Olympic Whistler photos

Here are some photos from the first week of the games here in Whistler

Whistler Flyfishing story in the Drake

Check out the Drake for a story about Whistler Flyfishing. The Drake is by far the most legit fishing magazine out there. The printed version of the Drake is published 3 times per year and is by far the most legit fly fishing magazine going. We just got in extra copies of the new issue,get yours today.

2010 Olympic Bronze medalist goes flyfishing in Whistler

After getting Bronze in the Whistler 2010 2 man Luge, Patric-Fritz Leitner had another dream to finish the games in whistler, with a day of flyfishing in BC Canada before he went home to Germany. Armed with a camera Crew and whistler fly fishing head guide, Pat Beahen, Pat had a great sunny day out on the water and even got into some Bulltrout! The trip was briefly featured on a German TV news station. Here are some pics of the day, taken in the upper Squamish valley.

Whistler winter fishing during the 2010 Olympics

The most common misconception people have about fishing the Whistler area is that fishing is non existent in the winter... its quite the contrary actually!
Generally winters here tend to be mild, which makes for some nicer fishing conditions usually starting in February. The weather we have been having for the last few weeks is quite exceptional, with warmer average temperatures and light amounts of rain in the Valley, the Rivers around whistler have been fishing quite well for the last few weeks and should fish great Into the upcoming 2010 Olympic games.
Sea-Run Bulltrout, Rainbow, Cutthroat and the odd Steelhead are around right now with plenty of char being taken in the 24"+ size bracket.

One of those Big Bulls, fat N' silver and full of Coho eggs

With The temperatures this warm, the Salmon Alevin/Fry migration should be happening soon, and when this does happen (with a little rain to help as well), you can expect fishing to get really good in almost any local river that had Salmon spawning in it.
Bring your 7wt switch or small Spey if you can, or a single hander can work too. Olive Zonkers and Muddlers work quite well during that time, as do flesh patterns, Alevin, Glo-bugs and good ol ESL's. No Need to switch up flies for Steelhead either as they are consistently taken on swung Egg suckers and olive Zonkers fishing for Trout!

Pat and Stuart with a beauty Rainbow

Good News for Wild Salmon and Steelhead

Here is a cut and paste from an email that I received from wild fish advocate
Alexandra Morton. It features some good news in her fight to rid BC's coast of the fish farms that are endangering wild fish with their sea lice infestation:

Today BC Supreme Court ruled in our favor once again. Justice Hinkson granted the federal government a suspension order until December 18, 2010 so that Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) can further prepare to assume control of regulating salmon farms. However, Justice Hinkson forbade any expansion of aquaculture during that period. Specifically, the province cannot issue any new fish farm licences and cannot expand the size of any tenure. He recognized the First Nation interest in this matter by granting the Musgamagw-Tsawataineuk Tribal Council intervenor status, which is essential as this case is based in their territory.

On the matter pursued by Marine Harvest at the Court of Appeal and sent back to Justice Hinkson to reconsider (that is whether the fish in the farms are privately owned by the companies and whether the Farm Practices Protection Act (FPPA) is still in force), Hinkson confirmed that the FPPA, will no longer apply to finfish aquaculture and thus no longer protect farms from nuisance claims.

On the question, does Marine Harvest own the fish in their pens? Justice Hinkson found that this was not the place for this decision. Marine Harvest will have to bring this before the courts themselves. For now, we know that the aquaculture fish are now part of the fisheries of Canada.

Today’s decision is met by the unrelated announcement by US box store chain “Target” that they have eliminated all farmed salmon from its fresh, frozen, and smoked seafood offerings in its stores across the United States, because of farm salmon environmental impact on native salmon.

There is an enormous amount of work ahead to translate any of this into better survival of our wild salmon, but the courts seem consistently interested in bringing reason, the constitution and the law to bear on the Norwegian fish farm industry in British Columbia.

While I am truly sorry that jobs will be lost in ocean fish farming, bear in mind the industry is in deep trouble with mother nature herself in the fish farming strongholds of Chile and Norway. Trying to hold this nomadic fish in pens is never going to work, because it causes epidemics, unnatural sea lice infestations and drug resistance. Salmon farming is not sustainable and ultimately we are better served by our wild fish.

