We are fortunate to have the chance to pursue all species of salmon on Vancouver Island. My journey with Spey casting began three years ago, and it has been an incredible learning experience. Over the past few years, I have successfully checked off Chum, Chinook, and Pink salmon from my salmon bucket list.

This year, it’s the sockeye and coho salmon that take center stage. Over three days on the Somass River, an incredible surge of excitement unfolded when I successfully hooked the first sockeye using a fly I tied myself.

I told myself to hold back from yelling like a young child; nevertheless, that did not happen. Everyone was aware that I had caught my first Sockeye salmon on my Spey rod.

Looking forward to the fall season to tick off Coho salmon off my Spey bucket list.

Standing mid-river, it’s a real challenge to fight the salmon and keep your balance on the slippery rocks as you slowly work your way downstream.