• The Pacific Angler blog is your source for fishing reports, industry news, sales, events, classes, courses, guiding and destination travel!

    This blog will let you know what is going on in the local fishing scene; when to go, where to go, and what to use! It will keep you updated on the latest and greatest rods, reels, lines, lures and flies.

    It will keep you informed on weekly specials, sales events, and contests. We will also be highlighting some great fishing pictures, videos, and information on our trips around the world in pursuit of game fish!

    In short this is Vancouver’s blog for the fishing enthusiast! Intoxication may occur with excessive use, enjoy responsibly.

Home / Fishing Courses / 2024 Course Listing!

2024 Course Listing!

2024_FISHING_COURSE_LISTING

Our 2024 course is out! We are excited to get back in the classroom next year with you. Have a look at our course offerings below and call the shop at 604.872.2204 to sign up today. Courses may be added throughout the year so be sure to keep an eye on our website and social media feeds for any in season class announcements!

INTRODUCTORY 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.

Cost: $180.00+GST                   
Dates: (Mar 6 & 10), (Apr 29 & May 5), (Jun 4 & 8), (Jul 16 & 20), (Sep 18 & 22)
Seminar Time:  6:30pm – 9:30pm
Casting Time(s):  10am – 1pm or 1:30pm -4:30pm

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.

Cost: $225.00+GST
Dates:  Seminar:  Feb 21            Casting:  Feb 25 (Squamish)
Seminar Time:  6:30pm – 9:30pm | Casting Time:  10AM-4PM, Squamish

INTRODUCTION TO FLY FISHING LAKES                                                                               
This course will give you an in-depth look at the fundamentals of fly fishing lakes. We explore equipment, techniques, major insect hatches and ideal lakes to begin with. You will learn all you need to plan your next successful lake trip to one of BC’s 5,000 lakes!  This course is comprised of one 3hr evening seminar.

Cost: $75.00+GST
Date:  Apr 3
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm

INTRODUCTION TO CHIRONOMID TECHNIQUES                             
Chironomids are the number one food source for trout in BC’s lakes; however, few anglers have taken the time to become true masters of this discipline.  Those that do are often rewarded with the largest fish.  Trevor is a former member of the Canadian Fly Fishing Team and an excellent chironomid angler. Dedication to his sport has helped Trevor become one of the top fly fishermen in the province as well as a fisheries biologist.  This course is comprised of one 3hr evening seminar.  Content is for beginner to advanced.

Cost: $75.00+GST
Date:  Apr 23
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm

INTRODUCTION TO FLY FISHING TROUT STREAMS
Stalking trout on mountain streams defines fly fishing. In this course we will teach you the fundamental techniques for fly fishing trout streams; dry fly fishing, nymphing, and streamer fishing.  This course will get you as close to being Brad Pitt (River Runs Through It) as you will ever be! This course is comprised of one 3hr evening seminar.

Cost: $75.00+GST
Date:  Jun 19
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm

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.  

Cost: $75.00 +GST
Date: Sep 24    
Seminar Time:  6:30pm – 9:30pm

FLY TYING COURSES

INTRODUCTION TO FLY TYING
There is no greater satisfaction than catching a fish with a fly you tied yourself.  This 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 materials and tools purchased for the course.

Cost: $125.00+GST
Dates: (Feb 20, 27, Mar 5), (Apr 10, 17, 24), (Sep 25, Oct 2,9)
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm

TYING INTRUDER PATTERNS                                                                                                 
In this one night course you will learn about the specifics techniques and unique materials used to tie Intruder style flies.  At the end of this course you will have the skills needed to tie a variety of Intruder style flies from multi stage, monster flies for high water, average sized flies for everyday conditions, down to small, mini intruders for low water.    Students are required to supply their own vise, tools and materials. A detailed list of what materials are needed will be supplied in advance of the course. A 10% discount is available on materials and tools purchased for the course.
This course is suitable for intermediate to advanced tyers.

Cost: $75.00+GST                     
Date: Feb 7
Time:  6:30pm – 9:30pm

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.

This course is suitable for fly tyers with a basic knowledge.

Cost: $75.00+GST                     
Date: Feb 13
Time:  6:30pm – 9:30pm

RIVER COURSES

FLY FISHING EGG PATTERNS                                                                                                 
This course is designed to teach you the secrets to one of the most productive presentations in the BC fly fishermen’s arsenal; nymphing egg patterns.  This deadly method can be used for different species of trout, char, and salmon.  During a 3-hour evening seminar we will teach you key concepts, strategies, and gear that will give you a well-rounded foundation during the seminar portion of the class.  Then you will put those skills into practice during a fully guided day on the water. 

Seminar Only Cost:  $75+GST
Seminar & Guided Walk’n Wade Cost:  $325.00+GST per angler, minimum of 2 anglers per guided day on the water.                    
Dates:   Seminar:  Jan 17           Guided:  Jan 20 or 21
Seminar:  Nov 20          Guided:  Nov 23 or 24
Seminar Time:  6:30pm – 9:30pm | Guided:  Full Day

COASTAL STREAMER FISHING
Many Anglers focus on steelhead in the spring but with spring comes warmer waters, salmon fry, more active sculpin species and all the predators that feed on them. In this course Matt will go over different techniques and flies for targeting these species with single hand and switch rods on coastal streams. This course includes an evening seminar and a guided day on the water.

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.  
Dates:  Seminar:  Apr 9                   Guided:  Apr 13 or 14
Seminar Time:  6:30pm – 9:30pm | Guided:  Full Day

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 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.  
Dates:  Seminar:  Oct 16                                Guided:  Oct 19, 20, 26 or 27 (custom trip dates available)
Seminar Time:  6:30pm – 9:30pm | Guided:  Full Day

STEELHEAD COURSES

STEELHEAD FLOAT FISHING                                                                                                  
In this fishery, 10% of the anglers catch 90% of the fish.  This is your chance to learn from the 10%!  Our 3hr evening seminar will educate you on the gear, water types, conditions and other key variables that put veteran steelhead anglers in that 10%.  Mastering this fishery will make you the envy of your friends. 

Cost: $75.00+GST
Date:  Jan 16                
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm

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 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.                  
Dates:  Seminar:  Mar 20                Guided:  Mar 23 or Mar 24
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm | Guided:  Full Day

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION + POLICIES

SEMINAR LOCATION
All seminar portions of the courses will be hosted in person at Pacific Angler Retail Store at 78 East Broadway, Vancouver BC unless otherwise specified. 

PRICING
Course prices do not include applicable taxes.

BOOKING POLICY
Pacific Angler requires full payment to secure a spot for any course.  Courses may be booked in person or over the phone.

COURSE DATES
All course dates are 2024.  Course dates are subject to change. 

CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations two weeks or less from the start date of the course are non-refundable.  If the guided portion of a course is cancelled due to unforeseen weather conditions and cannot be rescheduled, the value of the guided portion will be put towards a store credit. 

Pacific Angler reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses if required minimum number of students are not signed up.