OUTLOOK
After some rain this weekend, things look to be cooling down and drying up for next week. That means its time to keep a close eye on river levels and get out mid-week to chase down some early winter steelhead out in the valley or trout up in Squamish.
While there have been limited opportunities to get out on the water with the string of wet winter storms, we have had a few reports of early steelhead being caught on the Chilliwack. So be sure your gear is ready for when the river comes into shape this week. In Squamish the rain of the past week has brought the river to an unfishable level but again it too should be fishing well once the river once comes back into shape.
Saltwater fishermen have had their own challenges this week. With the wind warnings nearly all week it has been difficult to get out on the water. Hopefully things will calm down in the latter part of the week and we can get out fishing!
Finally if you’re looking to knock a few items off of your Christmas shopping list we have some deals for your. Check out our Christmas Specials section below as well as our extended holiday hours!
CHRISTMAS SPECIALS
We have some fantastic Christmas Specials right now on some great items like Sage Fly Rods, Nautilus Fly Reels, and Redington Spey & Switch Rods. These are some great deals on fantastic brand name products. Quantities are limited, so come down and save some money on your Christmas shopping before we sell out of these items!
Sage Response Fly Rod 25% OFF
A combination of fast tapers and ultra-premium materials are combined in a smooth-casting, fast-action rod with true response: the Sage® Response Series Fly Rods. A fast-action, chestnut-colored shaft features brown primary thread wraps; a ceramic stripper guide; hard chrome snake guides and tip-top; rosewood insert and aluminum reel seat for freshwater weights; reverse half-wells grip on freshwater weights. Saltwater weights get an all-aluminum reel seat with full wells grip and fighting but. Includes a brown Cordura® rod tube.
We have 3 WT, 5 WT, 6 WT, and 8 WT rods in stock. Simply put, you won’t find a better rod at a better price with this very special sale price. This is your chance to own Sage US made quality, performance, and warranty at a great price.
Regular $475.00 on sale at 25% OFF for $355.00 while quantities last!
Redington Prospector Spey Rod & Switch Rods
The Redington Prospector Spey and Switch rods have a medium-fast action, and are constructed with Red Core for extra durability and power. These are great all around rods with an action that is fast enough that you will grow into it instead of out of it. We often see anglers who are starting out, purchase rods that are a little soft and fairly easy to cast. In the beginning this is great, but they soon realize that as their skill level grows they prefer a faster action rod that can handle some more power in the casting stroke, has a faster recovery, and in turn can throw tighter loops which means faster line speed and that equals distance. Enter the Redington Prospector Spey & Switch series. A great rod at a great price that you will enjoy fishing for a number of years. If you are looking for your first rod, for an upgrade from your entry rod, or that specialized switch, this is a chance to do it while enjoy some serious savings.
We have 7 WT and 8 WT Spey Rods in stock and for Switch Rods we have 5WT, 6WT, 7WT, and 8WT rods in stock.
Regular $470.00 on sale at 25% OFF for $350.00 while supplies last!
Nautilus FWX Fly Reels
The Nautilus FWX (Feather Weight Xtreme) series is the most technologically advanced and the lightest machined aluminum disc drag trout fly reel on the market.
The award-winning FWX reels feature our Sealed Carbon Fiber (SCFTM) drag system with the proprietary TORQ-XTM clutch drive and TPX bushings. This completely sealed, maintenance-free draw bar type carbon fiber disc brake delivers the smoothest drag on the market in a light fly reel. No sand, gravel, water or snow will affect the flawless performance of this amazing disc drag.
We have these reels in stock in 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 in both silver and black. This is your chance to own an award winning reel, and one of most popular reels, at a great price.
FWX 3/4 regular $360.00 on sale at 20% OFF for $285.00 while supplies last.
FWX 5/6 regular $375.00 on sale at 20% OFF for $300.00 while supplies last.
FWX 7/8 regular $435.00 on sale at 20% OFF for $345.00 while supplies last.
EXTENDED CHRISTMAS SHOPPING HOURS
Tis the season for Christmas shopping! If the specials above have you inspired to get some shopping in for yourself or someone else on your list we’re here to help! We know you have lots of people on Pacific Angler classes, guided trips and of course gift cards make the perfect gift for any angler on your list. Drop by the shop and we’ll help you give the gift of fishing this Christmas.
We have extended shopping hours starting on Monday December 14th, all of the details are below!
