OUTLOOK
We had a good week of fishing after the rivers settled from last week’s storms and we expect more solid fishing with a nice mix of clouds and reasonably light precipitation to keep the water levels from getting too low.
This week we have details on the Squamish and the Chilliwack, but the big news is tomorrow as we are hosting the BC fly Guys at the store! We have sold out the evening event, but the guys are going to be tying in the shop from 12pm-5pm and we have special sales and giveaways in store all day! Check out the Industry Updates and Events section below for all the details!
We are taking this week off the saltwater report, but the guide team has been out on the water this week and the fishing has been great! Jason is taking the fly guys out winter chinook fishing after the tying event this weekend. Yes, the BC fly guys are going winter chinook fishing so expect lots of updates in next week’s report from their outing!
If you haven’t filled out the SRKW 2024 Regulations survey you still have time. More details on that are in the report below
Finally, we wanted to thank all the guys on the Pacific Angler Christmas Island team who just got back from the Island. It was an amazing trip, lots of fish, lots of laughs and lots of Tang.
Here are a few of the highlight pictures and if any of you want to be on the list for future adventures email info@pacificangler.ca and say you want to be on the travel list! We try to do at least one cool fishing adventure a year.
INDUSTRY EVENTS AND UPDATES
BC Fly Guys at Pacific Angler – Sunday February 10, 2024
As we mentioned above, we have sold out the evening event but don’t worry if you aren’t able to attend as Brandyn and Rob from the BC Fly Guys are going to be tying in the shop from 12pm-5pm Saturday February 10. Everyone is welcome to come down to see what the guys are tying, talk lake fishing and hang out!
All Tying Materials, Vices and Tying Tools are 15% off all day long plus if you come down there are raffle entries for lots of cool lake fishing prizes!
Can’t make it down to the shop? Be sure to follow the shop Instagram page and BC Fly Guys on Instagram for updates and online giveaways throughout the afternoon!
Southern Resident Killer Whale Survey – Closes February 12
If you haven’t done it already, it is time to do your part and fill out the 2024 Southern Resident Killer Whale Survey. As many of you know there have been a lot of unnecessary and ineffective closures put in place to “protect” SRKW. We are talking about large scale area closures where SRKW might only be in the area for a few hours the entire year. A lot of it is political posturing for votes and there are much more efficient and effective ways to protect SRKW that we are in favour of. We love SRKW as well and want to see them and their ability to forage be protected by measures that actually make a difference, not by things that look good on a map for a press conference.
I know, we are all busy, but I urge you to check out this article from the Public Fishery Alliance and then read the very informative information from the Sport Fish Advisory Board.
The Sport Fishing Institute of BC has also shared some information on this as well so have a read of their latest newsletter here!
There is some great info about how to fill out the survey from both of these organizations with a link to do so at the bottom of the articles. PLEASE do the survey as your ability to go boating and fishing literally depends on it! Make your voice heard by February 12.
COURSES
Tying Essential Steelhead Patterns
This course is designed for the fly tyer looking to get the best start on tying steelhead patterns. In the 3-hour evening seminar your instructor will cover everything from tying techniques, material and colour choices, size and weight. They will walk you through 3 essential patterns that will build a well-rounded steelhead fly box. If you’re looking to get yourself into tying your own flies for steelhead, this is the course for you. This course is suitable for fly tiers with a basic knowledge. Students are required to supply their own vise, tools and materials. A 10% discount is available on materials and tools purchased for the course.
Date: Feb 13, 2024
Cost: $75.00+GST
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: Feb 20, 27 and Mar 5
Cost: $125.00+GST
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Introduction to Spey Casting
This 2-part course is designed to introduce you to the art of Spey fishing and establish the fundamental techniques required for basic Spey casts used on our local rivers.
