month of the year.

I have the versitip and thus far have found it to be quite a good line, I've had no issues with it.

It appears to be the amount of linear disturbances (roads, seismic lines, truck trails, etc.) to a given unit area. So essentially the length of all roads, etc. per square km. There's a bit about it here http://www.aenweb.ca/media/new-findings-prompt-call-alberta-government-make-good-having-failed-castle-special-place

Maybe we could get this pinned to the top of the general chat section. This is very important for the future of some great fisheries that most people on this board utilize.

Thank you for posting this, I wish I could attend the meeting, but I will definitely be filling out the workbook. I think everyone who is able to attend should be present, perhaps a bunch of FFC members should meet up and attend together as an organized group.

Thanks for all the answers everyone! It's good to hear there's not really much long term risk associated, just some soreness after lots of use as to be expected.

Not sure if they still do, but I know Southbow had a couple demo rods a couple years ago. I'd recommend giving them a call.

Has anyone heard if there are any long term risks of knee problems associated with wading in fast water? I'm curious if having heavy current against the side of the leg would put unnatural pressure on your knees. I've never heard anything about it, but was wondering if it would be wise to wear some sort of brace as a precaution.

Check out the Redington Predator, nice fast action rod with a lifetiem warranty.

Nice work!

Thanks everyone! That steelhead was one of the most memorable fish I've ever landed, my heart was pounding through the entire fight! I'm already trying to figure out when I can go steelheading again.