Alexandra Morton

Scandi Casting with Francois Blanchet January 10th 2010

Whistler Flyfishing is proud to present another day of free speycasting instruction. On Sunday January 10th join Whistler Flyfishing guide and Loop tackle pro staffer Francois Blanchet for a FREE day of underhand casting instruction. Francois i9s well known for his mastery of the scandinavian aka underhand technique. Meet at 10am at the Mamquam bar in Squamish. For more info or to pre register please contact the fly shop at 604-932-7221.

Currie Artworks

Dave Currie is a long term Whistler resident, and all around fantastic individual, who loves to fish, paint and cook(perhaps even in that order). When not busy at work as the head chef at Whistler's popular Dubh Linn Gate Pub,Dave can most likely be found speyfishing for Steelhead on one of the local Whistler rivers or painting in his studio. Here are some examples of Dave's work. We have prints of most of these available at the fly shop as well as our online store. Dave's latest work features the inukshuk from the top of Whistler mountain with Black Tusk in the background. We are honoured to have the original of this piece on display at Whistler Flyfishing. Check out more of Dave's work on his website.

Winter Fly Fishing In Whistler British Columbia

Winter fly fishing is in full swing now in Whistler with good fishing for Bull Trout(Char), Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout in the Squamish and Cheakamus rivers.This is one of my favourite times of year to be on the river as I enjoy the quiet of winter as well as the charm of fishing in the snow. Char fishing is especially productive during the winter months and these fish can reach considerable size in both the Squamish and Cheakamus rivers.

Last Minute Gift Ideas from Whistler Flyfishing

just a reminder for anyone looking for a last minute holiday gifts

Whistler flyfishing offers mail order gift certificates for shop sales.

Can't find the perfect gift for that special angler or angler to be? Give the gift of knowledge this holiday season, Whistler Flyfishing has gift certificates for the following courses taught by FFF certified pros

-Learn to Flyfish in a day class

-Private casting lessons(spey or single hand)

-Steelhead speyfishing course

-Womens only flyfishing camps

-on the water winter trout fishing schools

-fly tying instruction

Please call Whistler Flyfishing at 1-888-822-3474 or 604-932-7221 for more information.

FISHTILDEATH clothing

Tattoo Dave Allen has a new clothing company featuring Dave's own T shirt designs. Check out his new website which includes fishing T designs and some great photography from Dave's fly fishing adventures.

Skeena Speyfishing School

Here is a picture of Scott Young with a nice Steelhead. Scotty used to guide with us here in Whistler but relocated to Terrace about 3 years ago to guide with Z-Boat lodge.Wanna catch some nice shiney fish next spring and improve your speycasting at the same time? Please consider joining me at Terrace's Z-Boat Lodge April 18-24 2010 . We will be fishing for wild Steelhead on the Kalum, Kitimat and Skeena rivers as well as targetting some of the earliest returing Chinook Salmon on the coast.These are ocean fresh fish, chrome bright and strong as can be. The setting is stunning, wild rivers, lush coastal rainforests and snow covered mountains as far as the eye can see. This trip is open to spey anglers of all abilities, from never before beginners right on up to expert casters. I will work hard to ensure that your speycasting reaches new levels. In the evenings we will enjoy delicious home-cooked meals and the warm hospitality that ZBoat has become famous for. If you would like to be included next spring please contact Whistler Flyfishing at 1-888-822-3474 as soon as possible as space is limited and at only $3600 CDN this trip is sure to fill up.

Whistler Blackcomb peak to peak

Ok, I admit it, not really much to do with fishing here (at all), but still a really cool video to watch. On The Shoulders of Giants.
Enjoy!

Squamish River Chum Salmon Fly Fishing

This has been a fantastic year for Chum Salmon flyfishing on the lower Squamish river. Weather and water conditions have been all over the map with many sunny days along with lots of big storms.Every rise in the river brings in a steady migration of ocean bright Chum Salmon ready to eat well presented flies.Expect excellent Chum Salmon fly fishing to continue through right till the end of November. Here are a few pics from the past few weeks.

