Strange as it may be to conceive and on and off up to 1865, thanks to the influence of the Puritans, fishing for any other reason than food was frowned on in much of North America.
This changed by the mid 1860's when wealthy, old-world adventurers began publishing books, such as John Keast Lord's At Home in the Wilderness.
While wealthy Brits were exploring our British Columbian waters, wealthy Americans were exploring the north woods of the Eastern U.S.
By the 1880's, the railroads were taking full advantage of cash-flush businessmen, looking for adventure at the end of the line.
The trains of the day offered the comforts of meals and lodging, while transporting anglers to new and lightly fished waters.
Many rail lines published guidebooks detailing the quality of fishing at streams, lakes and resorts along their right of ways.
Some were also known to offer cash prizes for the biggest fish weighed in a given year.
THE REPORT
Fishing on our Lower Mainland lakes is slow.
Try a slow troll or retrieve with: Coachman, Zulu, American Coachman, Professor, Wooly Bugger, Micro Leach, Sixpack, Dragonfly Nymph, Halfback, Doc Spratley or Baggy Shrimp.
The Fraser River back waters are fishing fair to good for cutthroat.
For cutthroat try: Eggo, Rolled Muddler, Tied Down Minnow, Mickey Finn, Stonefly Nymph, Chez Nymph, or American Coachman.
The Stave River is good for steelhead and cutthroat.
The Harrison River is fair for cutthroat.
The Chehalis River is good for steelhead and cutthroat.
