Pacific Angler Friday Fishing Report: December 20, 2024

Courses make a wonderful present if you're looking for a different gift, at this time of year.

 

 

INDUSTRY EVENTS AND UPDATES 

Pacific Angler Boxing Week Sale

Our biggest sale of the year is back starting at 10AM on Thursday December 26!  This sale will run in store all week long and ends at close on Tuesday December 31.    Our full sale list will be out on Christmas Eve so keep an eye on your inbox and our social media feeds. 

 

FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS 

Chilliwack/Vedder River Fishing Report

It’s hard to believe that it’s already mid/late December, and one of the Fraser Valley steelheading traditions is fast approaching- the Boxing Day Derby.  This derby occurs almost every year on December 26th, Boxing Day.  There have been a few instances of the derby being postponed due to unfishable river conditions, especially in recent years, and my concern is that this may happen again this year.

 

I’ve looked at the weather forecast and current river conditions; things aren’t looking too great as of right now.  The river is running at 2.4m and viz is looking to be somewhere around the 2’ mark.  While the current conditions aren’t ideal, they are certainly fishable... the issue is that there’s quite a bit of rain forecasted to fall between now and the 26th.  Of course, the forecast changes depending on which website you visit and is likely to change at least a dozen times over the next 7 days, but as for what is being forecasted at this exact moment, I’m not sure the river will be fishable on Derby Day.  One thing to keep in mind is that precipitation will fall as snow if the temps are low enough, so that could mean snowfall instead of rainfall in the upper watershed- something that could keep the river from blowing out.

My suggestion, as always, is to keep an eye on the forecast and river levels and use that info to determine if it’s worth heading out or not.  The good news is that the derby organizers will push the derby to a later date if the river is unfishable on the 26th, so it is also worth keeping up to date on the latest news from the derby organizers. 

If you want to learn more about Taylor’s top 5 Winter Steelhead Presentations, be sure to check out his article on that!

Taylor also teaches a Winter Steelhead Course that is coming up in January. We still have a few spots available. Check out details on the course here and sign up today!

Squamish River Fishing Report

The Squamish systems have been fishing well even though winter has not fully set in up the valley. Mild weather and small rainstorms will continue to move through the area bumping water levels and keeping things fishy.

This time of year, it's important to keep an eye on alpine forecasts, freezing levels and forecasted precipitation.  The forecast might be 30mm of rain but if some of that if falling as snow in the alpine then you might be in for a wet but promising fishing day.   Look for small bumps in the water to move fish and food around the river.  I have been focusing most my efforts higher up in the river where trout are actively seeing out the last of the salmon eggs to hold them through winter.  I also like white coloured flies to loosely imitate salmon flesh as it is carried down the river.

To maximize my time on the water I like to carry two rods. One for swinging one for egging.

• Swing rods can be a two hander or single hand fly rod, equipped with a sink tip and streamer or a spinning rod with a lightweight spoon. This is great for covering water in long wide runs.

• Egging rods are usually singlehanded rods or euro/nymphing specific rods. Alternatively, your standard drift rod (centrepin or baitcaster) can be excellent for drifting small beads and egg imitations.  Keep the terminal tackle light and the floats on the small size to detect subtle takes.

A few bulls taken in the winter on the swing.

Reports have been mixed, but most anglers are reporting fish scattered throughout the system.  If you're lucky, you might come across a particularly good feeding spot with a large pod of trout.  Keep covering water until you hit those spots… take notes on where you find fish as fish will frequent the best feeding spots all winter.

The tight grip of winter is not fully closed but, expect the weather to change soon and be prepared for winter conditions.  We have all the wet weather clothing you need to stay comfortable during the winter season and keep you chasing fish as the snow starts to fall.  Gloves, rain caps, hand warmers, and layering pieces make for great last moment gifts for anglers or necessary additions to your personal kit.

Stay warm, cover water, enjoy the peace and quiet at this time of year

Eric Peake

 

SPECIAL FEATURE

Family Vacation? Don’t Leave the Fishing Gear At Home!