Fraser river Sockeye Judical Inquiry

If you like salmon, you should give this a read and a sign. This is a judical inquiry calling attention to the 9 million Fraser river sockeye salmon that disappered over the summer. We also have the petition in the shop if you would like to sign it here too.
In Alexandra Morten's words.

Hello All

Good News Finally! Peter Julian, Member of Parliament – New Westminster has just launched a petition for a Judicial Inquiry into the Fraser sockeye crash.

CONSIDER THIS: If there had been a Judicial Inquiry into the declining North Atlantic cod, we would have rebuilt that fish stock by now because we would have discovered that the critical research by Dr. Ransom Myers of DFO was being suppressed by DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans).

Here we are again. DFO is completely silent, they have not even acknowledged that the Fraser sockeye crash pattern is extremely specific and provided the media with misinformation.

A judicial inquiry will place people under oath so they can be heard over the politics.

Please go to Peter Julian’s website: http://peterjulian.ndp.ca/node/864

And download the petition document, and sign: http://peterjulian.ndp.ca/sites/default/files/Petition_A%20call%20for%20an%20independent%20judicial%20inquiry%20on%20salmon%20crisis_October%202009.ENG_.pdf

This has to be a paper copy, there can be 1 signature on a page, or a full page of signatures, the address is on the document and postage to the federal government is free.

You cannot say you care about wild salmon if you don’t make this effort. This will make a very big difference in the future of BC and the eastern pacific.

Alexandra Morton
Www.adopt-a-fry.org

April Vokey hosts Bonefishing trip to Andros South

Andros South March 20th-27th 2010 $3850 US

Whistler Flyfishing is proud to offer an exciting women's instructional bonefishing week at Andros South with BC's own April Vokey.This is a great opportunity for beginner and intermediate fly gals to chase Bonefish with one of the most patient instructors out there. A week fishing Bonefsih with April in the Bahamas is sure to be an experience you won't forget.April is an FFF certified flycasting instructor and guide who has dedicated her life to increasing women's involvement in fly fishing. April will be your host on this fantastic bonefishing adventure to the perfect and endless bonefish flats of South Andros Island in the western Bahamas.Please call Whistler Flyfishing 1-888-822-3474 for more information.

Thompson River bait ban

At 11 Steelhead caught so far the in albion test fishery, hopes are high that the Thompson opens this year. This is one of the few rivers left in BC that still allows the use of bait for wild Steelhead. Frankly, I believe bait is completely out of place on a wild catch and release classified Steelhead fishery. Bait has been banned in most other BC rivers where wild Steelhead exist to protect the remaining fish from the proven higher catch and release mortality rate that it is famous for (usually caused by deep hooking), and to reduce the overall number of fish caught, reducing the post-release mortality that's inherit with a catch and release fishery to begin with. The BC ministries own creel survey data proves that a bait ban will be a valuable tool to reduce angler impact on these special fish. Please consider joining this facebook group to send a strong message to BC's fisheries managers. I encourage you to invite your friends and post links to this group anywhere you see fit.

Squamish river salmon are here

With all the Pinks pretty much dead, its now time we can turn our attention to the Chum, Coho and Trout until the Steelies start rolling in later in the winter. And from what we have seen, this is looking to be a promising year. With the cold weather finally making a presence in the sea-to-sky corrider, the rivers are low and clear, but there is no shortage of salmon, especially with the Coho. These fish seem to be running strong everywere this year, Squamish river system being no exception. With the water low and clear, Rolled muddlers, sparse egg suckers and sculpin flies seem to work as well as anything else.
Chum are pushing up the river as well, with fishable numbers in typical Chummy water along the lower reaches of the Squamish and lower river mouths (like the mamquam). There are plenty of trout in the mix as well, and simple to catch (egg patterns, Flesh or egg suckers), If you can find them. When in doubt as what to use, tye on a purple or Black egg sucking leech and see how far that takes you, you shouldn't have to change up. 10-15 ' of type 3-6 sink tips with a 7-9wt setup for the Salmon, and a 5-6wt rod with floating line for trout would be the gear to bring about now.
As for up to date water conditions, check out the Squamish river levels here, or give the shop a call at 604-932-7221

Loop Classic reels

Tradition with an attitude" Loops Classic series of reels are a great choice for the 2 hander. These reels will put up with the abuse that a hardcore steelhead/salmon fisher can dish out, and have a drag big enough to handle the biggest ocean fresh Salmonoids. Using the same waterproof Power Matrix Drag incorperated in all other loop reels, it is silky smooth "with a pronounced 'click' that signals “fish on” through your ears"... Meaning it absolutly screams when that big fish smashes your fly and starts taking line. It comes in 5 sizes, from a trout 4/6 to a king sized 10/13.

Andros South Bonefish trip with Pat Beahen May 2010

Explore some of the best bonefish flats in the world with Whistler Flyfishing lead guide Pat Beahen. Pat will be hosting a bonefishing trip to Deneki Outdoors' world famous Bonefish destination Andros South from May 22-29 2010. Whistler Flyfishing guides Pat and Terry visited Andros at this time time two years ago and were blown away by the spectacular fishing and friendly island vibe. Andros is a popular destination for Bonefish beginners and experts alike as the island offers both size and numbers of Bonefish.The guides are top notch and have many years' experience guiding the island's endless flats for these fish. Andros is a Bonefish paradise, May is a nice time to get away, Pat's a pretty fun guy to fish with and at $3850 US per angler this is an exceptional fly fishing value.Please call Whistler Flyfishing at 1-888-822-3474 or 1-604-932-7221 to reserve your space on this exciting tropical angling adventure with one of the funnest fishing guides around. $500 deposit payable at the time of booking.

Skagitmaster

While fishing at Alaska West this summer I had the pleasure of spending the day with Skagit originater Ed Ward and writer/photographer Jeff Mishler as they put the final touches on their long awaited Skagitmaster DVD.

Jeff and Ed have put together a fantastic instructional DVD that comprehensively covers the sensible and efficient Skagit technique, arguably the greatest innovation in the history of two handed casting.

Check out the Skagitmaster website

Alaska West Photos

Alaska West Wilderness Lodge is truly a great place with fantastic guides and a prime location on the lower Kanektok river near the Yupik village of Quinhagak.The Kanektok is home to plentiful runs of all five species of Pacific Salmon as well as Leopard Rainbows, Dolly Varden and Grayling.

Each summer Alaska West offers a series of spey improvement weeks each featuring a different guest spey instructor. Most recently Dec Hogan, Charles St Pierre, Michael White, George Cook and myself have all lent a hand making sure guests are getting the most out of their Kanektok river experience.

The spey improvement weeks offer a unique opportunity to catch ocean bright Chinook(King) and Chum Salmon minutes from the Bering Sea. As well guests get to experience the ultimate in Trout fishing, casting switch rods with mouse patterns and swinging light two handers for Leopard Rainbows.

There are still some spaces left for Alaska West's Spey Improvement Weeks in 2010. Please contact Whistler Flyfishing at 1-888-822-3474 or info@whistlerflyfishing.com for more information.

Here are some photos from week 4 and week 5 2009

Tying an Intruder

I've been asked a few times to reveal the steps I use to tie our intruder. The Intruder has become more of a style of fly than a specific pattern. The original was tied by legendary Washington Steelhead guide Ed Ward. This variation of an Intruder is tied on a wadington shank with a small octopus style hook rigged in a loop of slickshooter. This set up enables one to change the hook so as to be always be fishing with a sharp hook. Different sizes and colors can enable you to target trout, Steelhead and Salmon, especially Chinook. We have used this fly with great success in the kenektok river Alaska West for Springs, as well as our west coast Steelhead and Chinook. Smaller patterns in olive are great for Bulltrout as well.

