Outlook:

Checking in on the weather forecast for this weekend and the long range we will give you Vancouver & Squamish 14day forecasts.  While we have a snowfall warning for this weekend in the GVRD but don’t let than dampen your shopping spirits!!

The winter chinook salmon fishing is in full swing now so don’t hesitate to book your saltwater salmon charter with us or if you are on your own boat, come on in and stock up on the flashers, spoons and bait you will need.  Check out the saltwater reports below to see what’s working and where the guys are hooking up.  Prawning and crabbing has been productive as well!

3000 Facebook Likes for Christmas!!

What do Jason and Bryce at Pacific Angler want for Christmas??  We are looking to hit 3000 “LIKES” on our Pacific Angler Facebook page!!  How can you help??  Easy – click on our Pacific Angler Facebook Page and then “Like” and we say THANKS!!!

Pacific Angler Holiday Shopping Hours!

Pacific Angler’s “INFAMOUS” Boxing Week Sale runs from Thursday, Dec 26th to Tuesday, Dec 31st!!  Things to note for the upcoming Boxing Week Sale are:

1. Facebook ONLY promotions:  we will be offering specialized deals on in-store purchases available ONLY to our customers who can show us that they “Like” us on Facebook!  Click on Pacific Angler’s Facebook page and “Like” then come in during our Boxing Week Sale to clean up on the special deals.  It’s our way of saying THANKS for liking us on FB!!

2. Pre-Boxing Day List: Sign up for the Pacific Angler Newsletter and on Monday, Dec 23rd you will receive in your inbox a fully detailed list of highlighted items that are on special anywheres from 10%-60% off from Dec 26th – 31st!

3. Boxing Week Hours: Thur, Dec 26th & Fri Dec 27th are 9am -7pm.  We will be open our regular hours from Saturday, Dec 28th onward.

Staff Pick MOBYNETS – Bryce Franks

I have gone through a variety of nets over the years.  Usually getting a net that will “just do” as in, land the fish and not concerned with little else.  When I got introduced to Moby Nets, this mindset changed.  These nets are fantastic and I now see the value behind investing in a good net that is designed for the size of fish you are pursuing.

I am primarily a lake and beach fly fisherman.  On the lakes and the beaches I am either in my punt or my float tube depending on shore access.  I have found that in most cases, the nice longer handled nets make it alot easier to land that coho out of my float tube off the beach or that 6-8lb trout I’ve been lucky enough to hook on one of my favorite lakes.  The easier it is to land the fish the better the chances of recovery for the fish after I release them.

My favorite lake net is the “Otter”. The reach on this net is great and the size of the mesh allows me to easily net the bows I am hooking.

Opening size = 23×14 inches
Net depth = 16 inches
Overall length = 53 inches
Retail: $120.

You can view all the Mobynets online.  These nets are a great gift for that fisher on your xmas list or for yourself as a treat to upgrade from previous nets you may have used in the past.  You will never regret a purchase of a Mobynet and you will a lot more confident while netting your fish and the fish will love you for releasing them quickly to fight another day!

Fishing Reports

Squamish:

With warmer conditions the Squamish had a good week.  Though not many people are going out, we had quite a few good egging reports. The river is dropping and is low but that is ok. The salmon are clearing out and with pale colored egg presentations the fish have been unpressured and aggressive. Obviously  if we get another cold spell with no precipitation the fishing will slow down but the forecast looks optimistic with some colder but wet days ahead up the sea to sky corridor.

Capilano:

The river has been dirt low for over 3 weeks. This is not good for fishing but I always get a little tingling sensation when a river has been this low for this long. The Capilino historically has a little bump of early steelhead and with the low water they will be stuck out in the ocean. The second we get some water this river is defiantly worth a closer look. Until then we wouldn’t recommend fishing it but keep a close eye on the river levels and be ready.

Vedder:

Winter steelhead season is upon us. However, it is important not to burn yourself out early. With the visibility bouncing between 2ft and 4ft this past week, larger presentations are important. 6inch bubblegum worms, large gooey bobs and a spin n’ glo above a prawn are good bets in colored water. The picture below is of a gorgeous steelhead I caught on the fly on Dec 24th 2012.

This time of year the fish are aggressive and uneducated. Save your steelhead roe and other hard earned baits for later in the season once the fish have seen lots of gear. This is also a great time of year to fly fish the river. Less angling pressure and fresh fish make for very fly willing steelhead. Get out there and remember to KEEP MOVING.

Other Freshwater Fishing Reports:

For other local reports remember to check out our friend Rod’s website, “Fishing with Rod” where you will find other reports on your favorite local rivers etc.

Saltwater Reports:

Eddie Matthei –

More reports are trickling in from a few of the die hard anglers looking for winter chinook. As expected there is some nice fish are out there now!  A couple of days ago on a trip I finally had a rod bouncing hard which indicated a very decent sized fish. Unfortunately it was a hit and run and it got away. We waited patiently as we were about an hour an a half before the slack. After a while we had another serious smack on the rod. Initially it looked like it got away but a couple of seconds later the rod started bouncing again. This time the outcome was much better and my guest got a very plump winter chinook just shy of 12lbs in the box. We looked at the time and we were right at slack tide.

