Days of Rivers Past

Personal and professional thoughts on some of British Columbia’s iconic steelhead rivers, along with considerations on the possible futures these streams face in an era of declining habitat, recreational pressure and a changing climate.

Days of Rivers Past takes the reader on a fascinating journey into the heart of the steelhead fishery. From the banks of the renowned streams Sustut, Babine, Skeena, Ksi Hlginx (formerly Ishkheenickh), Bulkley, Squamish, Tsitika, Salmon, Gold, Stamp, Englishman and Nanaimo, Robert Hooton guides us through the deep history of steelhead, from the 20th and into the 21st century, from times when fish stocks were historically strong to our current era when the species is suffering due to factors affecting human and non-human biosystems alike.

Robert Hooton’s book is not prescriptive, nor does it blame individuals or even government agencies for the circumstances we find ourselves in. Rather, it attempts to leave a record of where the steelhead fishery has been, and points to the occasional door that still remains open to those in positions of power who are willing to facilitate positive change in order to preserve what remains of British Columbia’s remarkable steelhead sport fishing heritage.