OUTLOOK
We can’t believe we’re already nearing the middle of February; the month is flying by!
On the freshwater front, steelhead fishing on Lower Mainland rivers has really picked up over the past week. We’ve seen some solid pushes of both hatchery and wild fish entering many systems, especially out in the Valley. Be sure to check out our detailed steelhead report below, or better yet, swing by the shop for the latest updates from the water.
Meanwhile, saltwater anglers have also been enjoying a productive week. There are some nice fish around in Lower Howe Sound, Vancouver Harbour, and over in the Gulf Islands. Jason has put together a winter chinook report, so give that a read before heading out this weekend. Conditions are lining up nicely - we’ll see you out there!
Off the water, we’ve got a great lineup of upcoming classes and in-store events. The first of the Lower Mainland Town Halls kick off next week as well, so be sure to find one near you and join in.
Just a friendly reminder that the shop will be closed on Monday, February 16th for the Family Day holiday.
As always, tight lines and we’ll see you on the water!
Family Day Long Weekend Hours
Saturday February 14 | 10am-6pm
Sunday February 15 | 11am-5pm
Monday February 16 | Closed – Happy Family Day
CLASSES AND COURSES
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, spread over 3 consecutive weeks.
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.
Cost: $130.00+GST
Dates: April 8, 15, & 22
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
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Contemporary Chironomid Tactics
Chironomids can account for 2/3 of a trout’s diet in BC lakes and on many days, it is all they will eat. If you want to catch the biggest fish and the most fish, you need to know how to effectively fish chironomids. Your instructor, Jason Tonelli, has been fishing BC interior lakes since he was 5 years old, and in recent years he has been extremely devoted to chironomid fishing. We finally convinced him to share some of his very productive techniques and insights using today’s contemporary rods, fly lines, tippet materials, fly designs and electronics. Here is what he will cover during the course.
- Life cycle of chironomids and their importance to trout and anglers.
- Boat selection, setup, rod holders, anchors, oars, electric motors.
- Rod, reel, fly line, leader and tippet selection.
- Floating line indicator setups, floating line “naked” setup, sinking line “dangle” setup, and when to use them.
- Understanding and utilizing todays electronics (sonar and GPS) including High CHIRP and Forward-Facing Sonar (Live Scope Plus, Active Target 2, Mega Live 2) with recommendations.
- The steps to properly assess a lake and subsequent boat positioning and fishing techniques.
- Contemporary fly design and fly choice (dark flies, bright flies, dark beads, white beads, etc).
- Chironomid fishing seasons and elevation.
- 10% off all in store purchases on course night.
Cost: $100+GST
Date: April 7, 2026
Time: 6:30pm - 9:30pm
INDUSTRY EVENTS AND UPDATES
Salmon Allocation Policy – Town Hall Meetings
The first of the Town Hall meetings on the Salmon Allocation Policy start next week.
Join in-person town halls to learn what’s being proposed, understand how it could affect anglers, local economies, and conservation, and learn how to take action.
Town Halls will be held across the Lower Mainland so be sure to check out the website below to find one close to you!
Our own Jason Tonelli will be speaking at the North Vancouver Town Hall on February 24 and the Coquitlam Town Hall on February 26.
Check out all of the details here and we’ll see you there!
Have Your Say on the Future of Salmon & Recreational Fishing in B.C.
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Steelhead Jam Session – Friday February 20, 2026
If you don’t have your ticket yet the time is now! The jam session is just one week away, and we still have a handful of tickets left.
If you haven’t joined us in the past, these jam sessions are relaxed, social nights for tyers of all experience levels - from first timers to seasoned experts. Come hang out, tie some flies, share your favourite patterns and techniques, and, of course, talk fishing.
From classic patterns to modern intruders, we’ll be tying a wide range of steelhead flies. We’ll also have an awesome lineup of experienced tyers on hand to answer questions and share tips and tricks of the trade.
Get your free tickets here! 
FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS
Steelhead Fishing Report
Steelhead fishing on the Lower Mainland rivers has picked up this past week with some good pushes of hatchery and wild steelhead entering many of the rivers. February is a great time for this area, in particular the Vedder, as lots of fresh fish are coming in. We finally have some good river conditions as well, and that combined with some good pushes of fish has made for some good steelheading this past week.
PA Guide Josh Lo, taking a break from the winter chinook fishing to put two hatchery steelhead on the bank this week!
For the Squamish Valley systems, it is still quite early as most of these smaller runs of steelhead are a classic spring, coastal run of fish that push in the rivers later into March and all of April. If you are looking for prime time, better to head East this time of year. Yes, there are more people for sure but also a lot more fish.
Speaking of steelhead, don’t forget about our Steelhead Fly Tying Jam Session a week today. Hope to see you there!
Jason Tonelli
SALTWATER FISHING REPORTS
Vancouver Winter Salmon Fishing Report
It’s been a very productive week with some nice fish around in Lower Howe Sound, Vancouver Harbour and over in the Gulf Islands. I wasn’t sure if the fishing was going to taper off or pick up this past week, but it definitely has picked up, except perhaps for Upper Howe Sound which has been spotty to slow (but that can change in a hurry).
A very nice chinook from a trip on Thursday.
We are seeing some suspended fish in Howe Sound and Vancouver Harbour, so be on the lookout for bait and arcs up off the bottom a bit. This is mostly anchovies up shallower and the fish are on them, sometimes as shallow as 80 feet. Although being close to the bottom is usually the place to be, if you see some bait and fish off the bottom make sure to adjust your presentation accordingly.
A productive trip from this week, chinook and prawns!
