Searching for the subspecies of Oncorhynchus mykiss.
Oyster River Fishing – Saturday, January 12th. 2019
Trading the slippery rectangle of a curling sheet for a river adventure, ol’ fishing pal Ron Sawula and yours truly ventured to the Oyster River. Our hope was to encounter the subspecies of Oncorhynchus mykiss – the legendary Steelhead.
“Between the bridges” was the sought after fishing spot; but, after listening to suggestions by more experienced anglers, we diverted to the Oyster River on the other side of Highway 19A.
First time experience this year, the driver had difficulty finding his way through the myriad of streets leading to the barricaded Glenmore Road, signifying the entrance to the walking paths leading to the river. Water levels remain high and both anglers were surprised at the water’s display of “double-double” colour and its’ fast-flowing pace.
As the river changes each year, newer channels appeared and evidence of higher water remained. We hiked parallel to the water and proceeded up-river towards the Oyster River Enhancement Society, in the newly created Bear Creek Nature Park. Access from walking opposite the bluffs at the “Surespan” portable steel bridge prohibited us from continuing the pathway further to Frank’s Pool on the ORES side of the river.
Having hiked as far as we could, we fished on a comfortable beach area recently flooded that offered clear casting to mid-river. Over the long flat runs of speeding water neither angler was successful. Given our limited experiences searching for the species, both individuals realized more knowledge about casting and retrieve practices were needed.
The weather supported our adventure. No rain, overcast skies and a bit of a breeze made for a pleasant enough outing.
There was strong evidence of “busy beavers” having been at work; but, nothing on the wildlife side to report, except for eagles soaring above the river and an excited and friendly off-leash dog greeting the two of us.
Worst encounter was leaving the area and the return to the parked vehicle. Two dog-walkers had difficulty controlling their leashed and unfriendly beasts that seemed to only want to bark and dash at the two of us.
