OUTLOOK
We are almost in the middle of August, and we hope everyone is getting time to get out on the water. There are lots of fisheries doing well right now and worth looking at.
The big one that everyone is talking about is the pink salmon fishery. Reports continue to be spotty, but we can safely say that the fish have arrived. We have updates on beach fishing where reports have been mixed but we are still hopeful that with the numbers we are seeing off Bowen this will pick up soon.
We have updates on the Squamish where numbers are increasing but water clarity is an issue. We also have saltwater updates where there are tons of fish and it is well worth getting out for pinks, coho and chinook where we are open to target them.
We also have a Chilliwack update where things have slowed down considerably, and we are now awaiting the Fraser pinks and fall salmon runs.
Last, but not least, Matt is back this week with a video report talking about all salmon fisheries, some observations from his interior trout trips plus some news on odd closures of fisheries that we are scratching our heads over. To watch the video version of the report, click here:
On to the report!
CLASSES AND COURSES
Introduction to Fly Fishing
This course is 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.
Dates: Sept 19 & 23
Cost: $175.00+GST
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Casting Time(s): 10am – 1pm or 1:30pm -4:30pm
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 is 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 fly tying materials and tools purchased for the course.
Dates: Oct 4, 11.
Cost: $100.00+GST
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.
Seminar: Sep 25, 2023
Cost: $60.00+GST
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
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: Oct 11, 2023
Guided: Oct 14, 15, 21 or 22, 2023
Custom Trip Dates Available
Seminar Only Cost: $60.00+GST
Seminar & Guided Walk’n Wade Cost: $300.00+GST per angler, minimum of 2 anglers per guided day on the water.
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Guided: Full Day
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 Date: Nov 21, 2023
Guided: Nov 25 or 26, 2023
Cost: $300.00+GST
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Guided: Full Day
FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS
Squamish River Fishing Report
This past week saw some heat up top in the glaciers and this was evident in the water colour.
Though we usually start to see it sort of ‘settle’ during this time of year, it doesn’t seem to be happening right now.
Tributaries are running a little clearer and therefore the focus for most anglers will be where they spill out and join the main flow. Note: the tributaries to Squamish are still closed to the salmon fishing.
When the water is dirtier, most fish can be found or encountered shallower and closer to shore. When this is the situation, don’t be scared to start shallow and close to shore with your casts, fanning them and giving more distance until you find the zone. This zone also goes for depth: don’t be scared to work your distance and depths like a grid system, working the different combinations until you find what works.
Even though the reports have not been excellent, the pink salmon are showing up more and more each day. There seem to be a lot in the saltwater around Bowen so we can cross our fingers for more fish and better water conditions.
With the water being what it is, having offerings in a variety of sizes and shades of pink or chartreuse can be the key for both gear and fly anglers. Short floating small pink jigs can also be a great way to target these fun and willing fish.
Char fishing continues to be okay-to-decent, with encounters only increasing as the summer continues into the fall. Often times, these fish can be found behind spawning salmon. Small spinners, spoons, and beads are popular options. Drifting beads or Colorado blades can also be a great option for those with gear rods, while beads and sculpins being popular among the fly anglers.
A few friendly reminders for all heading up to this area. Remember that all fish currently encountered on the Squamish system are currently catch and release only and with the arrival of pinks, anglers will want to practice river etiquette and patience as this fishery often brings out more casual anglers that may only fish once or twice a year. Let’s keep it fun and encouraging and do our part to keep the river a place we all enjoy.
Cheers,
Jordan Simpson
Chilliwack/Vedder River Fishing Report
There’s not a lot going on in the C/V system at the moment. We’re pretty much at the end of the summer chinook run, and the rain that fell during the week wasn’t enough to have any effect on the water levels or clarity.
Of course, there will still be a few stragglers showing up late to the party through to the end of August, but a vast majority of the run is already in the hatchery.
As I mentioned in my last report, there will be a lull during the second half of August where there won’t be much going on in the C/V system; that awkward gap between the summer fishery and the fall fishery. The upside to this is that there won’t be many anglers around, so it can be a good time to get out there to do some scouting or if you want to fish alone.
