Tahltan River

Species:  Salmon (sockeye, humpy, coho), Whitefish, Dolly Varden, Steelhead, Rainbow trout, Burbot

Tackle:

Salmon- Salmon prefer low lighting conditions, thus making days with an overcast more successful for salmon fishing than other days. In addition to overcast days, dawn and dusk provide optimal light conditions for salmon. You can still catch salmon on bright sunny days but they will be in deeper water and slightly less active. It is widely known that the most successful type of live bait for salmon fishing is to use roe (eggs), but there are other options, too. Many fishermen are now switching to “cut bait”, which is basically a strip of fish, usually a herring or a smelt. There is also the option of using a “spoon” which is a thin, artificial lure that mimics the movement of fish when it moves. Flashtrap spinners are very successful as well.

Dolly Varden: The world record according to IGFA is 20lbs 14oz, but I have caught one nearly 29lbs in the Tahltan river. Most Dolly Varden that an angler will encounter will be 4 lbs or less. Lighter Fly gear offer exciting fishing for Dolly Varden as these fish are strong fighters. A 9 foot 4 wt, 5 wt. or 6 wt. graphite fly rod that has a matching reel spooled with a sinking tip fly line and a 9 foot 6 pound test leader will work for most areas. Flies that are productive for Dolly Varden are Zonkers in White and Natural, Egg sucking leeches and flesh flies, Glo Bugs, Wooly Buggers in White, Flash Fry in natural colors, Alevin, Bow River Bugger, Conehead Kiwi Muddler, Baitfish Minnows in Grey and White, Battle Creek Light. Deep Minnows in Olive/White, Red/White and Gray/White, Alaskan Sockeye Fry, Janssen's Minnow, Stinger Clousers in Olive/White and Gray/White, Salmon Fry. 

Steelhead- Several different techniques work for catching steelheads. They include: drift fishing, float fishing, fly fishing, spoon fishing and spinner fishing. Do some research on these different methods and see which one(s) might be right for you. Artificial Lures Work – There are a variety of different artificial lures that are effective in catching steelhead. It usually comes down to personal preference, but we recommend the Panther Martin UV Spinner. Break out the Eggs – Steelhead consider fish egg sacs to be delicacies and during spawning periods they will be honing in on this tasty meal.