Salmon and Steelhead FAQ

By Staff - Jun 15, 2003

What is a centerpin reel and what are the benefits of this type of fishing reel?

A centerpin is a one or two piece reel that looks similar to a mooching reel or a fly reel. These reels are precisely made from aluminum and with the help of a bushing or bearing, and are intended to spin with minimum effort. The main advantage of 'pins are a better drift because the smoothness of the reel, and more control while fighting a fish because there is no drag involved. The angler "palms" the reel to stop the run of a large fish.

I've heard the term 'flossing' regarding fishing before but I'm not sure what it refers to?

Flossing is a technique used while bottom bouncing to hook fish from the outside of the mouth in locations where fish are bunched up together. Generally, longer leaders, 4'-10', are used to "cover more water". It is generally agreed that the Fraser Sockeye fishery is a flossing or lining fishery.

All the different nicknames and alias's for the five Pacific Salmon's confuse me...what are the common names in British Columbia for the different Salmon's?

The first name is the common B.C. name followed by other common names and the Lame in Italics

Pink (Humpy) Oncorhynchus Gorbusha
Chinook- (Spring)(King) Oncorhynchus Tschawytscha
Coho- Coho (Silver) Oncorhynchus Kisutch
Chum- (Dog) Oncorhynchus Keta
Sockeye- (Red) Oncorhynchus Nerka

What exactly is a Steelhead...is it a Salmon or a Trout?

Steelhead is a sea-run (anadromous) Trout that, unlike the Pacific Salmon, has the ability to return to spawn numerous times, although repeat spawning rates are fairly low. Steelhead are of either the Winter or Summer Run variety.

Upon entering freshwater rivers, how long is it before a Salmon or Steelhead begins to deteriorate and become unsporting/inedible?

It all depends on the species. If the fish has deep color to it, don't kill it. If it has a tinge of color, it's probably OK, but the fish should be silver, not red of black, or grey. Killing boots (see terminology) is not cool. People make fun of you behind your back.

Do all Pacific Salmon die after spawning or do some return in subsequent years? How about the Steelhead?

All Pacific Salmon die after they spawn.The bodily functions of the Pacific Salmon shut down just prior to entering freshwater. The fish cease to feed and stress of spawning causes their body basically to consume itself.

Steelhead have the ability to return to the ocean and come back to spawn several times, although only a smal percentage will return to spawn a second time.

How do I know if I've caught a wild fish, or a hatchery? What are the differences between the two?

In British Columbia, a hatchery raised Salmon/Steelhead will have it's adipose fin clipped, while a wild fish will clearly have a full grown adipose fin. The adipose fin is the fin between the fishes tail and the dorsal. Most wild fish populations in British Columbia are protected from harvest, so be sure to check your regulations before you start klunking fish.

What is the proper way to approach and fish in a crowded fishing situation?

Try to avoid them alltogether. If you really want to fish a crowded spot, always start at the top of the row of anglers. As people leave, keep moving down towards the sweet spot of the hole. When casting, always let the person below you cast 1st. That way your lines will not cross and everyone can get a nice long drift.

What kind of a license do I need to fish in British Columbia?

It all depends on your age and status and where you are fishing. It's best to check the most recent set of regulations. The ones from 5 years ago are not relevant anymore - fishing regs are constantly changing and it is hte anglers responsibility to ensure they are informed . Licenses expire anually amnd must be renewed. Certain tags are needed to fish some watersheds so check your regs before heading out.

What is the proper way to catch and release fish?

Everyone has a different theory. This one seems to work. The proper way to catch a fish, on the West Coast of BC, is in the mouth with a single barbless hook. If you have caught a fish you will be releasing, tail it without gloves and always with wet hands. Don not take the fish out of the water for more than 5-6 seconds at a time, no more than two times(If you are taking a picture). If you are not taking a picture, once you tail the fish, just hold it in the water and let your buddy slide the hook out. Once the hook is out, let the fish gather some energy by holding upstream into the current until is able to swim away. Never hoist the fish by the gill plates or drag it up on the rocks.

Is my Trout rod sufficient to fish for Salmon and Steelhead? If not, what kind of gear should I purchase?

Yes, your trout rod is great if you are planning on doing lots of steelhead fishing. If you plan on doing some steelhead catching, more often than not, your trout rod will let you down. The only place I can think of where your trout rod would do the trick is if you were tossing spoons or spinners into a big pool with no current. The minimum requirement for steelheading, in my eyes, is a 9-11 foot bait casting rod with a levelwind reel loaded up with some 15lb. test main line. This setup allows you to fish floats properly.

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