Intro To River Fishing

By Matt Landry - Jun 15, 2004

Float Fishing

Float fishing is a technique that B.C. river anglers have adapted to achieve that best possible presentation when fishing their favorite streams. The setup involves using a tubular float (aptly nicknamed a "dink" float) to suspend the anglers offering at the level of the fish, usually just off bottom. These floats are made from foam, balsa, or hard plastic. The balsa and plastic floats are expensive, but they float high in the water and look sharp. The foam floats are cheap at less than a dollar a piece.

Either split shots, or a combination of lead weight and tubing are used to weight the rig. Split shot turns over in the water easier and provides a more natural drift. Lead weight is easily adjustable, and when you snag up usually just the weight is lost. The tubing sits above the swivel and holds the lead weight in place. The angler casts the rig upstream so as to allow the bait/lure time to get down.

It is important to keep all line off the water, as takes can be subtle. The more taught the line is from your rod tip to your float, the better the hook set will be as well. Hook and leader sizes vary according to the condition of the river. In gin clear water, as light as 6# leaders and size 4 hooks are used. When the water has colour to it, 10-15# leaders are adequate for most Coho and Steelhead fishing, hook sizes vary from size 1-2 up to a 2/0 in murkier waters. Being able to adapt to the conditions is the key to a successful day on the water. Leader length varies from 12 inches in fast water up to 4 feet in clear conditions. A large float will spook fish in clear water; so the smallest float that will stay above water is usually best.

Bottom Bouncing

Bottom bouncers utilize the same setup as float fisherman, sans float. Pencil lead and a small piece of surgical tubing above the swivel get this rig down fast into deep holes that can't be effectively float fished. On a number of Lower Mainland streams, bottom bouncing is taboo and should be avoided. This is due to the fact that most people fish floats on a crowded river, and bottom bouncer will tend to tangle up with those people. Botom bouncing and float fishing do not mix well.

At the same time, rivers such as the Fraser generally require bottom bouncing to get down in the fast currents. On the Fraser, a 2-3 oz. "bouncing betty" is the weight of choice. Due to its cannonball design,and rubber coating,less snags and fewer lost rigs are the result. For Chinook and Sockeye in the Fraser, fisherman have adapted a technique to fish the dirty, fast waters. Long leaders, five feet and up, are used in combination with a bouncing betty attached to a three way swivel. At the hook is a wool tie and/or a corkie. Green is popular for Sockeye, although most anglers have come to realize that color is irrelevant due to the fact that the majority of the fish are flossed or lined (see FAQ for a definition) For Fraser Sockeye, 15# leaders (20# main), and 2/0 hooks are the most popular setup.

Popular Rods/Reels

Everyone has their own personal opinion as to the ideal river rod and reel. If I had to choose one all around rod and reel combo that would allow me to fish Springs, Steelies as well as providing sport for Coho, it would be as follows: a 10'6 medium action (10-20#) rod, setup for a level wind reel. (Ambassadeur, Quantum Iron or Calcutta). This setup can be a little light for a large Spring, as well as a little heavy for smaller Coho. Overall this is a setup that can be fished in most situations. Personally, I've never needed a reel with a capacity of more than 175 yards line.These combos can turn all but the most stubborn Springs. They have also proved to be a nice Steelie/Coho rods and reels. On rivers such as the Thompson and Fraser, a rod that is 11 feet+ is an advantage as long casts and drifts are the norm.

Centerpin reels are becoming more and more popular, as they present the most natural drift and bring a little more excitement into fighting fish. A centerpin is a single action reel that is ideal for fishing floats.For rods, Lamiglass, Talon, Fenwick and Sage are the names heard most often. Leave the coffee grinder (spinning reel) at home, unless you are chucking spoons or spinners. These reels are not suited for float fishing.

Effective Bait/Lures

As with all fishing, most anglers have their favorite lure or bait. For Coho, nothing, in my opinion,beats fresh roe. Coho are notorious egg pigs, and in slack water roe is the king. Unfortunately, roe is messy and will stain your hands "double hot red" and "glow orange". Eating a cheeseburger on the drive home with roe stained fingers is unappealing. The cleanest way to fish roe is in baggies, tied with cheesecloth and dental floss. The most natural way to present roe is in dime size chunks in a bait loop.

A wool and corkie combo can be also effective. A lot of guys that fish wool ties like to use a combination of two, three or even four colors. Popular colors include red, orange, chartreuse, pink, peach, white and greens. When fishing a corkie or goey-bob (plastic egg imitation), make sure you use a bead below the corkie to prevent it from sliding over the hook shank. A popular Steelhead drift lure on the west coast is the pink worm. More and more anglers are chucking "snakes" with great success. Colorado blades in brass, silver and gold are popular with lots of anglers as well . Whatever your gear, it is important to have confidence in what ever your using.

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