OUTLOOK
Late July is shaping up to be one of the best times of the season to get out on the water. Whether you're chasing chinook in the Gulf Islands, coho closer to home, Fraser River sturgeon, or summer-run chinook on the Vedder, there are plenty of opportunities right now.
Saltwater fishing continues to be the headline this week. The Area 17 chinook fishery has lived up to expectations, local coho fishing remains productive, and we're seeing more consistent action throughout Vancouver Harbour as we head toward August. If you've been waiting for the right time to book a charter or launch the boat, this is it.
Freshwater anglers have plenty to look forward to as well. The Vedder is right in the heart of its summer chinook fishery, while Fraser River sturgeon fishing continues to improve with more large fish showing up each week. If you're planning a trip to the Skagit, however, be sure to read this week's report first. Wildfires have resulted in access restrictions and campground closures, and we'll continue to share updates as conditions change.
We've also got a brand-new episode in our Pacific Angler Game Changer Series featuring the Burnewiin Modular Marine Mounting System. If you're looking for a cleaner, more versatile way to rig your boat with downriggers, rod holders, trap pullers and more, it's definitely worth checking out.
As always, thanks for reading! We hope you have a fantastic weekend on the water, and if you're heading out, be sure to stop by the shop before you go—we're always happy to help get you rigged up for your next adventure.
CLASSES AND COURSES
Our courses for the Summer are sold out but it's never too early to start thinking about the Fall
Introduction to Fly Fishing
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: $85.00 +GST
Date: September 22, 2026
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
INDUSTRY EVENTS AND UPDATES
Join Our Team
We’re Hiring! We have two great opportunities to join our growing team. Check out all the details below!
Retail Sales Associate – Full and Part Time Opportunities Available
As a Retail Sales Associate, you'll be the face of Pacific Angler. You'll build relationships with customers, provide knowledgeable product recommendations, and help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming retail environment.
Our customers choose Pacific Angler because they trust our staff to provide honest, experience-based advice. While no one is expected to know everything, every member of our team is committed to continually learning, sharing knowledge, and helping customers become more successful anglers.
Full job description is here
Product Data and Ecommerce Coordinator
Working closely with our ordering, marketing and retail team, you'll manage the flow of product information from supplier to customer. You'll be responsible for entering new products, maintaining accurate inventory records, publishing products to our Shopify website, and ensuring product information is complete, accurate and consistent.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, and takes pride in producing high-quality, detail-oriented work.
Review the full job description here
DNV Firefighters Charity Fishing Derby – Tickets On Sale Now
Mark your calendars! The DNV Firefighters Charity Fishing Derby is back September 18,2026. VIP Tickets are on sale now and General Tickets go on sale July 29. Don’t sleep on this! This exciting derby sells out every year.
Details here!
Sport Fishing Institute of BC Big Spring Raffle
There is less than one week left in the SFI’s Big Spring Raffle! Ticket purchase deadline is Thursday July 30 at 11:59PM.
More details on the SFI and raffle prizes here!
PRODUCT FEATURE
Burnewiin Marine Mounting System
If you missed our latest video in our Pacific Angler Game Changer Series, you’ll want to check it out below.
In this episode, we're taking a look at one of the most versatile upgrades you can make to your boat—the Burnewiin Modular Marine Mounting System. Today we're breaking down the Burnewiin quick-switch marine mounting system, designed and tested right here in the Pacific Northwest, and installed on our own Grady White guide boats. A simple, fast and secure way to swap out downriggers, trap pullers, rod holders and even BBQs.
In this video we cover:
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What the GM650 base unit is and why it's the cornerstone of the whole system
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Gunnel mounting, rubber gaskets, and why they matter, especially on aluminum boats
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Side mount and rail mount adapter options
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Using the system for winter chinook fishing and prawn trap pulling
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Why the narrow profile of the GM650 is a game changer for boats with tight gunnel space
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Mounting a third downrigger for coho and chinook
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In depth look at some of our favourite accessories that we use on our boats
Whether you're rigging out a guide boat or your personal weekend cruiser, Burnewiin lets you build a setup that clicks in and out in seconds, keeping your deck clean and your gear secure.
Check out all of our favourite Burnewiin products online here or swing by the shop and check them out in person!
FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS
Chilliwack/Vedder Fishing Report
We are now in prime-time fishing for red chinooks on the Vedder/Chilliwack. It is still a tough fishery even though we are in prime time because these fish move up the river super fast, in so little time. There should be a good number of sockeye now in the river so an encounter with one of these endangered fish is quite possible. If you do hook into a sockeye, please treat it with lots of respect, keep them in the water and don’t drag them up on the bank.
