2020 CLASSES + COURSES
Here is our full line up of courses for 2020! We will add special courses throughout the year so be sure to keep an eye on our Friday Fishing Report for any new courses. To sign up for a course call the shop at 604.872.2204.
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: $150.00+GST
Dates: (Feb 18 & 22), (Apr 15 & 19), (May 5 &9), (Jun 22 & 28), (Jul 21 & 25), (Sep 15 & 19)
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: $175.00+GST
Dates: Seminar: Feb 25 Casting: Feb 29 (Squamish)
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm | Casting Time: Full Day, Squamish
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 working for Hemmera. This course is comprised of one 3hr evening seminar. Content is for beginner to advanced.
Cost: $50.00+GST
Dates: Apr 20
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
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: $50.00+GST
Dates: Apr 28 or May 26
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: $50.00+GST
Date: June 23
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: $80.00+GST
Dates: (Jan 22, 29 & Feb 5), (Apr 7, 14, 21), (Jun 10, 17, 24), (Sep 22, 29 & Oct 6)
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.
Cost: $50.00+GST
Dates: Jan 21
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
TYING INTRUDER PATTERNS
Steelhead fly fishing has been radically transformed in the past decade or so for two main reasons, Skagit style Spey casting and the Intruder style fly. This combination has proven to be absolutely deadly effective for catching steelhead. In this one night course you will learn about the specifics techniques and unique materials used to tie Intruder style flies. The way this type of fly is tied has evolved from the classic palmering style to a new composite loop style, and both techniques will be taught in detail in this course. In addition we will talk about why this style of fly is so productive and different ways to rig the fly from stinger hooks to the original Intruder rigging. 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. Note that this course is suitable for intermediate to advanced tiers. Course materials are not supplied but can be purchased at the course night or in advance at 10% off. A detailed list of what materials are needed will be supplied in advance of the course.
Cost: $50.00+GST
Dates: Feb 11
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
TYING ESSENTIAL BULLTROUT PATTERNS
Bulltrout / dollies ….. let’s just call them char are an interesting species. These fish have a diverse habitat, a very interesting life cycle and within the species they have very different characteristics in both size, coloUr and feeding habits depending on their environment. The feeding habits are what we look at in this course. This is a fishing course within a tying course.
This seminar is well suited to tiers who have taken our beginner course and have basic tying skills. Advanced tiers will find the first two patterns fairly easy but they can challenge themselves with variations of the last pattern. If you are an experienced tier you probably already know that sometimes the skill, effectiveness and beauty of many great guide flies comes from their simplicity. 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: $50.00+GST
Dates: Feb 4
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
TYING BEACH FLY PATTERNS
Join Pacific Angler for a 3hr evening seminar of tying flies specific to catching salmon on our coastal beaches. Without a doubt, fly selection is critical while beach fishing. These flies are often not commercially available, so successful beach anglers learn to tie their own patterns. Your instructor will walk you through each fly pattern step-by-step. 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.
Cost: $50.00+GST
Dates: May 25
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.
Cost: $275.00+GST
Dates: Seminar: Jan 14 Guided: Jan 18 or 19
Seminar: Nov 17 Guided: Nov 21 or 22
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm | Guided: Full Day
FLY FISHING FOR SEARUN CUTTHROAT TROUT IN RIVERS
This spring make sure to get out and take advantage of the world-class cutthroat fishing in the Lower Mainland. This cutthroat course is designed to educate you on the life cycle, location, seasonal feeding habits, and successful techniques and flies used to catch these elusive yet aggressive fish. This course consists of a 3hr evening seminar and a fully guided day on the water
Cost: $275.00+GST
Dates: Seminar Mar 25 Guided: Mar 28, Mar 29, Apr 4 or Apr 5 (custom trip dates available)
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm | Guided: Full Day
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. Upgrade your seminar to include a fully guided day on the water, putting into practice your new knowledge with a Pacific Angler guide.
Seminar Only Cost: $50.00+GST
Seminar & Guided Walk’n Wade Cost: $275.00 per angler, minimum of 2 anglers per guided day on the water.
Dates: Seminar: Sep 28 Guided: Oct 2, 3, 16 or 17 (custom trip dates available)
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: $50.00+GST
Seminar & Guided Walk’n Wade Cost: $275.000 per angler, minimum of 2 anglers per guided day on the water.
Dates: Seminar: Oct 19 Guided: Oct 24, Oct 25, Oct 31 or Nov 1 (custom trip dates available)
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm | Guided: Full Day
FLY FISHING FOR COHO IN RIVERS
Catching a coho salmon on the fly in BC’s many coastal rivers is a bucket list item for any fly fisherman. Our course is designed to educate you on the very specific techniques used to catch coho salmon on the fly in the Lower Mainland. After your 3-hour evening seminar put your skills into practice – upgrade your seminar to include a fully guided day on the water, putting into practice your new knowledge with a Pacific Angler guide. Call us to inquire about custom dates.
This course is suitable for intermediate anglers.
Seminar Only Cost: $50.00+GST
Dates: Seminar: Oct 15 Guided: 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. Upgrade your seminar to include a fully guided day on the water, putting into practice your new knowledge with a Pacific Angler guide.
Seminar Only Cost: $50.00+GST
Seminar & Guided Walk’n Wade Cost: $275.000 per angler, minimum of 2 anglers per guided day on the water.
Dates: Seminar: Jan 13 Guided: Jan 18, Jan 19, Jan 25, or Jan 26 (custom trip dates are available)
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm | Guided: Full Day
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.
Cost: $275.00+GST
Dates: Seminar: Mar 3 Guided: Mar 7 or 8
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm | Guided: Full Day
SALTWATER COURSES
MASTERING LOCAL SALTWATER SALMON FISHING
Over 50 million salmon migrate past Vancouver annually. Learn how to catch these fish with a Pacific Angler. This course offers an in-depth look at the local saltwater scene. We cover the local saltwater salmon fishing for the entire year, showing you the how, when, and where. This course includes a 6hr weekend seminar and a fully guided day on the water in one of our Grady Whites.
Cost: $450.00+GST
Dates:
Seminar: Apr 18 Guided: Apr 24, 25, 26, 27 or May 1, 2, 3, or 4
Seminar Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm – with a one hour break for lunch. There are two restaurants on site for students to have lunch at their cost. Coffee/Tea and water will be provided.
Seminar held at Pacific Gateway Hotel – 3500 Cessna Drive, Richmond, BC
Guided Day: Full day on the water
FLY FISHING ON BEACHES
This single evening 3hr seminar will cover the basic principles needed to be an effective beach fly fishermen in BC from Howe Sound to the east coast of Vancouver Island. Topics covered will include rods, reels, fly lines, flies, tides, and techniques. Andre Stepanian, the instructor for this course, has been chasing salmon on our local beaches for over two decades. Remember, east coast Vancouver Island has a pink salmon run every year and last year the Capilano had 12,000 coho! Book this course early as we sold out courses last year!!
Cost: $50.00+GST
Dates: July 7 or July 13
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Call to book your spot now 604.872.2204
GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION + POLICIES
SEMINAR LOCATION
All seminar portions of the courses are hosted 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.
COURSE DATES
All course dates are 2020. Course dates are subject to change.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations two weeks or less from the start date of the course are non-refundable. If Pacific Angler is able to sell your spot, the value of the course will be put towards a store credit. 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.