I was twenty-one years old when I first heard of Brian Chan. A young woman chasing the stillwater scene, I often heard Brian’s name mentioned throughout camps in British Columbia. Our camp was no exception and we referred to Brian often. “What would Brian do?” was our ongoing joke—though we asked it without joking at all.
Brian is the man who transformed the interior lakes of BC during the 1970s, making BC famous for its interior trophy lakes. As if that wasn’t enough, Brian also filmed, wrote and taught anglers how to catch them! For many of us, it’s hard to imagine BC without the work and teachings of Brian Chan.
As a fish biologist, Brian assumed the mantle of revitalizing barren lakes, breeding and introducing strains of rainbow trout that would flourish in these waters. His efforts not only enriched the fisheries but also cultivated a community of passionate anglers who found solace and joy in the pursuit of trout. It’s challenging to envision the Stillwater landscape of BC without the enduring legacy of Brian Chan.
So when I had the chance to podcast and fish with Brian, I jumped at the opportunity. We met at his home in Kamloops and I learned of his inspiring timeline as a young angler turned revered fish biologist. We spoke at length about triploids, the midge fly lifecycle, and how to fish chironomids. Brian even added a couple more flies to the mix—the chaoborus and the booby. He officially secured himself as one of my favourite guests when he excitedly told me about his newfound passion for bowhunting and mushroom picking.
Venturing out onto the glassy surface of the lake the next morning, I marveled at the tranquility of the scene. As chironomids danced on the water’s surface, Brian guided me through the art of sight fishing, employing unconventional flies to entice the trout cruising below. Despite the challenges posed by shifting winds and elusive fish, Brian’s expertise shone through.
Throughout the day, amidst moments of frustration and triumph, I couldn’t help but ponder the profound impact Brian has had on countless anglers and ecosystems. His contributions extend far beyond the realm of fish and insects; he embodies a spirit of resilience, innovation, and stewardship that inspires us all.
As our day on the water drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on Brian’s legacy with a newfound appreciation. He isn’t just a fishing icon; he’s a role model—an unwavering beacon of passion and humility in a world often characterized by ego and competition.
So, as I bid farewell to the Stillwater scene once again, I carry with me not only memories of trout and camaraderie but also the invaluable lessons learned from Brian Chan. He remains a constant presence in my journey as an angler and a reminder to approach life, both on and off the water, with grace and reverence.
In the end, perhaps the greatest tribute we can offer to Brian is to embody the principles he espouses—to fish with humility, curiosity, and a deep respect for the waters and creatures that inhabit them. And so, as I cast my line into the unknown, I find solace in knowing that, somewhere out there, Brian Chan continues to inspire generations of anglers, one ripple at a time.
