OUTLOOK
What a week, and it looks as though more great weather is coming. We will see a slight cooling trend but with temperatures still in the mid 20s it looks like a great weekend to get out.
We had several great reports from across the fisheries this last week. The trout streams are still high but fishing well. We have an update from the guys who were out with some fly recommendations and some gear strategies. Matt is hitting the water this weekend so we will have more news next week.
Fish are getting caught on the Chilliwack though there have been some issues with improper fishing methods being used. We won’t go into it in detail in this report as we know we are preaching to the choir. All those who read this report are well educated on this subject but if you have a chance, in a positive way to help others, it is a good idea as the water drops and fish get trapped in the lower river.
Saltwater fishing continues to be going strong. There are lots of hatchery coho out there and we have the first openings for chinook coming on July 15th. This is in area 29-2 17-11 and 17-10 North of Thrasher Rock. Jason has details in the saltwater report.
Lastly, we have a beach fishing update. Tides are mellow Friday and Saturday but starting Sunday and all next week we have some bigger morning low tides, so it is a good time to start planning.
On to the Report!
CLASSES AND COURSES
We’ve got one more class before we wrap up for the summer. If you’re thinking about learning to fly fish this summer be sure to grab your spot in Matt’s Introduction To Fly Fishing Course which runs later this month!
Introduction to Fly Fishing
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.
Dates: (July 16 & 20)
Cost: $180.00+GST
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Casting Time(s): 10am – 1pm or 1:30pm -4:30pm
INDUSTRY EVENTS AND UPDATES
As we head into late Summer and Fall, we are looking to add to our team! We have room for either full or part time candidates for our Retail Sales Associate positions.
Read more about this position here!
FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS
Chilliwack/Vedder River Fishing Report
The lack of rain means that the C/V system has dropped since my last report and is currently running at ~2.4m, which is what I would consider to be a good level… though anything lower would be getting a bit low. Interestingly, water levels seem to have plateaued over the past week, which is likely due to some residual runoff caused by the heat wave. If you look at the real-time hydrometric graph for the river, you’ll notice a cyclical rise and fall in river levels; this is due to snowmelt induced by the heat of the day. If temperatures stay high, we will continue to see this phenomenon, though a general downward trend in water levels will still be apparent.
Fishing has been spotty over the past week, as is expected. There are fish being caught, but it still hasn’t kicked off just yet- that normally happens right about now, so I’m expecting to see a sharp increase in the number of springs being caught any day now. A vast majority of the fish I’m hearing of are being caught in the lower river, which is also to be expected, given the relatively low water levels. Remember that there will also be quite a few sockeye in the system, which may not be retained or targeted… though they can be very willing biters and are often encountered as bycatch while targeting chinook. Ensure that any sockeye you hook is landed promptly, handled carefully and released quickly, as sockeye are quite fragile and do not tolerate poor handling practices well at all. Also remember that sockeye and summer chinook can be quite “showy”, often rolling and jumping frequently- so while looking for jumping fish can be a good tactic for locating springs, it can also sometimes backfire and lead you to nothing but sockeyes.
Beads, blades, yarn, jigs, gooey bobs and baits such as roe or cured prawns are all effective when targeting chinooks, just remember to adjust your presentation to suit the conditions you are working with- I know I harp on that point in pretty much every report I write, but I wouldn’t be saying it so often if it wasn’t important. I see far too many anglers- especially new anglers- using giant 18mm beads when the water is low/clear, and the fish are pressured. Yes, that big bead may produce well when the water is dirtier and the fish are aggressive, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to work all the time. The key to consistent success is adapting to the conditions at play.
One last thing- unethical fishing methods don’t apply to the above statements. Flossing is snagging, and snagging is unacceptable.
Taylor Nakatani
Trout Fishing Update
We are hearing lots of reports, and I am planning on getting out over the next 5 days. From what we are hearing, rivers are still a little high but running clear and fishing well. It’s interesting but the major drop we historically see at the end of June is just starting now on both the Skagit and Thompson. I am still sticking with my prediction that perfect levels will
hit around the 20th to 25th of July but we are in good levels right now so get out there. If you are heading out, I’ve got some tips and techniques below.
Why do I care so much about water levels?
On the smaller systems like the Birkenhead and the Skagit, lower water allows us to cross the river and cover more ground. On the bigger rivers we see more definition in the seams and riffles. If you have a wading staff, it’s a smart idea right now.
Bugs and Techniques
We are hearing reports of great nymphing on all the rivers with anglers using euro rigs or classic indicator nymphing rigs. If you are new to nymphing come into the shop and the guys can walk you through the strategies. The usual suspects when it comes to flies are on the menu. Girdle bugs, stone flies, prince nymphs and hare’s ears are a great place to start.
We are also hearing ok reports of hatches but, when anglers can find bugs coming off, the dry fly fishing has been good. We have heard reports that medium to small grey mayfly imitations are working on the Skagit and the hoppers are out on the Thompson.
My Simple General Strategy
Start your day with a nymphing rig and cover water. I carry 3 rods. A nymphing setup (Euro or indicator, sometime both), a streamer setup (sinktip) and a light dry fly rod.
If you only have one rod, pack a versi leader to turn it into sink tip streamer setup and have some split shot and indicators in your kit. With these simple pieces you can switch your one setup to cover these three presentations.
Cover ground and learn the area you are fishing with the nymphing rig. When you find deeper pools, switch to the streamer setup.
When nature tells you, break out the dry fly rod. Watch for hatch starts and rising fish. If you just want to see a fish come flying out of the water to eat your fly and you don’t mind catching a few less fish if a hatch is not coming off, break out the dry fly rod.
Good Luck and I will have more intel next week.
Matt Sharp
SALTWATER FISHING REPORTS
Vancouver Saltwater Fishing Report
It’s mid-July and the excellent coho fishing in local waters has kept our guides busy and our guests happy! We have had a lot of fun this past week, and it’s been great to see so many families out enjoying this fishery.
For the most part we have been fishing off South Bowen from Cowan to Roger Curtis and our gear has been in that top 45 feet of the water column. If you want to keep it even closer to Vancouver, we have also caught some coho off West Vancouver and the mouth of the Capilano. Keep this in mind if you are in a smaller boat or if it’s just too rough out of South Bowen for your crew.
Productive gear has been chrome or moon jelly flashers with some of favorites being the Oki Betsy and Gibbs Twisted Sista. We have been fishing mostly white UV hootchies with mylar inserts but smaller spoons like the Skinny G and Wee G have also been doing well in chrome and nickel finishes.
Crabbing has slowed down quite a bit now that the commercial boats have been hitting the harbour for about 3 weeks. This trend will continue as they harvest the last of the legal males in July and August.
We, like many of you were eagerly waiting for the chinook opening announcements for Area 17 and NW of Gower Point on July 15th, just like it has the past 4 years. I did have a call with some of the Managers at DFO this week, asking when the Integrated Fisheries Management Plan was going to come out and when we could expect the July 15th announcement. I didn’t get any clarity on either, which is nothing new. While my prediction was a 5PM release of the notices we got them a couple of hours ago. We have had a quick read and all looks to be the same openings as last year. As always be sure to read and familiarize yourself with the regulations. Links to the notices are below:
FN0663-Recreational – Salmon – Chinook Management Measures – Southeast Vancouver Island – Areas 18, 19, 20, and Subareas 29-3 to 29-5 – effective August 1, 2024; and Subareas 20-1, 20-2, effective July 15, 2024.
FN0665-Recreational – Salmon – Chinook Management Measures – Northeast and Central Vancouver Island – Areas 11 to 17, 111 and Subareas 29-1 and 29-2 – effective July 15, 2024.
Given the amazing chinook abundance we have experienced this year and in recent history I expect chinook fishing to be excellent off Gabriola, Entrance, and Nanaimo.
See you in the shop or on the water,
Jason Tonelli
Capilano River & Beach Fishing Report
The Cap still has fish trickling in but most action will be at the mouth of the river.
This week The North Van beaches had mid-day low tides with full sun and hot weather. This typically moves fish further offshore. Coming into the weekend we should see some low tides starting in the AM and improving through the start of the week. This will be a terrific opportunity to get out early.
I bring a medium action spinning rod and an 8-weight fly rod. If I am lucky enough to see fish moving, I try to get in front of them with the fly gear. Cast well ahead of moving fish and slowly retrieve back… I use the spinning rod to cover water and making the long casts when fish move far off. Spoons and spinners will do the trick with buzz bombs being utilized for distance.
We have received numerous reports of bait showing up all through the harbour. Massive shoals of herring have been spotted in Tsawwassen, Howe Sound, North/West Vancouver, and around the Gulf Islands. We have seen dolphins, porpoises, and whales feasting on the shoals of bait. This might present some unique opportunities for beaches that normally do not see salmon action. If you find bait you will eventually find salmon. If you are planning a day by the water, or a vacation up the coast you might want to bring your rod and a little gear.
Good luck out there!
Eric Peake
