Saltwater Update March 2010

Winter spring fishing has been decent as of recently. In the last couple of weeks four fish in the 20 pound class were caught. The fish don’t seem to be very concentrated, the mouth of the Cap, Tungstel Bay and Defence Island have been producing the majority of the fish being caught. Bait has been the go method since it has even out produced spoons and hoochies which are usually the best fall back options. Note, when fishing for these winter springs, it is key to fish just off the bottom. Anchovies and small Herring fished in teaser heads behind a flasher, hoochies, Coyote spoons, Gypsy spoons, Batrix and Apex lures in the common colours are all good bets!

Fraser River MARCH 2010

As with everything else picking up, Sturgeon fishing is picking up too, largely due to the start of the Eulachon run. Sturgeon numbers will likely be increasing in the Tidal (Saltwater) portion of the Fraser as they will be attempting to intercept the eulachons. Fishing will only get better throughout the river from now on.

While not everyone can fish Sturgeon, there is also the great Cutthroat fishing to be had in the Non-Tidal (Freshwater) portion of the river throughout the back channels, back eddies, slack water, and mouths of any tributary rivers. Try small silver spoons (silver or redhead Dick Nites) and as for flies try sculpin, fry, and woolly bugger patterns.

~Michael Thom

Local Rivers March 2010

Local Rivers are fishing quite decent this year for Steelhead, although some days can be really hit and miss. Early March is peak for winter run steelhead on many systems, so now is a great time to get out and by no means too late. Just be sure to have an idea of water conditions, as low and clear, or high and dirty will not play into your favour. Make sure to tie up some blades, pink worms, and jigs since we’ve heard guys having a lot of success on them. On a side note, lots of fry have hatched and Cutty (Cutthroat) fishing has picked up significantly. Fry will continue to hatch into April, so fishing for cutties and whitefish will only get better. Have your fry pattern box stocked! Enjoy the nice weather and our beautiful rivers!

~Michael Thom

Interior Lakes Update MARCH 2010

With this years mild winter expect a much earlier stillwater season with ice off up to a month earlier than normal! Although the winter was mild and shorter than past years, ice fishing was still great with many people having good success this year. Several reports have came from the Kamloops area saying that Six Mile, Canim, and Morgan all have ice off (and fishing) with the majority of the remaining lakes having “black ice”. The rest of ice off is expected by as early as the end of the month or early April. Chironomid hatches will likely be earlier than usual so start tying now! We’re expecting a great season this year and enjoy the early ice off!

Local Lakes Now Being Stocked MARCH 2010

It’s that time of year again, stillwater season has arrived. As of the beginning of this month, local stockings have begun with just a handful being stocked so far, however the stockings will continue all Spring and into the beginning of Summer. The mild winter this year has permitted an earlier starting stillwater season than usual so don’t hesitate to get out as soon as possible. Stockings have started out in Maple Ridge, Abbotsford (Mill Lake), and Coquitlam, however the official updated stocking report has not been released yet this month, which contains information such as size and number of fish released into the lakes. Although the exact size of the fish released aren’t known yet, you can be sure that all are “catchable”, meaning they are all in the 10 to 13 inch range with some being stocked much larger.
As you may know some lakes fish better than others at certain times of the year. Honourable mentions for good early spring fishing lakes go to Whonnock, Lafarge, and Mike as they are smaller and shallower than most meaning they warm up faster. Both gear fishing and fly fishing are very effective this time of year. My favourite flies for this time of year are Woolly Buggers (Olive is a favourite for many), micro leeches (dubbed), and #14/16 half backs. For gear fishers try power bait fished off the bottom and worms or krill mooched off the bottom or under a float. Regardless of your methods fishing is picking up quickly so get out there! For more info or questions, come into the shop, we’re happy to help you.

~Michael Thom