Fishing a Favoured River
Sandy Pool, Skutz Falls, Stoltz Pool-mention these place names, and look for the smiles on the faces of Cowichan River fly fishers. The Cowichan is an outstanding trout river, a spectacular salmon river and an ocean fishing gateway, all rolled into one tantalizing treat. Since the early 1900's, anglers from around the world have come to the Cowichan to cast their flies and test their techniques.

Nature has been kind to the Cowichan fishery. Lake Cowichan provides the river with a steady supply of water that keeps its temperature relatively constant. And unlike many Vancouver Island rivers and streams, the Cowichan is rich in insects and crustaceans, an important food source for resident trout. Although log jams and erosion-both the result of feverish logging activity in the early 20th century- once seriously threatened the Cowichan fishery, conscientious management programs have helped to prevent further decline of the river's natural bounty.

Today, the Cowichan still supports healthy and tempting populations of native rainbow and cutthroat trout, brown trout (introduced to the river in the 1930's), steelhead trout (the sea-going version of the rainbow) and coho, chum and chinook salmon.

Ask the Experts: If you're planning a Cowichan fishing trip, look to the river's many outfitters and guides for advice on:
• The best time to fish for silvery steelhead
• The best place to begin a drift boat trip to Skutz Falls
• The best ways to bring a rainbow trout to the surface.

The Cowichan may be one of Vancouver Island's best fishing rivers, but it's also one of the most regulated. Make sure you're well informed about fishing licenses, special restrictions and local catch-and-release programs. And keep in mind that although the Cowichan River is only an hour's drive from both Victoria and Nanaimo, the river valley offers several comfortable fishing lodges.

Outdoors in the Cowichan: Choose Your Own Adventure
From tents to trails and whitewater to wildlife, there are lots of reasons to get outside in the Cowichan River Valley:

• Hike the Cowichan River Footpath
Lace up your boots, pack yourself a lunch and prepare to get personally acquainted with the Cowichan River. The 20 kilometre Cowichan River Footpath, between the town of Duncan and Skutz Falls, offers hikers a well-posted route along the rivers' banks. Pass by canyons and waterfalls and cross the Swinging Bridge at Skutz Falls. Watch your step-some river drop-offs can be steep!

• Cycle the Trans Canada Trail
Make the 15 kilometre trip from Deerholme to Skutz Falls, through Cowichan Provincial Park. This section of Canada's new national trail system follows the abandoned Cowichan Subdivision of the Canadian National Railway corridor, and crosses Holt Creek Trestle, the 64.4 Mile Trestle and Marie Canyon Trestle. Be prepared for varying surface conditions, and make sure you have a solid bike with wide tires.

• Paddle the Lake, Run the River
After a leisurely paddle on Lake Cowichan, plan an overnight run on the Cowichan River. Put in at Lakeview Park in Cowichan Lake, and take out in the town of Duncan. Expect a portage at Skutz Falls, and depending on water levels, another at Marie Canyon. Be on the lookout for drops, log jams and rapids.

• Camp at Cowichan River Provincial Park

To learn more about Canada's National Parks please visit our CanadianParks.com web site.

Pitch a tent or plan a picnic near the banks of the Cowichan, in Cowichan River Provincial Park. Easily accessible from Highway 18 between Lake Cowichan and Duncan, the park includes camping at Stoltz Pool, swimming and tubing at Skutz Falls, a children's beach at Sandy Pool, fishing at Marie Canyon and pleasant picnic areas at every Park location.

• Mountain Bike on Mount Tzouhalem
Strap on your helmet and hit the trails atop Cowichan Bay's mountain biking mecca. Look for beginners' tracks or advanced jumps.