Winter Cutthroat Fishing 101

Fishing For Freshwater & Saltwater Coastal Cutthroat Trout

There are more things to do than just fish for steelhead during the winter. It's not that we don't like steelhead, but it is not everyone’s choice of target. So if you want to mix things up a bit, or if steelheading just isn’t for you, there are many options available!

Most of our river/stream systems and saltwater beaches host either resident or sea-run cutthroat that can be surprisingly good. These fish can be caught with any method, whether it be casting lures, float fishing or casting a fly.

Resident fish throughout our area will generally be found in smaller tributaries to rivers such as the Fraser or Harrison. Sea-Run fish (anadromous/sea-going fish) can literally be found in any body of water that is not cut off from a tidal or migratory section, obviously including saltwater beaches.

Resident fish will move throughout their system, but sea-run fish are much more transient as they are constantly on the move and seeking out their next meal.

In this blog post we will concentrate on a couple of the main cutthroat fisheries within a wide spectrum of other opportunities.

These coastal cutthroat trout will find their way into any tributary that has a good food source. Once that food source has disappeared, they will most likely follow to the next area where they can feed. There is no real rhyme or reason as to where you may find them other than they will want to be where the food is.

Freshwater Fishing For BC Cutthroat

The Fraser River Cutthroat Fishery

Mixing the words Fraser River and trout fishing can be intimidating for most anglers, but it is not as difficult as you may think. When we talk about trout fishing in the Fraser, we are mainly talking about the Fraser River backwaters and side channels in the Fraser Valley area. During the Winter months, river levels will generally plummet and clear which creates cleaner stagnant or slow moving backchannels.

Unlike some back channels you have fished on smaller steams, the Fraser River’s back channels can be the size of a larger river system so do not let this intimidate you. There are a few key pieces of info to factor into your day that will assist you with finding these fish.

First piece of advice we can give is selecting an area to fish for the day. Since this is such a large system, you will not want to spend all of your time driving long distances from spot to spot trying to find these fish. Pick a certain radius that you think you can walk and fish effectively, covering as much fishy water as possible. This is a not a fishery you cast blindly, looking for risers and feeding fish is absolutely key.

Now you may be asking what type of water are we looking for, and where exactly should we be looking? Think of it this way, the Fraser is already a large river as it is, no matter what the water height, but as a good rule of thumb the river will consistently drop through the Summer, Fall and into Winter.

The Fraser in the Fraser Valley area is made up of many back channels and braids which are full of water in the Summer, but as they progressively drop in level, these back channels and braids become much slower flowing, and at times even stagnant.

These channels do not even need an inflow of water, but still must have an outflow as an entrance for Cutthroat to move into in order to feed. Although, areas with inlet and outlet flows will be the best. Woody debris such as log jams or beaver habitat provides good cover for these fish.

If you can match similar spots to the ones we have described, you have most likely found yourself a good starting point. There is no necessary water depth within reason, but channels that have a deeper middle gut or centre, matched with a gentle sloping drop off are perfect feeding grounds for aggressive Cutthroat.

A full floating line or clear intermediate line is the best line for this fishery.

Helpful Hint: Do not be afraid to try indicator fishing small chironomids and midges as small as a size #18.

The Harrison River Cutthroat Fishery

The Harrison River is one of the most scenic river systems in our area. It offers a spectacular wildlife and nature viewing, and can also offer phenomenal fishing in the Winter for trout.

The most common species that can be targeted and caught will be coastal cutthroat trout. After the salmon spawn in the Fall, eggs and pieces of salmon carcasses are drifting and floating throughout the river for these fish to gorge on. Once this food source diminishes throughout early Winter, the Cutthroat will generally key in on stickleback or smaller fish species.

Historically, between the months of January and March are when we see some of the biggest and meanest cuttthroat swimming around in the Harrison system looking for their next meal.

In a way, you will want to stalk and hunt these fish as we talked about in our Fraser River section, but a lot of this fishery is done in the mainstem of the Harrison itself. That being said, tributaries and creek mouths are also good areas to hunt these shiny bullets.

Finding Cutthroat in the Harrison is very similar to that of most places. Look for the action. This means jumpers, risers or surface sippers. At times, this can look like raindrops on the water.

