ROD & CREEL 15 



so-called rainbow and the steelhead. any more than between the 

 bright silver-spring salmon of medium weight and the enor- 

 mous bronze-coloured type. Not only that, but the difference 

 between the so-called rainbow and steelhead and the cut-throat 

 is very small. 



As far, however, as the angler is concerned, these matters, 

 while probably interesting, are not of vital importance so long 

 as the fish are game and he knows where to catch them. For the 

 purpose of this book therefore, the steelhead, rainbow, cut-throat, 

 dolly varden and great lake trout (the two last mentioned are 

 not true trout but char, and do not belong to the "Salmo" 

 family) will be recognized. In addition to the above we have 

 the eastern brook trout (also a char) acclimatised in one stream 

 in West Kootenay, where it is sufficiently numerous to afford 

 good sport. In other streams where it has been tried it has 

 not yet been reported a success. 



The Steelhead (Salmo gardnerii). This fish, while much 

 resembling a salmon to the casual observer, is a true trout. It 

 attains a weight of 20 Ibs., and even over, 10 to 15 Ib. fish being 

 quite common. "When perfectly fresh-run, it is a most beautiful 

 silvery fish; but as the spawning season approaches, it first has 

 a faint crimson glow on the sides which adds to its beauty, 

 afterwards changing gradually to a dull brick-red, with dark 

 blotches here and there, by which time it is thin, quite out of 

 condition and not fit for consumption. 



When in condition the flesh of the steelhead is a delicate 

 pink, and as a table delicacy is superior, in many people's esti- 

 mation, to the finest of spring salmon. 



The Coast steelhead is essentially a large sea-trout, only 

 ascending the rivers a short time before spawning. Unlike the 

 Pacific salmon, it recovers after spawning and returns to the 

 ocean to recuperate. The steelhead can easily be distinguished 

 from the salmon by its greater length, small head and regular 

 trout tail. In addition it sometimes has black spots below the 

 lateral line, which the salmon never has. 



The spawning time on this coast varies somewhat according 

 to the stream, some fish not ascending the streams until the first 

 freshets in May, but the greater majority of fish ascend the 

 streams in January and February, some even in December, and 

 spawn in March and April. 



As a sporting fish the steelhead has no equal. He can be 

 taken on the fly, or by spinning with a minnow or prawn, as 

 well as with bait. As a fighter there is nothing to beat him, he 

 will jump perhaps four or five times in succession and make 

 long runs or flying dashes upstream or downstream and in 

 every direction, so that a cool head and skilful hands are needed 

 to bring him to the gaff. 