Many of the best warm family vacation spots are also great warm water fishing spots and when you go on the family vacation without fishing gear it is like dragging a steak through the pound.  We also know that telling loved ones that you will be taking a couple days of valued family vacation time to fish is not always in the cards.

A few years ago, I did an article on how I take the bare bones in fishing gear on my family vacations. This is how, if the opportunity arises, I can sneak away in the mornings before people are up to scratch the fishing itch while not losing too many brownie points.

Gear has changed and got better since that article so it's time for an update!

First off, if you know fishing time is limited, I don’t recommend a fly rod.  A spinning rod is the best tool for this situation. This may raise a few eyebrows.  I have had a number of purist fly fisherman feel that a spinning rod is cheating. I will leave this debate up to you, but I will say, I love fly fishing, for the most part I will choose fly fishing over gear fishing but for the family vacation scenario or any trip where fishing is not the main focus the spinning rod is king.  It is going to maximize both the location and the time you spend away from loved ones.

Rods
If you are a conventional gear angler or a fly fisherman who wants to join me on the dark side what do you need?  Depending on your location there are a couple things you want to look for in a 3-4 piece travel rod.

There are three very broad scenarios/techniques you will encounter when fishing in warm waters.  The easiest to fit in with the family vacation is the beach casting scenario.  Long casts, margaritas and beach chairs are in the mix.  Long rods are best for this to get over the surf.

Scenario two is hunting shallow water or rocky beaches where we are casting and retrieving lures. This is my favorite.  A medium length rod is best.  The last thing you might encounter is boat fishing, where you will want the ability to troll, jig and cast in tight spots. You would ideally have a short stout rod for this application. 

With this in mind, we went in search of 3 rods that can do it all but will lean toward one of these scenarios.

 

#1 The Best All-round Vacation Spinning Rod
If you want an all-round rod that can fish the beach, fish off a boat or hunt flats, something in the 7-8.5 foot realm is perfect.  Okuma has nailed the mid-price option with the Okuma Rockaway Travel series.  We carry a “do everything 8.6” medium heavy rod and if I had to have just one this would be it.  I have an older version of this rod, and it has been around the world a couple times and caught at least 30 different species.

OKUMA ROCKAWAY TRAVEL SURF ROD 863MH

#2 The Best Beach Time Rod
If you know most of your time will be spent hanging on a beach, the above 8.5ft rod will work, however a little longer rod will help get over the surf.  For this, we carry the Okuma Rockaway Travel Series in a 10ft Medium heavy.  In the perfect beach casting scenario, you might want something a little longer, but we chose the 10ft because if you want to use it as a popping rod or boat rod it is still short enough to work in a pinch.

OKUMA ROCKAWAY TRAVEL SURF ROD 103MH

  

# 3 The I’m On A Boat Rod
Lastly, if you know that you will be on a boat and may do a combination of trolling and casting, we have the 7ft Okuma Voyager.  In the boat, you want something shorter and stronger but again we want versatility.  We picked this rod to be heavy enough to troll diving lures, but it comes with an extra softer tip so that casting lures is easier.  With the softer tip in a pinch, you could use it to hunt a flat or hang out on the beach.

OKUMA VOYAGER SIGNATURE TRAVEL ROD(includes extra tip)

#4 The Budget Friendly & An Awesome Gift Rod
The above rods have been specially chosen to fill the need of the traveling angler and will last years but as an honorable mention, sometimes it is nice to go to one of these remote destinations, fish for a week and then gift your rod to a young local.  For that we carry the 6.6 ugly stick.  It’s ugly.  It isn’t all that nice to cast but it is bomb-proof, very cost effective and if you lose it or don’t want to travel home with it makes an amazing gift for a young local when your vacation comes to an end.  Oh, and it also works!  I have caught a bunch of crazy species with this rod.  

UGLY STICK GX2 TRAVEL SPINNING ROD

 

 

Reels
This is where a BC angler can repurpose salmon gear.  Your 4000-5000 size spinning reel will work for this kind of trip.  Even a 3000 will get you in the game.  Just remember if you are repurposing something from home make sure you rinse it our thoroughly after every day of fishing on vacation.  Something about the heat and salt is extra tough on spinning reels.