Water levels are on the low side, but still fishable with the visibility being perfect. We do have some rain in the forecast on Saturday, but it shouldn’t be enough to change the current river conditions.
Most of the chinooks will be in the upper half of the river now with a couple late stragglers coming in. I usually suggest starting at the top and working down, but honestly if you work a hole long enough, you’ll eventually pick one off.
Your standard BNR Soft beads, Colorado blades, and bait will all produce. Fish accordingly to the water conditions and light.
Good luck out there!
Casey
Skagit River Fishing Report – Access Update
Fire! Fire! Fire!
Not great news coming from the Skagit valley this week. A collection of fires in the area has closed the park. It looks like 5 fires have sparked in the upper portion on the Manning Park side, and one large fire un the US side closer to Ross Lake. Reservations for camping have been canceled and access to the park restricted. We haven't received word on where the road will be closed and for how long.
We will post updates as they are available, but I would re book any upcoming trips to the park for the near future. Not ideal for prime-time season but let's hope the situation improves soon and everyone stays safe.
Eric Peake
FRASER RIVER STURGEON REPORT
Summer sturgeon fishing is in full swing, and conditions continue to improve as we move through the second half of July. With freshet now largely behind us, the Fraser has settled into a more predictable flow. Water levels remain healthy thanks to the recent warm weather, but we've seen a noticeable reduction in floating debris compared to a few weeks ago.
That said, don't get complacent. Large logs and other debris can still appear without warning, so it's important to stay alert, especially when fishing at anchor where a passing log can quickly create problems.
One exciting trend we've noticed over the past week is the number of larger fish starting to show up. While there's no shortage of action, we're beginning to see more of the big Fraser River sturgeon that make this fishery so memorable.
If you're fishing the lower Fraser near Richmond, paying attention to the tides is just as important as watching the river conditions. Our favourite window is typically the flood tide, when moving water keeps your bait fishing effectively and carries scent to waiting sturgeon. While fish can be caught throughout the tidal cycle, planning your day around a good flood tide will often give you the best chance for success.
Double dinos!
On the bait front, choices still remain fairly diverse right now, and the fish are taking advantage of whatever food is available in the system. Having a few different options on board can make a big difference.
Current producers include:
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Lamprey
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Roe
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Salmon scraps (non-edible portions such as heads, spines, and fins)
Overall, the outlook couldn't be much better. Stable river conditions, increasing numbers of larger fish, and prime summer weather make this one of the best times of year to experience Fraser River sturgeon fishing. Whether it's your first sturgeon or you're chasing a new personal best, now is an excellent time to get on the water.
If you'd like to experience one of the world's great freshwater fisheries, give us a call at 778-788-8582 to book a guided Fraser River sturgeon trip or to learn more about what to expect.
SALTWATER FISHING REPORTS
Vancouver Saltwater Salmon Fishing Report
The second half of July has been treating the Pacific Angler guide boats exceptionally well. With just over a week of chinook retention open in the Gulf Islands (Area 17), it's safe to say the fishery has lived up to the anticipation.
Doubled Up!
When the weather has allowed us to make the run, the Gulf Islands have been producing outstanding fishing. Chinook action has been consistently excellent, with plenty of quality fish coming to the net and a healthy mix of coho keeping rods busy throughout the day. Add in the reliable bottom fishing, and it's been hard to ask for much more from a summer charter.
If you haven't made it over to the Gulf Islands yet this season, now is a fantastic time.
Results of a productive day on the water.
For anglers staying closer to Vancouver, there's been no shortage of opportunity. South Bowen and the Sunshine Coast continue to see good numbers of coho, providing lots of action, while Gower Point has been producing keeper-sized chinook alongside the usual mix of undersized fish.
Some days require covering a bit more water to locate legal fish, but when you find them, the bite can come together in a hurry.
Inside Vancouver Harbour, the coho fishery is beginning to build momentum. Success has been a little more tide-dependent than in other areas, but anglers fishing the right windows have found aggressive schools and managed to put a few hatchery coho in the box. With August approaching, we expect this local fishery to continue improving week by week.
Nothing beats a day on the water!
Looking ahead, there's a lot to be excited about. Stable summer weather, excellent chinook fishing in the Gulf Islands, growing local coho numbers, and productive bottom fishing make this one of the best times of the season to get on the water.
If you've been thinking about booking a charter, now is an excellent time to make it happen. Give us a call at 778-788-8582 to check availability or ask any questions.
Finally, thanks to everyone who checked out our latest coho videos. If you haven't watched them yet, be sure to give it a look and keep an eye on our YouTube channel next week when we release the next episode in the series, where we'll dive into our favourite tactics for targeting chinook salmon.