Dates: Seminar – Feb 21, 2024 Casting: Feb 25, 2024
Cost: $225.00+GST
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Casting: Full Day, Squamish
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: (Mar 6 & 10), (Apr 29 & May 5), (Jun 4 & 8), (July 11 & 15), (Sept 18 & 22)
Cost: $180.00+GST
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Casting Time(s): 10am – 1pm or 1:30pm -4:30pm
Winter Steelhead on the Fly
Fishing for winter steelhead on the fly (single hand or spey) is arguably one of the most challenging and rewarding fisheries in BC. Let our steelhead gurus help you unlock the mysteries of these magical fish with their decades of steelhead guiding knowledge. This course consists of a 3hr evening seminar and 1 full day of guided fishing on the water. In the seminar we will go over rods, reels, lines, sink tips, flies and reading water and swung fly techniques. The fully guided day on the water we will be work on casting, reading water and swinging the fly.
Seminar: Mar 20, 2024 Guided: Mar 23 or 24, 2024
Seminar Only Cost: $75.00+GST
Seminar and Guided Walk’n Wade Cost: $325.00+GST
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Guided: Full Day
Check out the full course listing here and give us a call at the shop (604.872.2204) to sign up today!
FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS
Chilliwack River Fishing Report
The past week has seen the C/V system come back into shape from last week’s blowouts, and the fishing has been quite good as a result. The river is still running a bit high, but viz is excellent and there are plenty of fish in the system. Fish are being caught throughout the whole system, from top to bottom, with beads, bait, pink worms, yarn, blades, jigs and gooey bobs all producing fish. With the fishing being as good as it has been, the river has been quite busy- even by C/V standards! As such, it may be a good idea to brush up on your Steelheading etiquette before heading out to avoid any potential issues with other anglers.
The weather forecast for the coming week is a bit mixed, with some rain expected for Sunday/Monday, but the river should stay in shape and remain fishable- unless it rains a ton. Keep an eye on the forecast and the river levels to make sure the river is fishable before you head out. As always, you’ll want to cover as much water as possible to give yourself the best shot at encountering a willing fish or two… so stay mobile and don’t “grow roots”.
The river has changed a bit after last week’s blowout; the changes haven’t been massive or catastrophic, but many spots are a bit different than they were before the rains. As such, it’s probably a good idea to get out there and have a look at your favourite areas. If they’ve changed, then re-learn them. If they haven’t changed, fish as normal. Simple!
Squamish River Fishing Report
Squamish is back to low water winter conditions after the eventful high water. Trout fishing has still been decent with solid reports from the upper river after it came into shape. We have a mixed bag of weather coming up so pick your days accordingly and keep an eye on the water levels.
As predicted, when the river goes over a 5 on the graph, we are prepared to see big changes. It went over 7 meters on the 30th and there are notable channel shifts. Good news is we get to explore and find new water. Bad news is you will need to be careful when drifting. (Thanks to the guys who sent in this info – You know who you are)
Most fly anglers will choose to swing flies this time of year. Light or medium sink tips with a variety of streamers and sculpin patterns in white, black. or olive will find trout. To round out the swing box I would throw in a few peachy or pinky intruders for a shot at early steelhead.
Nymphing during low water can also be very productive. Pale egg patterns or natural stone flies and nymphs can be fished under an indicator or tightlined. Before the fry hatch, we have a small window to fish Alevin or struggling to hatch type patterns. The first early hatching salmon can have a high mortality rate especially if temperatures drop in the evening. Fishing the tumbling Alevin under an indicator can be a productive way to find a few fish foraging for food as the winter season starts to change.
Gear anglers can find success by pairing down and fishing lighter floats and smaller presentations. I would also like to have a few small spinners and spoons for deeper pools. This will become even more important when the fry starts to hatch as temperatures warm.
Good Luck and as stated above; with the big water the river might have some unexpected changes and hazards for drifters and shore anglers. Look out for sweepers and unstable banks when you’re out. Have fun and stay safe.
Eric Peake
