This week, we're putting a strong spotlight on saltwater fishing. Jordan checks in from the beach, where both fly and gear anglers are enjoying consistently productive days on the water.

If you're heading out on a boat, you're in luck - there have been solid reports from both local waters and across the strait. Jake brings us the latest updates straight from the guide team in his report.

For freshwater anglers, don’t miss our update on the Chilliwack/Vedder system. We’re in prime time for this fishery, so now’s the perfect time to get out there.

As summer rolls on, it’s also a great time to plan ahead. Our September classes are just around the corner.  These are some of our most popular offerings and they sell out every year, so be sure to check them out early!

CLASSES AND COURSES 

Introduction to Fly Fishing Course

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Fall Salmon River Fishing Course - 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.    Sign up here today!

Cost: $85.00 +GST
Date: Sep 23     
Seminar Time:  6:30pm – 9:30pm 

INDUSTRY EVENTS AND UPDATES 

  We’re Hiring!  Join our retail team at Pacific Angler! 
We are looking for a self-motivated team player with previous retail, e-commerce or related customer service experience and a passion for fishing to join our team.    

The ideal candidate should be passionate about fishing and involved in the fishing community and lifestyle. You have previous retail/e-commerce/customer service experience, have a friendly and outgoing personality, be reliable and responsible and possess the willingness to work. We are looking for someone with a flexible schedule including weekends and some holidays. A strong knowledge of our local fisheries is ideal, but we are willing to work with the right candidate that might be newer to our fisheries, with the expectation that you will learn our local waters quickly. 

Find out more details on the position and how to apply here!

FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS 

Chilliwack/Vedder River Fishing Report 

Summer Chinook fishing on the C/V has been typical for this time of year, and we’re in the prime of the run. Fishing can be tough and conditions suboptimal at times, but anglers are finding fish. The low water makes these fish spooky and hesitant to take a large presentation. The greatest advantage you can give yourself is to size down and adjust your colours to the conditions at hand. Most of the fish found are going to be hunkered down in most of the holes that are already receiving a large amount of angling pressure, so the greatest tool you can give yourself is using smaller presentations to coax these spooked fish into biting.  

Along with the springs, sockeyes are going to be mixed in these holes, and both are quite dramatic in the water, making themselves obvious to anglers. While seeing a leaping fish is often something that gets us charged up, it's important to temper our desire to whack fish because they may not be springs. As a stock of concern, they are not to be targeted and must be released immediately. They do tend to be much more fragile  and thus must be treated with the utmost respect and care. I’d like to take this opportunity to politely remind other anglers of proper fish handling when encountering them on the river. Most of the time it happens is just simply a case of those who don’t know any better. 

We’re steadily approaching the peak of the run. After the second half of July, the number of fresh fish entering the system will drop precipitously, so if you’re thinking of heading out soon, you’re at great odds of bringing home some fantastic table fare. 

Tight lines, 

Mackenzie Champaigne 

SALTWATER FISHING REPORTS 

Vancouver Saltwater Salmon Fishing Report 

Mid-July has treated the PA guide boats well. We’ve finally enjoyed a stretch of calm, consistent weather, which allowed the team to head over to the Gulf Islands on nearly every trip last week. The chinook fishing in Area 17 has been on fire. Other than a brief lull midweek when a pod of orcas moved through, chinook action has been excellent overall, with some decent coho mixed in. 

Some hungry chinook out there. Don't be afraid of big presentations! 

The Gulf Islands fishery has been nothing short of incredible. If you haven’t experienced it yet, now is the time. The salmon fishing continues to impress, and the bottom fishing has remained steady, even with the pressure the area has seen lately. 

One for the memory books! A day on the water with the kids is a day well spent.

Closer to home, the fishing has also been world-class. Coho are still showing in good numbers off South Bowen and further up the Sunshine Coast. Gower Point has produced some keeper slot-size chinook, although undersized fish are still common. Some days require extra effort to find a keeper, but the bite can turn on quickly, and there’s no shortage of coho while you search. 

Quick limit for these lucky anglers across the strait. 

In the harbour, coho reports have been solid from Point Atkinson all the way down to the mouth of the Capilano River. It’s been a bit more tide-dependent, but some lucky boats have dropped into aggressive bites and managed to box a few hatchery coho. 

Pink salmon haven’t arrived in big numbers just yet, but there have been a few early signs. Some boats trolling off South Bowen picked up a couple earlier this week, and beach anglers around Ambleside have started reporting the occasional pink as well. Their main push should arrive soon. Pinks are a great option for beginners– when they show up, they come in thick and can be targeted with a variety of methods. One of our favourites is jigging Buzz Bombs with light spinning gear. 

There’s a lot to look forward to over the next few weeks. The weather has been great, and the fishing opportunities are plentiful across all trip lengths. If you're thinking about booking a charter, now is the time to go. Give us a call at 778-788-8582 to check availability or ask any questions. 

Tight lines, 

Jake Comrie 

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Beach Salmon Fishing Report 

This past week has seen decent catches from the beach for both fly and gear anglers. Kayak anglers have also been faring well as they explore this fishery.  

Coho fishing has continued to remain steady for the most part, with pink salmon starting to make their presence known as well.  Though the main component of pink salmon hasn't quite shown up yet, it could on any tide.  

Similar lures and flies from weeks past are all great options, but if specifically targeting pinks you may want to stock up with a few extra pink flies or lures, so you are ready when they do show up!  When you are stocking your box be sure to have a variety of sizes and weights with various shades of pink itself as this can play a crucial role in one’s success. 

Some common fly patterns for the local beaches. 

When targeting both pinks and coho salmon, some anglers may find success on wary fish with fluorocarbon, with a simple change from monofilament/nylon to fluorocarbon being the ticket.  Change of retrieve speed and depth can also help activate nearby fish, as well as sometimes fishing something completely different than anyone else.  

Pink for pinks!

With the sandbar starting to become accessible later each day, anglers will want to make sure they are well protected from the sun, meaning good Solarflex clothing and gloves shouldn't be forgotten or ignored. 

Remember to stay safe and be aware of changing tides, 

Cheers,

Jordan Simpson