Of course, there will be the usual trout, steelhead smolts, whitefish and various cyprinid species hanging around to keep you entertained if you want to get out there and wet a line. Bear in mind that there was an in-season boundary change implemented a few weeks ago; you can find more info regarding that closure in one of my previous reports here.
The first of the fall salmon to arrive will be the pinks and white springs, which typically start to trickle into the system in late August/early September and are usually around in significant numbers by the second week of September. We were off on our estimates for the Squamish pink run by almost 2 weeks so it will be interesting to see if that trend continues with the Fraser runs. Stay tuned for updates and an in-depth “primer” on how to target these fish in the near future!
Taylor Nakatani
SALTWATER FISHING REPORTS
Vancouver Saltwater Salmon Fishing Report – Mid Season Update & August & September Forecast
As we near mid-August, looking back at the past few months, it has been a memorable first half of the season. The local coho fishing in late June and all of July was simply amazing. The amount of coho around and hatchery coho in the mix was outstanding and at levels not seen in decades. Once chinook opened in the Gulf Islands on July 15th, we were off to the races and haven’t looked back. The chinook fishing has been excellent and seems to be only getting better. Locally the pinks have arrived to bolster the already good coho fishing which is still going strong.
Going forward, more and more Fraser bound chinook are coming in on each tide. We can retain these fish in area 28-6, one a day from 62-80cm. The retention area will expand on August 13th when area 28-9 opens for chinook retention as well. Once September 1st hits, 28-7 and 29-3 will open for chinook, 2 a day, min size 62 cm.
It should be a good September season as there seems to be lots of chinook around, lots of coho around, and the test sets further up the coast have been a lot stronger than anticipated for pinks and sockeye. I am glad to see these better than expected numbers. I don’t think there will be sockeye retention, but if some of the trends continue, we may see some in river pink openings (you can already retain pinks in the ocean locally). This would be great as the Fraser is low and has a lot more visibility than usual, so casting spoons and spinners from the banks of the Fraser would be very productive if it does open. It’s still too early to tell, and we have to wade through in river closures for endangered steelhead and coho, but it looks like there is a good number of pinks on the way. Fingers crossed the Fraser opens later this month as this is a great fishery for anglers without a boat, new anglers, and of course the kids!
Getting back to the ocean fishing. As mentioned above, it’s been great! All week we have been doing well on coho and pinks on our 5 hour and 6 hour trips and some encounters with some big chinook as well. On our longer trips we have been crossing over to Gabriola and Entrance and doing very well on chinook and have found some schools of coho over there too. When we are putting in the effort, we are also getting some nice lings.
All of this will continue for the rest of August, so if you are planning on getting out, now is peak season and I highly recommend it!
Give us a call at 778-788-8582 to book your trip and follow us on Instagram @pacificanglersportfishing
See you in the shop or on the water!
Jason Tonelli
Beach Fishing Report
Pink fishing is on, and the crowds were out to tackle salmon over the weekend! August long weekend is traditionally the high point of the pink return. With the runs arriving later the best fishing is still to be had * Fingers Crossed *
Furry Creek has been producing with gear and fly anglers taking home fish. Low am tides earlier in the week made for some good activity. A spinning rod with heavier lures might be needed when the fish are schooling way offshore.
Ambleside continues to put out a few fish a day for the individuals willing to grind them out. We should continue to see bumps of pinks milling around West Van as they make their way up to Indian River. This is usually the time I start to scout low tides at Cates Park, and other North Shore beaches. These smaller spots can be hit or miss but I have had some memorable pink days without anyone else around.
Check out a few of our shooting head style fly lines or salt water specific lines to get a little advantage on the beach. Lines like the Outbound short by Rio are available in floating and sink tip versions. We also stock the popular Scientific Angler Frequency Saltwater lines for a longer mid length floating line.
Last, if you intend on keeping your catch keep it as fresh as possible. Leaving a salmon baking in the hot sun for hours does not make for good table fare. Keep your catch cool and out if the sun if possible. If I am planning on taking a few fish home, I usually pack some ice or ice packs in a cooler to keep my fish fresh.
Don’t forget to keep yourself cool too! … Bring plenty of water, sun glasses, a hat, and sun protective clothing.
Cheers
Eric