Early March - Mid May
Spring Steelhead & Bull Trout Trips
As the sunnier days of early March warm BC's south coast, spring steelhead season settles into Squamish. We spend this time swinging flies for bright wild steelhead and searun bull trout. It's a refreshing stretch of the year with crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and rivers coming to life. This is a great time to experience fly fishing in BC and a favourite season for those who love swinging flies and chucking two-handed rods.
Spring Fly Fishing Trips at a Glance
Fishing Season
Early March to mid May.April is always a prime month!
Squamish, B.C.
About an hour north of Vancouver, or 35 minutes south of Whistler. We're closer than you think.
Target Species
The ever elusive winter steelhead and bull trout.
Trip Options
Full-day and half-day trips, float trips, and affordable multi-day packages. There's a trip to match your budget and schedule.
Top-Rated
Our reviews don't lie. 200+ 5 star Google reviews and yearly Trip Advisor Excellence awards!
Solo or Groups
Whether you're solo or have a group, all our trips are private, just you and one of our awesome guides.
Home of the Unicorn
If you're familiar with the pursuit of wild steelhead on the fly you'll know that the addiction is real. Wild steelhead are often referred to as 'unicorns' as they're pretty hard to find, but honestly, there's nothing like it when that line finally tightens up and you connect with one of these incredible fish. When it comes to chasing steelhead it's never about the numbers. We work hard for the chance at a fish each day, sometimes it all goes right and a chrome bar comes to hand, other days the fish win. That's alright with us and we want to make sure it's alright with you too. Our Spring fly fishing program is as genuine as anything you'll find in BC. You'll be with our top guides on wild rivers with the Tantalus Mountains as your backdrop.
What to Expect
A Spring Day Rundown
Your day starts by meeting your guide in Squamish, BC, then heading out with us to explore the wild rivers coastal rivers that we've spent over 20 years guiding on. We bring all the gear, and if you've booked a drift the boat is already loaded and ready to go. The pace is easy, covering water, learning as you go, and sharing a few laughs along the way. In the fall we often focus on the lower Squamish for steelhead fresh from the ocean, and the remote upper river, that's home to bull trout. Each area offers a different feel but the same goal: a relaxed day outside with good fishing. No matter your experience level, we'll make sure the day feels comfortable, safe, and memorable.
Multi Day Packages
Spring Packages with Hotel
The pursuit of searun fish isn't one that should be rushed. That's why our multi-day guided fishing and hotel packages are extra popular in the spring months. Give yourself a few days on the river with the Chromer team, stretch out at the days end and do it all over in the morning. We package our guided steelhead fishing trips with comfortable hotel accommodations right in Squamish. We'll even throw in a delish lunch! Or, if you want to plan your own multi-day fly fishing package with us we're happy to give you a list of our partnered accommodations where you'll get our preferred pricing. Contact us for a detailed quote.
Fun Fact
In 2006 Roosevelt elk were reintroduced to the Squamish Valley and we often spot them on the morning drive to the river. As the largest elk subspecies, some of the bulls can exceed 1000 lbs!
Day Trip Pricing
Choose Your Trip
We keep it simple, with three main trip types to suit your time, style, and pace. All trips include premium gear, expert guiding, and that signature Chromer hospitality.
Full Day Walk & Wade
Get into the back country with our friendly guide staff. Our full-day guided fly fishing trips allow for plenty of time on the water and the perfect option for those who are ready to cover some ground. Pricing is per group and listed in CAD.
Drift Trips
Explore wild rivers on one of our 13 foot framed rafts with our experienced guides. Drift trips give you access to untouched sections of rivers and all the best spots! A favourite during the Spring and Fall. Pricing is per group and listed in CAD.
Half Day Walk & Wade
Get your feet wet with our half-day guided trips. These are perfect for those wanting to get out in the wild and enjoy some fishing, but maybe not for the full-day. Have some fun, learn some new tricks and get your waders wet. Pricing is per group and listed in CAD.
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Gear Info
All fishing gear is available on our guided trips for a small rental fee. If you're planning to bring your own setup, here are a few helpful guidelines for spring fly fishing in BC: We generally fish single handed 6-weight rods or switch rods for bull trout. Two-handed spey rods help to cover the big steelhead water. For flies, bulls and steelhead like the same stuff, big stream patterns with some flash that wiggle well just under the water's surface.
Spring Tips
We're hoping you fish with us, but if you're headed out solo, here are a few tips we use daily on the river: Don't wade deep, a lot of the spring fish we catch are in shallow water. Finding fish can be tricky, don't grow roots, we're always moving when we fly fish in the spring. And most importantly always respect the fish, keep steelhead in the water, handle quickly, and revive before release.
River Conditions
The rivers we fish are free flowing wild rivers. There are instances when river conditions aren't optimal for a safe and fun trip. This happens if there are multiple days of heavy rains or freezing levels spike high. Don't worry, communication for us is key, we'll give you as much heads up as possible if there is a likelihood river levels won't be good. Trips cancelled due to weather or water conditions are fully-refundable or we can get you rebooked, your choice.
When You Book
So you're ready to book your day, but what's next? When you book we'll send you a detailed reservation with everything you need to know for your trip. It includes a Google map to our meet location in Squamish, easy to fill out sizing form (if you need gear), a link to buying your fishing license, secure online invoice, FAQs, what to wear and everything else to make sure you prep'ed!
