OUTLOOK
If you haven’t heard by now the in season tests for pink salmon are coming in much higher than predicted. Given that and meetings we have been in with DFO this week we were anticipating an announcement relating to the opening of the tidal portion of the Fraser River for pink retention today. But unfortunately due to delays at DFO the official fisheries notice wasn’t released.
We are still hopeful this announcement will come and when it does we will let you know here with a special report where we will have details on how to fish this fishery.
For those of you looking to fish for pinks from the beach we are finally hearing good beach and inshore pink reports from up Howe Sound. We have details on the beach and Squamish fisheries below and it is well worth getting out.
With the Chilliwack in between the summer chinook run and the fall salmon runs and water levels getting very low on the trout streams we are going to recommend taking a break on those fisheries but there are lot of options close to home.
We close out the report with a quick saltwater and last but not least Matt has tuned in with a video version of the report going over it all in detail. In the video version Matt will talk about how to target pinks so once we get an official notice of the opening be sure to have another watch of the video version of the report!
Check out the video report here:
On to the report!
INDUSTRY EVENTS + UPDATES
Join Our Retail Team Today!
We’re Hiring! We’ve a got an interesting hybrid role here in the shop with room for growth. This full-time role will be split between the retail sales floor directly interacting with customers and the office managing our incoming product. If this sounds like the role for you – have a look at the full job description here and send your resume and cover letter in to kathryn@pacificangler.ca
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: SOLD OUT
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 an improvement in water conditions on the Squamish system with anglers encountering better numbers of pinks on the rising tides each and every day.
Char and trout continue to be consistent encounters on the tributaries while fishing small sculpins and spoons on lighter trout rods.
If targeting pinks, most anglers are focusing on the mouths of the tributaries where they dump into the mainstem system. This will provide a break from the current as well as some ‘cleaner’ water to clear their gills.
Often times, the fish are behind most anglers, taking the softer, slower route up the shoreline versus out deeper in the heavy flows. This is where it often pays to not go charging right into the water but rather stand back and observe where the fish are rolling or showing.
Small to medium spoons in pink and/or chartreuse are great options, with a combination thereof being popular. Small Crocs, Koho’s, and Megawatts are some great options as they provide a mix of shapes, weight, and colour depending on how you build your pink kit. If you’re looking to build up a small pink salmon kit, come on into the shop and talk to any one of us- we’d love to walk you through some basics and essentials.
For flies, all the same colours apply. Spoons and lures of various shapes and sizes can play a role depending on if you’re swinging or stripping them.
Keep in mind that this is usually a fun and relaxed fishery that sometimes brings out the part-time angler, so let’s do our best to keep it that way so a fun day of angling can be had by all.
Cheers,
Jordan Simpson
SALTWATER FISHING REPORTS
Vancouver Saltwater Salmon Fishing Report
This past week we have been fishing locally on a majority of our trips. Fishing has slowed from last week but, we are still finding success off of West Vancouver for pinks, coho and chinook.
With the strong northwest winds we saw last week and over the weekend subsiding we are looking forward to trying the Gulf Islands again for chinook. September is just around the corner and things are looking great for the September 1 chinook opening with very strong chinook test set numbers in the Fraser.
If you’re looking to book a trip for opening week give us a call as we have a spot or two left! Call our charter line anytime at 778.788.8582.
See you in the shop or on the water!
Vancouver Beaching Fishing Report
Salmon are rolling, the sun is shining, and we have a great looking tide setup for the next few days. Pinks are in full swing with abundant schools cruising Howe Sound, The North Shore, and Indian Arm. The shop has had a number of reports of pink salmon jumping all over the South Shore beaches and the Vancouver Harbour. Special thanks to Tristan for his report and pictures this week. We haven’t seen these pink numbers in a while so it’s a great time go take advantage of the good fishing! We have a wide range of pink salmon gear, rods, and knowledge to help get you on fish.
Coho fishing is still happening at Ambleside with fresh and stale fish in the mix. This can be a notoriously difficult fishery, but your efforts will be rewarded. The pinks also provide some action when the coho fishing is slow. Low tides in the am will make for some good catches over the weekend.
For the gear angler: Make sure to have a variety of different weighted lures. Don’t be afraid to throw the big stuff when the fish are way out.
For the fly angler: If you’re having trouble with turnovers in the wind, I recommend a little trick from fishing the flats. Pick up a Bone fish fluorocarbon tapered leader. The stiff line helps with turnover, and it made for hard fighting fish.
The beaches will be busy, so play nice with your fellow anglers, only keep what you need and have a great time!
Eric Peake