SHANK - Partridge waddington 25-55mm
LOOP - 35# slickshooter
THREAD - black
HOOK - octopus #2
TAIL - Polar bear and Arctic Fox on a dubbing loop
BODY - Guidebrod flat braid
HACKLE - Ostrich or Rhea wrapped over spun white polar bear
COLLAR -Mallard, fake spey or Schlappen hackle
HEAD - finish off with a nice set of machined eyes of your preference

First I Slip a hook on a length of slick shooter. Tie the slickshooter, or whatever your using for trailer line, on the top of the shank. Feed it through the eye of the shank and tie it underneith the shank as well. Make sure there is enough room to remove the hook when you need to change it.


Make a dubbing loop out of thin silver wire and put a bit of polar Bear in it. Colors are up to you. I find the softer and shorter fibers work the best. Twist the loop, wrap the Polar Bear and repeat the steps with normal thread and arctic fox right after.
You can either strip your rhea/ostrich and wrap it similar to hackle, or cut the individual fibers off and tye them in. I prefer wrapping, as it wastes less room and material. Tye in your body material, here I used BlueGuidebrod metallic braid, but use whatever you like...



Repeat the first few steps with more polar bear, Arctic Fox and Rhea tied up front. Like I said, colors are optional, pick a favorite fish catching color and work off of it with different shades and similar colors mixed in. I finished off this fly with Chartruese Amherst tied individually, pearl Krystal flash and black fake spey hackle, but Shlappen and large Mallard feathers work great wrapped up front as well. Finish the head with a set of nice dumbell eyes and zap-a-gap.

Mark's first Kanektok River King(Chinook) Salmon

First off here is a photo of Mark on his first day taken by Alaska West guide Blake McHenry. Mark hit 3 Chinooks with Blake which made for a great start to his trip.I know first hand that Mark was really looking forward to this trip as he was in the fly shop many days prepping his gear and adding to his vast fly collection.

Alaska West Speyfishing day 1

It's just before dinner on day 1 at Alaska West. The weather has been beautiful, the lodge staff amazing and a great group of international guests is making for a fun week on the Kanektok river. I spent most of today helping folks with their speycasting and am happy to report that no ears or eyeballs were hooked.

Fishing has been good with lots of nice Chinooks(King) Salmon hooked as well as chrome bright Chum Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden Char and some tasty Sockeye Salmon. Here is a pic I took of Laurie's first ever Salmon on the two hander, a beauty Chum fresh in from the Bering Sea.



Lots of fresh Chum Salmon in the river right now and they are a tonne of fun on the fly rod. I spent a good part of today with the father and son team of Wright and Jim. These guys managed a limit of nice bright Chum Salmon and made great progress with their spey casting. I also spent some time with Mark and Jon in the Pipeline run and lost track of the number of fish they hooked in between casting practice. Mark hooked some nice King Salmon first thing in the morning down at tidsewater including monster dime bright King that tried to take all of his line. I will try and post a pic of Mark's big King Salmon a bit later in the week but in the meantime here is a picture of Jon and guide Blake with another chrome Kanektok river Chum Salmon.



Here are a couple of King Salmon picures taken by Mike of fish he and Hayden caught with their guide Ben shortly after I fished with them in the morning. These gentlemen have made King Salmon season on the Kanektok an annual event and are pretty much the skagit masters of the UK.







That's it for now I'm off to the Independance day bonfire on the gravel bar in fron of the camp.

Brian

the rebirth of blog ...... Alaska West 2009

Ok so I must admit I have neglected our poor little Whistler Flyfishing blog. I mean we weren't exactly the Moldy Chum or anything but there was a time when regular blog entries were the norm around here. Then I got lazy..........however this my friends is the rebirth of blog.n I am sitting in the Millenium hotel getting ready to meet our crew in the lobby enroute to the Anchorage airport in less than an hour. God willing and through the miracle of modern aviation I should be knee deep in the Kanektok river by this afternoon. I will be supplying frequent updates of our trip via Alaska West's satelitte internet connection. In the meantime be sure to check out Deneki's facebook page for the skinny on what's up on the Kanektok.


Brian