OUTLOOK
As we write this report, we are rooting for the weatherman to be right. He is predicting warmer temps this weekend as well as some rain. We need to see river levels bump up a bit because they are low right now and fishing has been a challenge. We have details on both the Squamish and the Vedder river in the river section.
Jason will be tuning in next week with a full saltwater update. But, this week, we have an update on the halibut fishery as well as a video from our friends at Reel West Coast. Check it out in the saltwater section of this week’s report.
Last, but not least, a friendly reminder that midnight tonight is the deadline to get your tickets for the early bird draws for the Sport Fishing Institute of BC’s 2021 Big Spring Raffle. Get your tickets today and support a great cause!
INDUSTRY EVENTS AND UPDATES
Public Fishery Alliance – Open Letter to Federal Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan
April 1 is fast approaching and the Public Fishery Alliance continues to take a stand against the Liberal Government and their unwarranted devastation of the BC Public Salmon Fishery. If you missed the link to the letter in our social media feeds earlier this week be sure to take the time to read their letter today. We thank the PFA for their hard work and hope that the pressure they are putting on will push DFO to make the right decision come the start of April.
Sport Fishing Institute of BC 2021 Big Spring Raffle
The deadline for the Early Bird Draw is tonight!
YOU COULD WIN BIG! Help support the fight to protect BC’s Public Fishery. Grab a Ticket for the Sport Fishing Institute of BC’s Big Spring Raffle with a chance to win a Kingfisher boat, Yamaha power and Scotty package, one of 4 fishing adventures to destinations along the BC coast, or one of the two excellent early bird prizes!
Tickets are available to purchase now through March 19th 2021 on the SFI’s website and the early bird draw is next month!
The Sport Fishing Institute of BC, representing the interest of hundreds of thousands of anglers and working together with community and industry groups across the province, is dedicated to protecting, preserving access to, and promoting the public fishery on BC’s west coast and its vital role in our economy and heritage. Your support through the 2021 raffle will help secure a better future for our fishery and the resources it depends upon.
CLASSES AND 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
Dates: Seminar March 10 & Casting March 14
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Casting Time(s): 10am – 1pm or 1:30pm -4:30pm
Cost: $150.00 + GST
FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS
Vedder River Fishing Report
Well, I was very wrong about my water condition predictions last week. We got some snow and some extremely frigid temperatures but it looks like we either didn’t get enough snow or temperatures up top just aren’t warm enough to cause mass snow melt. Now, this coming week, we are expecting a fair amount of rain, at least according to the Weather Network. At the very least, we can expect some more coloured conditions though I am wary of making a sweeping claim that we are going to get high and blown out rivers.
On the fishing front, it sounds like things have been pretty decent though a little technical with the low clear water we have had. While gear fishing is always productive, there have also been a few fish caught on the fly and as long as we don’t see a surge in muddy water with the incoming rain, this will be a viable option too. As always, be prepared and use gear that is appropriate for the conditions.
Alex Au-Yeung
Squamish River Fishing Report
There is warmer weather and a big storm in the forecast for this weekend and both could mean better fishing for the Squamish area. Right now, the main river is at a yearly record low and with sub-zero temps during the night over the last week, fishing was poor at best. We heard of a few bull trout and rainbows being hooked but when temps and water levels are low, coastal rivers prove a major challenge.
The good news is if the weatherman is right and the dump of rain arrives with temps reaching 7 or 8 degrees in the day, we might see excellent conditions. It will probably still be too cold for any noticeable hatch of salmon fry but it should wake up the fish in the system. Watch river levels. If you see a bump into the mid 2-meter range its go time. So, keep an eye on the weather. The rain forecasted for today may not come but hopefully we’ll see some for the remainder of the weekend.
See river levels here: https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/google_map/google_map_e.html?map_type=real_time&search_type=province&province=BC
Swinging medium to large sculpin streamers or running spoons or rubber worm presentations can be very effective after a storm in the end of February.
If you want to learn more about when salmon fry hatch, Matt went over some fun science stuff on the subject in last week’s video report.
Check that out here:
Also, if you are looking for a great streamer style pattern for this time of year check out the Turkey Dinner Sculpin pattern video here:
Good Luck!
SALTWATER FISHING REPORTS
Jason will tune in next week with a full saltwater report. Today we wanted to share an update on the halibut fishery as well as a video from our friends at Reel West Coast and Simrad Yachting!
If you missed the announcement earlier this week DFO announces the opening of the BC public halibut fishery on February 15th.
The official announcement can be found here. Until April 1st, the halibut regulations will be the same as 2020, either 1 halibut per day and 1 halibut in possession between 90cm and 126 cm, or 2 per day with a total of 2 in possession under 90cm. There is an annual limit of 6 halibut in effect that is also based on the 2020 season. The 2021 regulations will be provided by Fisheries Notice in March.
As mentioned in the SFI update on this issue “This welcome news reflects the fact that angling is considered an essential activity in BC and provides opportunity for a safe way for British Columbians to get out and enjoy their local waters and provide for their own food security. Anglers are reminded to ensure they obey all health and public safety orders, to be mindful of proper use of PPE, and to maintain effective physical distancing protocols at all times.”
This week we thought to share a video from our friends Steve Rae and Brendan Morrison. They have a simple yet effective tip for tweaking your sounder settings to dial in your fishing depths. They also do some fishing if you need a little saltwater fishing fix.
Check the video out here: