Soon after meeting Derek Barber I realised that here was a man who pursues the important things in life with singleminded determination. These passions include being able to make a perfect espresso, or macchiato, on the banks of one of the best and most remote steelhead rivers in the world. While coffee was clearly important to Barber, the main reason we were here, an hour’s helicopter flight north of Smithers in British Columbia, Canada, was to fish for that superb migratory fish, the steelhead.
British and Irish fly-fishers have a strange addiction to anadromous fish. We all enjoy saltwater trips and the exciting freshwater fish of the southern hemisphere, such as golden dorado or tigerfish, but our trips to fish rivers for returning salmon or sea-trout are more of a compulsion than anything else. Here we have something in common with our friends on the west coast of the USA and Canada. For a long time they have bucked the North American trend for single-handed fly rods and have headed, Spey rods in hand, to the remote rivers of British Columbia to chase steelhead – sea-run fish that often grow to in excess of 20lb, fight hard and fast, and which are characterised by a pink stripe along the lateral line, similar to their close, non-migratory relation, the rainbow trout.
Steelhead fishing became popular with European fly-fishers 20-odd years ago and many people now make the annual pilgrimage to British Columbia (BC) to fish the great river systems, such as the Skeena. Towns such as Terrace and Smithers are the Canadian version of Kelso, where a double–handed fly rod and a pair of waders are almost compulsory.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays