OUTLOOK
Fall is here, at least on the calendar. It isn’t here on the weather front. We have a great weekend of weather ahead of us with temps in the mid 20s and clear skies.
This week, we have a big report. In our saltwater report, this week we focus on fall chinook off the Fraser Mouth where we have had good fishing across the board, and we expect more to come as the season continues. Jason has details on what the guides have been seeing out on their trips all week. The PA staff got out Monday for some fun and lots of bites.
The sturgeon fishing also continues to be excellent. We had guides out this last week and Jake has an update on what we are seeing in this fishery. If you don’t want to get out on the ocean for salmon fishing, hitting the lower river for sturgeon only minutes from downtown is a great way to spend a Fall day.
We also have a freshwater salmon fishing regulations update that you will want to look at if you are planning to go river salmon fishing in the next two months. Four years ago, they changed the way they regulate our region 2 salmon rivers. We thought it was a good time to go over how these regulations affect fishing opportunities. Check it out in the freshwater section of the report.
With fall river salmon fishing in mind, we have a Chilliwack River fishing update. Fish are showing up as expected. They are not in big numbers yet, but it is worth getting out. The other system worth looking at for salmon is the Capilano. Eric has a quick report there on what we are seeing.
In the Fall, we sometimes forget about trout fishing and both the rivers, and the Interior lakes can be excellent.
Matt provides a quick write up on some great trout rivers to look at, below.
For those thinking ahead to the stillwater season, have a read of Jason’s report where he looks at what he is seeing and planning for in the early stages of the fall season.
Finally, for those that have been asking – Our Fall Sale will be back next weekend! Keep an eye on your inboxes and our social media feeds more details on the in-store sale, next weekend Saturday September 14 and Sunday September 15.
On to the report!
CLASSES AND COURSES
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: Sept 18 & 22
Cost: $180.00+GST
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Casting Time(s): 10am – 1pm or 1:30pm -4:30pm
Fall Salmon River Fishing: Floats, Spinners, & Spoons
This 3hr evening seminar covers float fishing, spinner fishing and spoon fishing; the three most productive techniques to catch BC salmon in a river.
Seminar: Sep 24, 2024
Cost: $75.00+GST
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Introduction to Fly Tying
There is no greater satisfaction than catching a fish with a fly you tied yourself. This Introduction to Fly Tying 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 fly tying materials and tools purchased for the course.
Dates: Sep 25, Oct 2, 9
Cost: $125.00+GST
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Fly Fishing for Salmon in Rivers
Fly fishing for salmon is one of the most exciting fisheries in the Lower Mainland. Let us teach you the techniques and the hot spots to catch salmon on the fly in our local rivers. In the 3hr evening seminar you will learn about rod, reel and line, sink tip, and fly selection. Then put the skills into practice during a fully guided day on the water where you will learn how to read water and swing the fly!
Seminar: Oct 16, 2024
Guided: Oct 19, 20, 26 or 27, 2024
Custom Trip Dates Available
Seminar Only Cost: $75.00+GST
Seminar & Guided Walk’n Wade Cost: $325.00+GST per angler, minimum of 2 anglers per guided day on the water.
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Guided: Full Day
FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS
Fall River Salmon Fishing Regulations Update
As Summer turns to Fall, we all turn our fishing sights on the Fall salmon river fisheries. Two weeks ago, Taylor looked at several valley rivers and gave rough timing for fishing these systems. If you are interested in overall timing and fishing trends for the Chilliwack, Harrison or Stave rivers check it out but we have also had many friends and customers asking about the other systems like the Squamish or smaller sloughs. Most of these systems are not going to start fishing well until the end of September into October but they also have some regulations to understand.
Many of the other systems are not open to salmon fishing yet. Historically, this was not the case. These systems were open until closed, meaning that you could fish most of the year and could start scouting for salmon early. You might not have been able to retain salmon, but you could practice catch and release. If there was a run size or conservation issue, DFO would then issue a in season closure. Four years ago, DFO changed the way they handle these systems, and they are now closed to salmon fishing until they open.
It is always important to check regulations before any trip or fishing season, but it has become even more important in the last few years with this style of management.
We thought it was a good time to go over the opening dates and specific details on the local salmon flows, so you are all prepared and not going out targeting salmon when the system is closed to salmon fishing. Below is the fisheries notice with the Region 2 Lower Mainland Management Rivers outlined.
Here is the list of Systems and Dates for Salmon Openings:
FN0898-RECREATIONAL – Salmon – Region 2 Lower Mainland – Management Measures
It advises anglers of recreational salmon non-tidal (freshwater) fishing opportunities for Region 2 – Lower Mainland. In short, it tells one where he/she can fish for salmon in a river in Region 2 with specific details and dates when these given systems will open. If it is not on this list, it is closed to fishing for salmon.
That means you cannot target salmon and then catch and release them. In many of the systems you may still follow the provincial regulations and target trout or other open species. View the provincial regulations PDF here for blanket regulations and then specific system regulations but you may not target salmon.
What does this mean?
In a nutshell, do not use 7 plus weight fly rods. Do not use 8’6 – 10’6 M – MH gear rods. If you are using specific trout gear, and the system is open to trout fishing for char, rainbows, cutthroat, etc., you can fish but with specific trout gear.
We really don’t want to see the regulatory bodies start monitoring tackle boxes, so we ask everyone to respect this “closed to salmon fishing” regulation and if you go out to make sure you are targeting open species only with the appropriate gear.
What is Trout Gear?
Lighter rods, lighter lines not designed or capable of catching salmon and then flies or lures that are specific to trout fishing. Also, if you find yourself in a situation where you are hooking salmon on trout gear, you need to stop, change spots or change your approach.
Chilliwack/Vedder River Fishing Report
It’s September, which means that salmon season in the C/V system has gotten underway. I know I’ve been talking about how this fishery a lot recently… especially considering that it hadn’t really gotten started until just now, but it’s happening now, even if it in its intial stage.
I typically start heading out there after the 10th, but that’s not to say that there aren’t any fish in the system before that; there definitely are. I’ve seen a few photos of white chinook already, and I’ve heard one or two reports of coho as well. Fishing is still inconsistent because it’s still a bit early for the fishery, but that’s not to say that it’s a complete waste of time; you just need to get lucky and find ‘em. Most fish will be in the lower river, especially considering how tragically low the river is; this is unlikely to change until we get some significant rainfall. Parking lot/dyke closures will also throw a wrench into the works due to the loss of river access in several areas, so be sure to read my report from last week to familiarize yourself with the situation before you head out.
Back to the low/clear water that I briefly mentioned- yes, the low water has returned and is here to stay for at least a week. I know I’ve said this about a million times but be sure to downsize your presentations to suit the conditions at play. Also bear in mind that first light/last light will be the best times to fish, as the lower light conditions will make the fish a bit less spooky.
Fishing is only going to pick up with each passing day, so make sure you’re geared up and ready to go for what is shaping up to be another epic Fall season.
Taylor Nakatani
River Trout Fishing Options for the Fall – Squamish / Skagit / Thompson / Birkenhead
With the above salmon regulations and many of our systems not open until the 15th there are still opportunities for trout fishing and the month of September is one of our favorite times of year to do it.
The Skagit continues to be a great choice. It is common to see great mid-day hatches and most evenings that have stable weather will have big hatches. The hatches can be drivers. I have seen everything from small caddis, micro black mayflies small yellow stone to the varieties of standard medium sized grey mayflies and the big green drakes. Get out there, bring a full fly box and make sure to fish late if you can manage the drive home.
The Birkenhead is another one we have not talked about in a while but with salmon pushing into our rivers, the Birkenhead is a great egg fishery if you want to target bull trout and rainbows feeding on salmon eggs. Beading rigs are king, but there are also more classic hatches of mayflies and nymphing stonefly imitations will always get a fish or two. If you are up Whistler way this a great option. Come down to the shop and we can show you the beading setups and flies.
The Thomspon is also still fishing great for trout. With the continued warm weather and low sockeye numbers in the system you can still break out the grasshopper patterns or stone fly nymphs and have great fishing. Move fast, hit any water that have ripples or bouncing water and have fun!
Last, is the Squamish. It is still too dirty throughout most of the system for consistent trout fishing but where you find clear water, fishing trout beads or small streamers can produce monster bulltrout and rainbows. I prefer to start going when evening temperatures get lower, and the snow melt lessens but it is still worth a trip if you are heading to the area if you are not targeting salmon.
Hope this helps you with some options for Fall river trout fishing. Come into the shop and we can geek out on the system you choose and make sure you have the gear you will need.
Good Luck,
Matt Sharp
Lower Fraser River Sturgeon Fishing Report
The sturgeon fishing in the lower Fraser River has been outstanding this past week. The Pacific Angler jet boat has seen multi-fish days, with some very large sturgeon making their way to the boat. With warm water temperatures and the Fraser River salmon return now in full swing, the sturgeon are extremely active and in full feeding mode. This is one of the best times of the year to get out on the river and experience the thrill of reeling in one of these prehistoric giants.
It’s not uncommon to witness these massive fish take multiple full-breach jumps, followed by impressive downstream runs. It’s almost hard to believe how high these sturgeon can leap—you have to see it to believe it!
The weather has been ideal, with late summer sunshine providing perfect conditions for a day on the water. If you’ve been thinking about giving sturgeon fishing a try, now is the time. While this fishery will continue to produce well into the Fall, it’s hard to beat late summer temperatures combined with hot fishing action.
For those interested in trying their hand at sturgeon fishing from shore, this is also the perfect time! Before you go, swing by the shop! The guys on the floor can outfit you with all the gear you need and share some expert tips on how to target these powerful fish.
Give us a call at 778-788-8582 to book your fall Fraser River sturgeon adventure, where the next bite could be the biggest fish of your life!
Jake Comrie
Capilano River Fishing Report – Beach and River Update
September is a great month for the Capilano. The beach is ripe with fish as they school up before the Fall push upriver.
Gear and fly anglers have been having continued success in the salt. Fly anglers should capitalize on the low morning tides this coming week to gain access to the deeper water. Gear anglers can find fish holding far offshore by throwing heavy spoons and buzz bomb style lures. We have had multiple reports of chinook being taken by shore anglers, so now is the time to break out the heavy gear and get after them. These fish hold in deep water so make sure your presentation is getting down to them.
The river fishing has been slow but there are signs of life in the deeper pools. We have seen a few schools of jacks nipping flies with the odd adult getting taken in the early hours of the morning in the canyon. This can be a tough fishery for new anglers. My advice is to wait for the rain before spending the entire day on the river. Once the rain hits its game on, so make sure your gear is ready for the plush of fish. If you are new to this river, come chat with us about the variety of sinking lines to help tackle the deep river pools. Another way to get an edge, as a fly angler, is to check out the Fall Fly Fishing for Salmon course we offer in shop. We will talk about some of the tactics utilized in this river to set you up for success.
We are re-stocked up on the beach and river essentials so come in and check out our fly selection and learn how to rig your own spinner-hoochie lures to find the fish. As always, be courtiers to your fellow anglers and leave your fishing spot cleaner than when you found it.
Eric Peake
STILLWATER FISHING REPORTS
Interior Lake Fishing Report for Early September
We are in the very early stages of the Fall lake fishing season and this recent heat wave is keeping many of the lakes very warm. We are still many weeks away from the water temperatures in the 40’s where the fish head up into the shallows to fatten up before a long winter. Quite a few of the mid to low elevation lakes are still in the high 60’s and some are hitting low 70’s in the afternoon heat. I am talking Fahrenheit obviously. I don’t know what it is about fishing, but I like to talk feet, Fahrenheit and pounds!
Where there has been some success is on the higher elevation lakes that are known chironomid lakes, and by that, I mean they have strong chironomid hatches in the Spring. These lakes also have a 2–6-week window where chironomids will come off in the Fall as the water cools down.
Some of these higher elevation lakes are now seeing temps in the low 60’s and that has triggered the Fall chironomid hatch on many of them. I won’t be naming any lakes as these Fall chironomid opportunities are somewhat guarded in terms of what lakes and when, but if you do your research and get out there, you can find some good chironomid fishing in early and mid-September. If the chronies aren’t coming off, be prepared to fish leeches, blobs, boobies, dragons and scuds which are also a good bet.
There can be a bit of a lull in the action from these Fall chironomid hatches to the true Fall fishing when the fish are in the shallows. It can be a waiting game, but the key is to play the elevations and start high and work your way down as things cool off.
It is only the first week of September and there were some record temperatures yesterday. A lot of the best Fall lake fishing is late October and even early November on the lower elevation lakes in Region 3. Of course, the Region 5 lakes often get colder sooner, and things seem to lock up there quicker as well, so timing can be tricky but heading further N this time of year can pay off. Until the cooler temps come, give the Fall chironomid bite a try and enjoy some of this late summer heat!
See you in the shop or on the water,
Jason Tonelli
SALTWATER FISHING REPORTS
Vancouver Saltwater Salmon Fishing Report for Early September
Fishing has been good for Fall chinook off the Fraser Mouth this past week with lots of red and white chinook around. There has been good fishing from the Bell Buoy all the way down to the South Arm, aka Sand Heads. The “hot spot” changes daily as these chinook get pushed around a lot by the tides, and of course some go up the river each day with fresh waves coming in behind them. It can go from slow to red hot fishing by the hour and by the day.
Right now, we are seeing about 60-70% reds and this mix will change next week as the big push of whites start to show up. Peak migration for the big whites heading to the Harrison and Vedder/Chilliwack is the third week in September. These will be the biggest fish of the year, so check your gear! Right now, most of the fish are in the low teens, but a guide friend of ours got a 40 pounder this week and we have seen a few posted online as well.
For depths we have been running our riggers from 35 to 85. Usually, the fish are in that 40–50-foot range on the riggers but there are some cases where they have been down 80 or so. Trust those electronics and adjust as needed.
For tackle we have been running the flashers and teaser heads I talked about in my video last week. Check it out on YouTube by going to Pacific Angler TV. Bait has been very productive as usual but, if you run out or don’t have any, chartreuse or green splatter back hootchies have been good.
Good luck chasing the Tyees in the coming weeks and see you out there!
Jason Tonelli