A full floating line or clear intermediate line is the best line for this fishery.

Saltwater Cutthroat Fishing

One of the most exciting fisheries that we are lucky enough to have on our coast of British Columbia is a sea-run cutthroat trout fishery in the saltwater off our beaches and creek mouths. The cool thing about this fishery is no matter which beach you are on, and no matter where you are in British Columbia, these fish are something spectacular when it comes to overall endurance, fighting ability and aesthetics.

They are beautiful fish and most times they put up an acrobatic and spunky fight. There are many ways to approach these fish such as dry flies, sub surface flies or wet flies. The same token applies for hunting these fish as you would in the freshwater systems. Activity is key! Looking for rising and sipping fish will give you an upper hand.

There are many beaches in our local area where cuttthroat can be found, but finding them can be the tricky part of your adventure. Good times to fish your favourite beaches could be any time of the year. Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer can all be excellent times depending on food sources available for the fish.

The Winter months can bring some of the best fishing available and this is a picturesque time of year to fish as well. Food sources range from salmon eggs and flesh, or salmon fry from inflowing creeks and river systems to crab larvae and shrimp.

When targeting Cutthroat on the beaches there is a huge variety of patterns to use. We suggest fishing a simple attractor pattern if you are having a tough time either locating fish or getting fish to strike. This would include flies like a Green California Neil, Coho Blue, Christmas Tree or Crab Larvae. We would recommend carrying a stripping basket or apron with you on your beach adventure as most times you will be standing in the water.

A full floating line or clear intermediate line is the best line for this fishery.

Rods

Whether you want to toss a fly or spinner, this is the fishery for you. Many areas where cutthroat are targeted are suitable for either style of fishing.

Fly Rods

• Fly rods in #4, 5, or 6 weight rods are suitable for this fishery (single hand or switch).
• 9-10ft single hand rods “11-11’6” switch rods.

Spinning Rods

• Spinning rods in ultra-light to light action are the best.
• 6’6″-9 ft. rods.

Fishing Reels

Fly Reels

• 3-6wt size fly reels, anodized needed for saltwater applications.

Spinning Reels

• There are many spinning reels to choose from, generic sizes would range from 1000-4000.

Lines

Fly Lines

• Full floating or clear intermediate lines to suit the proper weight of your fly rod. See our selection of fly lines.

Fishing Line

• Monofilament or fluorocarbon lines in a 8-10lbs line are suitable for mainlines. See all of our fishing line.

Leader Material

Fluorocarbon is highly recommended for this fishery. Fluorocarbon will give you an extra advantage if you are dealing with spooky fish in clear conditions, or any condition for that matter. The nice thing about this type of material is that it is 100% invisible.

We recommend:

• Seaguar Fluorocarbon in an 8-10lb test

Cutthroat Flies

There is a never-ending number of flies to use for these fish, and it will really come down to where you are fishing and what time of year as well.

Typical “go-to” attractor patterns include:

• Mickey Finn
• Christmas Tree
• California Neil
• Fry Patterns
• Stickleback Patterns
• Sculpin Patterns
• Woolly Bugger
• Rolled Muddler
• Casey's Cutthroat Thriller

You will sometimes find brighter, more fluorescent colours to be good producers and then you may find more drab and dull colours to produce more fish on other days. We suggest having a box full of different variations in sizes and colour spectrums.

Lures For Cutthroat

There is nothing particular for this fishery. A good variation of small spinners and spoons is all you need. Lighter spinners and lighter casting spoons of the silver and brass variety, paired up with a bit of extra brightness are effective, such as:

• #1 or #2 silver blade/orange body Blue Fox Vibrax Spinner
• 3/16oz. brass hammered fire-stripe Gibbs Croc
• Panther Martin and Mepps Spinners

In Conclusion

Cutthroat are nomadic predators known for their aggressive nature and spirited fighting abilities. This local fishery can be a lot of fun regardless of your chosen angling method.

Post your questions in the comments section below or feel free to contact us by email searun2013@gmail.com, by phone at 604-931-5044 or stop by 

Sea-Run Fly & Tackle at #110 1140 Austin Avenue in Coquitlam BC.

Good luck on the water.

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