My rule for all my warm water fishing gear is if I feel salty and need a shower my gear comes with me for that shower. 

My go to reel for this application is the Daiwa Saltist or the Daiwa BG MQ in a 4000 or 5000 size.  Load these up with 50-80lb Powerpro of suffix braided line and you are ready to fish. Note: You may find guides or locals recommending a much larger spinning reel however when I am traveling,  I don’t mind sacrificing some line capacity for weight and convenience.

DAIWA BG MQ SPINNING REEL

DAIWA SALTIST MQ SPINNING REEL

Tackle (KISS)
With reels and rods covered, you need to think about tackle. There is a huge selection but for me I like to keep things streamlined.  I pick up a medium size plano/flambeau box that I can tuck into my sling pack, and I load it with 4 different styles of lures.

I always have a bait setup that I can cast out, lean back with a beer in a lawn chair and see what comes down the beach.  I take 2-4, 3-6 oz dollar weights, a pack of swivels, a bead and 2 sizes of saltwater hooks.  One small # 4 hook and one large 3/0 hook.  I usually then hit up a local restaurant for squid or shrimp and the setup is ready.

The second lure I bring and easily my favorite is top water popper fishing. These work almost anywhere for barracuda, jacks and a ton of other species.  The best method is to cast out and make as much commotion on the water as fast as you can.  We have a great selection in the shop, and they are all on sale this week.

RAPALA X-RAP MAGNUM XPLODE (Great Popper Option)  

The last thing you will want is sub surface Rapala style lures and some jig style lures for fishing deeper areas off the beach, deep holes on the flats or when out on the boat.  We also have a great selection of diving lures, jigs and soft plastic jigs.  Finally, do not forget to include wire leaders in your kit. You might have to use them on all set ups if there are toothy critters around.

DAIWA SALT PRO MINNOW (Shallow Water Diver)

RAPALA X-RAP SALTWATER (Shallow Water Diver)

If you have a vacation or a specific fly-fishing warm water trip, come down to the shop.  We will show you how to set up the gear.  Watching a five-foot barracuda come flying out of the water on a popper is one of the coolest things you will ever see, and it can save a tough day out on the water when the wind is blowing 40 knots.

BERKLEY STEELON WIRE-WOUND LEADERS

 

See you all in the shop!

Matt Sharp

SALTWATER FISHING REPORTS 

Vancouver Winter Salmon Fishing Report
So here we are, the last winter chinook fishing report before Christmas.  I hope most of you are going to get some holiday time this coming week.  If you have the time and the boat, it is definitely worth heading out for some winter fishing.  The fishing has been quite good in Howe Sound and in Vancouver Harbour.  There have been a few difficult days (usually when the wind keeps us from where we want to be) but for the most part we are putting some nice fish on deck each trip.

 A nice winter chinook from Vancouver Harbour this week, about 5 minutes from our docks!

As usual, find the bait and find the fish.  Both are usually close to the bottom and that is why we use flashers, spoons, and hootchies that glow.  We can be fishing in 150-250 feet of water, and we like to keep our gear within 5-10' off the bottom.  It’s dark down there and during these low light winter days, the glow presentations really make a difference.  These last few weeks our guides have been doing well with glow flashers in a green or chartreuse blade, like the Gibbs STS and Lemon Lime and Oki Tackle Salty Dawg with its glow chartreuse blade.  Productive spoons have been the Kingfisher 3.0 or 3.5 in Irish Cream and Homeland Security and the Skinny G in Trailhead and Outfitter.  A reminder to charge your flashers and spoons up with UV lights, we sell some great ones at the shop if you are looking for one.

 This setup has been hot for PA Guide Josh Lo this past week.  Gibbs STS flasher paired up with a Kingfisher 3.5 Homeland Security.  Check out how these items glow when charged up with a UV light!

A quick note for those of you that can’t make it down to the shop to purchase the top producing items.  We are now online!  It’s been a long time coming, but I think you will find it’s been worth the wait.  Stay tuned for some online specials in the coming months for our fellow winter anglers.   

See you in the shop or on the water and I hope you have a great Holiday Season!

Jason Tonelli