Skutz Falls is located in Cowichan River Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This area was recommended to fish at because it has many deep pools, is easily accessible and is known for a good place to land a fish. It is accessible by car, with parking available near the river. The falls themselves are part of the Cowichan River, which is a prime spot for salmon, trout, and steelhead fishing.

The Fishing Experience

The drive there is about an hour and a half from my house. It’s a super scenic drive that goes along the Malahat with twisting roads and towering trees. As I arrived, I hiked over to the bridge to see how the river looked and it looked awesome. Here is a photo I took:

As I was finding a pool to fish, I noticed a lot of them weren’t easy to access by walking and it would be better to boat the river, although this isn’t an option for me. I fished as many holes as I could and changed my hook multiple times, trying to figure out the best technique. Cast after cast, I switched up my technique, changed my fly, and tried different depths. Nothing. Not even a bite.

Fishing Techniques and Tips for Skutz Falls I Learned From Talking to Other Fishers

For those looking to fish Skutz Falls successfully, here are a few tips:

  • Best Seasons: Fall and winter are ideal for catching salmon, while spring and summer are better for trout
  • Recommended Gear: A spin rod or fly rod works well, depending on what you’re fishing for
  • Best Baits & Lures: Salmon eggs, spoons, spinners, and artificial flies tend to work best
  • Fishing Regulations: Be sure to check local regulations and obtain a valid BC fishing license before heading out
  • Safety Tips: The current can be strong, so wading can be dangerous so be cautious

Reflections on the Trip

Hours passed, and my enthusiasm slowly gave way to the humbling realization that today might not be my day. Everyone I talked to along the river were in the same boat as me so I kept my head up and thought that maybe this just wasn’t a good day for fishing.

The one downside about fishing here was the smell. There was tons of dead salmon due to spawning season. Part of the coho salmon life-cycle is that after they reproduce, they die. Their bodies wash up on shore or are brought up by predators and they begin to rot which causes a bad smell.

As I was hiking back to my car there was less focus on the empty hook and more on the experience itself. I went out with my boyfriend so overall it was nice to just get out and spend time together and enjoy being outside—there was something deeply rewarding about it all even though I didn’t catch anything.

Sometimes fishing isn’t about catching fish. It’s about being present, learning patience, and appreciating the moments in between. As I packed up and took one last look at Skutz Falls, I knew I’d be back. Because every empty-handed trip is just a step closer to the next great catch.