As I mentioned in my previous blog, my first fishing trip in Victoria was at Skutz Falls located on the Cowichan River. For my second fishing trip I decided to go a little down the river and fish Stoltz Pool. I was eager to apply what I had learned from my first outing and expand my search to try and land a fish. I also shifted my focus from steelhead to brown trout, hoping for better results. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, I still didn’t catch anything—but the trip was still an adventure worth sharing and provided valuable insights for my next steps.

A Day of Patience

I arrived to the river early in the morning, there was tons of steam rising from the river as the sun was warming the cold water, which made it difficult to see. The crisp, cool air and the sound of the flowing water created a peaceful atmosphere. I had high hopes but hours passed and despite trying different techniques and flies, nothing seemed to bite. Still, the serenity of the place made it an enjoyable experience and helped me reflect on how I could improve my approach.

Expanding My Exploration

Rather than focusing solely on my technique, I’ve realized that part of my inquiry project should involve discovering new fishing locations. Every fishing spot has unique characteristics, and by visiting a variety of them, I can better understand what makes a location successful. My fishing experiences at Stoltz Pool and Skutz Falls have set the foundation for my inquiry project. Moving forward, I plan to:

  • Visit New Fishing Spots – Expanding my search beyond Stoltz Pool and Skutz Falls to explore other rivers
  • Test Different Techniques by Location – Experimenting with various fishing methods and flies based on the unique conditions of each place
  • Communicate With Other Fishers I Run Into – Engaging with experienced fishers to gain insights about the best fishing spots and techniques

Final Thoughts

Not every fishing trip results in a great catch, but every experience provides an opportunity to learn and improve. My second fishing trip near Victoria, where I fished further down the Cowichan River and focused on brown trout, taught me even more about the process, even if I didn’t land a fish. By expanding my exploration to new fishing spots, I hope to find strategies for successful fishing and deepen my understanding of the sport. The adventure is just beginning!