The Rainbows in the north are a little different. They grow larger, like the Kamloops Rainbow, and reach sizes up to 7 lbs. B.C. Unlike the Rainbow, they can live a very long time and grow to sizes over 20 lbs. feeding mainly on bait fish. When the salmon enter the rivers to spawn, the Dolly Varden follow and feed on the salmon eggs. These fish can reach 10 lbs.
Colors range from light to dark brown, silver and gray.
They are best identified by spots along the body, an elongated jaw, and white on the tips of the belly fins. Salmon are one of the greatest treasures of the Whistler area, and with six rivers within 30 minutes, the choices are limitless. As the salmon travel upstream to their spawning beds they become aggressive and relatively easy to catch even for the novice angler. They take spoons and spinners and are especially willing to take the fly. Your best opportunity for catching salmon is in the fall and we recommend you plan your trip around the timing of the Pink, Sockeye, Coho and Chum runs.