We hooked a couple more fish that were just shy of the limit before the bite went off and we headed back to the barn. The undersized fish are a good size and it won’t be too long before they’re legal too. It looks like a promising start to our winter fishery! We were fishing along the West Vancouver shoreline. I have not ventured to the freighters but have heard of fish there as well. I also haven’t had a chance to head west of Bowen Island and haven’t heard any recent reports. 3.5″ spoons such as the Irish Cream, Kitchen Sink, Homeland Security, Yellowtail and my favourite at this time of the year the green glo are working at the moment but sometimes the fish change their taste and it’s good to try others like the Ghost Rider, Cop Car, Army Truck, etc. The last fish I cleaned had been dining on 4″-5″ herring so I will try up sizing to some 4′ spoons on my next trip. I have been using various flasher/spoon combinations until I find ones they like. It’s a good idea to keep switching up to see what they are in the mood for that day.

Tight Lines,

Eddie

Todd Sweet –

Last weekend I made it out for some winter fishing.  I couldn’t resist fishing Ambleside due to the perfect flood tide that was happening.  We dropped our gear in just off the pink apartment and almost right away hit a 22 inch spring on a small irish creme spoon.  Over the next 3 hours we hit a total of 7 fish and got 6 of them to the boat.

One was a nice legal red spring and the other 5 were just under size ranging from 20-23 inches.  All the fish were caught on small spoons both irish creme and kitchen sink with flashers.  All of them were within 10 ft of the bottom in 100-105 feet of water.  These winter fish were really aggressive with all of them popping off the clips on their own.  We finished the day pulling 200+ prawns and four crabs!

Pacific Angler Courses (Jan & Feb 2014)

STEELHEAD FLOAT FISHING – Taught by Jason Tonelli

Class Size: 20
Seminar Only Cost: $45.00 (before taxes)
Seminar & Guided Walk’n Wade Cost:  $400 for one person or $500 for two people
Dates:  Seminar on Jan 7th.  Seminar on Feb 19th.  Guided trip dates are flexible.
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm

In this fishery, 10% of the anglers catch 90% of the fish.  This is your chance to learn from the Jason Tonelli who would be in that preferred 10%!  Our 3hr evening seminar will educate you on the gear, water types, conditions and other key variables that put veteran steelhead anglers in that 10%.  Mastering this fishery will make you the envy of your friends.  Upgrade your seminar to include a fully guided day on the water, putting into practice your new knowledge with a Pacific Angler guide.

FLY FISHING EGG PATTERNS – SOLD OUT!!!

Class Size: 8
Cost: $225.00 
Dates:   Seminar on Jan 8.  / Guided Jan 11 or 12
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm

This course is designed to teach you the secrets to one of the most productive presentations in the BC fly fishermen’s arsenal; nymphing egg patterns.  This deadly method can be used for different species of trout, char, and salmon.  During a 3 hour evening seminar we will teach you key concepts, strategies, and gear that will give you a well-rounded foundation during the seminar portion of the class.  Then you will put those skills into practice during a fully guided day on the water.

TYING INTRUDER FLY PATTERNS – Taught by Dimitri Roussanidis 

Class Size: 7
Cost: $45.00
Dates:  (Jan 14 & 15)  (Feb 17 & 18)
Time: 7pm – 9:30pm

This course is designed for those that are interested in tying steelhead flies in the “Intruder style”.  This style of fly is extremely productive for steelhead and salmon due to its profile and movement in the water.  During this two night (5hr total instruction) tying series, you will learn the very specific techniques and unique materials used to tie this fly.  This course is suitable for intermediate to advanced tiers.  Students are required to supply their own vise, tools and materials.  A 10% discount is available on materials and tools purchased for the course.

INTRODUCTION TO FLY TYING – Taught by Andre Stepanian

Class Size: 7
Cost: $75.00
Dates:  (Jan 21, 28 & Feb 4)
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm

There is no greater satisfaction than catching a fish with a fly you tied yourself.  This course was specifically designed to give you the fundamental skills needed to tie proven fly patterns used here in BC for trout, salmon, and steelhead. This course consists of 3 sessions; each session is 3hrs.  Students are required to supply their own vise, tools and materials.  A 10% discount is available on materials and tools purchased for the course.

TYING JIGS FOR STEELHEAD & SALMON – Max Stickel

Class Size: 7
Cost: $40.00
Date:  Jan 22
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm

The use of jigs for catching steelhead and salmon is not a new idea; however, in the last few years we have seen a revolution on our local rivers. Fisherman using had tied jigs are accounting for record numbers of steelhead!  Join us around the tying tables and learn how to tie jigs for steelhead and salmon!  If you have never thought of making your own lures don’t feel intimidated, Pacific Angler will help you with each step. For those who have lots of experience we will hone your skills and show you the tricks that make jigs the choice of top rods across the Lower Mainland. Students are required to supply their own vise, tools and materials.  A 10% discount is available on materials and tools purchased for the course.

INTRODUCTION TO FLY FISHING – Matt Sharp

Class Size: 12
Cost: $125.00
Dates:  (Feb 12 & 16)
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Casting Time(s): 10am – 1pm or 2pm -5pm

This course was specifically designed to give the new fly fisher the basic knowledge, casting skills and fly fishing strategies to effectively fish our local BC waters. This course is comprised of two sessions; 3hr evening seminar and a 3hr casting session.   The dates below show the seminar date first and casting date second.

Additional course dates are added throughout the year due to demand.

Please contact the store for additional information or to be added to a wait list.

Pacific Angler Retail: 604-872-2204

On behalf of the Pacific Angler staff we wish you the best in your fishing endeavors and we hope to see you either at the shop or on the water. To check out the latest Pacific Angler news view the Pacific Angler Facebook page.

Jason, Matt, Andre, Max, Eddie, Jordan and Bryce