CLASSES + COURSES
If you missed it last week our full 2016 Course Schedule was released! Have a look at the full course line up here – Pacific Angler Master Course List 2016 and call the shop at 604.872.2204 to sign up! Also, courses are a great gift for any fisherman on your Christmas list.
PRODUCT FEATURE – SIMMS BOUNTY HUNTER ROLLER LUGGAGE
Going somewhere warm? Somewhere cold? Need shorts and a solar shirt or flannel and fleece? How about some flats boots or river cramp-ons? Either way, it doesn’t matter as these new bags from Simms can pack it all- plus some!
A lot of my travels include me taking at least a couple rods with me, one usually being lighter and another one heavier (5wt and 8wt). The large roller-duffel features two-rod tube storage pockets that are fitted with TSA-lock applicable zippers to keep the sticks secure and safe from theft.
Features include rugged hardware & bomber fabrics for long-term durability, a clamshell design with stretch gussets to maximize packing capacity, and a seam-taped waterproof roll-top bag to store wet gear for the trip home. Throw in two (2) exterior rod tube access points that tuck away when not in use and pair it with a waterproof 1000D TPU nylon base and 600D PU coated nylon fabric, this bag is a clear winner.
Available in two sizes that boast up to 100 litres of storage (Bounty Hunter 100 Roller) these roller- duffels are the perfect choice for those going on either a trip of a life time or a quick weekend business trip (Bounty Hunter Carry On)!
We have both in stock so come in and check out these amazing bags in person. You won’t be disappointed.
Jordan
FRESHWATER REPORTS
Chilliwack
The river was very high this past week so that kept many of us off the water. It could possibly continue to rise if the rain shows up this weekend, as predicted but next week looks a little more promising. The river will start to come into shape once the temperature drops, which we are expecting in the early to middle part of the week. That combined with minimal rain in the forecast for the beginning of the week should make for some favourable conditions. Be sure to watch the river levels closely and time your trip appropriately.
The key to success for early steelheading on the Chilliwack is covering tons of water and casting everywhere. Start at the head of the run and work your way down to the tail out. When casting, work the water like a grid, casting in close and working your way out. Walk down river and repeat.
For an overview of my favourite gear, check out last weeks report or drop by the shop.
Sam
Squamish
The Squamish has been getting hit hard with rain this week and even though the river is dropping right now it is still above what we consider fishable levels. There is another bump of rain in the forecast for tomorrow and unfortunately we do not expect the river to be in shape this weekend. That said temperatures are looking to dip down to seasonal norms in the latter part of next week, which should help bring the river down quickly to a fishable level. When it does we should see some excellent bull trout fishing. There is some snow predicted near the end of the week so be sure you are prepared if you are heading to the upper river. Also check out our last 2 reports for an extremely detailed look at the set up and technique for fishing egg patterns this time of year.
Matt
Stave
With the deluge of winter rain bombarding us this past week, many of the anglers who ventured out to this system this past week we’re met with somewhat high and stained water.
This system is dam controlled so it doesn’t always blow out from the rain, but depending on the levels in the dam, they may sometimes do releases of excess water. This is important to know in the case you have ventured out onto a small island.
If you have waded, make a visual note along the shoreline to keep an eye on levels. Even a simple stick with a knot in it jammed into the mud or bank can help you to notice an increase in height.
Due to heavy rain, a lot of anglers have been busy getting geared up for steelhead season. This is a great time to tie flies, fix broken loops, and replace nicked or frayed running lines.
Jordan
SALTWATER REPORT
Well we don’t have too much to report this week because of this wet and windy weather. There has been the very odd day that the winds have been calm enough to head out, but these days haven’t lined up with our days off or when customers had trips booked. We have cancelled a few trips because of the weather this past week, but we are all chomping at the bit to get out there and chase some winter chinook! We hope later in the week the winds and rain will subside and we will be heading out with clients and for some personal fishing as well. If you are looking for a fun and unique Christmas gift, give us a call and we can book a winter chinook trip! This is great time of year to catch some tasty chinook and the crabbing has been good as well. The weather usually settles down late December and this time of year and all of January and February can offer some of the calmest days of the year and some of the most fun fishing as well.
As mentioned in previous posts, keeping your gear down on the bottom using glow flashers and glow spoons if often key. We just received an order of Pesca spoons and they glow like nothing else on the market and are very productive for winter chinook. Come on down to the shop and stock up while the pegs are full. If you have a saltwater fisherman on your shopping list this December, these spoons would make a great gift.
Jason
Pesca spoons are the perfect choice for the saltwater enthusiast on your list!