How do you catch Dolly Varden BC?

Good Dolly Varden fishing can be found in salt water during May, June, and July. As the mature fish return to their home stream to spawn and feed in August and September. You can usually locate Dolly Varden near spawning salmon, in deep holes, and at the creek mouth on an incoming tide.

When can you catch Dolly Varden?

The best months to plan your Alaska fishing trip for Dolly Varden in freshwater are July, August and Sept. Some areas begin the peak run as early as June and others have a peak run that runs as late as October. An Alaska Fishing Guide will know the best bait or lures to use.

Are there Dolly Varden on Vancouver Island?

On Vancouver Island, Dolly Varden populations are found mainly in drainages north of Campbell River and the outer west coast (Reid and Michalski, 2006).

Are bull trout and Dolly Varden the same fish?

The so-called “dollies” are actually two different species – dolly varden and bull trout. Both look so alike that anglers often refer them as dollies. They are relatives of salmon, but they are more commonly known as “chars”.

Is Dolly Varden good eating?

The meat of a Dolly Varden is often pink and is a taste treat you have to experience to appreciate, folks! It’s kind of a cross between trout and salmon.

How do you fish for dollies?

Use circle hooks and bridle or nose rig the slimey mackerel and drop them down deep around a FAD or trap float. If you find trap floats along the Continental Shelf line you’ll often see dolphin fish hanging close to them.

How do I identify Dolly Varden?

Dolly Varden look like, and are often confused with, Arctic char. Dolly Varden generally have a greenish body with many small (smaller than the pupil of the eye) spots, a relatively-thick caudal peduncle (constriction in body at base of tail fin), and a slightly-forked tail.

What does Dolly Varden taste like?

The flavor of Dolly Varden has been described as a cross between salmon and trout. The flesh can range from pale to a deep red shade. If you’re getting a muddy flavor, it’s possible you’ve caught a bull trout and mistaken it for a Dolly Varden. They do look very similar but they don’t taste like one another.

How big do Dolly Varden get?

Southern form Dolly Varden rarely live longer than 8 years, reaching sizes of up to 28 inches and 10 pounds. Northern form Dolly Varden live up to 16 years and reach sizes of over 30 inches and 20 or more pounds.

Do people eat Dolly Varden?

A nice Alaska Dolly Varden, suitable for both catch and release and catch and keep and eat.

Does Dolly Varden taste good?