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

March

Rolled Muddler Minnow

The Rolled Muddler was originally developed as a stickleback imitation for sea-run cutthroat.  It has quickly turned into one of B.C.’s most popular silver-bodied flies for cutties.  This fly can be dressed in any size from a size 12 down to a 2.  Coho, Steelhead and even Chinook have been known to take this fly.  For salmon try different wing and deer colour combos, and for cutthroat natural silver seems the best.  Have some of these in your fly box at all times, they’ve been known to save a fishless day!

 

 

Tying Materials;

Hook: Size 6-10, Mustad 9671 or 9672

Thread: Red

Tail: Mallard Flank

Body: Flat Silver,Gold or Pearlescent Mylar

Rib: Fine silver or Gold wire

Wing: Mallard Flank, 4 strands Pearl Krystal Flash, sparse deer hair

Head: Spun and clipped deer hair

Alevin Pattern

Alevin Patterns are especially effective at this time of year. With the emergence of the salmon fry from the gravel, large trout and steelhead as well as sea-run cutthroat are known for feeding heavily on these protein rich offerings.  I really like this pattern because of the action in the water.  Alot of patterns don’t offer enough movement in the water making them look stiff and unreaslistic.  This alevin pattern with it’s marabou underwing is very effective.  I like tying in red or orange marabou for a throat rather than the pictured saddle hackle as it looks and acts better in the water.

 

 

Tying Materials:

Hook: Size 6-10, Mustad 9672

Body: Pearl Mylar, or White floss

Rib: Fine silver wire

Underwing: White marabou

Overwing: Teal Flank

Throat: Red or Orange marabou

13th Annual “Scotty’s” Vedder River Rats Steelhead Derby

For all you guy’s who love free stuff Riverside Fly and Tackle is proud to be supporting the River Rats Steelhead Derby this year on March 6 2010.  Big prizes this year for the 3 biggest fish plus lots of draw prizes.  Weigh-in is at the gravel pit by the train bridge at 4pm, Don’t Be Late!  Tickets are $25.00.  Everyone taking part will receive a free River Rats hat.  For tickets call Scott @ 850-3814 or 308-8684.

February

Marabou Shrimp

The shrimp pattern  is a very effective pattern for winter steelhead.  This pattern has proven itself to be a producer.  It is a fantastic pattern for low water , the marabou catches every little current and eddy imparting an irresistable action to the fly.  I think the real key to the fly is the tungsten bead eyes, which upon hitting the water make the fly swim right away.  Add this to your fly box for those low water conditions and I know you won’t be disappointed.

Tying Materials:

Hook: Mustad  34007 size 4 or 6

Eyes: 40lb maxima  topped with 1/8″ black Tungsten bead

(use a lighter to melt one end to hold bead on)

Shellback: Strung Marabou(orange,hot pink, pink,white,Black)

Body: Marabou wound around shank

Legs: Palmered Strung or Popsicle Marabou.

(Strip off one side of marabou for better effect)

Rib: Copper or Gold Wire

Joe Harris with Some Nice Stamp Steelie’s

 

 

 

 Here are a couple of Joe’s first Steelhead from the Stamp River.  He made his first trip to the Stamp this year and spent a day with guide Matt Guiguet.  Joe and his friend landed 3 nice steelies, while drifting single eggs and wool.  They hooked in to 12 on their trip and Matt was extremely helpful with teaching them the basics.  Joe is now looking forward to the rest of his season on our local waters.  Nicely done Joe!  Keep at it and send us the pics.

Next Page »