Fishing Report April

Where the Water’s Different, So Are the Fish

Earlier this week and after a long day working in front of the computer, I drove to the Columbia River and targeted some unique water I hadn’t fished since autumn. The rocks on this stretch of the river are noticeably looser compared to my usual terrain, but with the spring bite picking up, I was motivated to try some different water and catch some big fish. The ankle-busting rock-hoping paid off, and within a few casts I was battling my first-ever Eastern brook trout from the Columbia.

Brook trout are often mistaken for bull trout, which are native to Kootenay lake and the Arrow Lake Reservoir, occasionally making their way down the Columbia River. Much of the West Kootenays, in fact, is the traditional homeland of the Sinixt people, also known in their dialect as the People of the Place of the Bull Trout. Imagine my surprise, then, when looking online and finding that the dark spots on the dorsal fin, yellow worm-like pattern on the back, and dark mouth give away that this was not a bull trout, but an even rarer brook trout. Unlike the small brookies found in nearby Violin Lake, which was stocked from 1911 to 1934 and drains into the Columbia River, this one was enormous by comparison. The fish had clearly been well fed in the river compared to its cousins up in the mountain lake, evident by its kype (hooked jaw) pronounced from maturity.

This catch was a perfect reminder for anglers getting back to fishing after winter that targeting unique water can result in unique fish. In my case, the particular stretch of water I was fishing has the river take a sharp turn, producing standing waves that occur when fast-moving water flows over a submerged drop, creating a stationary wave. It’s the kind of feature you’d half expect to find a surfer attempting to ride. A nearby eddy pushes fast moving water over a ledge into a deep pool creating strong currents and funnelling in food for fish lying in wait.

On my first cast, I jigged a black leech pattern into the current and let it roll over the ledge. A heavy trout slammed it, and we battled for a minute before the hook popped free. While I often move to another spot after disturbing the water, this seemed like a prime location to keep at it.

I cast again up into the current and let the jig pass into the pool, giving it a snap every two to three seconds, when a much larger pull tugged the line, initiating a battle. I could tell this was a big fish, and almost immediately could see the colour pattern was not that of a rainbow, but what I mistook for a bull trout. As I played the fish just enough to tire it out, I brought it in, wet my hand and snapped a quick photo.

Now catching an invasive species begs the question: what to do with it? Is it best to kill the fish and/or take it home, like so many of us enjoy with walleye? Brook trout are delicious, although large males – especially in spawning season – leave a lot to be desired. Impressed with the rarity of the fish and his evident age and success in the river, I decided to let him go.

With 20-degree temperatures, clear skies and plenty of light until late in the evening, regular after-work fishing is back on the menu for many anglers. With chinook, sockeye, and more rare fish making an appearance, the Columbia River is truly a haven for those willing to explore its shifting waters and hidden pockets.